The Modern Memo

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Aug 29, 2025
Trump handshake after trade deal with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Turnberry, Scotland

The Trade Deal That Changed Everything: U.S.–EU Breakthrough

In a bold move that will reshape the future of global trade, President Donald J. Trump announced a historic trade agreement with the European Union (EU). The deal redefines the economic relationship between the world’s two largest economies. The deal, hailed as a “generational modernization of the transatlantic alliance,” according to the White House, delivers unprecedented market access for American producers, workers, and innovators, while advancing U.S. economic and national security interests.   A Monumental Economic Shift The agreement marks a pivotal victory for the United States. It positions the country as the world’s foremost destination for investment, manufacturing, and energy exports. Through 2028, the EU is expected to purchase a staggering $750 billion in U.S. energy exports. It will also invest an additional $600 billion into the American economy. These moves will drive growth in key industries and fortify the domestic manufacturing base. Furthermore, President Trump’s leadership continues to prioritize the American worker and bring jobs back home. This trade deal reflects his unshakable commitment to economic fairness, reciprocal trade, and revitalizing American industry. Structural Trade Reform for Generations The agreement goes far beyond symbolic diplomacy—in fact, it achieves real, enforceable structural reform with long-lasting impact. Under the new U.S.-EU Cooperation Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade, American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and small businesses will see sweeping new opportunities to grow and export their goods. One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the deal is the elimination of all EU tariffs on U.S. industrial goods. This change unlocks European markets for American-made products and reduces the longstanding goods trade deficit. The removal of these barriers will allow American products to compete and win in Europe’s lucrative markets, supporting high-quality U.S. jobs and production across various sectors. Strategic Tariff Restructuring As part of the agreement, the EU will adopt a new tariff framework that includes a 15% tariff on key sectors, such as autos, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. Additionally, tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper will remain at 50%. Both sides will engage in future discussions to secure critical supply chains. Altogether, this new tariff structure is expected to generate tens of billions in revenue annually, helping to restore trade balance and incentivize reshoring of critical industries. Major Trade Provisions and Breakthroughs This landmark agreement includes a comprehensive set of commitments that benefit the United States across multiple fronts: $600 Billion EU Investment: The EU will invest this sum in U.S. infrastructure, innovation, and job creation. This is in addition to the $100 billion EU companies already contribute annually. $750 Billion in U.S.  Exports: Through 2028, Europe will depend more heavily on clean, reliable U.S. energy, reducing its reliance on adversarial nations and boosting U.S. energy dominance. Tariff and Quota Reforms: The EU will eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs and open up meaningful quotas across various sectors, allowing American goods to flow freely and competitively. Reducing Red Tape: The deal addresses non-tariff barriers that burden U.S. exporters—particularly small and medium-sized businesses—by streamlining EU regulations and procedures. Agricultural Access: U.S. pork and dairy products will face fewer bureaucratic hurdles, as sanitary certifications and other requirements are streamlined. Digital Trade Protections: The EU commits to not imposing unjustified digital trade barriers or network usage fees, and both parties agree to maintain zero customs duties on electronic transmissions. Economic Security and Innovation Alignment: The U.S. and EU will align on supply chain security, coordinate efforts on investment reviews, and guard against unfair practices and duty evasion from non-market economies. Military and Commercial Cooperation: The EU will increase purchases of U.S. military equipment and finalize new commercial deals in key sectors such as semiconductors and clean energy. Restoring Economic Sovereignty This deal is a direct result of President Trump’s “America First” agenda. That agenda is rooted in restoring national sovereignty, protecting American workers, and confronting decades of trade imbalances caused by one-sided policies and foreign protectionism. On April 2, President Trump declared a national emergency in response to persistent U.S. trade deficits driven by foreign practices that depressed domestic wages and consumer demand. That declaration laid the groundwork for a bold and necessary reset of America’s global trade posture. This agreement reflects the culmination of that reset. It liberates American producers from the stranglehold of unfair trade practices and builds a level playing field for U.S. industry. For too long, the U.S. tolerated foreign policies that stifled innovation and drained manufacturing capacity. That era is now over. A Historic Victory Where Others Failed Despite repeated attempts by past administrations, no American president had successfully negotiated a trade agreement of this magnitude with the European Union—until now. This historic win reaffirms America’s status as the global standard-bearer of economic leadership and strategic strength. In just six months, President Trump has catapulted the United States into a new era of industrial revival, global investment attraction, and energy supremacy. His approach combines bold action, strong negotiation, and an unyielding focus on results. He delivers what previous leaders promised but failed to achieve. A Triumph for the American Trade Future This U.S.-EU trade agreement is more than just a diplomatic milestone. It’s a victory for every American worker, farmer, inventor, and business owner. More importantly, it proves that bold leadership can reverse decades of economic decline. It reignites American industry and reclaims prosperity for future generations. President Trump’s historic deal with the European Union is a triumph of principle, power, and patriotism—and it has only just begun to reshape the world.

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Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced a tariff rebate for Americans.

Hawley Champions $600 Tariff Rebate as Trump Signals Surge in Revenue

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the American Worker Rebate Act. The bill would deliver rebate checks to U.S. families using tariff revenue generated under President Donald Trump’s trade policies. The White House is reporting that tariffs have brought in $150 billion in revenues so far. Projections are over $300 billion for 2025. Hawley says it’s time for working Americans—not Washington insiders or foreign governments—to benefit from this surge. “Like President Trump proposed, my legislation would allow hard-working Americans to benefit from the wealth that Trump’s tariffs are returning to this country,” Hawley said on Monday. How the Rebate Would Work The American Worker Rebate Act would establish a direct payment program funded by tariffs: $600 per adult and dependent child, meaning a family of four would receive at least $2,400. Larger checks if tariff revenues exceed projections for 2025. Phase-outs for high-income households: $150,000 for couples, $75,000 for single filers. Unlike past stimulus payments, this plan doesn’t rely on borrowing or new taxes. Funds come straight from tariffs foreign companies pay to access the U.S. market. Trump: “The Big Money Starts August 1” President Trump emphasized that tariff revenue is just getting started, saying: “The big money will start coming in on August 1. I think it was made clear today by the letters that were sent out yesterday and today.” To keep America in control, Trump signed an Executive Order extending key tariff rates to August 1, 2025. He also notified dozens of countries of their new reciprocal rates. These actions came after months of talks where some nations ignored warnings of higher tariffs, while others agreed to lower their own tariffs and cut trade barriers. Despite this progress, Trump says the U.S. trade deficit remains unacceptable. He seeks to continue to bring countries to the table to negotiate, protecting U.S. interests. Boost from the New U.S.–EU Trade Deal Tariff revenue is set to climb even higher thanks to a landmark trade deal with the European Union. This week, Trump finalized an agreement that will: Adopt a new tariff framework: 15% tariffs on autos, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. Maintain 50% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper. This deal is expected to funnel billions more into U.S. Treasury accounts, adding to the funding source for Hawley’s proposed rebate checks. Historic Trade Victories Under Trump This rebate proposal builds on what many call one of the most successful trade negotiations in U.S. history. For decades, past presidents failed to secure fair trade agreements with Europe. These failures allowed trade imbalances to harm U.S. industry. Trump changed that. In just six months, he achieved a historic trade breakthrough with the EU, resetting the economic relationship between the world’s two largest economies. His leadership has revived U.S. manufacturing, attracted global investment, and made America an energy powerhouse. What others promised for decades, Trump delivered—restoring the nation’s role as the global standard-bearer for economic leadership and strength. The U.S.–EU deal is a win for American workers, farmers, inventors, and businesses of all sizes. This proves that bold, decisive leadership can reverse years of stagnant growth and reclaim prosperity for future generations. Supporters Say It’s Time to Pay Families Back Supporters argue the rebate is long-overdue payback for American families. They say in the past, Washington has: Had lopsided trade deals that worked against Americans. Wasted trillions on foreign aid, bloated agencies, and benefits for illegal immigrants. Failed to protect U.S. workers and middle-class families for decades. Tariffs now generate unprecedented revenue. Supporters believe this money should go back to citizens, not into the hands of bureaucrats or foreign governments. The Other Side of the Rebate Debate: Pay Down the Debt First Not every conservative agrees with Hawley’s proposal. Many fiscal hawks argue that with the national debt at $36.72 trillion, new payments are irresponsible. They insist every dollar of extra revenue should reduce the deficit, not create new spending. Interest costs are already consuming taxpayer funds. Handing out checks could push inflation higher, repeating mistakes made during pandemic-era stimulus programs. Debt-focused conservatives say fiscal discipline must come first. Only after the U.S. gets its finances under control, they argue, should extra funds be returned to taxpayers. Treasury Reports Stronger Finances Trump administration officials counter that tariff revenue is already strengthening the budget, making rebates possible without harming fiscal health. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business on June 22nd: “We’ve brought in nearly $100B in tariff revenue so far and are on track for $300B this year. That’s almost 1% of GDP. June delivered a budget surplus with higher revenue and lower spending. This is how we clean up the fiscal mess we inherited.” Supporters say this surplus proves tariffs can fund rebates and reduce deficits at the same time, undermining claims that the plan is reckless. We’ve brought in nearly $100B in tariff revenue so far and are on track for $300B this year. That’s almost 1% of GDP. June delivered a budget surplus with higher revenue and lower spending. This is how we clean up the fiscal mess we inherited. pic.twitter.com/JVfaj1ZAwU — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) July 22, 2025 Political Fight Ahead Over Rebate Hawley’s proposal faces a challenging path in Congress. Many lawmakers from both parties prefer to keep tariff funds for pet projects, foreign aid, or deficit spending. But the idea is popular with voters, many of whom have endured high prices, high interest rates, and stagnant wages over the last four years. Trump’s backing makes the proposal a likely centerpiece in upcoming trade and economic debates, forcing lawmakers to take a clear stand. Bottom Line: Washington’s Choice Trump’s tariffs are generating historic sums. Hawley wants that money to go straight to U.S. families, not disappear into Washington’s bureaucracy or be sent overseas. Supporters call it long-overdue payback for decades of failed policies that hurt American workers. Critics say the nation must tackle its $36.72 trillion debt first. As Hawley presses forward, Congress faces a simple choice: use Trump’s trade revenue wisely or keep funding…

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Economist Breaks Down Trump Tariffs, Talks Recession Terror, Talks Mass Chicken Slaughter

Former chief economist for President Donald Trump’s first administration, Vance Ginn, joined “The Joe Pags Show” in early May to discuss tariffs, recession, and something about the mass killing of chickens. Ginn was quick to clarify that the American economy is not in a recession (at the time of writing), concurring with Pags that the Biden administration only narrowly avoided going into a mass economic downturn using “artificial” measures. “I think the economy was propped up by fiscal and monetary policy to make things look good. Like, it put a lot of money in the economy. What do we get? We got a lot of inflation. We got a lot of people who dropped out of the labor force,” Ginn continued, noting the continued decline in labor force participation since the previous administration. Even though America maybe didn’t go into a recession publicly, to the people living outside of the upper echelons, it “felt like a recession.” Killing Chickens On Purpose? Pags then turned the conversation to everyone’s favorite backyard buddies: chickens. Pags stated that Dir. of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett said recently that “he wouldn’t be surprised if Biden killed 140 million chickens on purpose and then, of course, the egg prices soared.” The purpose for this was to hand Trump a food and grocery-price crisis. “Is there anything to that do you think, Vance?” Pags asked. (MORE NEWS: ‘Will Be Punished’: Consequences Arrive Early For Canadian Voters After Doubling Down On Wokeism) “Anything is possible,” Ginn replied, but noted there was also a bird flu epidemic during that same time period, so there was likely a push by the CDC to kill off chickens. Trump’s Tariff Impacts Explained … We highly recommend you watch the full interview between Pags and Ginn to understand the scope of Trump’s global impact in his global tariff deals. Take Action Check out Joe Pags on X: always the hottest takes and the news you need Joe Pags Official Website Rumble — Joe Pags Use Your Voice today with a Million Voices Partnership … click the banner to learn more!

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