Trump's Steel Tariffs Take Effect; White House Tesla Show
Key Takeaways
- Trump's 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum officially take effect.
- Trump hosts Tesla car show, eyes red Model S; Musk considers $100M investment.
- Trump's health commission, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., holds inaugural meeting.
- House of Lords committee criticizes the Financial Conduct Authority's proposals.
- Starmer urges less reliance on regulators, Whitehall job cuts.
Policy Pulse
Trump's 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum now in effect.
On March 12, 2025, reports confirmed that the 25% tariffs imposed by Trump on steel and aluminum have officially taken effect.
House of Lords critical of FCA proposals.
On March 12, 2025, it was reported that a House of Lords committee, formed in January 2024 and composed of peers with ties to City firms, has voiced criticism of the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) proposals.
White House Watch
Trump hosts Tesla car show, eyes red Model S.
On March 11, 2025, President Trump hosted a 30-minute car show at the White House featuring only Tesla vehicles to support Elon Musk. Trump test drove five Tesla cars and expressed interest in buying a red Model S, as Musk considered investing $100 million into groups controlled by Trump's political operation.
Trump's health commission's first meeting on March 12.
On March 11, 2025, it was announced that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will convene the inaugural meeting of President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again Commission on March 12, 2025. The private meeting at the White House complex aims to lower chronic disease rates and end childhood chronic diseases.
Power Shift
Starmer urges less reliance on regulators, Whitehall job cuts.
On March 11, 2025, Keir Starmer directed his cabinet to reduce reliance on regulators and quangos, urging ministers to take more responsibility within their departments. Pat McFadden stated the government believes in the power of the state to provide security and stability, contrasting it with the previous government's approach. The Institute for Government suggested that McFadden consider compulsory redundancy rounds in the civil service, while Shabana Mahmood is preparing to use the sentencing bill to reduce the Sentencing Council’s power if it does not amend the guidelines.