WHITE HOUSE NEWS – From Japan tariffs to Harvard probe: Trump resets key domestic and foreign priorities

Ananya Roy, News Writer

The Trump administration escalated its policy agenda this week with major developments on trade, technology, and national security. President Trump announced a sweeping trade agreement with Japan, marking a sharp shift in global economic relations. The deal imposes a 15% tariff on Japanese auto exports to the U.S., up from the previous 2.5%, but avoids the threatened 25% rate. In return, Japan has agreed to increase American agricultural imports and invest $550 billion into the U.S. economy. While the move prompted optimism in financial markets, economists warn that the long-term impact of historically high tariffs, now averaging nearly 20%, could strain consumer spending and slow growth.

Meanwhile, the administration released its new Artificial Intelligence Action Plan, emphasizing deregulation, opposition to “ideological bias,” and support for rapid A.I. adoption. The plan calls for slashing environmental and diversity guidelines and favors federal contracts for companies aligned with the administration’s core values. In parallel, the White House opened a new investigation into Harvard’s visa program, prompting backlash over alleged politicization of enforcement. On foreign policy, the Senate delayed new Russia sanctions to allow Trump’s unilateral cease-fire ultimatum to play out. And in a high-profile move, intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard declassified documents to challenge Obama-era assessments of Russian interference in the 2016 election, echoing Trump’s renewed accusations of treason against former President Barack Obama