That Noisy Trump
Day 201

Friday, 8 August 2025

10 events· 2 tariff actions

Key Events (10)

1
Legal

The Justice Department launched a grand jury probe of New York Attorney General Letitia James, issuing two subpoenas related to the civil fraud case against Trump and an investigation into the NRA. This move comes as Trump's administration has faced criticism for allegedly weaponizing law enforcement.

2
Economy

Trump administration imposed tariffs including a 39% rate on gold bars and other commodity tariffs, pushing tariffs to their highest level in nearly 100 years. Gold futures jumped to record highs in response, and international partners including Brazil characterized the measures as unacceptable.

3
Foreign Policy

Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, though former National Security Advisor John Bolton expressed skepticism about Putin's sincerity. Polish PM Donald Tusk stated a 'freeze' in the Ukraine war may be close.

4
Domestic

Trump ordered a seven-day crackdown on violent crime in Washington D.C., mobilizing additional federal law enforcement despite the city's violent crime hitting a 30-year low in 2024. The deployment followed an attack on an ex-Doge staffer.

5
Domestic

Trump removed IRS Commissioner Billy Long just two months after his confirmation and appointment as acting IRS head went to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Long is reportedly being considered for the U.S. Ambassador position to Iceland.

6
Domestic

Trump directed the military to target foreign drug cartels, ordering the Pentagon to carry out operations traditionally considered law enforcement responsibilities. This represents a significant expansion of the military's domestic mandate.

7
Legal

A divided three-judge federal appeals panel vacated a district judge's contempt finding against the Trump administration over its El Salvador deportations, providing legal relief to the administration.

8
Other

Trump fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, raising concerns from the former chief that the president may attempt to manipulate economic data. The former director warned that while data manipulation is 'not easy,' she hopes Trump 'won't go that far.'

9

The Trump administration announced sweeping cuts to vaccine research funding, prompting global concern. An Ohio Planned Parenthood affiliate rejected Medicaid over fears the administration could claw back reimbursements if recent court rulings are overturned.

10
Foreign Policy

U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed during talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy that Trump does not back Palestinian state recognition, signaling disagreements between the U.S. and UK over Gaza policy.

Tariff Actions (2)

gold bars39%

39% tariff imposed on gold cast bars, described as another blow to Switzerland's refining industry

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multiple goods

Multiple tariff announcements pushing U.S. tariffs to highest levels in nearly 100 years, with international criticism from Brazil and others

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Day 201 — Friday, 8 August 2025 | That Noisy Trump