Are we being "liberated"?

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Global Recap
April 02, 2025 • Read in: 9 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

For those outside the US, do you know what April 2 is here?

According to President Trump, it’s “Liberation Day,” set to be celebrated in the Rose Garden at 4:00 PM EST.

Why 4:00 PM EST? That’s when the stock market closes.

Most people have no idea what Trump will announce tomorrow, but Israel seems to be making moves to prepare for whatever’s coming.👇️ 

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Israel Scraps All
US Import Tariffs

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu (left) and US President Trump (right).

Israel has decided to eliminate all remaining tariffs on imports from the US, just as Trump’s administration prepares to impose reciprocal duties on trade allies.

Context: Some peopleonline think this might just be an April Fool’s prank. 😂 

The Decision

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signed the directive to remove tariffs immediately, aiming to strengthen economic ties with the US.

  • The move was coordinated with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Economy Minister Nir Barkat.

  • It’s subject to final approval by the Knesset Finance Committee.

Why Now?

The Trump administration is set to impose reciprocal tariffs on April 2.

  • Smotrich warned of significant changes in US trade policy, emphasizing the need to avoid clashes.

  • The directive aligns with Israel’s efforts to combat the cost of living and boost competition in the food sector.

Impact on Agriculture

The removal of tariffs will affect agricultural imports, which currently generate NIS 42 million ($11 million) annually.

  • Products like apples, almonds, and frozen vegetables were previously protected by tariffs.

  • The Agriculture Ministry is working on policies to support local farmers and ensure food security.

Broader Implications

This zero-tariff policy aims to maintain positive trade relations with the US while safeguarding Israeli exports.

  • Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce CEO Gilit Rubinstein praised the move as necessary to avoid jeopardizing exports.

  • The policy could increase competition and reduce living costs, but it also raises concerns about the competitiveness of Israeli agricultural exports.

Here’s a concise overview of what this means for the US and its trading partners:

🤔 Thoughts: On one hand, this looks like a win-win for the US. By imposing reciprocal tariffs, the US is essentially balancing the trade equation—Israeli exporters will have to pay the same price to access US markets as American companies do abroad.

✋🏻 However: This also means US companies that rely on outsourcing could take a serious hit. I personlly know a business owner who outsources to India, and they’re bracing for costs to double on a specific product.

🌐 So, what’s the best move? One option is to scrap all tariffs entirely. That would get the US to drop its reciprocal tariffs, creating a level playing field while pushing other nations to compete harder in the US market. That said, other countries would still take a hit—but not as bad as if they held onto their existing tariffs.

But of course, this strategy only works if other countries cave. If they don’t, it could spiral into a prolonged economic standoff, with nations holding out until recessions start hitting. With experts predicting an impending recession in Mexico, it could be the first to take a hit.

But don’t forget—the US isn’t in the clear either. In a prolonged tariff war, a recession is also on the horizon, with the Atlanta Fed now forecasting a 3.7% drop in GDP growth. 😬

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Gmail Scandal Hits
National Security

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and his team are under fire for using Gmail accounts for sensitive government communications.

The Scandal

The Washington Post reported that one of Waltz’s senior aides used Gmail for discussions about military positions and weapons systems.

  • Emails showed others used government-issued accounts in the conversation.

  • Waltz’s team claims this was to ensure compliance with records retention.

Signal Chat Leak

This comes as he faces criticism for adding The Atlantic reporter to a Signal chat that included Defense Secretary Hegseth, Vice President Vance, and others.

  • President Trump defended Waltz, saying, “I think he’s doing his best.”

📚 Additional Info: Some are even drawing parallels to Hillary Clinton’s email controversy, when she sparked backlash for using a private email server for official government business.

NSC’s Defense

The National Security Council (NSC) insists no classified material was sent via Gmail.

  • NSC spokesperson Brian Hughes called the Post’s report a distraction from Trump’s “successful national security agenda.”

  • Hughes emphasized that staff are trained to use secure channels for classified information.

Political Fallout

The incident has reignited comparisons to past email scandals and raised questions about cybersecurity in government.

  • Critics argue that using Gmail for sensitive communications is a major security risk.

  • Supporters say the issue is being blown out of proportion for political gain.

  • However, critics are calling out the hypocrisy of Trump supporters who are downplaying Waltz’s actions as a “nothing burger” while having condemned Clinton for a similar issue.

Will Waltz be shown the door this time, or will Trump extend his grace once more?

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Putin’s Massive Military Call-Up

Vladimir Putin is now ramping up Russia’s military with the largest conscription drive in over a decade, sparking fears of escalating tensions and even World War III.

So, no ceasefire?

The Numbers

Russia’s latest draft targets 160,000 men aged 18–30, more than double the size of the British Army.

  • Remember, Russia’s military already boasts 1.5 million active servicemen.

  • The total military force is now projected to swell to 2.39 million, drawn from a population of over 143 million.

Ukraine Conflict & Conscripts

Despite official claims that conscripts won’t be sent to Ukraine, reports suggest otherwise.

  • Many conscripts have reportedly died in border battles with Ukrainian forces.

  • Casualties were especially high during the early months of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Trump’s Frustration

On top of all this, President Trump’s attempts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine have seemingly hit a wall.

  • Moscow rejected Washington’s proposals, citing unresolved “root causes” of the war.

  • Trump is reportedly “pissed off” with Putin over his criticism of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and is threatening to slap secondary tariffs of 25% to 50% on countries buying Russian oil.

🇨🇳 CHINA
White House Warns China

The US has issued a warning to China after Beijing launched surprise military drills near Taiwan, escalating tensions in the region.

The Drill

The Chinese military launched massive drills with no warning—involving their army, navy, air force, and rocket forces, targeting maritime and land zones around Taiwan.

  • China called the drills a “severe warning” against Taiwanese independence.

  • Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported 71 Chinese aircraft and 21 warships entering its air defense identification zone.

  • Activities included combat readiness patrols and simulated strikes on maritime and land targets.

Taiwan’s Response

Taiwan’s defense ministry has detected significant military activity and is taking countermeasures.

  • 71 PLA aircraft and 19 vessels, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, were spotted.

  • Taiwan deployed aircraft, navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response.

  • The government condemned China’s actions as “military provocations.”

US Response

The White House condemned China’s actions, doubling down on opposing any attempts to alter Taiwan’s status by force.

Previously:

  • The State Department even revised its website, deleting the phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence.” When China objected, the US dismissed the backlash, calling it nothing more than “routine” maintenance.

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spent last week rallying allies in Japan and the Philippines, promising a stronger military alliance against China.

Propaganda

China’s drills are accompanied by its propaganda campaign targeting Taiwan’s leadership.

  • China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s Social media posts depict Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, as a “parasite courting ultimate destruction.”

  • Videos and posters show simulated assaults on Taiwan, including missile attacks.