1 month ago
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PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: American farmers are showing strong support for President Trump’s trade policies, expecting tariffs to bolster the agricultural sector.
👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, American farmers, Purdue University, and CME Group.
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📍 Where & When: United States, April (latest data from Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer).
💬 Key Quote: “This month, one out of four respondents said it was a good time to make large investments.” — Perdue University study.
⚠️ Impact: Increased farmer optimism and investment intentions, with expectations of improved financial performance.
IN FULL:
Farmers across America are expressing robust support for President Donald J. Trump‘s trade policies, according to the latest data from the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The survey reveals that 70 percent of farmers believe the tariffs imposed under Trump’s administration will ultimately strengthen the agricultural sector. This optimistic outlook is reflected in the significant rise in farmer sentiment observed in April, with both current and future expectations showing marked improvement.
The Farm Capital Investment Index, a key measure of farmers‘ willingness to invest, has reached its highest level since May 2021. This surge in investment sentiment is underscored by the finding that one in four respondents considers it a favorable time to make substantial investments. This figure is nearly twice the percentage recorded in surveys conducted from May to October of the previous year.
Moreover, the Farm Financial Performance Index has remained above 100 for four consecutive months. This indicates that producers anticipate financial performance this year to be on par with, or slightly exceed, the levels seen last year.
The data underscores a growing confidence among American farmers in the Trump administration’s economic strategies. By focusing on restoring fairness in global trade and opening new markets for U.S. producers, the administration has garnered significant support within the agricultural community.
The optimism of farmers matches the similar sentiment expressed by those in the manufacturing industry, who have also praised President Trump’s tariff policies.
President Trump has said his new trade deal with the United Kingdom, announced Thursday, will significantly open the British market to American produce.
PULSE POINTS:
What Happened: President Donald J. Trump is once again pushing for a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, threatening sanctions if either country violates the suspension of hostilities. He hopes a ceasefire can pave the way for a peace deal between the warring nations.
👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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📍 Where & When: President Trump called for a ceasefire in a post on Truth Social on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
💬 Key Quote: “If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions,” President Trump warned.
⚠️ Impact: With the Russian economy beginning to show signs of strain under current U.S. sanctions, and Putin even expressing a desire to re-establish access to Western markets, the 30-day ceasefire demand may be too much for him to pass up. The Russian leader has already signalled he is open to a shorter-term cessation of hostilities. However, this may be the final efforts of the Trump White House to broker an end to the conflict before washing their hands of the issue.
IN FULL:
President Donald J. Trump is calling for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, threating that the United States and its partners will impose crippling sanctions on whichever of the two nations either refuse the agreement or violate it. The America First leader outlined the ceasefire proposal in a post on Truth Social late Thursday, May 8, 2025.
“The U.S. calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations,” Trump wrote, continuing: “If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions.”
He added: “Thousands of young soldiers are dying on a weekly basis, and everybody should want it to STOP. I do, and the United States of America does, also. As President, I will stay committed to securing Peace between Russia and Ukraine, together with the Europeans, and a Lasting Peace it will be!”
Trump emphasized that the ceasefire demand is intended to “ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement” and that it must be done “quickly.” Additionally, President Trump offered to be “available on a moment’s notice” to help broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Earlier in the week, Trump expressed his disgust and anger with the intransigence shown by both the Russian and Ukrainian governments toward a peace deal. Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington, D.C., said that Russia is “asking for too much” in return for ending its war against neighboring Ukraine, highlighting the Trump White House’s continued frustration with reaching an elusive peace settlement.
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