tariffs / donald trump / axios

Axios columnists Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen argue President Donald Trump has expanded presidential power in unprecedented ways, and that his often solo, impulsive decisions are driving a sharp drop in approval and shaping his second term. They group his actions into three areas: using federal power against enemies while benefiting family and allies; running economic policy through unpredictable tariffs and pressure on the Federal Reserve, including floated ideas like 50-year mortgages and $2,000 “tariff dividend” checks; and conducting foreign and military policy on personal instinct, including taunting NATO partners and launching a war against Iran at Israel’s urging. Nate Silver’s average shows Trump 19 points underwater, and a CNN poll reports 70% disapproval on the economy. The authors say reversals can’t undo lasting damage to institutions, alliances, and supply chains.

The Wall Street Journal reports that China has canceled tariffs on imports from Africa, framing the move as part of Beijing’s effort to gain leverage in its broader geopolitical and trade contest with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The article indicates the policy change is intended to strengthen China’s economic ties with African countries by improving market access for African exports to China. If implemented broadly, tariff removal could shift trade flows and deepen China’s influence across the continent, while also positioning Beijing to contrast its approach with U.S. trade policy. The provided text includes only the headline and offers no details on timing, scope, affected products, or which African countries benefit, limiting assessment of the measure’s scale and immediate impact.