In German Chancellor's gift to Trump, a story of success that US no longer has room for
The White House meeting between the US President and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was warm, unlike those with the Ukrainian and South African presidents. Merz gifted the American President his grandfather, Frederick Trump's, birth certificate. Trump, visibly moved, thanked him profusely. This scene played out as Trump's government imposed travel bans on several Muslim countries, and just before the National Guard was deployed in California to quell protests against the detention of migrants suspected of being 'illegal'.
No country can allow completely open borders, and 1885 (when the President's grandfather migrated to the US) is not 2025. But that doesn't mean there is no room for empathy. America, under Trump, is closing its universities and its borders even to those already in. The harsh anti-migrant rhetoric that paints those searching for a better life with the same brush as criminals, and student protesters as security threats, seems to have forgotten that almost every American, except for the marginalised Native Americans, has roots elsewhere. Trump can appreciate his grandfather's journey and has had the advantage of the fortune that Frederick built. He can be sentimental about a birth certificate because it represents a cross-generational ambition for prosperity and success — if only that came with a measure of understanding for those who want to repeat that tale.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
15 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Tomato prices in US: What to expect amid Trump's 21% tariff on Mexican imports
Americans are bracing for a steep rise in tomato prices due to new tariffs on Mexican imports, directly impacting locals, restaurants and food businesses. According to CNN, a roughly three-decade-old US-Mexico trade agreement could give way to 20.9% tariffs on the majority of tomatoes imported from Mexico. In US, shoppers were paying about $1.70 per pound for field-grown tomatoes as of May 2025(Bloomberg) Several farm groups across the United States, as well as Republican lawmakers, have sounded the alarm over the nearly 21% tariff, which goes into effect on Monday, July 14. This severely impacts fresh tomato imports from the neighboring country and threatens the North American supply chain, which provides billions of pounds of tomatoes to consumers each year, Fox Business reported. How could Trump's tariffs on Mexico affect tomato prices in US? This is being seen as the latest example of the Donald Trump administration's chaotic tariff policy that has shaken up global trade in recent times, leaving many international businesses uncertain about their future plans. Also Read: Trump Says 200% Pharma Tariffs Are Coming. Wall Street Shrugs. The latest issue is related to the termination of the Tomato Suspension Agreement. The trade pact was first signed in 1996 and later updated in 2019. Under this agreement, anti-dumping duties were paused in exchange for Mexican exporters agreeing to price minimums, per Fox Business. The US Commerce Department announced in April this year that it had decided to withdraw from the agreement. The reason given was the pact's failure to protect domestic US growers from artificially low-priced imports. As of May 2025, consumers in the US were paying $1.70 per pound for field-grown tomatoes, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Timothy Richards, a professor of agribusiness at Arizona State University, stated that Americans can expect a price rise of nearly 10%, while demand will fall by 5% due to the new tariffs, CNN reported. The US Department of Agriculture has listed the US as the top market for Mexican tomato exports. In a report last month, the administration found that the tariffs could lead to a drop in tomato imports and higher prices. Also Read: Trump assassination attempt: 5 major questions still unanswered in 2025 Bob Spencer, owner of Florida-based West Coast Tomato, told Fox Business that they were 'not afraid of competition with Mexico,' but warned the country could have a 'monopoly' if things continue under the agreement. FAQs: 1. How much is a tomato in the USA? Shoppers were paying about $1.70 per pound for field-grown tomatoes as of May 2025, per CNN. 2. Why are tomato prices up? This is due to the 20.9% tariffs on most Mexican tomato imports, which are expected to replace the US-Mexico trade agreement. 3. Who is the largest producer of tomatoes in the US? California remains the largest producer of tomatoes in the country. 4. What is a good price for a bushel of tomatoes? A pound of tomatoes cost $1.70 in May this year.
News18
16 minutes ago
- News18
‘Will Be Hit Very Hard': Trump Threatens Putin With 'Very Powerful' Weapon
Last Updated: US President Trump criticized Russian President Putin for attacks on Ukraine, warning of severe consequences and confirming the delivery of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. As someone who claimed that he could end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours, has now taken a tougher tone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. US President Donald Trump has criticised Putin for Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine. He expressed his disappointment with Putin and warned that Putin 'will be hit very hard" if he continues his aggression. Trump said, 'He's fooled a lot of people, he fooled Bush, Clinton, Obama, Biden," but emphasised that Putin didn't fool him. 'He didn't fool me,' Trump said, further threatening to take action against Russia, stating that Putin 'will be hit very hard" if he continues his aggression. 'At a certain point, you know, ultimately, talk doesn't talk, it's got to be action," the US President added. Trump also confirmed that the US will send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine to help the country defend itself against Russian attacks. He warned that his administration would impose 100% tariffs on Russia if Moscow and Kyiv fail to reach a ceasefire deal within 50 days. While addressing a joint appearance at the White House with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, amid ongoing diplomatic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Trump said, 'I use trade for a lot of things." he added. 'But it's great for settling wars." Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has promised that Ukraine will receive 'massive numbers" of weapons under the NATO-US agreement. Trump has expressed frustration with Putin, criticising him for failing to follow through on his words. Trump stated he's 'very disappointed" with Putin, citing unsuccessful US-brokered talks aimed at negotiating a truce between Russia and Ukraine. 'I thought he was somebody that meant what he said — and he'll talk so beautifully, then he'll bomb people at night. We don't like that," he told reporters. Trump's stance on Russia and Ukraine has shifted. Initially, he was conciliatory towards Vladimir Putin, but now he's expressed growing frustration with the Russian leader's unyielding stance on US-led peace efforts and prolonging the war. On the other hand, he adopted a softer stance with Zelenskyy after a bitter public spat in the Oval Office in February, as indicated by his decision to send Patriot systems amid increased Russian aerial attacks. 'This is billions of dollars worth of military equipment is going to be purchased from the United States, going to NATO… and that's going to be quickly distributed to the battlefield," Trump said. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Latest News Delhi: Vikramjit Singh new Anti-Corruption Branch chief, replaces Madhur Verma Agency feeds Agency feeds Peshawar HC returns Imran Khan's party's petition regarding reserved seats Agency feeds Man stabbed to death over chicken piece at post-wedding dinner in Karnataka Agency feeds Punjab AAP appoints youth, women wing in-charges India 'Need To Address De-Escalation': What Are The Key Takeaways From Jaishankar's Visit To China? latest news
The Print
16 minutes ago
- The Print
Indian exports to US to be more competitive after tariff hike on China, other countries: Niti Aayog
'India is expected to gain competitiveness in 22 out of the top 30 categories (HS 2 level), representing a market size of USD 2,285.2 billion,' the Aayog said. The Aayog in its third edition of 'Trade Watch Quarterly' said there will be significant opportunities for India in the US markets both in terms of the number of products and volume of the US market. New Delhi, Jul 14 (PTI) Indian exports to the US will become more competitive following imposition of higher tariffs by the Trump administration on countries, including China, Canada, and Mexico, NITI Aayog said in a report on Monday. It further explained that China, Canada, and Mexico are the leading exporters to the US in these categories, therefore higher tariffs on these countries at 30 per cent, 35 per cent, and 25 per cent, respectively, will enhance India's competitiveness. The thematic focus of this quarter's edition is the evolving US trade and tariff structures and their implications for India's export competitiveness. 'India's relative tariff advantage vis-a-vis major competitors presents a strategic window to expand market share in the US market, especially in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electrical machinery, among others,' the Aayog said, adding that the evolving global trade environment demands agile policymaking to capitalise on new trade alignments. The government think tank said India's competitiveness will remain unchanged in 6 out of 30 categories, amounting for 32.8 per cent exports to the US and 26 per cent of the US total imports, amounting to USD 26.5 billion. While for six product categories at HS 2 level, India faces a higher average tariff (between 1-3 per cent) which can be negotiated with the US, the Aayog said, 'In 78 products, accounting for 52 per cent of India's exports and 26 per cent share in total US imports, India is expected to gain competitiveness.' For 17 products (accounting for 28 per cent of India's export to the US) out of the top 100 products at the HS-4 level, the Aayog said India's competitiveness remains unchanged due to no change in tariff differential. The Aayog also pointed out that 'India stands to gain in sectors with high tariff gaps vs China, Canada and Mexico — minerals and fuels, apparel, electronics, plastics, furniture, and seafoods in a USD 1,265-billion market'. To support MSMEs and boost export competitiveness, it said the government could consider expanding production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes to include labour-intensive sectors such as leather, footwear, furniture, and handicrafts. The Aayog also called for rationalising electricity tariffs by reducing cross-subsidisation for industrial users and promoting renewable energy adoption could help lower operational costs and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian manufacturers. It suggested that building on the model of the India-UK agreement, India should pursue a services-oriented trade deal with the US, placing strong emphasis on key sectors such as information technology, financial services, professional services, and education. 'The agreement should include robust provisions for digital trade, creating a framework for enhanced cross-border service delivery,' the Aayog said. Meanwhile, an Indian commerce ministry team has reached Washington for another round of talks on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), which will begin on Monday. The visit assumes significance as both sides have to iron out issues in sectors like agriculture and automobiles. It is also important as the US has further postponed the imposition of additional tariffs on several countries, including India, until August 1. Earlier this month, the Indian team was in Washington for talks, with negotiations taking place from June 26 to July 2. The team has once again reached the US for negotiations. India has hardened its position on the US demand for duty concessions on agri and dairy products. New Delhi has, so far, not given any duty concessions to any of its trading partners in a free trade agreement in the dairy sector. India is seeking the removal of this additional tariff (26 per cent). It is also seeking the easing of tariffs on steel and aluminium (50 per cent) and the auto (25 per cent) sectors. Against these, India has reserved its right under the WTO (World Trade Organization) norms to impose retaliatory duties. US President Donald Trump announced heavy tariffs on a number of countries, including India, on April 2. However, it was soon postponed for 90 days until July 9 and later to August 1. From July 7, the Trump administration has issued tariff letters to a number of its trading partners, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Serbia, and Tunisia. The US wants duty concessions on certain industrial goods, automobiles, especially electric vehicles, wines, petrochemical products, and agri goods, like dairy items, apples, tree nuts, and genetically modified crops. On the other hand, India is seeking duty concessions for labour-intensive sectors, such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods, garments, plastics, chemicals, shrimp, oil seeds, grapes, and bananas in the proposed trade pact. The two countries are looking to conclude talks for the first tranche of the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by fall (September-October) this year. Before that, they are looking for an interim trade pact. PTI BKS TRB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
