This week at the White House, several key initiatives in tech, STEM, and sustainability are taking center stage. Here’s a look at the major developments taking place in Washington. No opinions—just facts.
Trump’s Tariffs Put Small Tech Firms in Jeopardy
Consumer tech companies that rely on manufacturing in China, Mexico, and Canada are facing significant challenges as they try to adapt to the frequently changing tariff policies implemented by President Donald Trump. These companies are grappling with the financial strain of fluctuating import duties, which disrupt supply chains, increase production costs, and create uncertainty about future business operations. As the trade policies evolve, these manufacturers are forced to continuously reassess their strategies, explore alternative sourcing options, and adjust to the shifting landscape of international trade.
Elon Musk Likely to Exit DOGE Leadership in Coming Months
Elon Musk, who led the push to reduce federal spending through the Department of Government Efficiency, is restricted to a 130-day term as a “special government employee,” meaning his tenure will conclude by late May. A senior White House official told NBC News that President Donald Trump notified cabinet members of Musk’s upcoming departure in the next few months.
Eric Trump Turns to Crypto After Family’s Business Fallout
Eric Trump and his older brother Donald Trump Jr. are aiming even higher with their latest ventures. They recently unveiled plans to launch a U.S. dollar–backed stablecoin through their new company, World Liberty Financial, and announced the creation of a new bitcoin mining operation called American Bitcoin, co-founded with Hut 8 CEO Asher Genoot.
Eric Trump framed his foray into cryptocurrency not as a financial gamble, but as a form of resistance. He explained that the move began during what he describes as the “war on the industry,” when banks were closing accounts, the SEC intensified its crackdown on exchanges, and crypto users faced “debanking” simply for holding digital coins.
DOGE Secures Ownership of $500M Washington, D.C. Property
On April 1, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell approved the transfer of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) headquarters to the General Services Administration (GSA), which is controlled by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The acting president of USIP, an independent think tank funded by Congress and affiliated with DOGE, has moved to transfer the agency’s $500 million headquarters to the GSA at no cost, according to court documents disclosed in a recently filed lawsuit.
Cory Booker Sets Record With Marathon 25-Hour Speech
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., set a new record for the longest individual speech in Senate history with a 25-hour-plus address that began Monday evening and extended into Tuesday. The speech was a protest against President Donald Trump’s policies.
During the speech, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., interrupted Booker to inform him he had broken the record, prompting cheers from the room.
Booker explained on social media that his goal was to “lift the voices of Americans who are being harmed and not being heard in this moment of crisis.”
