Ports, Pete & Politics, Oh My!
Ports + tariffs + shortages, Hegseth's continued fall from grace, plus the S.C, PM Carney, Middle East, Harris & MTG. Your daily news updates
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Alright, let’s get into it
Oh Pete…
guaranteed DJT is not pleased that this is the pic the media is using
Remember when I told you that Sec. Def Pete Hegseth would be out by May 12 or a few days before or after? Well, I may have been too generous. While I was using an astrological timing technique to read his career chart, sometimes the news takes on a life cycle of its own.
The latest is that, at the beginning of the administration, Pete cut off military aid flights to Ukraine without President Trump’s knowledge or approval. Astrologically and politically, if there is anything that we know about DJT, it is that the man does not like decisions being made over his head. He likes to be involved— whether it’s a banal conversation or security matters at the highest level.
I mean, come on, this man is a Leo rising at 29 degrees…this means his entire personality is being in the center of the room. As a former FOX news broadcaster, Hegseth should know that!
A report from Reuters came out this morning indicating that Hegseth’s call blindsided Trump, leading then National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to intervene and reverse the call. While WH Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt is downplaying the issue, refuting the Reuters report and saying that Hegseth was following White House orders, when there’s smoke there’s fire.
You can bet that Trump is seething. I mean he has gone to bat week after week for Pete, and then for this to come out. Trump is fuming. Pissed about the leaker(s) sharing this info with the press. Pissed at Hegseth for putting him in this spot in the first place.
This also follows last night’s WSJ report that Hegseth had dozens of Signal chats he was using for military matters. Trump did say Sunday that Hegseth’s job was “totally safe” and that he’s doing a “great job.”
But, honestly, I’m standing by my assessment. This man is out of a job…soon. Like next week soon.
We may not be feeling the tariff effects yet…but the ports are
c/o: Forbes
Shortages may be coming. Think COVID toilet-paper brawls, multiply that times at least two, probably ten, and expand it to… everything?
The first port reports since the 145% tariff was implemented on China are in, and they’re…not great.
Indeed, report from the port is that boats coming from China carrying goods are like, half full right now. Companies are canceling orders, walking back supply commitments due to tariff uncertainty. Manufacturers and logistics are seeing a downturn.
The port of LA was expecting 80 ships in May… 20% of those have been canceled. Thirteen have been canceled for June.
To avoid the high tariffs affecting U.S. businesses who are importing Chinese goods, some businesses are storing their products in Chinese warehouses. This means their available supply is limited only to what they have right now in their U.S. warehouse. Hence the possible shortages. When companies place orders, they are expecting to meet customer demand. But, if supply can’t meet demand, then a couple things happen. Shortages and….prices rise. Some even partake in price gouging.
This could be absolved if in fact there were alternative manufacturing options in the United States. But, as has been made very clear, those don’t exist quite yet. The tariffs are meant to encourage production and manufacturing in the U.S. But creating a domestic supply-chain takes many months, likely years.
So, businesses are sh*t up a creek without a paddle.
Markets are gonna freak. As one economist noted, “the recession starts on the docks of Los Angeles.” Of course, supply chains are good at adapting (think COVID). However, because of the unpredictability and indefinite nature of Trump’s trade war, it’s harder to adjust.
Keep in mind: Even if Trump no longer feels like he has to sign deals. Even if Trump and China negotiate a deal, which, according to the Treasury Secretary hasn’t started, though Trump has said China has, the shock to the manufacturing and logistics system could still take 9-12 months to recalibrate. So, now we’re in it, whether we want to be or not.
Politics/Policy of Ze Day
Canada is priceless
PM Mark Carney made it clear today that Trump isn’t buying Canada. In response, Trump said “never say never.” Though, he did agree that “it takes two to tango.” When Carney asked if there was anything he could do to lower tariffs, Trump simply replied, “no, that’s just the way it is.”
While Trump is reportedly a shmoozer, I didn’t really foresee these people seeing eye to eye.
Though it was a conciliatory meeting, apparently Carney spoke just three times throughout the entire half hour televised, with Trump dominating the airwaves. Leo rising 29 degrees, I’m telling ya.
The two then had a private lunch to discuss actual policy matters, which we probably will hear about via Truth Social tonight or tomorrow.
Supreme Court allows Trump to continue with transgender ban
Supreme Court answered an emergency stay filed by the Trump administration, which pauses the federal judge’s ruling that prohibited the transgender ban from being enforced.
The Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3, unsigned decision, that the administration could continue with the ban while the case is being deliberated in the 9th circuit court and, perhaps later, the Supreme Court. It’s not a direct statement saying “this ban is legal,” it’s more so like, “you can continue on with your plans as we continue to hear your arguments.”
Real ID is perhaps the fakest thing ever?
They’ve been trying to push this thing for years. Years! Finally, we’re on the eve of the REAL ID deadline. But, DHS just came out today and said that wait just kidding you actually CAN travel without a Real ID, it’ll just take longer.
I don’t know man…like either institute the policy or don’t. Don’t waffle and prolong travel lines for the rest of us! Though, I wouldn’t be surprised if they start creating a “REAL ID” vs “non REAL ID” security set-up, like they have with pre-check.
This is the stuff that gets me heated apparently :)
House pulls controversial IGO Anti-Boycott bill.
Shortly after I wrote about the IGO Anti-Boycott bill Sunday (read here), the House canceled the vote on the bill. Why? Several MAGA Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) protested that the bill was a violation of political speech and would compromise individuals’ constitutional rights. The House had passed the bill by voice vote in 2024, meaning it hardly faced pushback, but, with the state of political affairs, it’s being challenged on a bipartisan basis.
As a side note: I accidentally red-pilled myself this weekend and went down a deep wormhole of used-to-be-MAGA influencers (more on that to come). In my research, I realized that there is a large contingency of MAGA supporters who are heavily anti-Israel, and don’t think the United States should be blindly supporting/funding their actions.
Apparently MTG is aware of this too. Sunday afternoon, she and Charlie Kirk (TurningPoint USA) started protesting against the bill.
Realllll interesting stuff to watch, since pre-2025, Republicans were pretty staunchly in agreement that they should support Israel. It was Democrats who were more split intra-party.
Speaking of Israel, PM Netanyahu plans to relocate/displace Gaza civilians
On Monday, Netanyahu announced he had received approval from his security cabinet to carry out a plan to “conquer” the Gaza territory.
Operation “Gideon’s Chariot,” as deemed by Netanyahu, will be carried out within the next couple of weeks and would not be stopped until all objectives were achieved. The one caveat is that President Trump is visiting the Middle East next week, and, if a hostage deal between Israel & Hamas is secured, then Netanyahu will allegedly call off the operation.
Trump announces ceasefire between U.S. and Houthis
Today, Trump announced that the U.S. will stop bombing the Houthis after Oman negotiated a deal between the two parties. The U.S. had been carrying out airstrikes since early March… as we know from “Signal Gate,” or the “Houthi PC Small Group.”
Kamala Harris makes surprise Met Gala appearance
And looks good doing it.
While she skipped the carpet, Harris was later photographed inside enjoying the festivities. This is only a handful of public appearances Harris has made since losing the election. She is reportedly currently weighing a run for Governor, or stepping out of politics entirely. Though other reports indicate she may try again in 2028.
Smartt Takes, however, believes that ship has sailed.
That’s it from me! See you tomorrow if I need to report!
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