The Trump administration has initiated a new phase of its trade war, imposing significant tariffs while simultaneously offering extensions and claiming successes. Tariff Implementation and Scope: As of August 1, nations without updated trade deals are subject to increased tariff rates, "of at least 15%." Executive orders have been signed imposing tariffs ranging from "15% all the way up to 41%." The list of "hardest hit" countries is "eclectic," including Syria, Myanmar, Laos, Iraq, Switzerland, and Canada. Despite strict deadlines, the administration has granted extensions. Mexico received a "90-day extension" for a trade deal, despite Trump's prior statement that "he would grant no extension... unless a signed deal was in place." All nations have been granted a universal extension until "August 7, so they have one last opportunity to hammer out a deal." Trade with Canada and Mexico remains partially governed by the USMCA, the application of which is described as "roughly as easy as trying to split an atom with a butter knife."

A legal challenge to Trump's authority to impose these tariffs was heard by the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. The court, composed of "eight Democratic appointees, three Republican appointees, and zero Trump appointees," appeared "skeptical that Trump is acting within his lawful authority." The source anticipates an "11-0" loss for the administration, leading to a likely appeal to the Supreme Court. There is a speculative, albeit unlikely, suggestion that a judicial defeat could provide Trump with a political "out" to blame "evil judges" without bearing the economic costs of the tariffs.

Both Republican and Democratic states are actively engaged in or contemplating aggressive gerrymandering to gain congressional seats, highlighting the extreme partisan nature of electoral map-drawing. Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) and Republicans aim to flip "five House seats from blue to red" and potentially shift the state's delegation from "25R, 13D" to "30R, 8D."