U.S. Trade Deficit Widens as February Import Rebound Outpaces Record Exports
The U.S. trade deficit widened in February as a rebound in imports more than offset a surge in exports that reached record highs, adding to concerns that trade could weigh on economic growth in the first quarter of 2026. The overall trade gap increased 4.9% to $57.3 billion, compared with a revised $54.7 billion in […]
Trump Draws Cheers and Boos at Kennedy Center as His Overhaul of the Venue Deepens
President Donald Trump attended the opening night of the musical Chicago at the Kennedy Center on March 31, in a visit that highlighted both his growing control over the institution and the deep controversy surrounding its future. Trump drew applause as he arrived, though some members of the audience also booed. The mixed reaction reflected […]
New White House Plan Would Deeply Shrink Consumer Watchdog Instead of Dismantling It Entirely
The Trump administration has unveiled a revised plan to dramatically reduce the size of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, stepping back from an earlier effort to nearly wipe out the agency but still seeking to cut about two-thirds of its workforce. The new proposal was disclosed in a court filing to the U.S. Court […]
New Proposal Would Shut Chinese Carmakers Out of the U.S. Market Entirely
A Republican senator is preparing legislation that would significantly expand the U.S. ban on Chinese automobiles, taking a much harder line than current rules by targeting not just imported vehicles, but also the software, hardware, and business partnerships tied to Chinese carmakers. Senator Bernie Moreno plans to introduce the bill next month, arguing that Washington […]
Europe Pushes Deeper Trade Cooperation With Washington as Tariffs and Minerals Stay in Focus
The European Union and the United States are continuing talks on critical minerals and tariffs, a sign that both sides are trying to stabilize trade ties after months of tension and avoid a broader economic confrontation. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic described his meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer as “very positive” after the […]
Cities and States Move to Rebrand César Chavez Day After Abuse Allegations
Communities across the United States are rapidly rethinking how they commemorate César Chavez after allegations that he sexually abused women and girls during the 1960s. Elected officials, civil rights groups, and local organizers are moving quickly to distance public celebrations, holidays, and landmarks from Chavez’s name, especially as March 31, his birthday and the traditional […]
Fed Faces Growth-and-Inflation Squeeze, but Powell Signals No Rush to Move
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the U.S. central bank is in a position to wait and watch how the expanding Iran war affects inflation and the broader economy, signaling that policymakers do not yet see a need to change interest rates even as new risks emerge. Speaking at Harvard University on March 30, Powell […]
Trump Says White House Ballroom Project Is Ahead of Schedule Despite Legal Challenge
President Donald Trump said the new White House ballroom project is moving faster than expected and costing less than planned, even as the construction faces legal and political opposition. Speaking aboard Air Force One on March 29, Trump said the ballroom was “ahead of schedule and under budget,” and pointed to new renderings as he […]
Homeland Security Funding Deal Collapses as Airport Disruptions and Pay Crisis Deepen
A new congressional effort to end the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security failed on March 27, 2026, leaving thousands of federal employees without pay and raising fears of worsening travel disruptions across the United States. Congress could not break a six-week deadlock over immigration enforcement funding, even after a day of dramatic […]
U.S. Lawmakers Move to Block Federal Use of Chinese-Made Robots Over Security Fears
A new bipartisan bill in Congress would ban the U.S. government from buying or using humanoid robots made by Chinese companies, reflecting growing concern in Washington that advanced robotics could become the next major national security battleground. Republican Senator Tom Cotton and Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer planned to introduce the American Security Robotics Act, a […]
