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ECONOMY

RE: Tariffs

Tariffs remain the talk of the town.

President Trump’s country-specific tariffs went into effect at 12:01 a.m. today (adding to the baseline 10% tariff he levied on nearly every country on Saturday). The White House says over 70 countries have reached out to negotiate deals, and Trump has directed his team to make “tailor-made” deals with each one. So far, he’s rejected “zero-for-zero” tariff offers from the E.U. and Vietnam, saying both exploit the U.S. through non-tariff trade rules. 

Yesterday, President Trump levied an additional 50% tariff on China (bringing the total to 104%, meaning anything with a Made-in-China sticker could cost more than double) after it vowed to “fight to the end.”

Some in Trump’s circle—including Elon Musk and some congressional Republicans—have begun to urge #47 to reverse course. Others say they’re trusting the process.
 
(We’re also covering this story tomorrow in Decaf, The Pour Over for Families. Sign up—for free—here.)
 
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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
While the negotiations of countries’ leaders will determine the future of the global economy, they’re not nearly as significant as how God oversees his economy—no detail overlooked or asset unnoticed.

“The world and everything in it is mine.” 
Psalm 50:12 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Shalom

Israeli PM Netanyahu and President Trump put their heads together at Pennsylvania Ave on Monday.

The allies discussed the war in Gaza, including how to return the remaining 59 Hamas-held hostages and Trump’s “bold vision” for a post-war Gaza (relocating Palestinians as the area is rebuilt under U.S. control).

Trade was also on the discussion table. Uncle Sam hit Israel with a 17% tariff last week, but Netanyahu promised to be “a model for many countries” by eliminating the trade deficit with the U.S.

During the visit, Trump announced that “direct talks with Iran” over its nuclear ambitions will begin this Saturday. The president said Tehran “can’t have a nuclear weapon,” and if talks don’t go well, Iran will “be in great danger.” Iran confirmed the meeting, but said Saturday would only be “indirect high-level talks.”

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Verse to consider when the stakes are high and you want the best negotiator in your corner… “If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.”
Romans 8:31-34 (CSB) (read full passage)

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POLITICS

Decisions, Decisions

The High Court is doing some checking and balancing this week. 

The Supreme Court voted 5-4 to allow the Trump admin to deport Venezuelan nationals under the Alien Enemies Act—with a few changes. While the 1798 wartime law allows foreign citizens to be deported without a hearing, the Supremes ruled detainees must receive notice and be given time to challenge their deportation.

Separately, Chief Justice Roberts temporarily blocked a deadline for the Trump admin to return a mistakenly deported man. The DOJ argued the district judge who set the deadline overstepped her authority and claims they have no way to return the man—who is from El Salvador but was living in Maryland with protected legal status.

Meanwhile, yesterday, SCOTUS allowed the Trump admin to terminate 16,000 probationary federal workers, rescinding a lower court’s order.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Christians have a hard job. Imitating our just and merciful Father, we must champion justice while we show love and compassion to all. 

“But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”  
Luke 6:35-36 (CSB) (read full passage)

Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. visited the Texas measles outbreak’s epicenter this week after a second child died from a measles-related illness. Kennedy, who has long advocated for vaccine-industry reforms, called the MMR vaccine “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles” on Sunday, angering some of his supporters.
 

DOGE has dodged another legal obstacle. Monday, a federal appeals court temporarily paused an order preventing DOGE from accessing Americans’ private data—including SSNs, birthdays, addresses, and citizenship statuses. Critics argue DOGE could misuse the deets, while the DOJ argues the suit’s plaintiffs didn’t have legal standing to bring the case because there’s been no harm.
 

The Gators pulled off a swamp-sized comeback Monday night, erasing a 12-point deficit to beat Houston 65-63 and snag their third-ever NCAA men’s basketball title—their first since 2007. Florida trailed nearly the entire game… until the last 46 seconds. In the final play, the Cougars lost the ball (and the game). Watch the chaos here.
 

Extinct dire wolves are howling back onto the scene (kinda). The company Colossal Biosciences announced that it used “genetic engineering and ancient DNA” to “de-extinct” the snow-white Ice Age-era wolf species famous for starring in Game of Thrones. A large pack of scientists says the three recently bred puppies—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—are an impressive breakthrough… but not actually dire wolves.
 

House Republicans have a plan for a more “pro-family Congress.” Instead of proposed proxy voting (letting someone else cast their vote), members absent due to family circumstances—like newborn babies, bereavement, or emergencies—will use a “pairing” system (a present member who’s planning to vote opposite of the absent member withholds their vote, effectively canceling out the absence).

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Definitely don’t try this at home…

What We’re Doing
Drinking more water, with LMNT*

Drinking water… isn’t my favorite. (I’m not saying my husband has to chase me around the house with a water bottle, but I’m not not saying that either). 

LMNT takes staying hydrated from a chore to something I actually enjoy. I just pop some Watermelon Salt in my handy-dandy water bottle, and I’m well on my way to my daily hydration goal. Plus, LMNT’s a step up from plain ol’ H2O; it has all the electrolytes my body needs—without any added sugar. 

If you also want to boost your hydration (and ease your spouse’s worries), try LMNT today. TPO readers get eight single-serve samples with their purchase!

Bailey Parmley | Less-dehydrated Writer

What We’re Subscribing To
Help The Persecuted’s Prayer Newsletter*

This has been an unexpected source of encouragement to my faith and prayer life.

Each week, I receive the specific prayer needs of persecuted believers— people who have faced credible death threats, violence, or been forced from their homes for their faith in Christ. It’s brought a much-needed fresh perspective to my own walk with God and challenged me to reorient on what matters most. 

Also, the Bible is very clear that prayer is powerful and effective… and there’s something powerful about knowing I’m joining thousands of other Christians in praying for another brother or sister’s specific needs! Join me (it’s free).

Jason Woodruff | Founder