President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on cellphones manufactured by Apple and other companies abroad, with a deadline set for the end of June. This move adds to the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and major tech firms.
In a related development, the White House National Security Council (NSC) underwent significant restructuring on May 23, resulting in the dismissal of numerous staff members. Reports indicate that over 100 NSC employees received termination notices, allowing them only 30 minutes to clear out their desks. This shakeup comes shortly after Trump appointed Marco Rubio as interim head of the NSC, following the ousting of former national security adviser Mike Waltz.
The restructuration is seen as part of an effort to increase the power of the State and Defense Departments, reducing the influence of the NSC. An unnamed White House official characterized the NSC as part of the “Deep State,” suggesting a push to eliminate what they perceive as disloyalty within the agency. The overall NSC workforce has dwindled under Trump’s administration, which had previously expanded to around 300 employees during President Joe Biden’s term.
The firings align with a broader trend in the Trump administration, which has already dismissed thousands of federal employees as part of an initiative for government efficiency led by Elon Musk. The recent changes include firing multiple senior NSC officials identified by conservative activist Laura Loomer as disloyal.
This restructuring initiative indicates Trump’s focus on consolidating control over national security while addressing trade relationships with major corporations like Apple and Samsung.
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