See The Recent Developments from the Trump Administration
Here’s what the Trump administration has been up to lately—from pausing Chinese tariffs and reviving a failed drug pricing plan, to hinting at suspending habeas corpus and preparing to accept a $400 million private jet from Qatar.
U.S. and China Agree to Pause Tariffs in Trade War Truce
In a surprise development, the Trump administration and Chinese officials announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, slashing rates significantly after face-to-face negotiations in Geneva. U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports dropped from 145% to 30%, while China reduced its tariffs from 125% to 10%. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the agreement helps avoid “upward tariff pressure” and creates a mechanism for continued talks, possibly in the U.S., China, or a third-party country.
Stocks soared globally following the announcement, and shipping companies and small exporters welcomed the easing of tensions. However, many tariffs—including those related to fentanyl—remain in place as separate discussions continue. Bessent emphasized this is not a decoupling but a “strategic” shift, especially in areas like semiconductors and medicine where U.S. supply chain self-reliance is now a priority.
Trump Revives “Most Favored Nation” Drug Pricing Plan
Trump has also pledged to sign an executive order to lower Medicare drug costs, reviving a stalled plan from his first term. The order would tie what the U.S. pays for certain medications administered in doctors’ offices to the lowest price paid by other wealthy nations. Trump called it the “Most Favored Nation’s Policy” and said the move would prevent Americans from being “suckers” paying more than anyone else globally.
JUST IN: PRESIDENT TRUMP'S "MOST IMPORTANT AND IMPACTFUL" TRUTH EVER ISSUED ⬇️
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 11, 2025
"I am pleased to announce that Tomorrow morning, in the White House, at 9:00 A.M., I will be signing one of the most consequential Executive Orders in our Country’s history…." pic.twitter.com/YfyKzked0S
The policy targets Medicare Part B drugs like cancer infusions—not pharmacy prescriptions—and is expected to face fierce pushback from the pharmaceutical industry, which argues it will hurt innovation. A similar rule was blocked during Trump’s final weeks in office, but he claims this version will bring “unprecedented” savings.
Trump Administration Flirts With Suspending Habeas Corpus
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller ignited outrage after saying Trump is “actively looking at” suspending habeas corpus, the constitutional right to appear before a judge when detained. Legal scholars and Democrats were quick to push back, calling the suggestion unlawful and authoritarian.
Constitutional experts like Steve Vladeck and Ilya Somin emphasized that only Congress can suspend habeas corpus, and only in times of invasion or rebellion. Critics said Trump is using immigration policy to bypass judicial review, warning that it’s a dangerous precedent that could affect American citizens too. Sen. Chris Murphy called it “a slippery slope to despotism,” while NYU law professor Stephen Gillers labeled it a deliberate effort to sideline the courts and “retain maximum power in the executive branch.”
Trump to Accept $400M Private Jet From Qatar as “Air Force One”
The Trump administration is preparing to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar to serve as Air Force One for the remainder of Trump’s presidency. According to multiple sources, ownership of the plane is expected to transfer to Trump’s presidential library foundation after his term ends.
The arrangement, reportedly in compliance with ethics rules, will be discussed during Trump’s upcoming Qatar visit. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that all foreign gifts are accepted “in full compliance with all applicable laws.” Democrats argue the move violates the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which bars gifts from foreign powers without congressional approval.
“This is the most valuable gift ever conferred on a President by a foreign government,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres, who is calling for an investigation. Sen. Bernie Sanders went further, calling the deal “farcically corrupt” and “blatantly unconstitutional.” Legal experts, including Norm Eisen of the Brookings Institution, suggest court challenges may follow.
The deal is expected to be discussed during Trump’s upcoming foreign trip to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—marking the start of his second term’s international diplomacy tour.
Trump Fires Librarian of Congress and Copyright Chief in Federal Purge
In a string of abrupt firings, Trump dismissed Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden—the first Black woman to ever hold the post—and Shira Perlmutter, the U.S. Register of Copyrights. Hayden had been targeted by right-wing groups, and Perlmutter had recently overseen a report on AI’s use of copyrighted material.
Democrats called the firings “a brazen, unprecedented power grab.” Rep. Joe Morelle said Trump is gutting the leadership of historically nonpartisan institutions to consolidate control. In a surprise move, Todd Blanche, a Trump lawyer who defended him during his 2024 hush money trial, has now been appointed as Acting Librarian of Congress, raising further alarms about loyalty hires.
