Latest news with #JohnF.KennedyCenterforthePerformingArts
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
President Trump says he'll set unilateral tariff rates within weeks
US President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he would send letters to trading partners in the next week or two, outlining unilateral tariff rates. 'We're going to be sending letters out in about a week and a half, two weeks, to countries, telling them what the deal is,' Trump said at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. 'At a certain point, we're just going to send letters out. And I think you understand that, saying this is the deal, you can take it or leave it,' he added. This would put Trump ahead of his tariff deadline, as the president previously paused so-called 'reciprocal' duties for 90 days until 8 July. The higher rates are set to kick in on the 9th. Trump told reporters at the Kennedy Center that a delay to the deadline is unlikely, although US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously suggested there may be some flexibility. "It is highly likely that those countries - or trading blocs as is the case with the EU - who are negotiating in good faith, we will roll the date forward to continue the good-faith negotiations," Bessent told the House Ways and Means Committee. "If someone is not negotiating, then we will not." Related EU targets Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' over tax provision in tariff talks US federal appeals court rules Trump tariffs may remain in effect while appeals process continues The US has thus far only managed to secure a trade framework with the UK, as well as clinching a tariff deal with China. Trump was nonetheless upbeat about negotiations on Wednesday. "We're rocking in terms of deals," he said. "We're dealing with quite a few countries and they all want to make a deal with us." Following talks in London, Trump said on Wednesday that magnets and rare earths would be supplied up front by China and that the US would allow Chinese students into its colleges and universities. The president added that a 55% tariff would be applied to Chinese imports. A White House official, who was not authorised to discuss the terms publicly, said the 55% was not an increase on the previous 30% tariff on China because Trump was including other pre-existing import taxes. Specifically, the president was tallying up his 10% baseline tariff, the 20% fentanyl trafficking levy and a 25% pre-existing tariff on China. In May, the US agreed upon a trade framework with the UK, which allows US goods to be fast-tracked through customs and reduces trade barriers on a number of products. The framework lowers US duties on British steel, aluminum and cars, although there are some knots to work out, meaning the specifics of the deal could arrive later than the 9 July deadline. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Wednesday that a deal with the European Union will likely be among the final trade agreements concluded by the United States. 'I'm optimistic that we can get there with Europe. But Europe will be probably [at] the very, very end,' Lutnick told CNBC. In May, Trump threatened a 50% tariff on EU goods coming to the US, although he later said he would hold off on this threat until 9 July. The president originally placed a 20% so-called 'reciprocal' levy on EU goods, but this duty was lifted during the 90-day pause window. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
USA Today
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Trump doesn't know if he's the hero or villain in 'Les Mis.' How ironic.
Trump doesn't know if he's the hero or villain in 'Les Mis.' How ironic. | Opinion Sending the military in to quell protests is more aligned with the French monarchy than the revolutionaries. Show Caption Hide Caption Trump met with boos, cheers before Les Misérables at Kennedy Center President Donald Trump attended "Les Miserables" at the Kennedy Center after overhauling its leadership and naming himself chairman. On June 11, President Donald Trump appeared at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the opening night of 'Les Misérables.' If you're at all familiar with the musical, you'll understand why that's so ironic. Trump staged a hostile takeover of the Kennedy Center back in February, changing up the board and making himself chairman of the iconic performing arts venue. It led several artists to cancel performances. According to The New York Times, some 'Les Misérables' cast members had considered boycotting the Wednesday performance that kicked off the summer 2025 season. The president, oblivious as always, says the show is 'great.' Ever the musical theater fan, he has used one of the most recognizable songs from 'Les Mis' at multiple rallies over the years. You know, the one the cast sings on the eve of revolting against the monarchy? Surely the man who has inspired nationwide 'No Kings Day' protests understands how laughable that is. Does Trump identify with hero or villain of 'Les Mis'? He doesn't know. If you're unfamiliar with the musical, let me give you a rundown. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, the story follows Jean Valjean after he leaves prison for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving relatives. After an interaction with a priest, he is inspired to live a better life, which includes adopting and raising a child named Cosette after her mother dies. The musical is set during a French revolution that culminates in the 1832 June Rebellion, where a group of student revolutionaries known as the Friends of the ABC try to lead the city into revolt. These are the students Republican leaders would want to deport. Opinion: Trump supporters, this is what you're cheering as his deportation scheme unfolds Apparently, despite his love of the musical, Trump doesn't know if he's the hero or villain of this story. He told The Washington Post he wasn't sure if he identified more with Valjean or Javert, the prison guard turned inspector who is obsessed with bringing Valjean to justice. It's an ironically indecisive thing to say, considering he has sent military troops to Los Angeles to quell protests against raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and has spent much of the past few months raging against students protesting for Palestine. It's hard to picture Trump as the hero of this story. That would require him learning how to be a more caring person over time. Given his rhetoric on immigrants, trans people and basically anyone who disagrees with him, I doubt he's experienced that kind of transformation. Imagine treating immigrants like they stole bread Art has always been part of protest and resistance. The theater is no exception. These forms of expression can also be used as propaganda. With Trump's declaration that the Kennedy Center's "woke" programming is done for, it seems that only tolerable art will make it through the vetting process. Somehow, "Les Mis" slipped through the cracks, likely because Trump actually likes the musical. Opinion: I told you GOP would come for marriage. Southern Baptists just proved my point. If Trump actually paid attention to the songs and themes of "Les Mis," maybe he'd realize that his desire to lay down the law is more aligned with Javert than anyone else in the show. Maybe he'd realize that sending the military to quell protests is more aligned with the actions of the French monarchy than those of the revolutionaries. Maybe he'd realize that he has more in common with the monarchy than the people. Probably not. But maybe. Follow USA TODAY columnist Sara Pequeño on X, formerly Twitter, @sara__pequeno
New York Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Dow rebounds as investors shrug off Trump threats of unilateral tariffs
Stocks staged a late rebound Thursday despite renewed trade tensions after President Trump threatened to impose unilateral tariffs on key US trading partners. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 230 points, before finishing up 101 points, or 0.2% as investors reacted favorably to more tame inflation data. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Nasdaq climbed 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively . The small-cap Russell 2000 declined, losing 0.4%. 3 President Donald Trump said he plans to unilaterally impose tariffs on dozens of trading partners, reviving concerns about a global trade war and sending a jolt through financial markets. Shutterstock Meanwhile, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), Wall Street's 'fear gauge,' spiked more than 5%, signaling rising investor unease. The market downturn came hours after Trump, speaking Wednesday evening at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, confirmed that his administration intends to send letters to US trade partners in the coming weeks to formally establish new tariff terms. 'We're going to be sending letters out in about a week and a half, two weeks, to countries, telling them what the deal is,' Trump said. 'At a certain point, we're just going to send letters out. And I think you understand that, saying this is the deal, you can take it or leave it.' Trump's remarks come ahead of a July 9 deadline, when the White House is expected to move forward with increased tariffs on a wide range of imports unless new trade agreements are secured. 3 The S&P 500 is less than 2% off its record. AP The president has previously floated similar timeframes, sometimes delaying or altering plans, but Thursday's selloff suggests investors are bracing for concrete action. In April, Trump proposed across-the-board tariff hikes but put them on hold for 90 days following a steep market decline. Since then, the administration has finalized only a narrow trade framework with the United Kingdom and a temporary tariff truce with China. That truce is now under pressure. Officials from Washington and Beijing met in London earlier this week for high-stakes negotiations after each side accused the other of breaching terms. Trump said Thursday that the US–China framework would include rare earth and magnet exports from China, in exchange for the US loosening restrictions on Chinese student visas. 3 In April, Trump proposed across-the-board tariff hikes but put them on hold for 90 days following a steep market decline. JOHN G MABANGLO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock When asked whether he might extend the July 9 deadline to allow more time for deals, Trump said, 'But I don't think we're gonna have that necessity.' Trump has shifted his strategy away from blanket multilateral negotiations and is now focused on bilateral deals with countries such as India, Japan, South Korea and members of the European Union. Still, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noted Thursday that negotiations with the EU have been difficult, pointing to the complexity of dealing with a 27-nation bloc. 'It's frustrating,' he said. With Trump reaffirming his tariff plans and few trade deals finalized, Thursday's sharp losses suggest markets are now pricing in the real possibility of a broader economic confrontation in the weeks ahead. The Post has sought comment from the White House.
Miami Herald
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Donald Trump's ‘Les Miserables' Appearance Sparks Avalanche of Jokes, Memes
President Donald Trump's attendance at a performance of Les Miserables at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, during which he received cheers and boos from sections of the crowd, triggered a wave of jokes and memes on social media. Newsweek contacted the White House and the Kennedy Center for comment on Thursday via email and online inquiry form, respectively, outside regular office hours. Following his second presidential inauguration in January, Trump fired most of the Kennedy Center's board of trustees, replacing them with allies and appointing himself as chairman. The president attended the show in Washington, D.C., against a backdrop of days of anti-immigration enforcement protests in Los Angeles, some of which have turned violent. In response, his administration ordered 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines against the wishes of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. On Wednesday, the president and first lady Melania Trump attended the opening night of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center. Other prominent figures in attendance included Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Footage of the event shows Trump receiving cheers and boos from the audience. According to CNN, one woman appeared to be escorted out after shouting, "Convicted felon, rapist!" Les Miserables is a musical adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel of the same name. It is set against the backdrop of the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, a failed insurrection against French King Louis Philippe that was suppressed by government troops. On X, Newsom shared a screenshot of an NBC News headline about the president's attendance, writing, "Someone explain the plot to him." The post has received more than 60,000 likes and 1.9 million views. User @BlueATLGeorgia, a pro-Democrat account with 39,000 followers, wrote: "Les Misérables is a story of social unrest, especially the June Rebellion, where young idealists rise up against inequality and government oppression. "Young people fight for justice, calling for reforms and dignity for the poor. The government responds to the rebellion with heavy force, resulting in bloodshed. Sound familiar?" A Michigan business called That Gay Guy Candle Co. wrote: "Trump's going to see Les Mis tonight? That's ironic." User @Betches_News told its 25,000 followers, "Trump and Melania watching Les Mis at the Kennedy Center tonight like." Below the caption, it shared a photo of a shocked woman asking: "Wait. Is this f*****g play about us?" User @toyjawn1 wrote, "Trump ... watching Les Mis ... with tickets upwards of the amount of an ordinary person's whole life wages," above a GIF of a man rubbing his face with an iron. During Thursday's performance, a number of drag performers sat below the presidential box in what one described as a "message of inclusivity." Before the performance, Trump attended a VIP reception with paid attendees. He told reporters that $10 million was raised for the Kennedy Center. Kennedy Center Interim Director Richard Grenell, commenting on reports that some actors did not want to perform in front of President Donald Trump,said: "Any performer who isn't professional enough to perform for patrons of all backgrounds, regardless of political affiliation, won't be welcomed. In fact, we think it would be important to out those vapid and intolerant artists to ensure producers know who they shouldn't hire—and that the public knows which shows have political litmus tests to sit in the audience." Darlene Webb, a Trump supporter who was at the performance, told CNN about the jeers: "I just wanted to clap and yell over it, because at this type of performance I don't think it was good for them to do that, professionally." Cara Segur, Webb's friend, told the outlet: "Seeing some of the actors and actresses, it looked like they were singing at him, instead of just singing to the crowd. And it felt really powerful and I liked it." On Saturday, a military parade is due to take place in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The day also marks Trump's 79th birthday. The "No Kings" movement has organized demonstrations against Trump across the U.S., with 1,800 events planned for Saturday. Related Articles Iran Threatens to Attack U.S. Forces if Israel Strikes Nuclear SitesDonald Trump's Approval Rating Plunges With MillennialsDonald Trump Issues Next Trade Deal Update After ChinaHow Project 2025 Compares With Trump's Los Angeles Response 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
New York Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Dow falls 200 points after Trump threatens unilateral tariffs
Stocks fell at the open Thursday as investors reacted to renewed trade tensions after President Donald Trump threatened to impose unilateral tariffs on key U.S. trading partners. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 230 points, or 0.54%, to 42,634.95 after the bell. The S&P 500 slid 0.28%, while the Nasdaq dipped 0.24%. The small-cap Russell 2000 also declined, losing 0.38%. 3 President Donald Trump said he plans to unilaterally impose tariffs on dozens of trading partners, reviving concerns about a global trade war and sending a jolt through financial markets. Shutterstock Meanwhile, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), Wall Street's 'fear gauge,' spiked more than 5%, signaling rising investor unease. The market downturn came hours after Trump, speaking Wednesday evening at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, confirmed that his administration intends to send letters to US trade partners in the coming weeks to formally establish new tariff terms. 'We're going to be sending letters out in about a week and a half, two weeks, to countries, telling them what the deal is,' Trump said. 'At a certain point, we're just going to send letters out. And I think you understand that, saying this is the deal, you can take it or leave it.' Trump's remarks come ahead of a July 9 deadline, when the White House is expected to move forward with increased tariffs on a wide range of imports unless new trade agreements are secured. 3 Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were down 302 points, or 0.70%, at 42,606.00 before the opening bell on Thursday. The S&P 500 futures slipped 37.25 points, or 0.62%. AP The president has previously floated similar timeframes, sometimes delaying or altering plans, but Thursday's selloff suggests investors are bracing for concrete action. In April, Trump proposed across-the-board tariff hikes but put them on hold for 90 days following a steep market decline. Since then, the administration has finalized only a narrow trade framework with the United Kingdom and a temporary tariff truce with China. That truce is now under pressure. Officials from Washington and Beijing met in London earlier this week for high-stakes negotiations after each side accused the other of breaching terms. Trump said Thursday that the US–China framework would include rare earth and magnet exports from China, in exchange for the US loosening restrictions on Chinese student visas. 3 In April, Trump proposed across-the-board tariff hikes but put them on hold for 90 days following a steep market decline. JOHN G MABANGLO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock When asked whether he might extend the July 9 deadline to allow more time for deals, Trump said, 'But I don't think we're gonna have that necessity.' Trump has shifted his strategy away from blanket multilateral negotiations and is now focused on bilateral deals with countries such as India, Japan, South Korea and members of the European Union. Still, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noted Thursday that negotiations with the EU have been difficult, pointing to the complexity of dealing with a 27-nation bloc. 'It's frustrating,' he said. With Trump reaffirming his tariff plans and few trade deals finalized, Thursday's sharp losses suggest markets are now pricing in the real possibility of a broader economic confrontation in the weeks ahead. The Post has sought comment from the White House.
