PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP has signed an executive order increasing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum … (White House photo).
The “tariff wars” took another turn on Monday when President Donald Trump signed an executive order that means all steel imports into the United States will be taxed at a minimum of 25 percent.
“It’s time for our great industries to come back to America,” he said.
The intention, said The New York Times, was to boost American metal makers but runs the risk of inflationary impacts on the consumers that buy automobiles, appliances and other goods made with steel and aluminum.
Those original 25 percent levels were “rolled back” in part because they drew the ire of Canada and Mexico, which supply the majority of metals imported into the U.S.
White House not complying, says judge
The Trump Administration is not complying with a federal judge’s ruling to “unfreeze” billions of dollars in federal grants, said that judge on Monday.
The New York Times is reporting that Judge John J. McConnell of Rhode Island ordered the White House to comply with the ruling he made on Jan. 29.
After the order, the Trump Administration appealed that judge’s ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit asking for a delay while their appeal is being considered.
A JUDGE says the White House is not complying with his order (Shutterstock).
Republican political leaders are accusing “activist judges” of “illegally meddling with the president’s … powers.” Democrats are saying “No administration is above the law.”
ALSO IN THE NEWS …. A federal judge in Boston on Monday extended a restraining order on the Trump Administration’s deadline for over 2 million federal employees to accept a government buyout or return to in-person work (UPI) … Insurance companies will not be allowed to take part in a $4 billion settlement for victims of the 2023 fires that killed more than 100 people, the Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled (USA Today) …. Debris flows in fire-damaged areas of Los Angeles County are feared as potentially strong rainfall is expected in the area (Los Angeles Times).
Weather: Rain by midweek
Several days of rainy weather are predicted for our West Orange County cities by the middle of the week. The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies on Tuesday and rain through Friday. Tuesday is expected to have a daytime high of 61 with an overnight low of 48. Wednesday will be cooler at 57 (54) and then warm a bit to 60 (54) on Thursday and 62 (49) on Friday.
