THE ANXIOUS PREPPER

California to Sue Trump Administration Today

Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta are expected to file a lawsuit today challenging President Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs. The case argues that the trade deficit doesn’t meet the legal standard for a national emergency and that such actions require congressional approval. The suit will be filed in the Northern District of California.

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WHY IT MATTERS

California handles over 15% of U.S. trade and exported nearly $183 billion in goods last year. A large portion of the country’s supply chain runs through its ports. By filing this lawsuit, California is pushing back on how much authority the president can use to shape trade policy without Congress. Whether you agree with the tariffs or not, the outcome could affect prices, supply flow, and how future presidents manage economic decisions during emergencies.

China Open To Trade Talks With U.S

According to reports, China is open to restarting trade negotiations, but only if the U.S. meets specific conditions. Beijing wants consistent messaging from the Trump administration, a designated point person with real authority, and a more respectful tone from senior officials. The White House says tariffs remain in place, with some products now facing cumulative rates as high as 245%. China has not committed to talks yet but has made it clear what it expects.

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WHY IT MATTERS

This is the first sign of movement since tariffs escalated earlier this month, but China is not showing up without conditions. They want consistency, a clear negotiator, and a shift in tone from Washington. The situation remains tense. Just this week, the Trump administration effectively blocked Nvidia from selling AI chips to China, adding more pressure to an already strained relationship. Whether talks begin or stall depends on how the U.S. responds and whether either side is willing to give ground.

Senior Pentagon Adviser Ousted in Leak Probe

Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was placed on leave and escorted out of the Pentagon this week. According to defense officials, the move is tied to an ongoing investigation into unauthorized disclosures of department information. Caldwell had close ties to Hegseth dating back to their time at Concerned Veterans for America and served as a point of contact in a private Signal chat used by top Trump officials to discuss national security operations.

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WHY IT MATTERS

The Trump administration has been tightening control over internal communications, with the Pentagon warning staff about polygraphs and criminal referrals tied to national security leaks. Caldwell’s removal marks the most public fallout so far. He was directly involved in Signal chats about military operations and had longstanding ties to Defense Secretary Hegseth. If more advisers are implicated, it could confirm deeper fractures in how this administration handles sensitive information, something many have speculated is currently happening behind the scenes.

Energy & Commodities

Oil prices remain under pressure, continuing the downward trend from earlier this month. WTI closed at $61.84 and Brent at $64.27—both still down nearly $10 since early April. The slide reflects ongoing trade tensions and weakening global demand. Goldman Sachs maintains its projection of $63 Brent average for 2025, with further declines possible into next year.

Essential Goods & Food Supply

Grocery prices edged up 0.4% in March, continuing the inflationary trend seen in recent months. Eggs hit a record high at $6.23 per dozen, with beef, chicken, and milk also rising. Produce prices dipped slightly. With food tariffs still in place, elevated costs may stick through summer unless something shifts.

Financial Policy & Household Impact

Inflation cooled to 2.4% in March, marking the first monthly drop in nearly five years. Still, the Fed isn’t ready to cut rates. New tariffs and ongoing price pressures could reverse that cooling trend quickly. For now, households are stuck in the middle—watching prices, wages, and policy drift in different directions.

Crop Progress Sluggish in Key States

According to the USDA’s April 14 report, planting is behind schedule in several major corn and soybean-producing states. As of April 13, only 4% of U.S. corn has been planted, compared to a five-year average of 5%. Illinois and Indiana are especially slow, each reporting just 1% planted. Soybean planting is also trailing pace, with only 2% completed across 18 key states.

Topsoil moisture is a growing concern. In Nebraska, 72% of topsoil is rated short or very short. South Dakota, Kansas, and New Mexico are also showing extreme dryness in both topsoil and subsoil. If planting stays delayed and conditions don’t improve, it could lead to reduced yields and limited grain supply by the time summer demand peaks.