Daily Business Report: Friday, April 11, 2025
Ten Tariff Questions Never Asked
By Victor Davis Hanson | The Blade of Perseus
Trump’s So-Called “Trade War.”
Many call the American effort to obtain either tariff parity or a reduction in the roughly $1 trillion trade deficit and fifty years of consecutive trade deficits “a trade war.” But then what do they call the policies of the past half-century by Europe, Asia, China, and others to ensure asymmetrical tariffs, pseudo-health and security trade restrictions, and large surpluses?
A trade peace? Trade fairness?
Do Nations Prefer Surpluses or Deficits?
Why do most nations prefer trade surpluses and protective tariffs?
Are Europe, Asia, China, and others stupid? Are they suicidal in continuing their trade surpluses and protective or asymmetrical tariffs?
President Trump Targets California’s Overreaching Cap and Trade Program
By Katy Grimes | California Globe
President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that targets California’s climate change laws and policies, specifically naming California’s sketchy Cap and Trade program, which ostensibly facilitates greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Trump is promoting “all of the above” energy policy, including nuclear power.
From Trump’s executive order “PROTECTING AMERICAN ENERGY FROM STATE OVERREACH:”
My Administration is committed to unleashing American energy, especially through the removal of all illegitimate impediments to the identification, development, siting, production, investment in, or use of domestic energy resources — particularly oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, geothermal, biofuel, critical mineral, and nuclear energy resources.
Uber, Lyft drivers could unionize under new proposal
By Yue Stella Yu | CalMatters
After years of tussling with gig companies, California’s labor unions want to once again expand workers’ rights — this time by allowing ride-hailing drivers to unionize.
And as in tussles past, expect steep opposition from the businesses.
Backed by California’s Service Employees International Union, Democratic lawmakers unveiled a measure Tuesday that would allow drivers to bargain with companies like Uber and Lyft for better pay and benefits, a step toward more protections for gig workers.
“We stand for the principles that all work has dignity,” said Oakland Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, who introduced Assembly Bill 1340, at a Tuesday press conference. “We stand for the right of every worker to truly have a voice.”
