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On Politics

Thu Jul 31 2025

Rebecca Morin | Newsletter Writer

@RebeccaMorin_

Hello! Rebecca Morin here. It's the last day of July! Got any August plans you're looking forward to?

(Last minute) deals or no deals?

Shortly after the clock strikes midnight, President Donald Trump's tariffs go into effect. Several countries are facing last-minute hurdles to inking a trade deal that would avert stiff fees on their exports. Irked by Canada's support for Palestinian statehood, India's purchases of Russian oil and Brazil's prosecution of its former president, Trump threatened to punish those nations with higher tariffs, regardless of whether the actions directly harm U.S. exports or exacerbate existing trade deficits.

Who has a deal? Several of America's trading partners have made agreements with Trump, including South Korea, Pakistan and the European Union. Other countries, like Mexico, have extended a temporary trade deal for 90 days with the goal of coming to a new agreement. Other countries that are currently paying a baseline tariff of 10% and have not entered into a separate arrangement with the United States may see their fees go up. What to know about Trump's tariffs.

Which goods from India will see price increases? A trade deal between the U.S. and India fell through. India, the world's fifth-largest economy, relies significantly on the U.S. and Indian goods exports to the U.S. totaled $87 billion in 2024. Products like pharmaceuticals, smartphones and jewelry can see a jump in price.

A trade loophole closed: Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday ending the de minimis trade loophole that allows for low-value goods to be shipped to the U.S. duty-free. Over half of all packages with de minimis exemptions come from China, and more than 30% of all daily packages shipped under de minimis are from Temu and Shein. U.S. consumers are bracing to see rising prices, including in their once-cheap fast fashion orders.

A pharmacist works at his shop in New Delhi on July 31. Trump on July 30 announced that Indian shipments to the United States would be hit with a 25 percent tariff.

SAJJAD HUSSAIN, AFP via Getty Images

A politics pit stop

•	What whistleblowers said about incoming Trump judge Emil Bove.
•	Secret Service says an agent tried to bring spouse on Trump's Scotland trip.
•	Bessent: Trump accounts a 'backdoor' to privatize Social Security.
•	Did the Fed cut interest rates? No, but here's when they might.
•	Singer slams Trump officials for using song to promote deportations.

A 2-state solution?

The Arab League called on militant group Hamas to disarm and hand power in Gaza to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority as part of a broader call for a two-state solution in the Middle East. Both France and Canada said they intend to recognize a Palestinian state in September. France and Saudi Arabia together issued a declaration backed by the Arab League and its members such as Egypt and Qatar, outlining steps toward implementing a two-state solution. The Arab call for Hamas to disarm came as Gaza is in the grip of starvation brought on by a near-complete Israeli blockade of food and medical supplies. Hamas has consistently rejected calls to disarm or cede control of Gaza.

•	US sanctions Palestinian Authority amid Gaza ceasefire talks.

2028 presidential campaign watch

For months, one question lingered over former Vice President Kamala Harris' political future: Will she or won't she? Harris on Wednesday announced she would not be running for governor of California next year – but didn't rule out a 2028 presidential run. Harris, who was thrust into the 2024 presidential campaign when President Joe Biden dropped out and endorsed her, said in a statement that she looks "forward to getting back out and listening to the American people" and helping elect Democrats. Not running for governor clears a path for Harris to run for president in 2028, though she would have to compete for the Democratic nomination against possible candidates like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, among others. Right now, the former vice president is working on a memoir and will go on tour for it. If you know how to read the political tea leaves, you know exactly what that means. What Harris allies said about her political future.

•	Next stop, White House? Anticipation builds for Kamala Harris, other eager Dems.
•	'107 Days:' Kamala Harris' new book to explore 2024 presidential bid.