On Politics

Mon Mar 31 2025

Rebecca Morin | Newsletter Writer

@RebeccaMorin_

Happy Monday! It's Rebecca Morin here.

Are tariffs worth the pain?

Make America Rich Again. That's what President Donald Trump said his upcoming tariffs will do. Yes, he conceded, Americans may feel a little economic "disturbance," but it will spur more production in the U.S. Well, experts disagree. Trade professionals and economists say that it's unlikely that a significant share of makers overseas will move established supply chains to the United States under the threat of on-again, off-again tariffs. How Trump's tariffs will impact manufacturing.

•	Trump says he 'couldn't care less' if tariffs raise some car prices

Trump on Wednesday will announce details for his tariffs aimed at curtailing the flow of foreign goods into the U.S. – a move that economists warn will drive up prices. He'll also implement 25% tariffs on all imported autos and most auto parts. The president threatened additional tariffs on Russian oil after Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership. Follow today's updates.

New vehicles are parked on the pier at the Mercedes Benz Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC) in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 31, 2025.

JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

A politics pit stop

•	Gavin Newsom: Democratic brand is 'toxic'
•	Kremlin says it's working on Ukraine peace after Trump says he's 'pissed off' with Putin
•	Kristi Noem's Rolex draws ire: Other controversial political fashion
•	Atlantic editor hits Trump admin claims over leaked chat
•	Trump says 'there will be bombing' if Iran doesn't make nuclear deal

What to watch in Tuesday's special elections

Democrats have a snowball's chance in flipping two seats in Florida. But they hope to at least overperform during Tuesday's special elections to replace U.S. Reps. Matt Gaetz and Michael Waltz . Gaetz and Waltz represent conservative strongholds in the Sunshine State, and the GOP want to ensure a strong win in those areas to blunt a narrative that President Donald Trump is beginning to slip with voters.

Another special election to watch on Tuesday: Wisconsin's state Supreme Court battle. The election has become expensive as Trump ally Elon Musk and the political groups he's tied to have poured $20 million into the race. The election will determine how the state's high court will lean for issues such as abortion access, redistricting and elections. Here's what to know about the elections.

•	Musk gives away two $1 million checks to Wisconsin voters
•	Musk in Green Bay: 'Destiny of humanity' rests on WI Supreme Court race
•	Florida special elections: Meet the candidates and see what's at stake

Billionaire Elon Musk presents a check for $1 million made out to Nicholas Jacobs during a town hall on Sunday in Green Bay, Wis.

Tork Mason, USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Trump wants to run for president again

President Donald Trump said he's "not joking" about running for a third presidential term even though the Constitution says he can't. During an interview with NBC News on Sunday, he said "a lot of people want me to do it." But under the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, presidents may only be elected to two terms. Only one president has served more than two terms, and it was before the 22nd Amendment was put in place. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first and only president to serve more than two terms - he won four White House elections. Can Trump run for president anyways?

Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics? You can submit them here or send me an email at rdmorin@usatoday.com.