AP The Morning Wire - bvy Sarah naffa - March 27, 2025 - Trump announces 25% tariffs on auto imports; the Social Security Administration backtracks on some in-person ID requirements; and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte appeals for unity

 

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By Sarah Naffa March 27, 2025

In the news today: President Donald Trump announces 25% tariffs on auto imports; the Social Security Administration backtracks on some in-person ID requirements; and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte appeals for unity as the Trump administration says America’s security priorities now lie elsewhere. Also, Prince Harry has resigned as a patron of an African charity he co-founded nearly 20 years ago in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. Vehicles at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, Wednesday, in Ellabell, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) POLITICS Trump places 25% tariff on imported autos, expecting to raise $100 billion in tax revenues President Donald Trump said Wednesday he was placing 25% tariffs on auto imports, a move the White House claims would foster domestic manufacturing but could also put a financial squeeze on automakers that depend on global supply chains. Read more.

Why this matters: The tariffs, which the White House expects to raise $100 billion in revenue annually, could be complicated as U.S. automakers source their components from around the world. The tax hike starting April means automakers could face higher costs and lower sales, though Trump argues that the tariffs will lead to more factories opening in the United States and the end of what he judges to be a “ridiculous” supply chain in which auto parts and finished vehicles are manufactured across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Canadian Prime Minister Carney calls Trump’s auto tariffs a ‘direct attack’ on his country Hyundai shows off its new $7.6B electric vehicle plant in Georgia as Trump announces tariffs Trump says he would consider reducing China tariffs if there’s a deal on TikTok U.S. NEWS Social Security Administration backtracks on some ID requirements after backlash The Social Security Administration is partially backtracking on a plan that would require all new and existing beneficiaries to travel to a Social Security field office to verify their identity. Read more.

What to know: The Social Security Administration on Wednesday said that people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income who are not able to use agency’s online portal can complete their claim entirely over the phone instead of in person. Other SSA applicants will still be required to verify their identities at a field office.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Appeals court won’t lift order that barred Trump administration from deportations under wartime law   Supreme Court seems likely to OK $8 billion phone and internet subsidy for rural, low-income areas   Judge says Justice Department attacked her character to ‘impugn the integrity’ of US judicial system The AP and the Trump administration are due back in court in their fight over White House access   Congressional Republicans target PBS, NPR funding in contentious hearing   The White House says nothing classified was shared on Signal. Democrats say that strains credulity WATCH: Trump calls Signal chat fallout a ‘witch hunt,’ and says the messaging app ‘could be defective’   Turkish student at Tufts University detained, video shows masked people handcuffing her    Federal workers targeted for DEI-related activities file class action complaint   Education Department reopens applications for student loan repayment plans   Tesla is suing to open dealerships in Wisconsin. It’s become a big deal in the state Supreme Court race   Judge says extreme heat in Texas prisons is unconstitutional but doesn’t order they install AC   A bill proposing a near-total abortion ban causes an uproar in Georgia   Los Angeles moves to take control of homelessness agency, citing audits that found reckless spending   Ex-North Dakota lawmaker gets 10 years for going to Europe with intent to pay for sex with a minor WORLD NEWS NATO chief appeals for unity as Europe builds its armies and the US eyes security threats elsewhere  NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte appealed for unity on Wednesday as European nations scale up their armed forces and defense industries after the United States warned that Europe must take care of its own security in the future. Read more.

Why this matters: Trust between the 32 member countries is at a new low. NATO was formed 76 years ago to provide stability in Europe; a guarantee underwritten by the United States. But the Trump administration says America’s security priorities now lie in Asia and on its own borders. Still, Rutte said he is “absolutely confident” about the U.S. commitment to NATO’s Article 5 security guarantee. He added that “nothing can replace America’s nuclear umbrella, the ultimate guarantor of our security.” Britain and France are also nuclear powers but their arsenals are tiny by comparison.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Trump says ‘we have to convince’ people of Greenland to become US citizens NATO clarifies comments that four missing US soldiers had died during training in Lithuania The European Union urges citizens to stockpile supplies to last 3 days in case of crisis ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS READ Brazil’s ex-president: Jair Bolsonaro will stand trial over an alleged coup plan Middle East latest: Israeli strikes kill a family of 6 and a Hamas spokesman in Gaza South Florida: Shooting kills a woman and 3 children; 2 others taken to a hospital Measles outbreak: Kansas measles cases double to 23 and new Ohio outbreak sickens 10 Student pilot: Man rescued with 2 girls from icy Alaska lake was not authorized to have passengers, official says Sentebale: Prince Harry resigns from a charity he co-founded after a leadership dispute Today in History: In 1977, 583 people were killed on the Canary Island of Tenerife in the deadliest aviation disaster on record WATCH Carlo Acutis: Catholic Church to canonize first millennial saint as pilgrims flock to teen's shrine Miniland London: Landmarks brought to life with over 50 million Lego bricks A CHANGE OF PACE An annular solar eclipse rises over the skyline of Toronto, June 2021. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP) Get ready for a partial solar eclipse across Europe and parts of North America, Africa and Asia The moon will appear to take bites out of the sun this weekend during a partial solar eclipse in the Northern Hemisphere — but make sure to protect your eyes before looking. The eclipse will be visible Saturday across Europe, western Africa, eastern North America and northern Asia.

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