This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
President Donald Trump has paused a new surge in higher tariffs for at least 75 nations who did not "retaliate" against his campaign to level the trading playing field for American companies and consumers, announcing a 90-day reprieve from those costs.
But for a combative China, which responded with 84% tariffs to Trump's campaign for fairness for Americans in international trading, he exploded the rate that Chinese companies will be charged for shipping goods into America to 125%.
Roughly, that would mean a Chinese car that costs $40,000 would be delivered to the United States for an estimated $90,000.
"Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World's Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable. Conversely, and based on the fact that more than 75 Countries have called Representatives of the United States, including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the USTR, to negotiate a solution to the subjects being discussed relative to Trade, Trade Barriers, Tariffs, Currency Manipulation, and Non-Monetary Tariffs and that these Countries have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form against the United States, I have authorized a 90-day PAUSE and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump said.
Making international trade fair again has been one of the main agenda points for a second Trump term in the White House.
Markets worldwide have been in turmoil for the past few days, following his announcement of reciprocal tariffs, essentially charging countries and companies that ship goods into the United States the same tariff as what those nations charge American companies for delivering goods to their consumers.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke to reporters after the president's announcement, as Leavitt chided the media for "clearly missing the Art of the Deal." Watch:
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., made an unqualified announcement on CNN: "We encourage people to get the measles vaccine."
He also said government "should not be mandating those," but did not mention any concerns about safety. One might point out that the calculus of risks and benefits is different when there is an outbreak, or that the risk of triggering a neurodevelopmental disorder appears to be less in children older than three years.
Some people have moral concerns about the use of a product developed using aborted human fetuses. In immunosuppressed persons, the vaccine is neither effective nor safe. Children under one year of age are not eligible to be vaccinated with MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine).
Hence, it is important to note, writes Dr. Peter McCullough, that there is an alternative: measles immunoglobulin (Ig), derived from donor blood. This provides passive protection with antibodies for a period of time and can be given to pregnant or susceptible individuals.
A recent review of nine studies involving 660 patients who received either Ig or measles vaccine showed effectiveness ranging from 76%-100% for Ig and from 83%-100% for the vaccine.
Post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended within 6 days for Ig or 72 hours with the vaccine.
This option, which may be safer and morally acceptable to many, should not be ignored.
For additional information:
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
President Donald Trump is blaming his "stupid" predecessors, who agreed to a list long of trade deals with other nations around the world, for setting up the crisis America now is facing with its trade imbalance.
It's because other nations expect to have access to America's market and consumers to build their businesses and economies, yet want to tariff American goods coming onto their shores with high rates.
Trump is working to level that field and benefit Americans and their economy, by pushing for high tariffs for goods from other nations.
His goal obviously is to persuade those countries to lift their tariff agendas against the U.S., and officials confirmed on Wednesday already 75 countries have already reached out to the U.S. to negotiate, and tariffs against them now are on pause. China, which has been belligerent on the issue, now is to be assessed tariffs of 125%, per Trump's orders.
Trump said that the situation is a result of years of bad trade policies.
"This started with the World Trade Organization which was owned and paid for by China… They said they were a developing nation… I blame the people sitting at this desk… They allowed this to happen."
His goal obviously is to persuade those countries to lift their tariff agendas against the U.S., and officials confirmed on Wednesday already 75 countries have already reached out to the U.S. to negotiate, and tariffs against them now are on pause. China, which has been belligerent on the issue, now is to be assessed tariffs of 125%, per Trump's orders.
Trump said that the situation is a result of years of bad trade policies.
"This started with the World Trade Organization which was owned and paid for by China… They said they were a developing nation… I blame the people sitting at this desk… They allowed this to happen."
He said his predecessors were "stupid" or "incompetent" and a fight against overseas tariffs on behalf of America should have happened "years ago. Before [Barack] Obama in all fairness."
"I blame the people sitting at this desk more than I blame China," he continued. "Because our people here were stupid. Maybe corrupt. How do you get to be president when you're stupid?"
He said someone with a reading level of a first-grader could see the deals that were made over time, and say "These are terrible deals."
The United States Department of Justice is seeking the help of the Supreme Court to overturn a district court’s order compelling it to return an illegal migrant, who allegedly belongs to the MS-13 gang, back to U.S. soil from El Salvador, Breitbart reports.
The Justice Department's request stems from concerns over judicial intervention in deportation decisions, especially involving individuals tied to gangs.
The situation began when Federal District Court Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland mandated that the Department of Justice bring back Abrego Garcia, a deported migrant, no later than April 7, 2025. This decision became contentious as Garcia was suspected of being a member of the notorious MS-13 gang.
The Justice Department acknowledged that Garcia's deportation to El Salvador was a bureaucratic error. However, Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued against the district court's decision, suggesting it interfered with the U.S.'s diplomatic engagements. Sauer voiced concerns that such precedents might lead district courts to excessively influence international relations by requiring the United States to renegotiate deportations worldwide.
The legal battle took a political turn when some Democratic leaders and media organizations sided with Judge Xinis's judgment. They defended her stance, despite its potential political consequences, highlighting issues of due process and human rights in deportation cases.
Judge Xinis based her order on a lack of reliable evidence regarding Garcia’s alleged gang membership. Sauer, however, emphasized that Garcia "is no ordinary individual, but rather a member of a designated foreign terrorist organization, MS-13." Sauer argued that the implications of the district court's ruling extend far beyond the present case, warning that other courts might intervene in similar deportation scenarios.
The core of Judge Xinis's argument rested on the potential risks Garcia could face upon return to El Salvador. She argued the deportation could inadvertently put him at risk of violence due to the presence of rival gangs.
While the district court seemed resolute, a three-judge panel on the appellate court backed Judge Xinis’s directive, reinforcing the obligation of the Justice Department to comply with her order. In her articulation, Judge Xinis dismissed the allegations against Garcia, citing flimsy evidence, "The ‘evidence’ against Abrego Garcia consisted of nothing more than his Chicago Bulls hat and hoodie."
The Justice Department's request for Supreme Court intervention isn't just about one incident or one man's deportation; it represents deeper concerns about the roles and limits of federal agency authority versus judicial powers. Sauer's plea to the Supreme Court underscored the urgency, noting that such injunctions demand expedited compliance, often on unreasonable deadlines.
The case, officially registered as J.G.G. vs Trump, Civil Action No. 25-766 (JEB), in the federal District Court of the District of Columbia, raises questions about the broader intersection between U.S. immigration policies, its judiciary, and foreign relations.
For those involved, the stakes extend beyond legalities. In arguing against the district court’s mandate, Sauer articulated his unease about the possible ripple effects of this precedent, "If this precedent stands, other district courts could order the United States to successfully negotiate the return of other removed aliens anywhere in the world." This scenario, he suggests, could grant district courts excessive extraterritorial jurisdiction over the nation's diplomatic affairs.
While the controversy over Abrego Garcia’s deportation continues, it highlights the delicate balance between judicial oversight and executive action in matters where national security and immigration laws intersect. The Justice Department remains unwavering in its pursuit of reversing the district court's order, but it awaits to see if the Supreme Court will agree to hear their plea.
As the nation watches, the outcome of this legal struggle may influence future deportation policies and the degree to which courts can intervene in international deportation matters. The case not only tests the boundaries of judicial power but also debates the country’s approach to immigration enforcement amidst concerns about human rights and safety.
In the unfolding saga, the United States navigates its complex immigration landscape, balancing between legal frameworks and the realities of international diplomacy.
Hunter Biden lobbied the Obama administration for help with his infamous Burisma deal, according to a bombshell letter.
Biden's letter to the Italian embassy, reported by the New York Times, is tangible evidence of how the son of former vice president Joe Biden - who pardoned Hunter late last year - leveraged his political influence to promote his and his partners' business interests.
Hunter Biden infamously received an $80,000 per month salary for dubious "work" on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company.
In his 2016 letter, addressed to U.S. ambassador to Italy John Phillips, Biden asked for a meeting with a regional honcho in Tuscany to smooth out regulatory hurdles for a Burisma subsidiary. Biden added in the letter, "It was great seeing you in Rome recently.”
Hunter received a warm response from Phillips promising to assist and "see where our interests may overlap."
"Dear Hunter, It seems like yesterday that you were in Rome. I hope this finds you well. Thank you for your letter. I know Enrico Rossi well and have a good working relationship with him,” the ambassador wrote in a response printed by the New York Times.
Former vice president Joe Biden stayed at the ambassador's residence in Rome for three days in 2015, Phillips told the Times. Hunter accompanied his father on the trip.
Of course, the Times has faced criticism over its belated interest in covering the Biden family's business dealings. To many, it appears the curiosity of the liberal media has been awakened only because Joe Biden is no longer in power.
For years, any intimation of wrongdoing by Hunter or his father was dismissed by the media as a Republican smear - even as evidence piled up showing that Biden was in contact with his son's business associates.
Democrats and their media allies dismissed House Republicans' impeachment inquiry into former President Biden by pointing to the absence of specific policy favors - an objection that appears weaker than ever in light of the Times' reporting on Hunter's cozy contacts with the State Department.
The Bidens' shield of media protection started to unravel last year when Joe Biden showed his own party that he was not up to the task of winning re-election against Donald Trump.
One of Joe Biden's last ignominious acts before leaving office was to pardon Hunter for any crimes he may have committed in a 10-year period, extending to the year he began working at Burisma.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Decatur County, Iowa, resident Rita Audlehelm noticed that a county official repeatedly failed to attend meetings in person.
So she wrote an op-ed about it. And it was published.
And got sued for defamation.
Now the Institute for Justice has dispatched a letter to county leaders suggesting they abandon their attempt to silence Audlehelm.
The "threat to sue Rita over her factual criticisms violates the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment, which protects Americans' ability to freely criticize the government without fear of retribution," the legal team explained in a new report about the confrontation.
Audlehelm had raised the issue about an official's "repeated failure" to be at meetings, prompting the county threat.
"Rita exemplifies what America stands for. She cares deeply about her community, she's engaged, and she expresses her concerns thoughtfully through her speech," said IJ attorney Brian Morris. "In response, the county has tried to silence Rita through baseless and frivolous threats. That's the work of kings, not elected officials."
Audlehelm explained, "Decatur County residents deserve to know what their elected officials are up to. That's why I started attending the weekly board of supervisors meetings and publishing editorials about what happened. But rather that make these meetings available online, the county wants to silence my speech and keep the public in the dark."
The IJ reported that for more than a year, Audlehelm has attended Decatur County board of supervisor meetings, and sometimes expresses her opinions about the meetings in editorial columns in the Leon Journal-Reporter and/or the Lamoni Chronicle.
"Rita's opinions were always rooted in the truth, yet the County Board took issue with her views, prompting Decatur County's Attorney Alan Wilson to send Rita a letter threatening to sue her for defamation if she didn't retract her pieces and stop talking about 'any elected official of Decatur County,'" the legal team's report said.
"Democracies falter when citizens lose interest or cannot ask questions, seek answers, and make comment without fearing government reprisal against them," said Randy Evans, executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council in an editorial about the fight.
"When an elected official pursues a taxpayer for her fair comment and criticism, it seems like a strange way to protect and defend the Constitution.
The IJ suggested Iowa lawmakers need to pass a plan that would create a quick path to dismiss "frivolous lawsuits that are meant to silence people for actions protected by the First Amendment."
The proposal referenced by IJ would "allow Iowans to file an expedited motion to dismiss a frivolous lawsuit filed against them. If a court agrees the case is meritless, it will dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning it can't be refiled, and potentially award financial damages to the individual," the legal team said.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Elon Musk, President Donald Trump's leader of DOGE, is now going to war with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, openly speculating the New York Democrat could be the recipient of "a piece of the action" through government fraud.
It started Monday evening, as Schumer launched an online attack in which he alleged the president "has unleashed chaos" on the nation:
Trump has unleashed chaos on America
—His tariffs hit families with largest tax hike in more than 50 years
—DOGE is sabotaging Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid
—The market is having its worst 3 days since COVIDAnd Congressional Republicans are going along with it all so they can cut taxes for billionaires.
Early Tuesday, Musk responded by saying: "Chuck, I'm starting to think you're getting a piece of the action with the government fraud. But no, that couldn't possibly be the reason, could it? …"
Many Americans have wondered recently how some members of Congress can be worth many millions of dollars on an annual salary of less than $200,000 per year.
The current annual salary for a U.S. senator – as well as members of the U.S. House of Representatives – is $174,000, more than double the median household income which currently stands at $82,207, according to MotioResearch.
As WorldNetDaily reported, Musk previously wondered in March: "A lot of strangely wealthy members of Congress, where I just can't, I'm trying to connect the dots of how they became rich."
"How'd they get $20 million if they're earning $200,000 a year? Nobody can explain that. We're gonna try to figure it out, and certainly stop it from happening."
The Daily Mail reported: "Musk has specifically taken aim at Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren, whose cumulative net worth is said to total an estimated $439 million in a post shared to Musk's X account."
Meanwhile, Trump on Tuesday continued to promote his success with tariffs, indicating on Truth Social: "I just had a great call with the Acting President of South Korea.
"We talked about their tremendous and unsustainable Surplus, Tariffs, Shipbuilding, large scale purchase of U.S. LNG, their joint venture in an Alaska Pipeline, and payment for the big-time Military Protection we provide to South Korea.
"They began these Military payments during my first term, Billions of Dollars, but Sleepy Joe Biden, for reasons unknown, terminated the deal. That was a shocker to all! In any event, we have the confines and probability of a great DEAL for both countries.
"Their top TEAM is on a plane heading to the U.S., and things are looking good. We are likewise dealing with many other countries, all of whom want to make a deal with the United States. Like with South Korea, we are bringing up other subjects that are not covered by Trade and Tariffs, and getting them negotiated also.
"'ONE STOP SHOPPING' is a beautiful and efficient process!!! China also wants to make a deal, badly, but they don't know how to get it started. We are waiting for their call. It will happen! GOD BLESS THE USA."
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
The full impact of the open borders agenda by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris may never fully be known.
But the details are starting to come out.
According to President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, it found, "that immigration gave a work authorization document to illegals just five months after they filed for asylum. That document allowed them to work while they waited to hear whether their asylum requests were being accepted or denied. So, they could work as an illegal, knowing it would take YEARS before their case was heard. The immigration department mailed them a social security number. No interview. No proof of identity, just put it in the mail… …DOGE also discovered that 1.3 million aliens are now receiving Medicaid. MILLIONS received driver's licenses, some registered to vote and DOGE said some actually did vote."
A report at RedState explained, "Democrats love to portray themselves as the compassionate ones. They just want to help people, especially the poor and downtrodden. When you ask them about illegal immigration, they will tell you that these are just poor people looking for a better life for themselves and their families. That's why they were perfectly okay with a wide-open southern border and letting millions of people into the country. It was all about compassion. However, as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues to dig into the twisted story of America's finances, we are finding out that the compassion ruse is just that, another Democrat party scheme."
The report said, "Antonio Gracias is a DOGE official. He was recently interviewed on the 'All In' podcast and told the real story on illegal immigration during the Biden administration that Democrats told us was absolutely not happening.
"Gracias said that potentially millions of illegal immigrants who came into the country during the Biden administration have valid Social Security numbers. What Gracias describes is nothing short of an organized racket to import as many people as possible."
The report noted there was "no identification verification process" in place.
"The result: around 1.3 million illegal immigrants now receive Medicaid paid for by you, the taxpayer, and voilà, as an illegal immigrant, you will be grateful enough to keep voting Democrat in perpetuity."
Gracias even explained that illegals had, in fact, voted in U.S. elections.
"We looked at voter rolls and we found that thousands are registered to vote in friendly states. And we looked even further in those friendly states and found that many of those people had actually voted. It was shocking to us. If I hadn't seen this with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it … it is shockingly bad. Included on those voter rolls were criminals and those who had names that matched ones on the federal Terror Watch List," the report confirmed.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has sent a letter demanding that USA Fencing retract its policy allowing males to compete in women's fencing – this after female fencer Stephanie Turner refused to compete against a male competitor last week, instead taking a knee and forfeiting the match.
As reported by OutKick, Cruz wrote, "It has come to my attention that USA Fencing is still permitting men to compete in women's fencing in violation of federal law."
While USA Fencing is an independent organization that does not receive federal funds, it is the National Governing Body (NGB) for fencing in the U.S. According to Cruz, that means USA Fencing must comply with federal law – notably, President Donald Trump's executive order that bans transgender athletes from women's sports – or risk losing its NGB status.
"Male fencers naturally possess inherent advantages over potential female competitors. Men tend to be taller, have greater muscle mass, and more testosterone – all advantages for fencing movements like lunges, jumping, or leg power measures," the letter states.
A previous statement from USA Fencing explains: "USA Fencing enacted our current transgender and non-binary athlete policy in 2023. The policy was designed to expand access to the sport of fencing and create inclusive, safe spaces. The policy is based on the principle that everyone should have the ability to participate in sports and was based on the research available of the day. … USA Fencing will always err on the side of inclusion, and we're committed to amending the policy as more relevant evidence-based research emerges, or as policy changes take effect in the wider Olympic & Paralympic movement."
Meanwhile, as the New York Post reported, Turner, 31, has received a "courage" award from the women's rights organization XX-XY Athletics along with $5,000.
"By taking a knee, she became more powerful than any male," XX-XY Athletics founder Jennifer Sey said. "She's a hero."
Meanwhile, the Texas Attorney General, who announced Tuesday he'll be running for the U.S. Senate, is launching an investigation of the matter over potential violations of state law.
"The investigation will uncover documents related to USA Fencing potentially engaging in false, deceptive, and misleading acts and practices," Paxton said.
"USA Fencing is on the wrong side of history and potentially the wrong side of the law due to violations of Texas consumer protection laws. USA Fencing's policies are not only potentially illegal but also deeply insulting to the young women like Stephanie Turner who have sacrificed so much and dedicated countless hours to compete and succeed in competitions.
"I will fight to stop these unfair policies, and I will never back down from defending the integrity of women's sports."
Tiffany Trump, youngest daughter of President Donald Trump, revealed that she is having a baby boy, the UK Daily Mail reported. The 31-year-old expectant mother was honored Sunday with a baby shower hosted by her older sister, Ivanka Trump.
Tiffany Trump stunned in her elegant baby blue empire waist dress, which showed off her bump, at the Palm Beach celebration. In a post to Instagram, she shared that it was "one month" until the birth of the first child for her and her 27-year-old husband, Michael Boulos.
Donald Trump, then-presidential candidate, announced Tiffany Trump's pregnancy in October while recognizing her father-in-law, Massad Boulos, during a speech at the Detroit Economic Club. "He happens to be the father of Tiffany's husband, Michael, who's a very exceptional young guy," Donald Trump said.
"And she's an exceptional young woman. And she's going to have a baby. So that's nice," he added.
Ivanka Trump organized a beautiful baby shower for her sister and posted about the special day on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday. "This Sunday, I had so much fun hosting a Peter Rabbit-themed baby shower for my sweet sister Tiffany!" Ivanka Trump wrote.
"We showered her with love and had the best time celebrating her and baby-to-be! Every detail was inspired by Beatrix Potter’s world — from bunny tails to garden treats — to celebrate the little boy she’s about to welcome into her life," she added of the Peter Rabbit theme.
"It was the sweetest day — filled with so much love, laughter, and excitement for everything ahead. Tiff, you’re going to be the most wonderful mama," Ivanka Trump wrote to her sister in the post.
"Your baby boy is already so loved — and so lucky to have you! Love you," Ivanka Trump concluded. The post included photos of the sisters with Lara Trump, who is married to their brother Eric Trump, along with themed delicacies from the party.
This Sunday, I had so much fun hosting a Peter Rabbit-themed baby shower for my sweet sister Tiffany! We showered her with love and had the best time celebrating her and baby-to-be!
Every detail was inspired by Beatrix Potter’s world — from bunny tails to garden treats — to… pic.twitter.com/PTI3OHXyEk
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) April 8, 2025
Donald Trump is eager to meet his newest grandson, who will be grandchild number 11 for the 78-year 0ld president, Today reported. His eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., accounts for five of them.
The president's namesake and his then-wife Vanessa Haydon share Kai, Donald III, Tristan, Spencer and Chloe. Kai is a wonderful golfer like her grandfather and plays for the University of Miami. "I would like to thank my Grandpa for giving me access to great courses and tremendous support," Kai said when she first announced her commitment.
So far she is the most politically active Trump grandchild and spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention. "I’m speaking today to share the side of my grandpa that people don’t often see. To me, he’s just a normal grandpa," she added.
The president has three more grandchildren, Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore, from Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. Finally, Donald Trump's son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Lara Trump, share children, Eric and Carolina.
The Trump family is a tight-knit bunch who clearly love and care for each other. Donald Trump is a blessed man to have nearly a dozen grandchildren, and the gender reveal was indeed a beautiful surprise for him.