Amna Nawaz:
The day’s other headlines start with President Trump’s new tariffs on Brazil, and not just the what, but the why. In announcing a 50 percent Levy on Brazilian imports, Trump cited what he called the witch-hunt against Brazil’s former President, Jair Bolsonaro.
The populist leader is charged with trying to overturn his 2022 election loss. Trump said today his trial — quote — “should end immediately,” thereby tying the tariffs to Bolsonaro’s legal fate. That comes as the administration sent letters today informing seven other countries of new tariffs.
That’s unless they can strike deals with the White House by August 1. They include 30 percent levies on Algeria, Iraq, Libya and Sri Lanka, plus 25 percent on Brunei and Moldova and 20 percent on the Philippines.
Former President Joe Biden’s White House doctor refused to answer questions from Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill today. Lawyers for Dr. Kevin O’Connor say he invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during a closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee. O’Connor also cited doctor-patient confidentiality.
Republican subpoenaed O’Connor last month as part of their investigation into Biden’s health and mental fitness as president. Biden has strongly denied that he was in any way impaired during his time in office, calling such claims ridiculous and false.
Measles cases in the U.S. are at their highest level in three decades. That’s according to CDC data out today showing 1,288 cases so far this year. That compares to fewer than 300 cases for all of 2024. At least three people have died and dozens have been hospitalized in outbreaks that began in undervaccinated communities in West Texas and nearby areas.
Experts say the measles vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection, but data show vaccination rates have dipped among children since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Turning overseas, Ukrainian officials say Russia launched its largest barrage of the war so far, sending more than 700 drones overnight. Buildings burned through the morning in the northwestern city of Lutsk, a critical hub where Ukraine receives foreign military aid. Officials say 10 other regions were also struck.
The barrage comes a day after President Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing aggression and follows a U-turn by the Trump administration on sending more military aid to Ukraine.
Meanwhile…
