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POLITICS

Voided, Unvoided

Check any importers in your life for signs of whiplash: most of President Trump’s tariffs were voided Wednesday and reinstated yesterday… at least temporarily.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to set tariffs, but a 1977 law delegates that authority to the president in times of crisis. On Wednesday, a three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that Trump overstepped that 1977 law’s limits when he imposed tariffs of 10% (or higher) on nearly every country and gave the White House ten days to power down the tariff-collecting machines. 

Yesterday, a federal appeals court quickly granted the Trump administration’s request that the tariffs remain in place while legal battles unfold.

Not all of Trump’s tariffs are caught in the chaos, as some—including tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars—were issued under separate legal authorities.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Our goal is to keep the big things big and the small things small. It’s not that global trade and changes to tariffs aren’t important; they’re just not God-of-the-Universe important. Stay focused on eternity, it changes everything.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” 
Colossians 3:2-4 (CSB) (read full passage)

POLITICS

Revoked

The fall semester is up in the air for Chinese international students.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Rubio announced that the Trump administration would begin to "aggressively revoke” Chinese student visas, stop new student-visa interviews until it can vet applicants’ social media accounts, and revise its criteria for future Chinese and Hong Kongese applicants. 

Rubio said the move targets “those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields” (think: STEM) in an effort to protect “national security” and “public safety.” 

Chinese officials called the move “fully unjustified” and “discriminatory,” and urged Washington to “safeguard the rights and interests” of all students. Higher-ed experts warn that the loss of Chinese students—who make up one quarter (277,000) of all international students in the U.S. and typically pay full tuition—will be a significant hit to universities’ income.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
While you probably have little say in who gets student visas, you play a much more significant role in Christ's mission to demonstrate his love to the world. As you seek justice, remember compassion for your neighbors—whether international students, longtime citizens, or people who passionately disagree with you on immigration policy.

“We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” 
1 John 4:19-20 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WORLD NEWS

From the Enclave

Israel announced it killed Hamas’s acting Gaza chief, Mohammed Sinwar, earlier this month.

Sinwar—brother of Oct. 7 terror attack architect Yahya Sinwar—was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike on a bunker beneath Gaza’s European Hospital on May 13. Hamas has not publicly confirmed Sinwar’s death.

The news comes as Israel takes over aid distribution in Gaza through a new U.S.-backed group, replacing previous operations in the enclave. The transition sparked chaos on day one: at least 47 people were injured near the aid center on Wednesday. The UN says most injuries were from gunshot wounds; Israel claims it only fired warning shots and did not aim at civilians.

Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff says there’s a new ceasefire proposal on the table, aiming to free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
War is a heavy burden that impresses upon us our world’s need for restoration. Jesus came to bear that burden of sin, lighten our load, and restore our world. Pray that the Middle East would experience that restoration and glorify the Messiah Jesus.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30 (CSB) (read full passage)

Elon Musk’s final cut from the federal government was himself. The (ex)DOGE chief will return to splitting his time between his 5+ companies after spearheading efforts to reduce government spending and bureaucracy. His government role was always temporary, but Musk’s departure follows his criticizing Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” for expanding the deficit and undermining DOGE’s work.
 

President Trump has issued a string of pardons for people impacted by a “weaponized justice system.” On the list were reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, serving a combined 19 years for tax evasion and bank fraud; rapper NBA YoungBoy, serving time for gun-related charges; and former New York Congressman Michael Grimm, who served time in 2015 for tax fraud.
 

Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate face 21 criminal charges in the U.K.—including rape, bodily harm, and human trafficking—after British prosecutors officially confirmed the indictment Wednesday. The British-American former kickboxers, who are self-proclaimed misogynists, will be tried on separate charges in Romania before their U.K. charges move forward. The brothers deny all charges.
 

Nvidia’s still eatin’ good. Despite U.S. restrictions on sales to China, the chip giant reported 69% year-over-year growth and better-than-expected earnings Wednesday, sending its stock up 4% in after-hours trading and boosting the broader tech sector. Nvidia, the early winner of the AI boom, took back the crown of “most valuable company in the world” (see full list).
 

Hailey Bieber is now one less lonely billionaire. E.l.f. Beauty announced plans to acquire Bieber’s skincare brand, Rhode (her middle name), for $1B. Mrs. Bieber founded the company—popular with young consumers—in 2022 and will continue to serve as Rhode’s chief creative officer and head of innovation. Bieber’s products are currently sold exclusively online but will roll into retail soon.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Now that’s some clever woodworking…

How We’re Making the Most of the Summer
By learning a new language*

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Make your summer count (in another language) with Babbel. They’re kicking off the season with 65% off—Snag this Memorial Day deal while it lasts! 

What We’re Subscribing To
Help The Persecuted’s Prayer Newsletter*

For someone who writes about world news, I’m not always sure how to best pray for the Christians around the globe. 

This newsletter has been a huge help. 

Each week, I receive the specific prayer needs of persecuted believers—people who have faced credible death threats, violence, or been forced from their homes for their faith in Christ. It’s strengthened my own walk with God and challenged me to reorient on what matters most. 

Also, Scripture is clear that prayer is powerful and effective… and there’s something powerful about praying with thousands of other Christians for another brother or sister’s specific needs! Join me (it’s free).

Jason Woodruff | Founder