The U.S. Supreme Court formally invalidated President Donald Trump's use of emergency tariffs, ruling by a 6-3 majority that the president lacked the authority to impose such tariffs under a 1977 law, as tariffs are considered taxes which Congress must authorize. In response, Trump announced he would use other statutory authorities to implement tariffs, such as Sections 122, 232, and 301, though these measures face potential legal and Congressional challenges. The ruling and subsequent actions have significant implications for ongoing trade policies, international relations, and the collection of tariffs, which have already contributed to higher prices and substantial revenue, though trade deficits have continued to grow.
Congress is unlikely to pass legislation to codify President Trump's tariffs following the Supreme Court's ruling, according to Speaker Mike Johnson. He indicated that achieving consensus on such tariffs would be challenging and suggested that more attention will be on the executive branch's response rather than legislative action. Johnson also expressed skepticism about including Trump’s tariffs in future budget reconciliation bills.
The article discusses how Donald Trump's recent fundraising emails, which often adopt a menacing and emotionally manipulative tone, exemplify his ongoing effort to maintain influence over his MAGA base. These communications, characterized by themes of loyalty, fear, and personal attachment, are part of a broader political messaging strategy that leverages social dominance and trauma bonds, reinforcing the loyalty of his supporters. Despite low approval ratings, Trump's ability to mobilize his supporters through targeted psychological tactics and substantial fundraising demonstrates the enduring power of his leadership and the potential risks to democratic institutions.
Milwaukee officials and community members are preparing for a potential surge in ICE operations by proposing ordinances to limit ICE agents' interactions and staging of raids, with community members expressing a desire for protective measures. The city’s police and sheriff’s offices currently do not cooperate with ICE enforcement, and investigations into federal agent-involved shootings follow certain Wisconsin laws emphasizing independent reviews. A bilingual community meeting will be held to provide residents with information and resources to address fears and misinformation related to immigration enforcement.
The article warns that the federal law enforcement activities in Minnesota, including a recent reduction in ICE presence, highlight underlying efforts to expand a police state in the US. It points to increased funding, advanced surveillance technology, and legal measures that threaten civil liberties, suggesting that these developments could lead to a militarized and oppressive law enforcement system. The author emphasizes the importance of vigilance and activism to prevent the full realization of such a police state.
The White House stepped in to reverse a decision by the Department of Homeland Security to temporarily halt TSA PreCheck amid a partial government shutdown, which had caused confusion among travelers. The DHS initially announced the suspension to prioritize personnel, but the White House intervened, and TSA PreCheck remained operational. The controversy also involves Corey Lewandowski, a DHS adviser, and Kristi Noem, amid reports of an alleged affair, with Lewandowski’s role in the TSA decision not fully addressed.
The Education Department has announced a partnership with the State Department to track foreign gifts and contracts received by U.S. colleges and universities, with the aim of enhancing compliance with reporting laws such as Section 117. Critics express concerns that this collaboration could lead to increased federal scrutiny and potential politicization of investigations, while the Department states it will maintain oversight of the program. The initiative includes developing a public reporting portal with the help of Palantir, and raises questions about the scope of State Department's expertise in academic admissions and compliance enforcement.
The article reports that the killing of cartel boss “El Mencho” in Mexico led to increased violence, with dozens of deaths and widespread chaos, amid a broader context of US pressure and military cooperation. It highlights that Mexico’s ongoing war on drug cartels is heavily influenced by US guns and money, and that previous militarized efforts have failed to curb drug violence or stem US drug demand. Additionally, it criticizes the current US administration’s approach, suggesting it fuels violence and authoritarian tendencies, and emphasizes the need for broader strategies to address drug demand and arms trafficking.
A coalition is urging CEOs of publicly traded companies to end their contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to ongoing criticism of ICE's practices, including prolonged detention, family separation, and fatalities during enforcement operations. The campaign highlights recent actions such as companies stopping involvement with ICE and calls for corporate leaders to sever ties, publish reviews of their government collaborations, and support accountability measures like impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Emails to over 100 CEOs will be sent on March 1, the anniversary of ICE’s founding, to encourage principled corporate leadership in opposition to controversial immigration enforcement policies.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports that recent policy changes, including legislation passed during the Trump administration, have accelerated the depletion of the Medicare Part A trust fund, now projected to be exhausted by 2040—12 years earlier than previous estimates. This decline is primarily due to reduced revenues from Social Security benefit taxation and lower payroll tax income, coupled with rising Medicare expenses. If the trust fund runs out, benefit cuts of 8% starting in 2040 are expected, increasing to 10% by 2056, unless significant legislative measures are taken to address the projected shortfall.
The stablecoin USD1, launched by World Liberty Financial in March 2025, briefly lost its $1 peg in a suspected coordinated attack, which WLFI claims was targeted manipulation of liquidity pools rather than a hack. WLFI stated that no wallets or smart contracts were compromised, and funds remain secure, although some investors remain suspicious of the explanation. The incident highlights the vulnerability of stablecoins to market destabilization, and it occurred amid ongoing controversy surrounding WLFI's ownership, including a recent $500 million investment from UAE-backed entities.
World Liberty Financial experienced a "coordinated attack" that temporarily caused its USD1 stablecoin to fall below its target value, leading to widespread holder sell-offs and a decline in the project’s governance token. The incident involved hacking co-founder Eric Trump’s social media account, with posts disappearing around the same time as market disruptions. Despite the stablecoin's quick recovery to $1, investor confidence was impacted, and over $270 million in funds have been withdrawn since the attack. The project faces ongoing scrutiny amid allegations of insider dealings and high-profile financial transactions.
