Donald Trump is giving some relief from the 25 percent tariffs imposed on Mexico and Canada for the auto industry, agreeing to a one-month exemption for the sector. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick teased the exemption in interviews on Wednesday.
The reprieve comes just a day after duties were imposed and after the president spoke with the CEOs of the Big 3 automakers — Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis.
As markets reeled from the spiraling dispute over trade, Trump delivered an exhausting and boisterous 100-minute address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night.
The president downplayed the trade war as a mere “disturbance,” blamed Joe Biden for inflated grocery prices, and proclaimed, “The days of rule by unelected bureaucrats are over.” This drew a round of ironic laughter, as he also praised Elon Musk and DOGE.
Trump also insisted he is working to end the war in Ukraine and read part of an apologetic letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In other international news, the president posted a fiery ultimatum to Hamas about the release of the remaining hostages that also threatened the people of Gaza. Earlier, it was revealed that the U.S. has been in secret talks with the terrorist group.
Read More
Key Points
- Biggest loss yet for DOGE as thousands of probationary USDA employees ordered back to work
- RFK Jr. being protected by U.S. Marshals, report says
- Trump now considering tariff exemptions for some agricultural products, report says
- Jack Daniel’s boss says Ontario removing U.S. alcohol from shelves is ‘worse than tariffs’
- Trump tariffs: China warns it’s prepared for ‘any type of war’ with US
RFK Jr. being protected by U.S. Marshals, report says
04:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Reuters reports that an email shows that the U.S. Marshals Service is providing security to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Sources told Reuters that the arrangement was unusual.
In the February 12 email, the HHS Office of the Inspector General stated that it was winding down its protective services operations and that Attorney General Pam Bondi would arrange security for Kennedy moving forward.
“After over four decades of providing for the personal protection of the Secretary and other high-ranking HHS officials when necessary — both nationally and internationally, day and night, through a pandemic, and other obstacles — OI's protective operations are coming to an end,” wrote Christian Schrank, the deputy inspector general for investigations at HHS OIG.
A Marshals spokesperson referred questions from Reuters to the Justice Department.
Bondi confirmed the arrangement: “My friend Secretary Kennedy is a valued and respected leader in President Trump’s Cabinet who will be provided the proper security protection.”
A spokesperson for the HHS OIG declined to comment when approached by Reuters.
The Marshals Service, which has about 3,900 federal agents, is the enforcement arm of the federal court system. Its agents protect judges and court buildings. The agency also houses and transports prisoners and manages the sale of assets seized in criminal forfeiture proceedings.
It is sometimes called upon to provide security for individuals involved in court or congressional proceedings, such as witnesses, prosecutors, and judges who may face threats.
The attorney general is also authorized to assign agents to provide security for other officials, such as cabinet secretaries.
Biggest loss yet for DOGE as thousands of probationary USDA employees ordered back to work
03:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
The chair of a quiet government agency secured the re-employment of nearly 6,000 fired federal workers for the next month and a half on Wednesday, just a day after her own firing was ruled illegal by a federal judge.
Cathy Harris struck what is likely the biggest blow so far to DOGE’s firing campaign on Wednesday, ruling that 5,600 probationary employees at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) were terminated in a move that may have violated federal procedures. Her ruling halts the firings for 45 days, while the Merit Systems Protection Board, which she chairs, reviews the decision.
John Bowden reports from Washington, D.C.
Lindsey Graham – who feuds and makes up with Trump – appears to push a third term for the president
02:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina congressman known for his hot-and-cold relationship with Donald Trump, has appeared to back a third term for the president.
In a social media message, posted shortly after Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, Graham wrote: “My take on President @realDonaldTrump’s address tonight: Inspiring, funny, compelling and the Democrats’ worst nightmare.” He added: “Trump 2028!”
Mike Bedigan reports.
Lin-Manuel Miranda cancels Hamilton tour stop at Kennedy Center over Trump takeover
02:00
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Oliver O'Connell
Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and the musical’s lead producer Jeffrey Seller have announced they are cancelling a planned run of shows at Washington DC’s John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts over the Trump administration’s takeover of the institution.
Soon after returning to the Oval Office, Trump fired the Kennedy Center’s leadership and put MAGA loyalist Richard Grenell in charge.
Kevin E G Perry has the story.
After becoming a presidential punchline, Social Security Administration correcting records of dead people
01:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
The Social Security Administration says it is correcting the records of deceased people that President Donald Trump repeatedly brings up as evidence of fraud.
The agency said it has made “significant progress” in identifying and correcting beneficiary records of people 100 years old or older.
During his address to Congress on Tuesday, Trump repeated the claim that millions of people over 100, some up to 360 years old, are collecting Social Security benefits.
The agency said in a Wednesday statement that “while these people may not be receiving benefits, it is important for the agency to maintain accurate and complete records.”
A series of reports from the Social Security Administration’s inspector general in March 2023 and July 2024 stated that the agency has not established a new system to properly annotate death information in its database.
This database included records of roughly 18.9 million Social Security numbers of people born in 1920 or earlier who were not marked as deceased.
The agency’s acting commissioner clarified last month that deceased centenarians were “not necessarily receiving benefits.”
With reporting by the AP
Watch: Vance issues blunt response when asked about US troops in Mexico
01:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
What have companies said so far about how Trump tariffs will affect prices?
00:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
The Trump administration’s 25 percent tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico are prompting retaliatory measures amid a brewing trade war.
During his primetime address on March 4, Trump noted that his new tariffs might cause “a little disturbance” but argued that it would be worth it for the eventual benefits he claimed his aggressive trade policy would bring.
“Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again. And it’s happening, and it will happen rather quickly,” he claimed.
“There will be a little disturbance, but we’re okay with that,” said Trump. “It won’t be much.”
However, as Gustaf Kilander reports, the CEOs of several large companies have warned that Trump’s tariffs may be devastating for their industries.
Read on...
Vance given ashes for Ash Wednesday
00:15
,
Oliver O'Connell
Prior to his departure from the southern border, a priest greeted Vice President JD Vance at Air Force Two and gave him his ashes for Ash Wednesday.
A White House official shared that it was Chaplain Lambert Ulinzwenimana, Captain, USAF.
Before departing Texas after visit to Southern Border with Mexico, a priest gives JD Vance ashes for Ash Wednesday ... pic.twitter.com/1s2Mo7zFcx
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) March 5, 2025
Trump tells D.C. mayor to clean up homeless encampments or 'we will be forced to do it for her'
00:05
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Oliver O'Connell
After a quiet day of no public engagements beyond Oval Office meetings and a call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, President Donald Trump is unloading on Truth Social.
After his earlier posts threatening Hamas and the people of Gaza, and saying that Democrats should lose the midterms based on their protests at last night’s joint address to Congress, the president followed up with an order to Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C.
He wrote on Truth Social:
We have notified the Mayor of Washington, D.C., that she must clean up all of the unsightly homeless encampments in the City, specifically including the ones outside of the State Department, and near the White House. If she is not capable of doing so, we will be forced to do it for her! Washington, D.C. must become CLEAN and SAFE! We want to be proud of our Great Capital again. Thank you Mayor Bowser for your efforts on behalf of the Citizens of our Country. Hopefully you will be successful!
DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Full story: Trump gives Hamas ‘last warning’ to release hostages and leave Gaza or ‘there will be hell to pay’
00:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump issued a stark warning that the U.S. would help destroy Hamas if leaders of the militant group didn’t leave Gaza and release their remaining Israeli hostages.
Josh Marcus reports.
Trump says Republicans can win any race in country after Democrats' behavior during his speech
Wednesday 5 March 2025 23:51
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Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump has slammed Democratic Party lawmakers over their protests and heckling during last night’s joint address to Congress.
The president says: “Republicans can take what happened last night, and win any Race in the Country.”
Here’s what he wrote on Truth Social this evening:
The Democrats should lose the Midterms based on their behavior at last night’s Joint Address to Congress. All Republicans must use their behavior on men in women’s sports, their very dangerous Open Border policy, High Energy and Taxes, and much else. Also, Republicans should utilize the footage provided on the total disrespect they showed to all of those that were honored that night, including young ladies who were killed by illegal migrants, people with terminal cancer, etc. They didn’t even have the common courtesy to stand, smile, or applaud. This could be, on analyzing the full tape of this Historic Event, your full CAMPAIGN TO VICTORY! In other words, Republicans can take what happened last night, and win any Race in the Country. Good Luck!!!
Be Best: Melania Trump lauds her guests from president's joint address to Congress
Wednesday 5 March 2025 23:45
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Oliver O'Connell
First Lady Melania Trump, who revived her Be Best campaign on her return to the White House, has posted pictures with two of her guests from last night’s joint address to Congress by President Donald Trump.
Elliston Berry is an advocate for the “Take It Down Act” after being the victim of deepfake AI posts:
BE BEST:
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) March 5, 2025
Adversity will test you. Life will throw moments at you that feel unbearable. But in the most daunting times, something incredible happens - Hope finds a way in… and step by step, you move forward.
Elliston Berry is the epitome of perseverance. This week in… pic.twitter.com/FAJMd2EnrO
Haley Ferguson is part of the Fostering the Future community which secures educational opportunities and scholarships for children in foster care:
BE BEST:
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) March 5, 2025
To every young American: your past may shape you, but it doesn’t lock your pathway forward. You have the power to overcome obstacles, break barriers, and achieve your goals.
Haley Ferguson is an inspiration. I am proud that she is a part of our Fostering the Future… pic.twitter.com/kPGekjeEBn
Trump now considering tariff exemptions for some agricultural products, report says
Wednesday 5 March 2025 23:37
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Oliver O'Connell
You might recall that earlier, Trump said he was open to hearing other appeals for exemptions from his tariffs...
(Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trump is considering exempting certain agricultural products from tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico, the latest move by the administration on Wednesday to offer relief to certain sectors from the sweeping new import taxes.
— Josh Wingrove (@josh_wingrove) March 5, 2025
Jack Daniel’s boss says Ontario removing U.S. alcohol from shelves is ‘worse than tariffs’
Wednesday 5 March 2025 23:30
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Oliver O'Connell
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is removing alcohol from the U.S. from its shelves after the Trump administration’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico went into effect on Tuesday at midnight.
The president imposed tariffs of 25 percent on Canadian goods, as well as a 10 percent tariff on energy.
Ontario put in place a number of measures that it was close to enacting a few weeks ago, when the Trump White House came close to taking action on its tariff plans the first time.
Gustaf Kilander reports.
Firing of federal ethics watchdog Hampton Dellinger can proceed, appeals court rules
Wednesday 5 March 2025 23:26
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Oliver O'Connell
Judges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia are permitting the dismissal of Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger, the federal ethics watchdog responsible for overseeing whistleblowers, to move forward.
BREAKING: Federal ethics watchdog Hampton Dellinger has been removed after an order of the DC Circuit: pic.twitter.com/9bruOb9yzD
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) March 5, 2025
Judges Karen LeCraft Henderson (a George HW Bush appointee), Patricia Millett (a Barack Obama appointee), and Justin Walker (a Donald Trump appointee) made the order without dissent. An opinion will follow.
Here’s our earlier reporting on the case:
Trump met with eight hostages released from Gaza
Wednesday 5 March 2025 23:19
,
Oliver O'Connell
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt released the following statement:
"Today, President Trump took time to meet with eight of the released hostages from Gaza. The President listened intently to their heartbreaking stories. The hostages thanked President Trump for his steadfast efforts to bring all of the hostages home."
According to the statement, the president met with Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher and Noa Argamani.
House Democrats fail to block an effort to censure Rep. Al Green for heckling Trump during his address
Wednesday 5 March 2025 23:00
,
AP
The parliamentary tactic to table the censure resolution failed with 209 Democrats in support and 211 Republicans against. The result means a final vote on whether to censure Rep Al Green, of Texas, will likely take place Thursday.
Green was escorted out of the chamber for the disruption early in the Tuesday address when Trump boasted of his election victory and Green countered, “You have no mandate.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson told Green to take his seat, but he refused. Johnson ordered the sergeant at arms to restore order by removing Green.
Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse, the censure resolution’s sponsor, said “respect for the institution is paramount” and that Green “performed one of the most shameful acts that I’ve ever seen on this floor.”
Green, before speaking in his own defense, went up to Newhouse and shook his hand.
He explained his actions by saying the president indicated he had a mandate to cut Medicaid. Green said Trump doesn’t have a mandate to cut the program that many of his constituents rely on.
“This is a matter of principle. This is a matter of conscience,” Green said. “There are people suffering in this country because they don’t have health care.”
Mayors of ‘sanctuary cities’ face Congressional grilling in wild hearing
Wednesday 5 March 2025 22:40
,
Oliver O'Connell
House Republicans launched accusations at four mayors of “sanctuary cities” during a contentious hearing, accusing them of treason, violating federal laws and having “blood” on their hands, with one representative claiming she would recommend the Department of Justice bring a criminal investigation against them.
Ariana Baio followed the proceedings.
Musk tells tech conference U.S. should privatize Amtrak and USPS
Wednesday 5 March 2025 22:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Elon Musk suggested Wednesday that the U.S. government should privatize “as much as possible” and named Amtrak and the U.S. Postal Service as two services ripe for privatization, NBC News reports citing a source at a Morgan Stanley technology conference at which the tech mogul appeared virtually.
The Trump adviser and apparent head of the Department of Government Efficiency told attendees about his experiences riding bullet trains abroad and said: “And we come back to America, like, Amtrak is a sad situation.”
“If you’re coming from another country, please don’t use our national rail. It can leave you with a very bad impression of America," Musk added. “So, I just, I think we should prioritize anything that can be privatized.”
The ownership structures of high-speed railways abroad vary widely. Some are fully state-owned, like China's. Others, like Japan’s railways, have been largely privatized. The European system is mixed.
Full story: White House confirms U.S. holding ‘ongoing talks’ with Hamas
Wednesday 5 March 2025 22:20
,
Oliver O'Connell
Sources briefed on the conversations have told Reuters that the Trump administration has been holding secret talks with the militant Palestinian group Hamas to secure the release of U.S. hostages still held in Gaza.
The White House confirmed the talks were “ongoing” during today’s press briefing.
U.S. hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler has the authority to negotiate directly with Hamas, the White House said. This runs counter to the longstanding policy against negotiating with groups that the U.S. has designated as terrorist organizations.
Sources reported that Boehler and Hamas officials recently met in Doha. It remains unclear who represented Hamas. Axios was the first outlet to report on the discussions.
The U.S. had long refrained from directly engaging with the Islamist group that carried out the cross-border raid into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, igniting the devastating war in Gaza. The U.S. State Department designated Hamas as a terrorist organization in 1997.
The previous U.S. involvement in facilitating a ceasefire and hostage release agreement in the Gaza conflict has been conducted through Israel, along with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, but there were no known direct communications between Washington and Hamas.
At today’s White House briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “When it comes to the negotiations that you're referring to, first of all, the special envoy who's engaged in those negotiations does have the authority.”
She said Israel was consulted but did not indicate whether this was before or after the talks, and described them as part of President Donald Trump's “good faith effort to do what's right for the American people.”
Leavitt added: “These are ongoing talks and discussions. I'm not going to detail them here. There are American lives at stake. I would defer you to the Department of State. For further details, but I'm not going to get into those talks here at this podium.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Wednesday: “Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas.”
With reporting from Reuters.
During border visit, Vance says US forces won’t invade Mexico
Wednesday 5 March 2025 22:15
,
AP
Vice President JD Vance says U.S. forces won’t invade Mexico despite the president designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, opening the door for potential military action.
Asked about the potential for ground forces during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, Vance responded emphatically: “No. Next question.”
He declined to offer details on any potential air strikes or other military activity.
“The president has a megaphone, and he’ll speak to those issues as he feels necessary,” Vance said.
Vance went to Eagle Pass, Texas, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to tout a drop in illegal border crossings.
The vice president said the administration is still working to ramp up its capacity to carry out the mass deportations that Trump promised during his campaign.
He blamed a need for more funding and alleged that former President Joe Biden “gutted” the immigration enforcement apparatus.
Trump issues ultimatum to Hamas: 'RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!'
Wednesday 5 March 2025 22:02
,
Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas on Truth Social, telling the terrorist organization: “RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
The president also warned the group: “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
Trump also had a message to the Palestinian people: “Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision.”
Here’s President Trump’s full post on the social media platform:
“Shalom Hamas” means Hello and Goodbye - You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!
DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
It was revealed earlier that the U.S. was holding secret direct talks with Hamas about the hostages. Here’s Jane Dalton’s full report:
ANALYSIS: Trump used his congressional address to humiliate Democrats. Why did they let him?
Wednesday 5 March 2025 22:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
John Bowden writes:
Hakeem Jeffries attempted to present a united opposition party at Tuesday’s State of the Union address.
The House Democratic leader laid out his reasoning for attending while urging as many as possible in his party to do so, in a dear colleague letter this week.
“[I]t is important to have a strong, determined and dignified Democratic presence in the chamber,” wrote Jeffries on Monday. “The House as an institution belongs to the American people, and as their representatives, we will not be run off the block or bullied.”
But in return, those Democrats who attended Tuesday night’s address by the president of the United States were subjected to public humiliation. They could do very little to respond.
Read on...
Speaker's chief of staff arrested on DUI charge after Trump’s speech
Wednesday 5 March 2025 21:50
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Oliver O'Connell
The chief of staff to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Hayden Haynes, was arrested on a DUI charge following President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, according to an NBC News report.
Read on...
Hundreds of diplomats sign letter to Rubio protesting the dismantling of USAID
Wednesday 5 March 2025 21:44
,
Oliver O'Connell
Reuters reports that hundreds of diplomats from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development have written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to protest the dismantling of USAID.
They argue that this action undermines U.S. leadership and security and creates power vacuums that China and Russia can exploit.
In a cable expected to be submitted to the department's internal “dissent channel,” which allows diplomats to anonymously express concerns about policy, the diplomats argued that the Trump administration's freeze on almost all foreign aid as of January 20 endangers American diplomats and forces overseas while putting at risk the lives of millions abroad who depend on U.S. assistance.
A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that more than 700 people have signed the letter.
“The decision to freeze and terminate foreign aid contracts and assistance awards without any meaningful review jeopardizes our partnerships with key allies, erodes trust, and creates openings for adversaries to expand their influence,” said the cable, a copy of which was seen by Reuters.
Trump tariffs: China warns it’s prepared for ‘any type of war’ with US
Wednesday 5 March 2025 21:40
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Oliver O'Connell
China has warned the US it is ready to fight “any type” of war as it retaliates against Donald Trump‘s mounting trade tariffs – while raising spending on its military.
The trade war between the two superpowers escalated on Tuesday as Trump hiked his levies on Chinese goods to a total of 20 percent, and China retaliated by imposing 15 percent tariffs on American agricultural goods.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar reports on the stark message from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Watch: Rep. Jasmine Crockett throws shade at Trump during sanctuary city hearing
Wednesday 5 March 2025 21:32
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Oliver O'Connell
Crockett: Let me ask each of the mayors… Have any of you been made aware of any immigrant that has had 34 felony convictions that has still been able to roam in your cities? I’m just curious because we are so concerned about crime and I know that my Republican colleagues would… pic.twitter.com/xhrjnGo8VB
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 5, 2025
House Freedom Caucus want to freeze spending to 'let Elon and Russ do their job'
Wednesday 5 March 2025 21:25
,
Andrew Feinberg
Reps. Andy Harris, Chip Roy, Scott Perry, and Lauren Boebert — members of the House Freedom Caucus — spoke with reporters outside the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump.
Roy said HFC members want to freeze spending at current levels for the remainder of the current fiscal year and “let Elon and Russ do their job” — referring to Elon Musk at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Russell Vought at the Office of Management and Budget.
“We're ready to advance the ball next week,” Roy said.
Perry said that Democrats are hoping for a shutdown to derail Trump’s agenda.
Harris said the HFC members have yet to see the final text of the Continuing Resolution but support Trump’s agenda.
Roy and Perry chimed in that they needed to see the text — and be given 72 hours in which to review it.
Warren: ‘I get under Donald Trump’s skin’
Wednesday 5 March 2025 21:20
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Oliver O'Connell
Democratic US senator Elizabeth Warren responded to the racial slur that President Donald Trump made toward her during his joint address to Congress on Tuesday night in an interview with The Independent.
“I get under Donald Trump’s skin,” Warren said.
Eric Garcia reports.
Wall Street ends higher as markets eye easing of trade tensions
Wednesday 5 March 2025 21:16
,
Reuters
Wall Street's main indexes finished higher in choppy trading on Wednesday, as investors cheered the likely easing of trade tensions between the U.S. and major trading partners.
Stocks turned positive after a report said President Donald Trump was considering a one-month delay of auto tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Equities extended gains after a White House announcement confirmed that Trump agreed to delay tariffs on some vehicles.
Earlier, Wall Street had lost ground following mixed economic data and as investors also worried about a trade war.
According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 gained 64.64 points, or 1.12%, to end at 5,842.79 points, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 262.74 points, or 1.44%, to 18,547.90.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 485.20 points, or 1.14%, to 43,006.19.