From the Politics Desk: A Week of Tariffs, Budgets, and Presidential Maneuvers

Tariff Turmoil: How Will Voters React to Trump's Trade Tactics?

This week, President Trump's trade policies took center stage, with dramatic shifts on tariffs leaving many wondering how voters will respond. The economy played a crucial role in Trump's 2016 victory, and he's acutely aware of the impact rising prices can have on public opinion.

As he told NBC News in December: “I won on the border, and I won on groceries. … When you buy apples, when you buy bacon, when you buy eggs, they would double and triple the price over a short period of time, and I won an election based on that. We’re going to bring those prices way down.”

However, recent polls suggest growing concern among Americans that inflation isn't a top priority for the administration. A CBS News/YouGov poll revealed that while 80% of Americans believe tackling inflation is crucial, only 29% think Trump is giving it sufficient attention.

Administration officials admit there might be short-term economic pain. Trump himself mentioned "a little disturbance" during his address to Congress, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke of a necessary "detox period." Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also acknowledged potential price increases for certain products.

When pressed by NBC News' Peter Alexander, Trump conceded the possibility of further tariff adjustments, stating, "There will always be changes and adjustments."

The key questions remain: How long will voters tolerate potential price hikes? And what will their response be if promises of lower prices don't materialize? These questions will be explored further on this Sunday's "Meet the Press," featuring Secretary Lutnick and Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

Medicaid in the Crosshairs: A Budgetary Battleground

Medicaid has quickly become a contentious issue in the Trump presidency, primarily due to the Republican budget plan. As NBC News Senior National Political Correspondent Sahil Kapur explains, the program is facing potential cuts to meet budgetary targets set by the House Republican plan.

The House GOP budget requires substantial spending cuts, and with Medicare largely off-limits due to its popularity with older voters, Medicaid has become a prime target.

While Republicans claim they aim to eliminate fraud and waste within the program, it remains unclear whether such measures can generate the hundreds of billions in savings required. As Kapur notes, there's little evidence to support such claims.

The GOP faces a difficult choice: rewrite the budget and potentially alienate fiscally conservative members, or risk public backlash by enacting substantial Medicaid cuts. The future of the program hangs in the balance.

Beyond Tariffs and Budgets: A Flurry of Presidential Activity

Beyond trade and budget debates, the White House buzzed with activity. From foreign policy to education, President Trump made headlines on a range of issues.

Key developments include threats of sanctions against Russia, a potential new nuclear deal with Iran, and the cancellation of federal grants to Columbia University. The administration also hosted its first "crypto summit" and established a task force for the 2026 World Cup.

Other Top Stories This Week

A looming government shutdown, fallout from the Eric Adams case, and campaigns for leadership within the D.C. Bar Association all grabbed headlines this week. Other notable stories included Senator Thom Tillis's criticism of a Trump-aligned consultant, speculation about Kamala Harris's potential gubernatorial run in California, and renewed debate over transgender athletes in women's sports.