President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Tuesday aimed at boosting the struggling coal industry by granting coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from federal requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals. The administration is offering exemptions to power plants and other industrial polluters under the Clean Air Act, which has been criticized by environmental groups as a way for companies to evade laws meant to protect the environment and public health. The move is part of Trump’s efforts to support the coal industry, which provides fuel for about 16% of U.S. electricity.
A top Pentagon official stated that special operations forces do not have the authority to launch drone attacks at drug cartels in Mexico, despite President Trump designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The official clarified that the designation does not automatically convey authority for direct action against the cartels, but it helps unlock doors for a broader approach to addressing the issue. The military is conducting manned and unmanned surveillance flights over Mexico’s airspace to monitor the situation.
In response to President Trump’s tariffs, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on auto imports from the United States that do not comply with the USMCA trade pact. The Canadian government is also implementing measures to bolster auto production and domestic investment, while providing exceptions on tariff countermeasures for certain residents. The Senate confirmed Elbridge Colby as the top policy adviser at the Pentagon, and a federal judge ordered the White House to restore The Associated Press’ full access to cover presidential events, ruling that the government cannot punish the news organization for its speech.
