MNI POLITICAL RISK - Trump Escalates Tariff Rhetoric

Executive summary:

• US President Donald Trump confirmed his intention to impose a flat 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico.
• It is unclear if Trump has sufficient political capital to impose the tariffs and retain the support of the electorate - sceptical of the proposal - and Republican lawmakers from agricultural and manufacturing states, who are likely to bear the brunt of retaliatory measures.
• Trump issued a second tariff threat directed at countries from the BRICS bloc. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in the crosshairs of any anti-BRICS measures, told reporters he would respond in kind to any US tariffs.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is privately dialling down expectations that the House will be able to pass a reconciliation package by Easter.
• The Senate confirmed Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary, setting up the former North Dakota governor as one of the most powerful members of Trump’s cabinet.
• The Senate Budget Committee advanced the nomination of Russell Vought for OMB Director, despite Democrats warning of a constitutional crisis over Vought's willingness to coopt the power of the purse from Congress.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump’s ambition to acquire Greenland is “not a joke,” ahead of his first foreign trip, where he will meet Panama President José Raúl Mulino.
• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman delivered a demo to a host of key Trump administration officials.
• Poll of the Day: Tulsi Gabbard remains the most at-risk Trump Cabinet nominee. 

Please find the full article attached below: US DAILY BRIEF