In a particularly active morning on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Boeing “should default China” for not taking planes that it had committed to purchase.
The president has alternated between taking a hard line on tariffs targeting Chinese imports, causing markets to plummet, and then having to soothe Wall Street by claiming the U.S. and China are negotiating and progress is being made.
Beijing denied any knowledge of such negotiations, calling his claims “groundless as trying to catch the wind” and having “no factual basis.”
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “China’s attitude is consistent and clear: if you want to fight, we will fight to the end, if you want to talk, the door is open.”
Meanwhile, a dozen states have sued the Trump administration over its “reckless” and “insane” tariff policies.
The states argued the policy was based on a “whim,” and would be an added burden to consumers.
This came as the president warned he could re-impose higher tariffs he previously paused in as little as two weeks.
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Key Points
- Trump maintains U.S.-China talks are happening, despite denial from Beijing
- Trump says Boeing 'should default China'
- Trump administration sued by states over 'reckless' tariffs
- Trump attacks Powell again, after saying he won’t be fired
- Why China holds the edge over the US in Trump’s trade war
- Trump says Russia has made ‘pretty big concession’ to peace by not seizing whole of Ukraine
22:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Our live coverage has ended for the day.
Here’s Andrew Feinberg with the latest on Donald Trump’s comments on Russia’s war on Ukraine following the latest attack on Kyiv.
John Bowden takes a look at the president’s plunging poll numbers.
And finally, Kelly Rissman reports on Beijing’s denial that trade talks are underway between the U.S. and China, as Trump insists they are.
Trump administration sued by states over 'reckless' tariffs
09:32
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Rachel Clun
A dozen states are suing the Trump administration over its “reckless” and “insane” tariff policies they say will hurt their states’ citizens.
Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes, who co-led the coalition of attorneys general in the lawsuit, said the case challenges four of the president’s executive orders that claim he has the power to increase tariffs without any action from congress.
“President Trump’s insane tariff scheme is not only economically reckless – it is illegal,” she said. “Arizona cannot afford President Trump’s massive tax increase. No matter what the White House claims, tariffs are a tax that will be passed on to Arizona consumers.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James said the president “does not have the power to raise taxes on a whim”.
“Donald Trump promised that he would lower prices and ease the cost of living, but these illegal tariffs will have the exact opposite effect on American families,” she said. “His tariffs are unlawful and if not stopped, they will lead to more inflation, unemployment, and economic damage.”
President threatens to reimpose high tariffs ‘over next two, three weeks’
09:36
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Rachel Clun
Donald Trump has threatened to reimpose higher tariffs on some countries within weeks, potentially re-escalating the global trade war.
Within hours of introducing so-called reciprocal tariffs as high as 50 percent on dozens of countries earlier this month, Trump said he would pause those duties for 90 days to allow time for negotiations.
But on Wednesday, the president said they could be reintroduced sooner.
“In the end, I think what’s going to happen is, we’re going to have a great deals, and by the way, if we don’t have a deal with a company or a country, we’re going to set the tariff,” Trump said in an Oval Office ceremony, reported by CNN.
“I’d say over the next couple of weeks, wouldn’t you say? I think so. Over the next two, three weeks. We’ll be setting the number.”
Trump attacks Powell again, after saying he won’t be fired
09:49
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Rachel Clun
The president has yet again attacked the Federal Reserve chair, accusing him of keeping interest rates too high.
Donald Trump has repeatedly hit out at Jerome Powell and last week threatened to fire him soon, before walking those comments back on Tuesday.
Trump said he “might call him” during an Oval Office signing ceremony on Wednesday.
“I believe he’s making a mistake by not lowering interest rates, and I think, as well as we’re doing, we could do much better,” he said, according to CNN.
The Federal Reserve has not lowered interest rates this year, and Powell said in a speech last week that the central bank wanted to wait and see how the new aggressive trade policy affected the economy before moving rates again.
That angered Trump, who believes interest rates should be lower. He called Powell “Mr Too Late” after the European Central Bank lowered its interest rates last week.
States’ lawsuit highlights cost of tariffs to American consumers
10:04
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Rachel Clun
A dozen states have sued the Trump administration over what their attorneys general claim are unlawful tariffs.
The office of the Connecticut Attorney General pointed out that studies found 95 per cent of the cost of Trump’s first-term tariffs were paid by Americans, and highlighted a recent study by Yale Budget Lab that found tariffs would increase costs by $4,900 a year for American households.
That research found US consumers face paying 87 percent more for shoes and 65 percent more for clothing in the short term because of the tariffs, which will also add $7,400 to the price of a new car.
Connecticut’s Attorney General William Tong said Donald Trump’s “lawless and chaotic” tariffs were a “massive tax” on families and a disaster for businesses and jobs.
“He is destroying our strong economy and robbing from working families to enrich his Mar-a-Lago billionaire cronies,” he said.
“The Constitution is clear-- Trump has no authority to wage this brainless trade war, and we are suing in the Court of International Trade to stop this.”
China says 'no factual basis' for US claim of trade talks
10:19
,
Rachel Clun
China’s Ministry of Commerce said there have been no trade talks with the U.S. yet, and any claims of progress were “groundless” and had “no factual basis”.
On Wednesday, Donald Trump told reporters the US and China were speaking “every day” about the tariffs, The Telegraph reports.
But China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong disputed that in a press conference on Thursday.
“As the competent department for foreign economic and trade relations, I would like to emphasise that there are currently no economic and trade negotiations between China and the United States,” he said.
“If the US truly wants to resolve the issue, it should heed rational voices from the international community and domestic stakeholders, completely abolish all unilateral tariffs on China, and find a solution through equal dialogue.”
There are key reasons China has an edge over the U.S. in Trump's trade war
10:35
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Rachel Clun
Whether talks have started yet or not, there are several key reasons why China has reason to believe the U.S. will back down first.
Firstly, China can take more pain: partially because it isn’t a democracy and President Xi Jinping doesn’t have to worry as much about public sentiment, but also because its economy appears to be in better health going into the trade war.
Secondly, Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs allow Xi to position China as the stable, sensible alternative in global trade relationships, and China has already diversified its imports and exports away from overly relying on the U.S.
China also controls the lion’s share of global critical minerals, which are key components in everything from mobile phones and computers, to home appliances, vehicles, and military equipment.
Tariffs on Canadian cars could go higher, Trump threatens
10:51
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Rachel Clun
Donald Trump has threatened to lift tariffs on Canadian-made cars even higher.
Already, all cars imported to the U.S. face a 25 percent tariff, and before his “liberation day” of widespread tariff hikes Trump had already increase duties on all other Canadian goods to 25 percent.
On Wednesday, the president told reporters in the Oval Office that tariffs on Canadian cars could go even higher.
"When I put tariffs on Canada - they're paying 25 percent - but that could go up, in terms of cars," Trump said, according to Reuters.
"All we're doing is we're saying, 'We don't want your cars, in all due respect. We want, really, to make our own cars."
South African leader speaks with Trump
11:06
,
Rachel Clun
South Africa’s president has spoken with Donald Trump in a step towards a meeting after relations deteriorated earlier this year.
Cyril Ramaphosa said he spoke with Trump on the phone about the process towards peace in Ukraine, and the pair agreed the war should end “as soon as possible”.
“We both agreed to meet soon to address various matters regarding US-South Africa relations,” he said on X.
“We also spoke about the need to foster good relations between our two countries.”
Relations between South Africa and the U.S. fell apart after South Africa introduced new laws giving the government the power to take land from people without compensation in some cases.
Trump signed an executive order to cut all aid to the country for “rights violations” against Afrikaner farmers, and for taking a case against Israel to the International Court of Justice.
Trump’s condemnation of the country tracks closely with that of his close ally and adviser, South-African born billionaire Elon Musk, who has long criticized his homeland for its “openly racist policies”.
While Trump attacks Powell, here’s why he won’t fire him
11:21
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Rachel Clun
Donald Trump continued his attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell yesterday.
“I believe he’s making a mistake by not lowering interest rates, and I think, as well as we’re doing, we could do much better,” he told reporters in the Oval Office.
It is one of the milder hits from Trump, who has labelled Powell “Mr Too Late” and “a major loser” for not cutting interest rates in the central banks two meetings so far this year.
He has also threatened to fire the Federal Reserve chair, which spooked financial markets.
But on Tuesday, he backtracked, saying he had “no intention” of ousting the bank’s chair.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump had also directed aides to find ways to fire Powell, but that action was halted on the advice of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
They told the president that removing Powell would cause chaos in financial markets and raise legal issues, the Journal reported.
Republican lawmaker wants Federal Reserve protected from political influence
11:36
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Rachel Clun, Reuters
A Republican lawmaker said President Donald Trump’s “made the right call” in clearly stating he would not fire the Federal Reserve chair, but said the central bank must be protected from political influence
"The president made a wise decision," said Frank Lucas, who chairs the House Financial Services Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience and Economic Prosperity. “We didn't need any more uncertainty in the markets.”
In an interview with Reuters, Lucas said he wants the taskforce to find policy initiatives that can bolster the Federal Reserve’s independence when Congress returns next week.
"It's not a government-owned bank. It's owned by the banks. And, yes, the president nominates with Senate confirmation the governor and the board of directors. But they are independent," Lucas said.
"Demonstrating that monetary policy is not going to be a political game of whoever the president is - and not just this president, but the next two or three or five or 10 presidents - I think that would be a stabilizing force.”
Oregon Attorney General says states are ‘pushing back’ at Trump’s tariffs
11:52
,
Rachel Clun
Oregon’s Attorney General said American states have decided to fight Donald Trump’s “unlawful” tariff policy, saying it will hurt ordinary Americans.
Attorney General Dan Rayfield co-led the coalition of top lawmakers from a dozen states in the lawsuit, which challenges the executive orders introducing sweeping tariffs.
Those levies include the 145 percent tariff on goods from China, 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, and 10 percent duties on products from most other countries.
Rayfield said: “These tariffs hit every corner of our lives – from the checkout line to the doctor’s office – and we have a responsibility to push back.”
Ann Donaca, who is a personal support worker for her son, who has Down Syndrome, said the tariffs were causing more suffering for her family, which was already living hand to mouth.
Donaca said: “We, the people, are sinking.”
Beijing reiterates that no trade talks have begun with U.S.
12:07
,
Rachel Clun
Beijing says it willing to negotiate with the U.S., but talks are yet to begin.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said U.S. claims talks had begun were false, after President Donald Trump on Wednesday said there had been “direct contact” between the countries.
Guo said: “None of that is true. For all I know, China and the U.S. are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal.”
Guo said in a press conference that China’s position has not changed: “We will fight, if fight we must. Our doors are open, if the U.S. wants to talk. Dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.”
Beijing warns U.S. to ‘stop threatening China’ if it wants a trade deal
12:22
,
Rachel Clun
China’s foreign ministry warned a trade deal can only be reached if Washington stops “threatening and blackmailing China”.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Beijing has an opportunity to strike a “big deal” with America, but warned the country had to move away from relying on exports and boost its domestic consumption.
Asked to respond to Bessent’s comments, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said: “The truth, which is clear to all, is that the U.S. tariffs are seriously undermining the WTO rules and harming the common interests of all countries.
He continued: “Let me stress again that this tariff war is launched by the U.S., and China’s attitude is consistent and clear. If a negotiated solution is truly what the U.S. wants, it should stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing China, and seek dialogue based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.”
A timeline of Trump’s on again, off again tariffs
12:37
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Rachel Clun
Donald Trump’s tariff policies have changed at a rapid pace. Here are the key moments so far:
- January 20 - Announces 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico.
- February 1 - Adds 10 per cent tariffs on China.
- February 10 - Puts 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum exports to the U.S.
- March 4 - Canada, China and Mexico tariffs come into effect.
- March 26 - Announces 25 percent tariff on all cars and car parts shipped to the U.S.
- April 2 - Reveals 10 percent tariff on nearly all countries exporting goods to U.S, and even higher reciprocal tariffs for dozens of nations.
- April 9 - Higher tariffs take effect, but within hours, announces a 90-day pause – except the general 10 percent increase. China tariffs are lifted to 145 percent.
- April 11 - Trump administration exempts electronic goods.
- April 12-13 - Trump says new tariffs on semiconductors and chips will be introduced, administration says tech exemption will be temporary.
- April 23 - Trump says the paused tariffs could be reintroduced within two or three weeks, unless deals are made
New, star-spangled portrait of Trump hung in White House
12:51
,
Rachel Clun
A new portrait of the president has been hung in the White House, depicting the president’s face painted with the United States flag.
Its position is also interesting, having been hung between gold-framed portraits of former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.
Florida congressman Jimmy Patronis shared a photo of the new display on X, saying the portrait went up on Tuesday.
This portrait of @realDonaldTrump just went up in the White House today! #Awesome #MAGA pic.twitter.com/8lfP1HAzhZ
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) April 22, 2025
Trump claims Democrats trying to ‘keep murderers’ in the U.S.
13:07
,
Rachel Clun
Donald Trump has claimed that Democrats were trying to “keep murderers” in the US.
In an early spray on Truth Social, the president said: “THE DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING LIKE HELL TO KEEP MURDERERS, AND ALL OTHER TYPE OF CRIMINALS, SOLIDLY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THEY HAVE GONE CRAZY, AND ARE ONLY GETTING WORSE!!!”
Trump did not post any other context, but earlier this week a delegation of four Democrats traveled to El Salvador to “fight like hell” for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was incorrectly deported there.
The Trump administration has deported hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants it claims are gang members or criminals to a notorious jail near the country’s capital.
That push comes after the Supreme Court made an extraordinary ruling in the early hours of Saturday morning to block the White House from deporting a group of Venezuelans under the Alien Enemies Act “until further order of this court”.
Americans ‘will pay more at the checkout’ because of tariffs, top state legal adviser says
13:22
,
Rachel Clun
New Mexico’s Attorney General Raul Torrez says Donald Trump’s tariffs will “hurt working Americans”.
Torrez joined a coalition of 12 state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s tariff policies, claiming the president did not have the authority to unilaterally introduce the duties.
“The American people will pay more at the checkout line because of these unlawful tariffs imposed by the Trump administration,” Torrez said.
“We were promised that prices would go down—but instead, these tariffs are driving up the cost of everyday goods for families across the country. Without a legitimate state of emergency, the President does not have the authority to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs that hurt working Americans.”
He continued: “Our communities should not have to shoulder the burden of bad policy decisions, and I will see this lawsuit through to ensure the American people are protected from unnecessary and unjustified financial strain.”
Trump claims egg prices are down, but are they?
13:37
,
Rachel Clun
Donald Trump says prices for key goods,including eggs, have plummeted.
“Gas and grocery prices are WAY DOWN, just like I said they would be. Eggs are plentiful, and down 87%. NICE!” he said in a post on Truth Social.
But where is he getting this from?
As of April 21, gas was $3.141 a gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, down 0.027 cents on the previous week, and 0.527 cents lower than a year ago.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics published inflation data for March on April 10, and an NBC price tracker for key grocery items including chicken breast, bacon, bread and orange juice showed that on April 8, prices were mostly flat.
The latest US Department of Agriulture report on the national egg market, from April 18, shows egg prices have also largely held steady.
However, they’ve held steady after some wild movement – our own data reporting shows egg prices in March were 60.4 percent higher compared to a year ago.
Analysis: Why Trump's tariff inconsistency will give investors heartburn
13:52
,
Rachel Clun
Washington Bureau Chief Eric Garcia writes that Trump’s tariffs might upset the tummy of Wall Street, but its the inconsistency that will give investors heartburn:
Vice president makes brief stop on return to U.S.
14:07
,
Rachel Clun
J.D. Vance has made a brief refueling stop in Germany, on his way back to Washington from a visit to India.
During that visit, Vance conceded Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs will lead to “profound changes” to the U.S. economy, as well as the economies of nations around the world.
“It's clear to me, as it is to most observers, that President Trump, of course, intends to rebalance America's economic relationship with the rest of the world,” J.D. Vance said during a speech on Tuesday.
“Fundamentally, [that] will cause profound changes within our borders in the United States, but of course, with other countries as well.”
Watch: Vance says it was 'pretty crazy' to be among last to see the Pope alive
14:22
,
Rachel Clun
Vice president J.D. Vance has described it as “pretty crazy” that he was one of the last people to see Pope Francis alive before his death at the age of 88 on Monday.
Trump claims U.S.-Mexico border the safest it's been
14:37
,
Rachel Clun
The president has claimed the U.S. border with Mexico is now the safest it has ever been.
“THE SOUTHERN BORDER IS NOW THE STRONGEST AND SAFEST IN USA HISTORY. IT WILL REMAIN SO!!!” Donald Trump said on Truth Social.
'Vladimir, STOP!'
14:46
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a rare and pointed criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin after Moscow unleashed the deadliest airstrike on Kyiv since last year, killing at least nine people.
In a post on his Truth Social website, Trump said he was “not happy” with the Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital, which came less than 24 hours after he baselessly accused Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky of starting and working to prolong the war that began in 2022 when Putin ordered Russian forces to invade Ukraine.
He then exhorted the Russian leader to halt the attacks and get to the negotiating table, writing: “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
Andrew Feinberg reports from Washington, D.C.
Trump posts new diatribe against Harvard
14:54
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump has posted a lengthy diatribe against Harvard University in response to the school’s continued defiance of and legal action against his administration.
In his fifth Truth Social post of the morning, the president wrote:
Harvard is an Anti-Semitic, Far Left Institution, as are numerous others, with students being accepted from all over the World that want to rip our Country apart. The place is a Liberal mess, allowing a certain group of crazed lunatics to enter and exit the classroom and spew fake ANGER AND HATE. It is truly horrific! Now, since our filings began, they act like they are all “American Apple Pie.” Harvard is a threat to Democracy, with a lawyer, who represents me, who should therefore be forced to resign, immediately, or be fired. He’s not that good, anyway, and I hope that my very big and beautiful company, now run by my sons, gets rid of him ASAP!
The lawyer in question is Bill Burck, a managing partner of the trial firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan and a longtime Republican insider, who was hired by the Trump Organization as its outside ethics advisor.
He was hired by the university to help Harvard President Alan Garber counter Trump’s demands of the institution.
So, that’s awkward.
Read more below from Io Dodds:
Colorado says Trump’s tariffs are ‘awful’
15:10
,
Rachel Clun
Colorado’s governor and attorney general say Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs are terrible for the country, joining a lawsuit with 11 other states against the duties.
Governor Jared Polis said Trump’s tariffs were threatening the world economy and U.S leadership.
“Tariffs are awful for Americans and our economy, and it’s important to use every legal tool possible to reduce trade barriers and increase prosperity,” he said.
“Here in Colorado, tariffs are already hurting Colorado agriculture and small businesses. We will do everything we can legally to prevent tariffs that are bad for businesses and all Americans.”
Attorney General Phil Weiser said that under the Constitution, only Congress has the power to impose taxes and tariffs, and there was “no ‘emergency’ that justifies the Trump tariffs”.
He continued:” We are challenging these tariffs in court because they are illegal and, as one study concluded, they will ‘increase inflation, result in nearly 800,000 lost jobs, and shrink the American economy by $180 billion a year’.”
Trump turns his fire on Rupert Murdoch
15:16
,
Oliver O'Connell
It’s a busy morning for President Donald Trump — at least on social media.
After posts attacking Democrats, Putin and Harvard, the president next turned his fire on media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his empire.
Trump wrote on Truth Social:
Rupert Murdoch has told me for years that he is going to get rid of his FoxNews, Trump Hating, Fake Pollster, but he has never done so. This “pollster” has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years. Also, and while he’s at it, he should start making changes at the China Loving Wall Street Journal. It sucks!!!
If you’re wondering what the latest Fox News polling says, here’s an excerpt:
Overall approval of Trump’s job performance comes in at 44%, down 5 points from 49% approval in March. That’s lower than the approval of Joe Biden (54%), Barack Obama (62%), and George W. Bush (63%) at the 100-day mark in their presidencies. It’s also lower by 1 point compared to Trump’s 45% approval at this point eight years ago.
And another:
Voters remain gloomy about the economy, as 71% rate economic conditions negatively and 55% say it is getting worse for their family. Both of those numbers are slight improvements compared to where they stood in December. Still, only 28% say it feels like things are getting better and by a 22-point margin more think Trump’s policies are hurting rather than helping the economy. Trump is underwater by a narrower 11-point margin when voters are asked what they expect from his policies in the long run (40% help vs. 51% hurt).
Ouch.
The Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal also frequently publishes editorial pieces critical of Trump’s economic and trade policies.
Trump keeps claiming he’s working on a deal with China. Beijing says that it is all in his mind
15:29
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump touted that the United States and China were at the negotiating table to reach a resolution to the trade war — but Beijing says that’s not true.
Washington was “actively” having discussions with Beijing this week, and Trump said he planned to be “very nice” to reach a deal. He also called his 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods “too high” and vowed it would “come down substantially.”
Two Chinese officials on Thursday contradicted the U.S. president’s claims.
Kelly Rissman reports.
New poll: 60 percent of Americans believe the country is ‘on the wrong track’
15:40
,
Oliver O'Connell
A majority of Americans have a gloomy view of the U.S.’s trajectory under Donald Trump’s administration as the president approaches the 100-day mark of his second term, a new national survey suggests.
Some 60 percent believe that the country is “seriously off on the wrong track,” according to a poll released Tuesday from the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center. The question is used across major polling organizations to capture public sentiment about where they believe the nation is headed.
James Liddell looks at the numbers.
Trump Organization parts ways with lawyer representing Harvard
15:52
,
Oliver O'Connell
Eric Trump appears to have listened to his father.
After this morning’s diatribe against Harvard, in which President Donald Trump noted that the university suing his administration is represented by a lawyer who also advises his family business, the Trump Organization has parted ways with said lawyer.
Top conservative attorney Bill Burck will no longer be working with the firm.
Eric Trump told CNN in a statement: “I view it as a conflict and I will be moving in a different direction.”