Trump Administration Live Updates: President Announces

As of late July 2025, the Trump Administration has made several key announcements and taken significant actions, primarily focusing on trade, economic policy, and international relations. Here’s a summary of major updates:

Trade and Tariffs:

Trade Deal with Japan: President Trump announced a trade framework with Japan on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. This deal will impose a 15% tariff on goods imported from Japan, a reduction from the previously threatened 25% rate. Trump stated the deal would create “Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs” and that Japan would invest $550 billion into the U.S. economy, opening its markets to American autos and rice.

Trade Deal with the Philippines: The administration also announced a trade agreement with the Philippines, which will see the U.S. impose a 19% tariff on goods from the Philippines, a slight drop from a threatened 20%. In return, American products will face no import taxes in the Philippines.

Indonesia and India: Trump reaffirmed a 19% tariff on Indonesia and indicated that the U.S. is working on a similar trade deal with India to gain greater access to its markets.

Upcoming Tariff Deadline (August 1): The current administration had previously imposed a 10% baseline tariff on most imports and higher country-specific “reciprocal tariffs” based on trade deficits. A 90-day pause on most of these country-specific tariffs was extended to August 1, 2025, to allow for negotiations. Since July 7, the President has been sending letters to over 20 countries outlining the new tariff rates that will take effect on August 1 if bilateral agreements are not reached. These rates are generally consistent with earlier announcements, though some countries received revised levels.

Negotiations Ongoing: The U.S. is reportedly in the final stages of trade negotiations with many countries to avoid significant tariff hikes by August 1. Talks are ongoing with the European Union, which has been threatened with 30% tariffs, and Mexico, facing a potential 30% tariff.

Executive Orders and Domestic Policy:

Regulatory Relief for Industries: On July 17, 2025, several executive orders were signed providing two-year exemptions from certain EPA rules for industries such as iron ore processing (taconite), chemical manufacturing, and energy (coal- and oil-fired utility units). This is aimed at promoting American security and addressing what the administration views as burdensome regulations.

Schedule G in Excepted Service: An executive order on July 17, 2025, created a new “Schedule G” in the excepted service for non-career, policymaking positions that are typically subject to change with a presidential transition.

Ending Green Energy Subsidies: On July 7, 2025, an executive order was signed to repeal wind, solar, and other “green” energy tax credits, with the Treasury Department directed to terminate clean electricity production and investment tax credits.

National Parks and “Make America Beautiful Again”: On July 3, 2025, executive orders were issued to increase entry fees for foreign tourists at national parks, improve affordability for U.S. residents, expand park access, and establish a “President’s Make America Beautiful