GOP Candidates Break With Trump on Tariffs; Ukraine Resumes Refinery Strikes
Republican candidates distance themselves from Trump's tariff policies as Ukraine restarts oil refinery strikes. Plus, a look at Apple's new HomeView device.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — Several Republican candidates are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump’s signature tariff policies. Seeking a middle ground as voters grapple with the rising cost of living, these candidates are attempting to navigate the political fallout of the administration’s economic agenda.
Prominent figures expressing concern include Maine Sen. Susan Collins, former New Hampshire Sen. John Sununu, and former Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers. Gubernatorial candidates, including Michigan’s Rep. John James and Pennsylvania state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, have also voiced doubts regarding the trade strategy.
Both Collins and Rogers have highlighted the trade war with Canada as a primary concern, noting they have engaged with Cabinet officials to advocate for exemptions or a formal deal. Meanwhile, Democratic opponents have criticized these efforts, labeling them as either insufficient or politically motivated ahead of the upcoming elections.
In international developments, Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration with the United States, accusing the administration of restricting Starlink services and withdrawing critical intelligence sharing.
Kyiv had paused its offensive for three days following President Trump’s announcement of an energy ceasefire, but officials claimed Russia repeatedly violated the truce by targeting Ukrainian power infrastructure. Following an overnight comment from Elon Musk suggesting it was time for Zelenskyy to go, the Ukrainian leader told the Financial Times that his patience had run out, stating the block on attacking refineries is out and they are done.
Shortly after those remarks, Gov. Pavel Malkov reported a fire at an oil refinery in the western Ryazan region. The escalation comes as Ukraine accuses SpaceX of throttling communications technology to pressure the nation into concessions.
In the technology sector, Apple has introduced the HomeView, a device featuring a 7-inch-square Liquid Retina touchscreen and a 12-megapixel camera. While the device offers customizable widgets and facial recognition for up to six people, it requires an iPhone or iPad for operation.
Public safety concerns have also emerged following a fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia, where 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster. The ride remains closed, and nine similar attractions across North American parks have been temporarily shuttered as authorities investigate.
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny regarding the lack of federal oversight for amusement park rides, a situation stemming from a 1980s court ruling that limited the U.S. Product Safety Commission’s authority. Currently, safety standards rely on a fragmented network of state regulations and voluntary industry guidelines.
In the retail sector, Chick-fil-A continues to outperform the broader fast-food industry. While foot traffic at fast-food establishments dropped 2% between January and September, Chick-fil-A saw a 5.7% increase, even as consumers adjust their spending habits and dietary choices.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
