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1 California Is The First State To Sue Trump Administration Over Tariffs
California Governor Gavin Newsom and state Attorney General Rob Bonta announced yesterday that they have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the legality of President Donald Trump's newly imposed tariffs. The lawsuit, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, argues that the administration's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to enforce tariffs on countries like Mexico, Canada, and China is unlawful without congressional approval. Governor Newsom emphasized the economic risks these tariffs pose to California, the largest economy among U.S. states. The Trump administration defended the tariffs, asserting they are necessary to address persistent trade deficits affecting American industries and workers. White House spokesperson Kush Desai criticized the lawsuit, suggesting that Governor Newsom should focus on state issues like crime and homelessness instead of opposing federal trade policies. At yesterday’s press conference, Bonta announced that it’s the 14th lawsuit filed against Trump by California so far this term.
2 Jerome Powell Says Federal Reserve Can Wait On Interest Rate Moves
While speaking to the Economic Club of Chicago yesterday, U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed is in no rush to change interest rates after new data showed inflation is easing. In March, consumer prices rose 2.4-percent compared to last year, the lowest jump since September. Core inflation, which leaves out food and energy, went up 2.8-percent. Powell noted that this progress means the central bank can take its time before deciding on any rate cuts. However, Powell also warned that President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, especially on imports from China, could push inflation back up. The tariffs may cause prices to rise for everyday items, which could make the Fed’s job harder. He said the economy is still growing and the job market remains strong, so the Fed will keep watching how things develop. The Fed’s key interest rate remains at 4.3-percent. Powell added that while rate cuts are still possible later this year, they will depend on how inflation and the economy behave in the coming months.
3 Federal Judge Says Probable Cause Exists To Find Trump Administration In Contempt Over Deportation Flights
US District Judge James Boasberg issued a 46-page decision yesterday saying he’s found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for violating a court order that temporarily halted deportations of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act. Despite the judge's directive to return planes carrying deportees, the administration proceeded with the deportations, sending over 260 individuals to El Salvador. The judge criticized the administration's "willful disobedience" and warned that such actions could undermine the Constitution. Boasberg emphasized that constitutional responsibilities apply to all branches, including the executive, and stated that if officials needed to be prosecuted for contempt, and the Department of Justice was unwilling to do so, he would appoint a lawyer to handle the prosecution.