Texas senator Ted Cruz's stark warning about President Trump's aggressive trade policies sends shockwaves through the Republican party.
According to the New York Post, the pro-Trump senator cautioned that the administration's sweeping tariff increases against virtually every nation could trigger a political "bloodbath" for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections.
Cruz, 54, expressed his concerns during his "Verdict" podcast on Friday, suggesting that the extensive tariffs could ignite a global trade war and potentially lead to a severe recession. The Texas senator's warnings come as Trump faces growing resistance from within his own party regarding his protectionist economic policies.
The mounting opposition to Trump's tariff strategy has resulted in several Republican senators taking decisive action. Last week, four prominent GOP senators - Rand Paul, Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski - voted to overturn Trump's tariffs against Canada.
A bipartisan legislative effort has emerged to curtail presidential powers on tariffs. Senators Chuck Grassley and Maria Cantwell have introduced legislation aimed at limiting the president's authority over trade policies, with at least six Republican senators now backing the initiative.
The resistance, however, still falls short of the support needed to override an anticipated presidential veto. This political dynamic highlights the growing divide within the Republican party over Trump's trade policies.
Cruz revealed a conversation with an American car manufacturer who projected vehicle prices would increase by approximately $4,500 by June. The senator emphasized his view that tariffs essentially function as a consumer tax.
The Texas senator shared these sobering words about the potential consequences:
I'm seeing a lot of Republican cheerleaders reflexively defending what the White House is doing. If we go into a recession, particularly a bad recession, 2026, in all likelihood politically, would be a bloodbath. You would face a Democrat House, and you might even face a Democrat Senate.
The current economic landscape differs significantly from the trade conflicts of a century ago. While the United States has transformed into a net importer, supporters of Trump's strategy believe this position provides substantial leverage in international trade negotiations.
The Republicans currently maintain a slim majority in the House of Representatives, making their position particularly vulnerable. Historical patterns suggest that the party in power typically loses control of the lower chamber during midterm elections.
The GOP holds a 53-47 seat majority in the Senate, with only two vulnerable seats. Despite Democratic retirements in Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire giving Republicans hope for maintaining control, Cruz remains concerned about the broader implications of Trump's trade policies.
Cruz expressed his perspective on successful trade policy outcomes:
Look, I want this to succeed. But my definition of succeed may be different than the White House's. That's success for the American workers, American businesses, American growth, American prosperity.
Pro-Trump senator Ted Cruz has raised serious concerns about the administration's widespread tariff implementation and its potential impact on the Republican party's future. His warning about a possible political "bloodbath" in the 2026 midterm elections stems from fears of a global trade war and subsequent recession. As Republican lawmakers grapple with their response to Trump's aggressive trade policies, the party faces mounting pressure to balance support for the president with protecting American economic interests and their political future.
A shocking investigation unfolds as Dan Norris, a prominent Labor Party Member of Parliament, faces serious criminal allegations in Britain.
According to a Breitbart report, Norris was arrested on Friday on multiple charges including child sex offenses, rape, child abduction, and misconduct in public office.
The Avon and Somerset Police launched their investigation after receiving information about historical child sex offenses in December from another police force.
While most allegations date back to the 2000s, authorities are also investigating a rape allegation from the current decade. The victim is currently receiving specialist support and assistance.
The arrest of the North East Somerset and Hanham MP occurred at his residence, where police conducted a thorough search. Norris, who is in his sixties, was subsequently released on conditional bail as the investigation continues.
The Avon and Somerset Police's Operation Bluestone, a specialized unit dedicated to investigating rape and serious sexual assault cases, is leading the ongoing investigation. Officials have emphasized the sensitive nature of the case and requested public cooperation to avoid speculation that might hinder their inquiries.
A police spokesperson provided details about the nature of the charges, which include violations under both the Sexual Offences Act of 1956 and 2003. The investigation remains in its early stages, with authorities carefully managing the sensitive aspects of the case.
The Labor Party responded swiftly to the arrest by suspending Norris's membership and removing the party whip in the House of Commons. The party's quick action demonstrates their zero-tolerance approach to such serious allegations.
According to an Avon and Somerset Police statement:
A man aged in his sixties was arrested on Friday on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl (under the Sexual Offences Act 1956), rape (under the Sexual Offences Act 2003), child abduction and misconduct in a public office. He's been released on conditional bail for enquiries to continue. This is an active and sensitive investigation, so we'd respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered.
Norris's political career spans decades, having previously served as MP for Wansdyke from 1997 to 2010. During his tenure, he held the position of Rural Affairs minister under Gordon Brown's government. His return to Parliament came after defeating former Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg in the recent election.
Adding complexity to the case is Norris's previous involvement with child protection services. His website indicates that he underwent training with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) to become a child protection officer.
The revelation of his NSPCC training has sparked concerns about potential abuse of position and trust. This aspect of his background adds another layer of scrutiny to the ongoing investigation.
Dan Norris, the Labor MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, faces multiple serious charges including child sex offenses, rape, and child abduction. The arrest occurred following information received by Avon and Somerset Police about historical child sex offenses, with allegations spanning from the 2000s to the current decade. The Labor Party has suspended Norris's membership and removed the whip, while the police investigation continues under Operation Bluestone, with the MP currently released on conditional bail pending further inquiries.
A devastating missile strike hit a residential area in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, targeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown.
According to Breitbart London, the attack claimed 18 lives, including nine children, and left 61 people injured, ranging from a three-month-old infant to elderly residents.
Regional governor Serhii Lysak confirmed that forty people remain hospitalized, with two children in critical condition and 17 others in serious condition. The strike damaged approximately 20 apartment buildings, over 30 vehicles, an educational facility, and a restaurant in the area. A subsequent drone attack on the city resulted in one additional death and seven injuries.
The Russian Defense Ministry asserted that the high-precision missile strike targeted a restaurant where Ukrainian military commanders and Western instructors were meeting. They claimed to have eliminated 85 military personnel and foreign officers while destroying 20 vehicles.
Ukrainian officials strongly disputed these claims. The Ukrainian General Staff rejected the Russian military's account, while President Zelenskyy emphasized that the missile struck near residential buildings, hitting a playground and ordinary streets.
Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city's defense council, expressed outrage at the attack's civilian toll. The strike's proximity to residential areas contradicted Russia's claims of targeting military personnel.
Russian forces launched an aggressive drone campaign overnight, deploying 92 drones into Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 51 of these drones, while 31 decoy drones failed to reach their intended targets.
The conflict has spread to Russian-occupied territories as well. In Horlivka, located in Ukraine's Donetsk region, one person died from shelling on Saturday. Moscow-installed Governor Denis Pushilin reported that security officials had destroyed 28 Ukrainian drones over the Donetsk region. This marked the first instance of the occupied territory being targeted by such long-range drone strikes, indicating an evolution in Ukraine's military capabilities and strategy.
President Zelenskyy addressed the international community, emphasizing the need for increased support. He pointed to Russia's continued aggression as evidence of their unwillingness to end the conflict.
Ukraine's president delivered a passionate statement regarding the attacks. Zelenskyy said:
The United States, Europe, and the rest of the world have enough power to make Russia abandon terror and war. Every missile, every drone strike proves Russia wants only war.
The Ukrainian leader called for allies to strengthen pressure on Moscow and enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities. The recent attacks have highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of Ukrainian cities to Russian missile strikes.
The missile strike on Kryvyi Rih represents one of the deadliest attacks on President Zelenskyy's hometown, resulting in 18 fatalities, including nine children, and leaving dozens injured. The Russian military's claims of targeting military personnel contrasted sharply with evidence of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
As the conflict continues to escalate, with increased drone warfare and civilian casualties, Ukraine's leadership emphasizes the critical need for international support to counter Russian aggression. The attack's devastating impact on civilian areas underscores the urgency of enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities and maintaining pressure on Moscow to end hostilities.
A Democrat operative revealed his past connection with Chief Justice John Roberts during their collaboration on legal matters in Prague, while continuing his criticism of Justice Clarence Thomas's travel arrangements.
According to Breitbart, Norm Eisen, who recently lost his security clearance, disclosed in a resurfaced podcast that Chief Justice Roberts stayed with him for a week at the ambassador's residence in Prague, working on American and European rule of law issues.
The revelation came from a May 2024 Pantsuit Nation podcast where Eisen defended Roberts while simultaneously raising ethics concerns about Justice Thomas's travel arrangements with wealthy associates. Mike Benz, a critic of U.S. "deep state" agencies, brought attention to this audio earlier this week.
Eisen's disclosure about Roberts occurred during his tenure as ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2011 to 2014. The stay took place at the U.S. ambassador's residence, a palace owned by the United States government, not Eisen's personal property.
During the podcast, Eisen made the following statement defending Roberts while criticizing Thomas:
John Roberts is not corrupt. I know the Chief Justice well. He stayed, when I was ambassador, stayed under my roof, came and spent a week with us. We worked on American and European rule of law issues together.
The timing of Roberts's visit is particularly noteworthy as Eisen had already established himself as a prominent left-wing figure by then. His role in Democratic Party operations has been extensive and well-documented.
Eisen founded Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), an organization that received funding from George Soros. While CREW occasionally scrutinized Democrats, its primary focus remained on Republican ethical concerns.
During his time as White House "ethics czar," Eisen faced criticism for his handling of White House visitor logs. He later transitioned to various roles targeting Republican officials through legal channels.
His involvement in multiple anti-Trump initiatives has been significant, including participation in Trump's first impeachment investigation and various attempts to remove Trump from the 2024 presidential ballot.
President Trump recently stripped Eisen of his security clearance along with other "lawfare" operatives. This action followed Eisen's continued involvement in legal challenges against Trump and criticism of federal judges who ruled in Trump's favor.
Eisen has maintained his role in challenging conservative judicial figures, particularly focusing on Justice Thomas's travel arrangements and ethics concerns. He also participated in criticizing Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his 2018 confirmation hearings.
Norm Eisen, a prominent Democratic operative, revealed his past connection with Chief Justice John Roberts during their work on legal matters in Prague while serving as U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic.
This disclosure came amid his ongoing criticism of Justice Clarence Thomas's travel arrangements and ethics concerns. The situation has escalated with President Trump's recent revocation of Eisen's security clearance, highlighting the increasingly complex intersection of politics and judiciary in American governance.
A devastating series of storms continues to batter the South and Midwest, leaving communities reeling from severe weather conditions and rising floodwaters.
According to Breitbart, at least 16 people have lost their lives as torrential rains and flash flooding ravage regions from Texas to Ohio, with the death toll expected to increase amid ongoing severe weather conditions.
The catastrophic weather system has triggered widespread power outages affecting more than 162,000 residents across Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky have already declared states of emergency as communities struggle to cope with the unprecedented weather event.
The National Weather Service has issued new tornado warnings for Alabama and Mississippi counties, while Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee face fresh flash flood warnings. The continuous rainfall has caused rivers and waterways to swell rapidly, prompting emergency responses across multiple jurisdictions.
Arkansas faces particularly challenging conditions as flooding impacts communities statewide. Emergency response teams are working around the clock to assist affected residents and maintain critical infrastructure.
Local authorities report extensive flooding of structures, roads, and bridges across the impacted regions. The National Weather Service predicts numerous locations will reach "major flood stage" in the coming days.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service have issued stark warnings about the developing situation. The agency emphasizes the severity of the incoming weather system.
Temperature fluctuations and unprecedented rainfall levels are expected to affect areas from the central United States to the East Coast as the weather system moves forward. Officials warn that these conditions could create additional challenges for emergency responders.
The impact of extreme rainfall will continue to affect communities in the coming weeks, with moderate to major flooding expected on secondary and primary waterways throughout the affected regions.
Tennessee has reported the highest number of weather-related casualties, with 10 deaths confirmed. Emergency services continue to monitor developing situations across all affected states.
State and local authorities have implemented emergency protocols to address the crisis. Multiple counties have established emergency shelters and evacuation centers to assist displaced residents.
The National Weather Service maintains an active tornado watch until 10 a.m. for several counties in Alabama, including Choctaw, Clarke, Monroe, Washington, and Wilcox, highlighting the ongoing threat of severe weather.
The devastating weather system has claimed at least 16 lives while continuing its destructive path across multiple states. The combination of torrential rains, flash flooding, and tornadoes has created unprecedented challenges for communities from Texas to Ohio. Emergency response teams remain on high alert as forecasters predict additional severe weather conditions, including potentially historic rainfall and significant temperature variations. The situation continues to evolve as authorities work to protect vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure from the impact of this massive weather event.
An unexpected surge in international trade negotiations follows President Trump's latest economic policy announcement.
According to Breitbart, Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins revealed during CNN's "State of the Union" that numerous countries have expressed eagerness to engage in trade discussions following the administration's new tariff policy announcement.
The announcement, which occurred last Wednesday, introduces what Trump calls the "new American economic plan." This comprehensive strategy aims to restructure the American economy by prioritizing domestic goods and industry. The initiative represents a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, coming at a time when global markets are closely monitoring American economic decisions.
Agricultural Secretary Rollins emphasized the swift international reaction to the new policy. She explained that despite the brief implementation period, approximately 50 countries have already initiated contact to discuss trade terms. This development suggests a potentially transformative moment in global trade relations.
Rollins addressed existing trade disparities affecting U.S. agricultural exports. She highlighted several examples where American farmers face significant barriers in international markets, including restrictions on corn exports to Mexico and beef sales to Australia. The secretary particularly noted the disparity in pork trade, pointing out that Honduras imports more American pork than the entire European Union.
During her CNN appearance, Rollins stated:
I think it's really important to realize that last Wednesday was when the president announced this new american order, the new american economic plan. We're now two days in, right? You've got two days of data. This whole concept is about rebuilding an American economy around American goods, around American industry. We do already live under a tariff regime in this country, but it's the tariff regime of China, of Mexico, of Brazil, of Australia, of countries that Mexico won't take our corn, Australia won't take our beef.
India's response to the new American tariffs has been notably measured. The country has indicated it does not plan to implement retaliatory measures, suggesting a potential for productive dialogue between the two nations. This approach marks a significant departure from traditional responses to U.S. tariff policies.
Taiwan has taken an even more proactive stance by proposing zero tariffs as a foundation for future trade negotiations. The nation has also committed to increasing its investment in the United States, demonstrating a willingness to strengthen economic ties despite global market uncertainty.
These developments align with the administration's goal of leveraging America's economic influence to secure more favorable trade terms. The responses from India and Taiwan could potentially serve as models for other nations considering their approach to the new U.S. trade policy.
The situation has prompted varied reactions from European allies. France has notably taken a strong position, suggesting the EU might consider "extremely aggressive" actions in response to the tariffs. This stance indicates potential challenges in maintaining stable trade relations with European partners.
However, some European nations have shown signs of flexibility. The EU's consideration of "zero-for-zero tariffs" on industrial goods demonstrates a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, despite initial concerns about the policy's impact on international trade.
Market analysts continue to monitor global reactions as countries adjust their trade strategies in response to the new American approach. The diversity of responses suggests a complex period of international trade negotiations lies ahead.
President Trump's new tariff policy has triggered widespread international response, with Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins confirming that 50 nations have already initiated trade discussions with the United States. The policy, announced as part of the "new American economic plan," aims to prioritize domestic goods and industry while addressing existing trade imbalances that affect U.S. agricultural exports. As global markets continue to react, countries like India and Taiwan have shown willingness to negotiate, while others, particularly in the European Union, consider more aggressive responses to the new American trade stance.
In a powerful 1996 speech on the House floor, Rep. Nancy Pelosi called for caution in granting trade advantages to China.
Decades later, her predictions appeared prescient as studies revealed the harsh impact on American manufacturing and job numbers stemming from free trade policies with China, as Breitbart reports, with some suggesting her current stance against Trump policies smacks of hypocrisy as a result.
In the mid-1990s, the U.S. Congress debated whether to continue offering Most Favored Nation (MFN) trade status to China. During this period, Pelosi voiced her strong opposition, arguing that such a status harmed the economic interests of the United States. The growing trade deficit, which had ballooned from $3.5 billion after the Tiananmen Square crackdown to $34 billion by 1996, was a focal point of her argument.
Pelosi pointed out the disparity in tariffs, highlighting that China's 35% average MFN rate on U.S. goods was vastly higher than the U.S.'s 2% rate on imports from China. She noted that only a small fraction of American exports were permitted into Chinese markets, while Chinese products faced few barriers in the U.S. These trade imbalances, she argued, resulted in a significant loss of American jobs.
In her speech, Pelosi estimated that trade with China supported just 170,000 U.S. jobs compared to at least 10 million jobs in China. She criticized the policy as benefiting a regime she accused of human rights abuses and maintained it was harmful to American workers. Pelosi urged her colleagues to reconsider the arrangements, suggesting, "How much more repression, how big a trade deficit and loss of jobs...before members of this House...say, ‘I will not endorse the status quo?'"
Pelosi's concerns would find validation in subsequent years. A 2018 report by the Economic Policy Institute highlighted the consequences of the U.S.-China trade relationship, noting the country lost 3.4 million jobs from 2001 to 2017 due to the trade deficit with China. The manufacturing sector bore the brunt, losing over 2.5 million jobs during this period. States like California, Texas, and New York saw significant job losses.
Further examination by the U.S. International Trade Commission in 2022 shed light on the wider societal impact of trade policies. It concluded that such policies fueled offshoring, wage suppression, and devastated local communities and support industries. The fallout included increased mental health issues and other societal challenges in regions heavily dependent on manufacturing.
Beaver County, Pennsylvania, offered a poignant example of this economic upheaval. Plant closures there led to a series of business failures in the surrounding area, severing the economic lifeline for local families. Across the country, communities like those in Lansing, Michigan, and Lordstown, Ohio, were similarly affected by the shutdown of General Motors plants.
The Cooper Tire situation in Finley, Ohio, illustrated a broader challenge. Unfair competition from Chinese manufacturers put jobs at risk, leading to unstable work schedules and economic uncertainty. In northeast Ohio, once represented by Tim Ryan, roughly 25,000 manufacturing jobs vanished, and the area faced a staggering rise in drug-related deaths.
Formerly vibrant cities such as Youngstown, Ohio, suffered greatly, losing population and witnessing extensive neighborhood decay. Observers noted a vicious cycle of decline, exacerbated by former manufacturing workers moving away. Pelosi’s arguments in the ’90s echoed through these tales of economic distress.
In more recent times, Pelosi also leveled criticism at Trump over his proposed reciprocal tariffs, which she described as a catastrophe for the economy and families across America. She pointed to these as an ineffective strategy, labeling them as one of the largest proposed tax increases on American citizens.
The 2018 and 2022 reports underscored how trade policies contributed to widespread job losses. Local businesses, particularly those relying on affected workers, faced closures, and broader economic inactivity spread through the supply chains. A retired steelworker further argued these downturns also jeopardized pensions, affecting workers' long-term financial security.
Reflecting Pelosi's earlier warnings, union representatives and industry veterans observed how loopholes in trade policies often were leveraged by foreign countries to the detriment of U.S. workers. Communities that once thrived on industrial growth now faced adverse socioeconomic conditions, echoing Pelosi's 1996 concerns.
U.S. District Judge John McConnell recently ruled against the Trump administration's freeze on federal climate-related grants, impacting the former president's ambitions for how federal funds are controlled.
McConnell, for whom Republicans have floated impeachment, has ordered the release of federal funds frozen by the Trump administration, challenging an executive directive and intensifying a heated political and legal battle over climate grants, as Fox News reports.
On Friday, McConnell directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to lift a freeze on federal funding that had tied up programs supporting environmental initiatives. This legal action stemmed from a lawsuit brought forth by 22 states and the District of Columbia, which argued that the Trump administration's hold on funds contravened earlier judicial orders.
The lawsuit included major states like New York, California, Illinois, and Rhode Island. The states contended that FEMA's new manual review process for payments was an indirect way to halt funding, which they asserted conflicted with a preceding injunction by Judge McConnell. The plaintiffs voiced concerns that these administrative measures represented a direct challenge to funds designated by Congress for climate-related programs.
The defendants, including President Donald Trump himself and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), maintained that FEMA's actions were legitimate. They argued that the agency acted independently of direct presidential orders. Despite their assertions, Judge McConnell identified compelling evidence indicating the manual review process might be covertly influenced by an executive order from Jan. 20, 2025.
The origins of this legal dispute trace back to January when Judge McConnell issued a restraining order preventing the administration from pausing federal allocations. Shortly following, the OMB announced a temporary halt on grants, only to rescind this policy two days later. However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that this revocation did not impede the overarching freeze.
Despite McConnell's ruling favoring the plaintiffs, the government sought to challenge the decision by appealing to the First Circuit. However, the petition to stay the compliance order was denied, thus allowing the judge’s directives to remain in effect.
The legal ruling occurs amidst an ongoing political struggle involving Judge McConnell. Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia has spearheaded an impeachment effort against the judge. On March 24, Clyde formally submitted articles of impeachment accusing McConnell of misusing his position for political purposes.
These allegations suggest that McConnell engaged in judicial actions to hinder the federal administration’s agenda selectively. Furthermore, Clyde criticized McConnell’s rulings, describing them as a unilateral opposition to policies endorsed by President Trump.
Clyde’s previous announcements regarding his impeachment plans date back to February, highlighting a sustained effort to remove McConnell. The articles of impeachment, which were shared with Fox News Digital, further claim that the judge attempted to manipulate his office to align with personal political persuasions.
The overarching political implications of this case are significant, highlighting tensions between the judiciary and the executive branch. The controversy also underscores challenges in advancing climate initiatives amid partisan disagreements. McConnell's ruling effectively reinstates the financial support essential for ongoing environmental projects advocated by numerous states.
Judge McConnell reiterated his commitment to uphold judicial orders amid what he described as attempts to “categorically pause or freeze” Congressionally approved funding. His decisions remain pivotal as they not only impact the immediate distribution of funds but potentially set precedents for future cases concerning executive and judicial boundaries.
As these legal and political dramas continue to unfold, the resolution may hinge on whether impeachment proceedings gain traction in Congress. Future court proceedings and legislative maneuvers surrounding Judge McConnell’s role will likely determine the longevity and impact of the recent judicial orders concerning climate funding.