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Tuesday, April 29, 2025
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Corruption
News

FBI Deploys Polygraph Tests to Trace Internal Leakers.

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❓What Happened: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has initiated the use of polygraph tests to discover the source of leaks from within the agency.

👥 Who’s Involved: The FBI, President Donald J. Trump’s administration, the Department of Justice (DOJ), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard.

📍 Where & When: United States; announcement made on Monday.

💬 Key Quote: “We can confirm the FBI has begun administering polygraph tests to identify the source of information leaks within the bureau,” stated the FBI’s public affairs office.

⚠️ Impact: The polygraph tests and increased security measures by the Department of Justice signal a stringent approach towards identifying and prosecuting leakers undermining the administration.

IN FULL:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has started employing polygraph tests to track down the sources of unauthorized information leaks within the agency. This development was announced on April 28 and made public through a statement from the FBI’s public affairs office.

“We can confirm the FBI has begun administering polygraph tests to identify the source of information leaks within the bureau,” the FBI’s public affairs office said. This initiative marks an escalation in the measures taken by the Trump administration against unauthorized information leaks to the media that have surfaced since his return to office in January.

Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) facilitated a process allowing prosecutors investigating media leaks to more easily obtain records and witness testimonies from journalists. This step reflects the administration’s intent to tighten control over the federal government and ensure the confidentiality of sensitive data being leaked by government employees to undermine the administration.

In related efforts, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed his intentions to seek prosecutions against former senior advisers amidst a Pentagon inquiry into media leaks. He noted that evidence compiled during the investigation will eventually be forwarded to the DOJ. Hegseth’s communication suggested the possible use of polygraph tests in these proceedings.

Additionally, Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), has committed to a rigorous pursuit of leakers. In March, she emphasized a strong stance against unauthorized disclosures. Gabbard also forwarded two cases of intelligence community leaks to the DOJ, with a third referral in progress. In communication with the press, Gabbard referred to the perpetrators as “criminals.”

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58 minutes ago
Jack Montgomery
War
World

Leavitt: Ukraine ‘Needs to Sign’ Rare Earth Minerals Deal.

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What Happened: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Trump’s confidence in securing a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine, stressing its importance for both nations despite past tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Who’s Involved: Karoline Leavitt, President Donald J. Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and The National Pulse’s political editor Will Upton.

Where & When: White House press briefing, Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2025.

Key Quote: Leavitt stated, “Ukraine needs to sign it, they should sign it,” emphasizing the deal’s benefits for both the U.S. and Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

Impact: The anticipated deal could strengthen U.S. access to critical minerals while aiding Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts, though past diplomatic friction with Zelensky highlights challenges in finalizing the agreement.

IN FULL:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald J. Trump is “confident” that a deal on rare earth minerals with Ukraine will be signed, adding that the Ukrainian government “needs” to sign the agreement and that it will benefit the Ukrainian people.

Responding to a question from Will Upton, The National Pulse’s political editor, on the progress of a deal between the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government on U.S. access to rare earth minerals in the Eastern European country, Leavitt said, “The President is confident that it will be signed.”

“Ukraine needs to sign it, they should sign it,” she continued, explaining the agreement is “not just good for the United States, to recoup the billions of tax dollars we’ve spent and onshore some of those critical minerals, but certainly it’s good for the Ukrainian people when this war is over to rebuild their country.”

“It’s an economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine; that’s what the President envisions, and he wants Ukraine to sign that deal, and he’s confident that they will,” she added.

Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky caused friction with the Trump administration by telling Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio he was receptive to a rare earth minerals deal in private, only to brief the media that it was an unacceptable shakedown in public.

After being called out for his behavior, Zelensky visited the White House prepared to sign documents related to a rare earth mineral deal, but this was postponed after he started an argument with Vice President Vance in the Oval Office over the need for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine war, leading to a tense exchange with President Trump.

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2 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
NatSec
World

White House Tells The National Pulse: ‘Greenland Needs the United States of America.’

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What Happened: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance to the U.S., warning against growing Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence after Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt expressed interest in deeper ties with Beijing.

Who’s Involved: Karoline Leavitt, Vivian Motzfeldt, The National Pulse’s political editor Will Upton, President Donald J. Trump, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Where & When: White House press briefing, Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2025.

Key Quote: Leavitt stated, “Greenland needs the United States of America; we subsidize their national security and their defense,” highlighting the strategic risks of Chinese or Russian influence in the region.

Impact: Leavitt’s remarks signal a firm U.S. stance against CCP expansion in Greenland, reinforcing Trump’s focus on securing strategic territories to protect national and global security interests.

IN FULL:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Greenland’s importance to U.S. strategic interests at a press briefing on Tuesday, warning the U.S. cannot allow the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to gain influence over the Danish territory after the Greenlandic foreign minister suggested her government was looking to increase its collaboration with Beijing.

Quizzed by Will Upton, The National Pulse’s political editor, on the Greenlandic Foreign Minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, saying that “China is very important to us, and we are eager to strengthen our cooperation,” Leavitt said it was “certainly an interesting strategy to cozy up to Communist China.”

“Greenland needs the United States of America; we subsidize their national security and their defense,” Leavitt continued, noting that President Donald J. Trump has “rightfuly pointed out the great strategic importance that Greenland serves for not just our national security and economic interests, but for our country and for the world as a whole.”

She added: “We can’t allow Chinese or Russian influence to continue to infiltrate places like Greenland—or the Panama Canal, I may add.”

Raheem Kassam, Editor-in-Chief at The National Pulse, recently accompanied Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on a visit to Panama, where initiatives to deter Chinese encroachments at the canal were announced.

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3 hours ago
Economy
News

UPS Cuts 20,000 Jobs as Amazon Reduces Shipments.

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❓What Happened: UPS announced plans to reduce its workforce by 20,000 jobs this year as part of a cost-reduction strategy related to decreased deliveries from Amazon.

👥 Who’s Involved: UPS, an international shipping company with about 490,000 employees, and its largest customer, Amazon.

📍 Where & When: The job cuts were disclosed on Tuesday, with an announcement regarding facility closures planned by June 2025.

💬 Key Quote: The company stated that the cuts are in “connection with our anticipation of lower volumes from our largest customer.”

⚠️ Impact: UPS’s plan involves job cuts and the closure of 73 buildings, affecting operations across its global network. The company’s shares saw a slight decrease in value during pre-market trading.

IN FULL:

UPS plans to cut 20,000 positions this year as part of a strategy to address lower delivery volumes from its major client, Amazon. The logistics giant, which employs approximately 490,000 people across more than 200 countries, announced the downsizing as a measure to consolidate its operations and reduce expenses. The decision was verified through a regulatory filing on Tuesday.

In addition to the workforce reduction, UPS will shutter 73 facilities by mid-2025. This structural change aligns with a previous agreement with Amazon to decrease delivery volumes by over half in late 2026. These developments underscore the significant impact of Amazon’s evolving logistics capabilities on UPS, reflecting broader trends affecting large shipping companies worldwide.

Despite the substantial operational adjustments, market responses showed minimal impact, with UPS shares dropping 0.6 percent before markets opened. However, such organizational changes could have deeper ramifications for the company’s financial health and employee base as they unfold.

The decision highlights ongoing challenges in the logistics sector, where companies must continuously adjust to shifting demands and partnerships. UPS taking measures to streamline its operations could signal further shifts by Amazon and other partners in sourcing and supply chain strategies. The coming months will reveal how such strategies affect UPS and its workforce on a broader scale.

Image by JasonVogel.

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3 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
Economy

Tariffs Win as Walmart Announces Major Investment in American Products and Small Businesses.

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❓What Happened: Walmart has announced new programs, including “Grow with US” and the 2025 Open Call, to expand support for American-made products and American small businesses, as President Donald J. Trump pursues a policy of supporting American producers through tariffs on foreign goods.

👥 Who’s Involved: Walmart U.S., led by President and CEO John Furner and CFO John David Rainey, alongside U.S. small businesses and entrepreneurs.

📍 Where & When: Announced on April 29, 2025, with Open Call events starting May 1 in Orlando, Florida, and the main event on October 7-8 in Bentonville, Arkansas.

💬 Key Quote: John Furner stated, “We’ve seen firsthand how investing in small businesses results in better assortment, better meeting the needs of our customer base, and supporting jobs and growth in communities.”

⚠️ Impact: Walmart’s initiatives showcase the success of Trump’s tariffs in encouraging domestic production, fostering job growth and economic resilience.

IN FULL:

Walmart is supporting American-made products with the launch of new programs aimed at supporting American small businesses, underscoring the success of President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies. On April 29, 2025, the retail giant shared its plans to expand initiatives like the “Grow with US” program and the 2025 Open Call, designed to help American entrepreneurs thrive. This strategic shift highlights how Trump’s tariffs are driving companies to prioritize domestic production, protecting both businesses and consumers from global trade disruptions.

The “Grow with US” program offers a four-step framework to provide U.S. small businesses with training, mentorship, and resources to grow alongside Walmart. John Furner, Walmart U.S. president and CEO, emphasized the benefits, stating, “We’ve seen firsthand how investing in small businesses results in better assortment, better meeting the needs of our customer base, and supporting jobs and growth in communities.” Furner also noted that over 60 percent of Walmart’s U.S. suppliers last year were small businesses, with the company anticipating thousands more will utilize its free resources in the coming years.

CFO John David Rainey recently revealed that more than two-thirds of products in Walmart U.S. stores are already domestically sourced, adding, “The third that we import comes from all over the world, but China and Mexico are the most significant.” Trump’s tariffs, including a 10 percent duty on imports and much higher rates on Chinese goods, are likely to incentivize a further shift in favor of American products, bolstering economic independence.

The 2025 Open Call, with applications opening June 24, will allow U.S.-based small and medium-sized businesses to pitch shelf-ready products directly to Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants. The main event, set for October 7-8 in Bentonville, Arkansas, follows several Road to Open Call events during Small Business Month in May, starting with Orlando on May 1, followed by Kansas City on May 9, Baltimore on May 13, and Austin on May 21, with additional events in Columbus on June 18 and Atlanta on June 24. Furner highlighted that participants at these pop-up events could “potentially score a fast pass to our main event in Bentonville,” offering a direct path to getting products on Walmart’s shelves.

Tech companies including Nvidia and IBM have already announced major investments in the U.S. since President Trump implemented his tariff policy, suggesting that, despite market grumblings, his overall strategy is working.

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4 hours ago
Economy
World

Amazon Caves on Tariff Pricing Policy After Trump Accuses E-Commerce Giant of ‘Hostile’ Tactics.

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❓What Happened: Amazon reportedly planned to add the estimated cost of tariffs to its product prices. The Chinese online retailer Temu has made a similar move, though the foreign e-commerce company admits in fine print that the additional ‘tariff’ costs do not directly correlate to the U.S. import duties on Chinese goods. However, Amazon now claims that the tariff estimates were being considered only by Amazon Haul and were “never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.”

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Jeff Bezos, Amazon, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C., April 29, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “This is a hostile and political act by Amazon,” said Karoline Leavitt after the plan to add tariff estimates to pricing was initially reported. Amazon responded later Tuesday morning, claiming: “The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store has considered listing import charges on certain products. This was never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.”

⚠️ Impact: The decision could have affected Amazon’s political relations, though the abrupt announcement by the e-commerce giant that they would not pursue the pricing change may cool tensions with the White House.

IN FULL:

Tensions between the White House and Amazon briefly intensified after President Donald J. Trump criticized the retailer’s reported plans to display estimated tariff costs on its product listings. The scheme prompted a sharp reaction from the Trump administration, leading to accusations of political motivations and foreign interference.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue in a statement on Tuesday, April 29. According to Leavitt, President Trump viewed Amazon’s move as “hostile and political,” labeling it an attack on American interests. The conflict arose after anonymous sources leaked to the corporate media Amazon’s intention to highlight the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports from countries like China.

Leavitt did not hold back in her criticism of the online retail giant, questioning Amazon’s timing. “Why didn’t Amazon take similar actions during the Biden administration when inflation rates soared to record levels?” she queried, suggesting that Amazon’s motives might have partisan underpinnings.

Further, Leavitt raised concerns over Amazon’s international affiliations, hinting that the company’s collaborations could potentially serve as channels for foreign narratives. She referenced reports by Reuters indicating Amazon’s partnerships with entities linked to Chinese propaganda efforts. Notably, the Chinese online retailer Temu has made a similar move, though the foreign e-commerce company admits in fine print that the additional ‘tariff’ costs do not directly correlate to the U.S. import duties on Chinese goods.

Following the firm White House response, Amazon clarified its pricing policy, stating: “The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store has considered listing import charges on certain products. This was never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.”

Despite the White House’s strong response and past friction between Trump and Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos, the technology billionaire has recently been more communicative and open to accommodating the White House, possibly explaining the apparent backtrack.

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5 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
Immigration
Politics

Foreign-Born Dem Rep Files Impeachment Articles Against Trump for Deporting Foreign Criminals.

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❓What Happened: Foreign-born Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) filed seven articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump on April 28, 2025, citing the deportation of alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia as a key grievance.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Shri Thanedar, President Donald J. Trump, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported Salvadoran illegal alien.

📍 Where & When: U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., with the filing announced on April 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Rep. Thanedar alleges President Trump has “ignored the Constitution.”

⚠️ Impact: Thanedar’s impeachment push is unlikely to advance in a GOP-controlled House, but highlights Democratic opposition to Trump’s immigration and trade policies and preference for migrants and foreign exporters.

IN FULL:

Foreign-born Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI) has filed articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump, prompted by his deportation of alleged MS-13 gang member, accused domestic abuser, and suspected human trafficker Kilmar Abrego Garcia without “due process.”

Speaking in a thick Indian accent, Rep. Thanedar said Trump’s deportation of Salvadoran illegal alien Abrego Garcia under the Alien Enemies Act and not returning him “ignored the Constitution,” and forms part of a “dangerous, deliberate pattern.”

The 70-year-old has filed seven articles of impeachment in total, with the first being for supposed obstruction of justice and abuse of executive power, with respect to “unlawful deportations” and having “defied” court orders related to them.

Another article alleges “abuse of trade powers” by imposing “damaging tariffs” on foreign countries—including Thanedar’s native India.

Thanedar’s impeachment articles are highly unlikely to make any progress in the GOP-controlled House, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is downplaying their significance, saying, “I haven’t evaluated the articles. I haven’t even had an opportunity to talk with him about it.”

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5 hours ago
News
World

Liberals Retain Power in Canada, ‘Conservative’ Leader Pierre Poilievre Ousted.

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❓What Happened: Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was defeated in his Carleton, Ontario riding (electoral district) by Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy. Poilievre received 38,581 votes, while Fanjoy secured 42,374 votes. The Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, maintained national leadership, although in a minority position.

👥 Who’s Involved: Key figures include Pierre Poilievre, Bruce Fanjoy, Prime Minister Mark Carney, and New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh.

📍 Where & When: The elections took place on Monday across Canada, including Poilievre’s riding in the Ottawa-area Carleton, Ontario.

💬 Key Quote: Poilievre tried to spin the party’s failure, saying, “We got the highest share of the vote our party has received since 1988.”

⚠️ Impact: The loss raises questions about Poilievre’s future as Conservative leader. The Liberals continue in government with minority rule, holding 168 seats. The Conservatives were a reasonably close second, gaining seats nationwide.

IN FULL:

Canadian Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has been unseated in his Ottawa-area riding (electoral district) of Carleton by Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy. The election results saw Poilievre garnering 38,581 votes while Fanjoy secured 42,374. This victory for Fanjoy is significant against the backdrop of the national elections, where Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party retained control of the government, albeit with a minority, returning to Parliament with 168 seats.

Poilievre’s defeat in Carleton marks a notable change, as he has held this seat since 2004. His loss is a striking personal rebuke, given the Conservative Party’s national performance, which saw them gain over 20 seats despite their failure to oust the Liberals. In Canada, as in the United Kingdom, Prime Ministers and opposition leaders typically operate from within Parliament, leaving Poilievre’s leadership in doubt.

The Conservatives were making headway in the polls earlier in the year, at one point enjoying a 20-point lead. These figures shifted following the resignation of unpopular former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the subsequent installation of Carney as leader of the Liberals. Some perceived Poilievre as adopting a stance that was too soft with respect to the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the U.S., while others believe he became too focused on criticizing U.S. President Donald J. Trump rather than the Liberal government. At the same time, many grassroots conservatives were wary of his apparent weakness on immigration, reducing motivation to vote for his party.

While addressing party members, Poilievre attempted to put a brave face on the national results, saying, “We got the highest share of the vote our party has received since 1988.”

New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh also lost his seat in Vancouver and has opted to resign as party head. The leftist party was battered badly in the elections and is currently projected to lose around two-thirds of its seats.

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6 hours ago
Health
News

Federal Departments Are Implementing Trump EO Against Child Surgical and Chemical Mutilation.

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❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order banning the federal funding and facilitation of puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgeries for minors.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

📍 Where & When: United States, Executive Order signed on January 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: A Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) alert emphasizes that providers must “follow the highest standards of care… especially as it comes to America’s children.”

⚠️ Impact: Federal grants supporting related treatments have been rescinded, saving taxpayers $477 million, and further actions are underway to ensure adherence to the order.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump’s executive order banning the federal government from funding transgender surgeries or therapies for children has now been implemented on several fronts. A White House report released April 28 details what measures have already been implemented since the order was signed in January.

This directive, Executive Order 14187, calls for agencies to reverse policies based on the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH) standards, which are criticized for lacking a scientific foundation. A notable element of these earlier policies was the absence of age restrictions for surgeries, influenced by health lobbyists.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to conduct an extensive review of existing literature regarding best health practices for children with gender dysphoria, assembling an expert team to ensure scientific accuracy.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is tasked with promoting accountability across taxpayer-supported research to uphold data quality and transparency. This includes rectifying the nondisclosure of study outcomes that have been withheld due to political reasons.

With the order’s implementation, HHS has already terminated federal grants supporting medical treatments involving child gender modifications. This has reportedly saved taxpayers approximately $477 million, including substantial funding previously allocated to entities such as the Center for Innovative Public Health and Boston Children’s Hospital.

As part of enhancing medical safety, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a cautionary memo warning providers about the risks of these interventions. “It is of the utmost importance that all providers follow the highest standards of care and adhere closely to the foundational principles of medicine, especially as it comes to America’s children,” the memo states.

Image by Quinn Dombrowski.

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7 hours ago
News

Asian Imports to US Plunge as Trump Tariffs Begin to Work.

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❓What Happened: The number of canceled sailings from Asia to the U.S. has significantly increased due to tariffs deterring the importation of cheap Chinese goods to the U.S.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, China, and other Asian nations like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.

📍 Where & When: The transpacific route between Asia and the U.S., from late March onwards.

💬 Key Quote:  Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, said businesses were “adjusting their short-term supply chains for now and waiting for things to settle down (one way or another), before making longer-term network adjustments.”

⚠️ Impact: The tariffs are contributing to difficulties for Chinese businesses like Temu and Shein.

IN FULL:

Asian exports to the United States have dropped due to high tariffs on foreign goods, particularly from China, leading to increased “blank sailings” on the trans-Pacific shipping route. These shipping cancellations have escalated from the equivalent of 60,000 containers in late March to about 367,800 by mid-April.

This follows President Donald J. Trump‘s announcement of high tariffs on foreign goods to stop U.S. producers from being undercut by imports from nations that often restrict access to U.S. exporters while advantaging their own producers through low pay and conditions, state subsidies, currency manipulation, and other dubious tactics.

The political climate related to these tariffs has been labeled “extremely volatile,” causing businesses to exercise caution. Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, said businesses were “adjusting their short-term supply chains for now and waiting for things to settle down (one way or another), before making longer-term network adjustments.”

E-commerce companies such as China’s Shein and Temu have started adapting through price changes, reflecting the new realities of tariffs in their operational costs.

Although tariffs remain a point of contention, tensions between the U.S. and China have slightly eased. Adjustments such as the reduction in Chinese retaliatory tariffs on U.S. semiconductors suggest a possible future trade agreement.

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