Thursday, April 17, 2025 - China drags Vance; Fed warning; Abrego Garcia update; Trump loses; DOJ vs Maine

Today’s Headlines: The U.S.-China trade war escalated after VP JD Vance made a crack about “Chinese peasants,” prompting a sharp clapback from China. Hong Kong also suspended shipments to the U.S. over new 120% tariffs on small packages, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned that the growing tariff chaos could have long term consequences on the economy. In El Salvador, Senator Chris Van Hollen tried (and failed) to secure a meeting or visit with wrongfully deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia, as the White House is still insisting he’s not coming back. Meanwhile, a judge blocked Trump’s executive order targeting the law firm behind Dominion’s Fox lawsuit, calling it a personal vendetta and a “shocking abuse of power.” Another judge found probable cause to hold the administration in criminal contempt for ignoring a court order to stop deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act. Lastly, the DOJ is suing Maine for allowing trans athletes in girls’ sports. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: China lashes out at JD Vance for comments about ‘Chinese peasants’  ​​AP News: Hong Kong post office will stop shipping parcels to the US over tariffs  CNN: Fed Chair Powell gives starkest warning yet on potential economic consequences from tariffs  Maryland Sen. Van Hollen meets with El Salvador's vice president in push for Abrego Garcia's release WA Post: Judge rules on Trump’s punishments for another law firm  CNN: Boasberg finds ‘probable cause exists’ to hold Trump administration in contempt for violating orders on deportation flights ​​ CNN: Trump DOJ sues Maine over refusing to comply with ban on transgender athletes in high school sports  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices