Fri Feb 28 15:20:00 UTC 2025: **Trump Announces New Tariffs, English as Official Language, and Rare-Earth Minerals Deal with Ukraine**

**Washington, D.C.** – President Trump is poised to issue an executive order making English the official language of the United States, a White House official confirmed. This would be a first for the country. Simultaneously, escalating trade tensions with China are dominating headlines. Trump announced a further 10% tariff on Chinese goods, effective next Tuesday, prompting a strong rebuke from Beijing, which vowed to take “all necessary countermeasures.” This follows earlier tariffs imposed on both sides, and China accused the U.S. of using the fentanyl crisis as an excuse for protectionist measures.

Adding to the economic turmoil, Trump plans to impose 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, citing the flow of fentanyl. The White House maintains that these actions are necessary to protect American interests.

Domestically, the political landscape is equally charged. House Democrats are actively challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), filing an amicus brief arguing it harms consumers and violates the law. Meanwhile, Congress faces a March 14 deadline to avoid a government shutdown, with negotiations stalled over spending legislation and efforts to dismantle government agencies. Republicans are exploring a controversial budget change to obscure the deficit impact of extending Trump’s tax cuts, effectively avoiding the need to pay for them.

On the international front, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed understanding of Trump’s pursuit of a deal with Ukraine over rare-earth minerals, viewing it as potentially beneficial to both countries. However, he cautioned Trump against negotiating a peace deal that favors Russia. Later today, President Zelenskyy will visit the White House, with a significant focus on finalizing a U.S.-Ukraine agreement on rare-earth minerals. Trump himself confirmed a major agreement will be signed.

Finally, Vice President JD Vance will address the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast today, while Pope Francis’s condition continues to improve after treatment for double pneumonia. Separately, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is suing the Trump administration over the halting of federal funds for refugee resettlement programs.

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