Trump Partially Exempts Smartphones, Laptops from Tariffs.

2 months ago 2

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Trump administration has granted a temporary tariff exemption for various electronics, including smartphones and laptops, amidst ongoing trade tensions with China.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Trump administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and tech companies reliant on these imports.

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📍 Where & When: The exemptions are effective retroactively from April 5, announced on Friday night.

💬 Key Quote: “These products are subject to the existing 20 percent Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff ‘bucket,'” President Donald J. Trump explained.

⚠️ Impact: The exemptions provide temporary relief for tech companies and consumers while keeping on pressure to “reshore” manufacturing to the U.S. over the longer term.

IN FULL:

The Trump administration has rolled out a temporary reprieve from some tariffs for various everyday electronics, easing pressures on tech companies and consumers while maintaining pressure on China. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) revised its tariff guidelines Friday night, itemizing 20 product categories now exempt from reciprocal tariffs.

Effective retroactively to April 5, the exemptions cover laptops and smartphones, among other electronics. On Truth Social, President Donald J. Trump explained, “NOBODY is getting ‘off the hook’ for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China,” and that the products will still be “subject to the existing 20 percent Fentanyl Tariffs… they are just moving to a different Tariff ‘bucket.’ We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations.”

The exemptions provide for refunds of tariffs collected post-April 5. Trump officials have emphasized the temporary nature of this measure, stressing potential new semiconductor-specific tariffs within months.

Desktop computers—including components like disc drives—are included in the exemption list alongside laptops and smartphones under “automatic data processing machines and units thereof.” Computer parts, solid-state drives, flat-panel display modules, routers, and various semiconductor products are also covered, accounting for sectors with high import needs and—for now—limited domestic output.

Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities called the move “a game-changer scenario when it comes to China tariffs.” China has been one of the only countries to attempt a reciprocal battle with the United States over President Trump’s new tariffs. Last week, the one-party communist dictatorship accused the U.S. of “bullying and coercion” while imposing 125 percent tariffs on American goods. However, such measures are of limited usefulness, with China as a surplus economy, selling far more to the U.S. than vice versa.

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Jack Montgomery contributed to this report.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump announced agreements with five major law firms to provide pro bono services worth hundreds of millions of dollars for causes supported by him and the firms. The law firms include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump; the law firms Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP; and the EEOC.

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📍 Where & When: Announced on Truth Social, the agreements were publicized on Friday, April 11.

💬 Key Quote: “The Law Firms affirm that they will not deny representation to clients, such as members of politically disenfranchised groups and Government Officials, employees, and advisors, who have not historically received Legal representation from major National Law Firms, including in pro bono matters, and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers,” Trump’s Truth Social post states.

⚠️ Impact: The pro bono pledges have exceeded $900 million, bringing to heel a number of major law firms that have sought to undermine the Trump agenda by assisting lawfare efforts in recent years.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has revealed commitments from five prominent law firms to deliver pro bono services totaling $600 million for various causes they mutually endorse. The firms joining this initiative include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, with the latter contributing $100 million. Services pledged by these firms will span supporting veterans, military families, law enforcement, and first responders, as well as addressing fairness in the justice system and combating anti-Semitism, according to statements released by Trump.

Trump’s announcement, made on Truth Social, noted that these legal entities will not partake in “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities. The decision is also linked to the recent withdrawal of inquiries from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), with Trump referencing this move as part of an agreement.

“The Law Firms affirm their commitment to Merit-Based Hiring, Promotion, and Retention. Accordingly, the Law Firms will not engage in illegal DEI discrimination and preferences,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: “The Law Firms affirm that they will not deny representation to clients, such as members of politically disenfranchised groups and Government Officials, employees, and advisors, who have not historically received Legal representation from major National Law Firms, including in pro bono matters, and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers.”

This development marks a significant expansion in the scale of legal services committed on a pro bono basis, notably for causes that are perceived to align closely with the Trump administration’s priorities. The total value of these pro bono pledges by law firms has now surpassed $900 million. Trump highlighted the bipartisan nature of the pro bono work to be undertaken, asserting that it will uphold a wide range of political perspectives, including conservative values.

These agreements come after Trump earlier enacted Executive Orders that penalized certain high-profile law firms. The law firms involved have previously been noted for engaging in lawfare efforts against Trump or employing individuals who have pursued dubious legal actions against him to hamper his 2024 presidential campaign and political agenda.