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Trump Announces 25% Tariffs On Japan, South Korea

By
Madeleine Jackson
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0
President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders, Monday, February 10, 2025, in the Oval Office. (Official White House photo by Abe McNatt)

On Monday, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on goods imported from Japan and South Korea.

Trump shared letters addressed to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in posts on Truth Social.

The new levies will take effect on Aug. 1. If either Japan or South Korea raise tariffs in retaliation, Trump said in his letters that the U.S. tariffs will increase by an equal amount.

Trump’s letters said it is a “Great Honor to send you this letter in that it demonstrates the strength and commitment of our Trading Relationship,” and that the U.S. has agreed to continue to work with Japan and South Korea “despite having a significant Trade Deficit” with each country.

“Nevertheless, we have decided to move forward with you, but only with more balanced, and fair, TRADE. Therefore, we invite you to participate in the extraordinary Economy of the United States, the Number One Market in the World, by far,” Trump wrote.

He went on to tell Japan and South Korea that “there will be no Tariff” if companies in those countries “decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely – in other words, in a matter of weeks.”

“We look forward to working with you as your Trading Partner for many years to come. If you wish to open your heretofore closed Trading Markets to the United States, and eliminate your Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,” Trump added.

“These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country. You will never be disappointed with The United States of America,” Trump wrote.

In April, Trump announced a “reciprocal” tariff policy under which U.S. tariffs on goods imported from foreign countries would be based on the size of America’s bilateral trade deficit with those countries.

Under the reciprocal tariffs announced at the so-called “Liberation Day” event, imports from Japan would face a 24% tariff while goods from South Korea would have a 24% tariff applied to them – figures that are largely in line with the 25% tariffs the president announced in his letters.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

Latino District Flips To Trump As Democrats Confess ‘Massive Shift’ On Border Policy

By
Madeleine Jackson
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3

Some Democrats are finally acknowledging they need to course correct on their immigration stance.

A new report from The New York Times revealed some leading Democrat lawmakers have admitted that open borders and immigration are costing the party and

“When you have the most Latino district in the country outside of Puerto Rico vote for Trump, that should be a wake-up call for the Democratic Party,” said Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas).

The report highlighted that Gonzalez witnessed President Donald Trump “win every county in his district along the border with Mexico.” Gonzalez’s 34th district in Texas has swung dramatically from voting heavily Democratic in recent presidential elections to going in favor of Trump in 2024.

“This is a Democratic district that’s been blue for over a century,” Gonzalez told the Times.

Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) said the Democrat Party “got led astray by the 2016 and the 2020 elections, and we just never moved back.” 

“We looked feckless, we weren’t decisive, we weren’t listening to voters, and the voters decided that we weren’t in the right when it comes to what was happening with the border,” Gallego told the Times. 

In May, Gallego released a border security plan that would speed up asylum seekers’ claims and make other countries do their “fair share” in receiving asylum seekers, as well as take action against cartel violence.

The New York Times reported that various Democrats “are pushing for a course correction they see as overdue,” noting a new proposal from the Democratic policy shop and left-wing think tank Center for American Progress. The organization is calling for expanding legal immigration but also for ramping up border security and clamping down on abuse of the nation’s asylum system, the latter two of which are longtime Republican priorities.

Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, admitted to the Times that Democrats will have to adopt some level of border security policy.

“I’m happy to argue with Stephen Miller or anyone else about why they are wrong,” Tanden told the New York Times. “But the way we’re going to be able to do that is to also honestly assess that the border has been too insecure, that it allowed too many people to come through and that we need to fix that.”

The Trump administration has ramped up efforts to deport illegal immigrants as well as increase security at the U.S. border. The administration’s efforts have been criticized by progressives and violent anti-ICE protests recently prompted Trump to deploy the National Guard to California.

This is About More Than Politics. Mike Huckabee Stands With Trump And Israel. Do You?

Liberal Prosecutors Sued For Colluding Against Trump In 2024 Election

By
Donny Ferguson
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1
Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

An ethics watchdog is suing two top prosecutors for documents that may reveal a collusion scheme against President Donald Trump intended to influence the 2024 presidential election.

The non-profit public interest law firm Judicial Watch announced in a statement it “filed a lawsuit against Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for her communications with former Special Counsel Jack Smith.”

“On January 13, 2025 several media outlets reported that Attorney General Mayes had formally requested case documents from U.S. Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith’s criminal investigation into President Donald Trump regarding the 2020 presidential election,” Judicial Watch. 

“12News reported that ‘Mayes said the documents could ensure defendants in Arizona’s fake electors case would be held accountable,’” Judicial Watch notes. 

That case refers to supporters of President Trump from states whose Electoral College votes went to Joe Biden, who alleged the results were fraudulent offered themselves to the Electoral College as “alternate electors” under a theory the Electoral College could refuse to accept a state’s official slate of electors.

Many of them in states like Arizona now face prosecution on charges of fraud.

Critics argue there were no “fake electors” because the accused persons never mislead anyone about their identity, publicly identified themselves as alternate electors to be considered only in the event the slate of electors submitted by state officials could be rejected by the Electoral Congress and even held press conferences to explain what they were doing.

Judicial Watch reports it “filed the Arizona Public Records Law complaint in the Superior Court of Arizona after the attorney general failed to respond to a January 13, 2025, request for:”

Any communications and/or documents with Jack Smith and/or the DOJ Special Counsel group/team from January 1, 2022, to the completion of this request. 

“Collusion against President Trump by Democratic politicians with Jack Smith and the weaponized Biden Justice Department are of great public interest,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said. “Attorney General Mayes is acting as if she has something to hide.”

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Great America News Desk. 

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Trump To Host UFC Fight On White House Lawn For Nation’s 250th Birthday Celebration

    By
    Seijah Drake
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    In an unprecedented combination of politics, patriotism, and prizefighting, President Donald J. Trump announced plans to host a UFC championship event on the grounds of the White House as part of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding in 2026.

    Speaking at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Trump electrified the crowd with his trademark flair and unexpected showmanship:

    “Does anybody watch UFC? The great Dana White? We’re going to have a UFC fight — think of this — on the grounds of the White House.”

    The event is expected to draw between 20,000 and 25,000 spectators, turning the South Lawn into a high-profile arena for one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. UFC CEO Dana White, a known Trump ally and supporter, is reportedly spearheading the effort and may even build a temporary arena on the historic property. Their relationship, built on mutual admiration and media savvy, is set to culminate in a one-of-a-kind spectacle on one of the world’s most iconic stages.

    Leading up to and following the 2024 election, Trump made regular appearances at UFC events, receiving raucous receptions from packed arenas across the country. Each time he entered, chants of “USA” and deafening applause followed him through the crowd. Fighters — including reigning champions and top contenders — have repeatedly gone out of their way to acknowledge him cage-side, often shaking his hand, giving him a shoutout in post-fight interviews, or posing for photos after victories. The relationship has become a cultural touchstone, especially among younger male voters and sports fans who see the crossover between MMA and Trump’s brand of anti-establishment politics as a natural fit.

    “We have a lot of land there, we’re going to build a little — we’re not, Dana is going to do it,” Trump said. “Dana is great, one of a kind. It’s going to be a full UFC championship fight, and we’re going to do that as part of ‘America250’.”

    The UFC event is just one component of what Trump promises will be the “single greatest year in the history of our country.” Marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the president laid out an ambitious vision for 2026, featuring a slate of high-profile events.

    Trump, who has been a frequent and welcome guest at UFC events, has long touted the promotion as emblematic of American grit, discipline, and competitiveness.

    While presidents have hosted concerts, picnics, and even Easter egg rolls on the property, this will mark the first time that the historic estate becomes a venue for a global sports event with tens of thousands of fans in attendance.

    Elon Musk’s New America Party Poses Potential Threat To GOP

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54380002927/, Public Domain,

    Billionaire Elon Musk announced the launch of his new political party on Saturday, but has yet to share any further details on how he plans to navigate the red tape to establish a viable alternative.

    Musk on Saturday appeared to confirm his intention to launch his “America Party,” after posting a poll to his X account the prior day asking followers whether or not he should create the new party.

    “By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it! When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy,” he wrote. “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”

    Elon Musk’s plan to launch a new US political party could split the Republicans, Donald Trump’s allies have warned.

    Musk, who until recently was a key Trump ally, said the America Party would adopt a “laser focus” on winning a handful of Senate seats and House districts in a bid to sway key votes on legislation.

    “Given the razor-thin legislative margins, that would be enough to serve as the deciding vote on contentious laws, ensuring that they serve the true will of the people,” he posted on X.

    On Sunday, Mr Musk responded to a post about how he could “break the two-party stranglehold” by writing: “Not hard tbh [to be honest].”

    Scott Bessent, the US Treasury secretary, insisted a Musk party would pose no threat to the Trump administration.

    “Look, the principles of Doge [the Department of Government Efficiency] were very popular. I think if you looked at the polling, Elon was not,” he told CNN on Sunday, referring to the cost-cutting agency Mr Musk headed for just over four months.

    However, Laura Loomer, a leading MAGA influencer who has been seen close to Trump, warned the move could trigger Republican defections and split the party’s base.

    “I predict Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie will join the new ‘America Party’ to spite President Trump,” she posted on X.

    Musk said his decision to form the party stemmed from opposition to Trump’s new economic bill, which includes significant reductions to Medicaid and the removal of subsidies for electric vehicles.

    The announcement follows the revival of his public feud with Trump, who threatened to cancel the Tesla tycoon’s government contracts and deport him back to South Africa.

    Speaking with reporters ahead of a flight to Florida last Tuesday, the president was asked about whether he would consider deporting the South African mogul.

    “We’ll have to take a look,” Trump said. “We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon! Wouldn’t that be terrible?”

    Watch:

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    Trump Signals Support For Legal Protections For Longtime Migrant Workers

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    2
    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    DES MOINES, Iowa — Speaking at the Iowa State Fairgrounds hours before Independence Day, President Donald Trump said he is drafting legislation to shield long-serving farm and hospitality workers from immigration enforcement actions.

    “We’re working on legislation right now,” Trump told the crowd. “Farmers, look, they know better. They work with them for years.”

    He referenced cases where immigrant workers had been employed for over a decade before being removed through federal action.

    “You had cases… where people have worked for a farm for 14, 15 years, and they get thrown out pretty viciously. And we can’t do it,” Trump said.

    The remarks appear to address the impact of immigration raids, such as those reported at California farms, where labor shortages have followed large-scale enforcement. A significant portion of that workforce is made up of illegal immigrants.

    Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who was present on stage, had initially raised the issue.

    After weeks of back-and-forth, Trump ultimately echoed her stance on Thursday night — arguing that those in agriculture and hospitality deserve more authority over who they employ. “We’re going to work with them, and we’re going to work very strong and smart,” he said. “We’re going to put you in charge. We’re going to make you responsible. And I think that’s going to make a lot of people happy.”

    Acknowledging that the proposal may not sit well with his party’s immigration hardliners, Trump added: “radical right people, who I also happen to like a lot, they may not be quite as happy. But they’ll understand, won’t they?”

    He then turned to Rollins and said, “Do you think they’ll understand that you’re the one that brought this whole situation up?”

    The comments signal a more pragmatic tone on immigration from the president, who has long emphasized enforcement but now appears open to reforms aimed at stabilizing the labor force in key sectors.

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    Lifelong Democrat Ditches Party Over Trump Bill

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    7

    President Donald J. Trump announced his latest push to support American workers and American-made cars: a sweeping tax reform that will let vehicle owners deduct interest on U.S.-made auto loans — a move that puts American industry, not foreign conglomerates, back in the driver’s seat.

    Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with hardworking men and women from across the country — from farmers to food delivery drivers — Trump proudly introduced James Benson, a third-generation Ford autoworker from Belleville, Michigan, as a symbol of the shift sweeping Middle America.

    “I used to be a Democrat,” Benson said, “but after what President Trump did for our jobs and our families, I changed in 2017. I saw the difference right away — in my paycheck, in our plant, and in the way Washington finally started listening to us.”

    President Trump, whose bold tax overhaul in 2017 unleashed a wave of economic growth and record employment, doubled down on his Buy American, Hire American pledge. This time, his weapon of choice is a “big, beautiful” bill that makes auto loan interest up to $10,000 fully tax-deductible — but only if the vehicle was assembled in the U.S.A.

    “If your car is made here in America — not in China, not in Mexico — then you get the deduction,” Trump declared. “If it’s made someplace else, we don’t care.”

    The tax break would apply to passenger vehicles — including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles — built on U.S. soil and delivered fully assembled to dealerships. This ensures that the jobs created and the benefits received stay where they belong: right here in the United States.

    Details of the America First Auto Loan Deduction

    • Deduction Limit: Up to $10,000 in interest on qualified auto loans
    • Eligibility: Applies only to vehicles assembled in the U.S.
    • Income Threshold: Phases out for individuals earning above $100,000
    • Time Frame: Applies to tax years 2025 through 2028

    James Benson’s story mirrors that of millions across the Rust Belt: Americans who voted Democrat for decades but saw real results only after Trump took office.

    “Ford has a lot of plants here,” Trump noted. “And if you build here, you’re going to make a lot of money. I love the autoworkers.”

    This isn’t just rhetoric. Ford recently announced a $3.5 billion investment in a battery plant in Michigan, citing stable trade conditions and pro-manufacturing policy signals.

    Democrats Are Desperate To Sink Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill! Do You Stand With Trump?Take The Survey HERE!

    Dem Leader Attempting To Stall Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Ahead Of Final Vote

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    3

    House Democrat Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has single-handedly brought Congress’s progress on President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” to a halt.

    House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) began speaking in the chamber minutes before 5 a.m. and appears to be poised for hours more.

    One GOP lawmaker told Fox News Digital that Jeffries was seen arriving with multiple binders, one of which he read from for roughly three hours. If the rest of the binders also hold portions of his speech, the New York Democrat could keep the House floor paused into the afternoon.

    He’s able to command the House floor via a “magic minute,” a privilege for party leaders in the chamber that allows them to speak for however long they want.

    It comes after the House of Representatives voted to advance Trump’s $3.3 trillion “big, beautiful bill” to its final phase in Congress, overcoming fears of a potential Republican mutiny.

    It’s a significant victory for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), but the fight is far from over.

    Lawmakers voted to proceed with debate on the megabill in the early hours of Thursday – a mechanism known as a “rule vote” – teeing up a final House-wide vote sometime later Thursday morning.

    The House adopted the rules for debate on the measure in a dramatic 219 to 213 vote – with all but moderate Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) voting to proceed.

    Next comes a vote on the actual measure, likely sometime on Thursday.

    But the timing largely hinges on when Jeffries finishes speaking. 

    The vote had been stalled for hours, since Wednesday afternoon, with five House Republicans poised to kill the measure before lawmakers could weigh the bill itself.

    Several members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus and their allies, meanwhile, appeared ready to skip the vote altogether in protest of GOP leaders’ compromise bill.

    But both Johnson and Trump spent hours negotiating with holdouts, apparently to some success.

    Democrats Are Desperate To Sink Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill! Do You Stand With Trump?Take The Survey HERE!

    Here’s What’s Inside The Senate’s Version Of Trump’s Bill

      By
      Madeleine Jackson
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      2

      In a major victory for the America First agenda, Senate Republicans united early Tuesday morning to pass President Donald Trump’s monumental “big, beautiful bill.” This sweeping legislation is designed to supercharge the economy, empower hardworking Americans, and invest in national security and border integrity — delivering on promises that put American citizens first.

      Lower Taxes for Workers and Families

      At the heart of this landmark bill is an extension of President Trump’s historic 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. By preventing a looming 22% tax hike, this measure protects working families and preserves the economic momentum that has already lifted millions out of hardship.

      The bill includes powerful new deductions targeted directly at middle- and working-class Americans. Waitstaff and service workers will now be able to deduct taxes on up to $25,000 of their tipped wages — a major relief for everyday heroes in the hospitality sector. Additionally, up to $12,500 in overtime pay will be deductible, rewarding Americans who go the extra mile.

      Seniors, too, receive long-overdue recognition, with an additional $6,000 tax deduction to help them keep more of their hard-earned retirement savings. And for all Americans who rely on their vehicles to work and live, a new deduction for car loan interest will help ease the burden of rising costs.

      Relief for High-Tax States

      Responding to Republican leaders from high-cost states, the bill temporarily raises the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions to $40,000 for five years. This move is a win for taxpayers in places like New York and California who have long been punished by state-level tax-and-spend policies.

      This provision empowers conservative representatives from blue states to continue fighting for their constituents while advancing America First priorities.

      Restoring Responsibility to Medicaid

      True to conservative values, the bill restores accountability to Medicaid by introducing commonsense work requirements. Able-bodied adults without children, aged 18 to 64, will need to work at least 80 hours a month, pursue education, or participate in community service to continue receiving benefits.

      These reforms aim to encourage independence and self-reliance while protecting resources for the truly vulnerable.

      Acknowledging rural healthcare challenges, the bill doubles a critical stabilization fund to $50 billion, ensuring that rural hospitals stay open and continue serving their communities.

      Strengthening SNAP and Combating Dependency

      The bill also tightens rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), requiring work or community engagement for able-bodied adults without dependents. This move reflects a deeply held belief that government aid should be a temporary safety net, not a way of life, and encourages recipients to return to the workforce.

      Paramount Settles ’60 Minutes’ Lawsuit With Trump

      By
      Madeleine Jackson
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      0
      Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

      CBS parent company Paramount announced on Tuesday that it would pay President Donald Trump $16 million to settle his lawsuit against the company over a 2024 interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris.

      The $16 million “includes Mr. Trump’s legal fees and costs and that the money, minus the legal fees, will be paid to Mr. Trump’s future presidential library,” according to a Paramount statement obtained by the New York Times,

      Paramount will also “release transcripts of ’60 Minutes’ interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after such interviews have aired, subject to redactions as required for legal or national security concerns,” according to the Times, which reported that the settlement would not include an apology to Trump.

      While Paramount will pay at least $16 million as part of the settlement, Fox News reported that the total amount of money “could reach north of $30 million” in total.

      “There is an expectation that there will be another allocation in the mid-eight figures set aside for advertisements, public service announcements, or other similar transmissions, in support of conservative causes by the network,” according to the network.

      Sources close to the situation told Fox News Digital that CBS has agreed to update its editorial standards to install a mandatory new rule. Going forward, the network will promptly release full, unedited transcripts of future presidential candidates’ interviews. People involved in the settlement talks have referred to this as the “Trump Rule.” 

      “With this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit. CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle. President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People as he continues on his singular mission to Make America Great Again,” a spokesperson for Trump’s legal team told Fox News Digital. 

      “The settlement will include a release of all claims regarding any CBS reporting through the date of the settlement, including the Texas action and the threatened defamation action,” parent company Paramount said in a statement.

      In his lawsuit, Trump accused the company of interfering in the 2024 presidential election after it deceitfully edited a teaser for an interview with Harris in a way that made it look as though the then-vice president had given a different answer to a question.

      In May, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump’s team had rejected a $15 million settlement offer and wanted “more than $25 million,” along with an apology from the company.

      Trump confidently declared the case against CBS a “winner” in April.

      “They cheated and defrauded the American People at levels never seen before in the Political Arena. Kamala Harris, during Early Voting and, immediately before Election Day, was asked a question, and gave an answer, that was so bad and incompetent that it would have cost her many of the Votes that she ended up getting,” Trump posted on Truth Social ahead of mediation, going on to accuse the newsmagazine of perpetrating a fraud on the American people.

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