Trump's Tariffs: Leverage or Economic Risk?

The article discusses how President Donald Trump views tariffs as a form of leverage, with Politico White House reporter Megan Messerly joining CNN's 'Early Start' to discuss Trump's threat to impose tariffs of up to 30% on more countries.

Erik Fabian, founder of Sourhouse, a start-up that produces baking products, is struggling to keep his business afloat due to the chaotic rollout of Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports. The tariffs have caused delays in shipping, increased costs, and uncertainty about the future, forcing Fabian to focus on survival rather than growth. Despite his efforts to adapt, Fabian is tied to China's manufacturing due to the lack of alternative suppliers in the US, highlighting the challenges faced by small businesses in navigating the trade war.

The article examines President Trump's economic policies and their potential impact on the U.S. economy's competitiveness. Trump has imposed tariffs and changed the country's industrial policy, which some experts warn could stifle innovation and make the U.S. less competitive globally. The article discusses three pillars of Trump's industrial policy: tariffs, subsidies and tax incentives, and innovation policy. Experts argue that Trump's policies could harm core industries, leave American companies behind in the global transition to clean energy, and reduce the country's attractiveness to top talent. The article also notes that Trump's handling of the economy has been a key source of his strength in public opinion polls, but disapproval of his economic stewardship has been rising.

The F.B.I. under Director Kash Patel has increased its use of polygraph tests to assess employees' loyalty, particularly regarding their opinions about Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino. Former officials describe this as a politically charged and inappropriate move, reflecting a broader crackdown on dissent and news leaks within the bureau. The article highlights a culture of fear and mistrust, with many top officials either leaving or being pushed out, and new appointees carrying out Patel and Bongino's directives.