Trump will introduce 25% tariffs on autos, pharmaceuticals and chips
President Donald Trump announced plans on Tuesday to add major new taxes on imported cars, computer chips, and medicines, in a move that could shake up world trade.
He wants to set car import taxes “in the neighbourhood of 25%” starting April 2, after his team gives him options for various import duties. Trump has long complained about how other countries treat U.S. car exports. For example, the European Union charges 10% on imported cars, while the U.S. only charges 2.5% (though the U.S. does charge 25% on pickup trucks from most countries).
Brazil’s former President Bolsonaro was charged in alleged coup plot
Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro has been charged with leading a plot to overthrow his 2022 election defeat, dealing another blow to his chances of returning to power.
The country’s top prosecutor, Paulo Gonet, accused Bolsonaro and his running mate, General Walter Braga Netto, of heading a “criminal organization” that tried to destroy Brazil’s 40-year democracy. The charges name 34 people in total, including several military leaders like former security adviser General Augusto Heleno and ex-Navy Commander Almir Garnier Santos.
“The responsibility for acts harmful to the democratic order falls upon a criminal organization led by Jair Messias Bolsonaro, based on an authoritarian project of power,” the charges state. While Bolsonaro is unlikely to be arrested before trial, that could change if the judge overseeing the case, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, thinks he might flee.
US and Russia went ahead with peace talks, without Ukraine
The United States has agreed to more talks with Russia about ending the war in Ukraine. This came after a 4½-hour meeting in Saudi Arabia that notably left out Ukrainian officials, marking a shift from previous U.S. policy that had worked to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the talks, Russia took a harder stance, making it clear it won’t accept Ukraine joining NATO. Later that day, President Trump expressed optimism about the meeting and said he would likely meet Putin before month’s end.
“Russia wants to do something,” Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida. When asked about Ukraine’s absence from the talks, he dismissed their concerns, saying they should have started negotiations earlier. “I think I have the power to end this war,” he added.
This meeting in Riyadh was the first time U.S. and Russian officials had met to discuss ending Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. Ukraine has firmly stated it won’t accept any deal made without its input. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz backed this position, saying “There must be no decision over the heads of Ukraine.”
Aliko Dangote’s net worth reached $23.9 billion
Forbes has ranked Aliko Dangote as the world’s 86th richest man, with a fortune of $23.9 billion.
His wealth has grown dramatically over the past year, jumping by $11 billion – an 85 per cent increase from the $12.9 billion Forbes reported in February 2023. This growth comes mainly from his majority stake in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, where he owns 92.3 per cent.
Trump ordered the firing of all Biden-era Attorneys
Former President Trump has ordered the firing of all remaining U.S. attorneys who were appointed by President Biden. He announced this decision on Tuesday through his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump wrote: “We must ‘clean house’ IMMEDIATELY, and restore confidence. America’s Golden Age must have a fair Justice System – THAT BEGINS TODAY.”
This move follows recent actions where the White House had already sent firing notices to several Biden-appointed U.S. attorneys. As a result, many of these attorneys have already left their positions, with some departing last week and others announcing their departure on Monday.
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