Good afternoon,

It's been nearly two weeks since President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs were imposed on the American people and uncertainty enveloped farmers and rural communities. According to The Washington Post, farmers in North Carolina, a state whose electoral votes went to Trump in the past three elections, are struggling with the unpredictability of his tariffs. The tariffs are jeopardizing farmers' access to foreign markets and adding a lot of instability into the mix. Now as lawmakers have headed home for a two-week recess, they are gearing up to have difficult conversations with highly concerned farmers amid the president's trade war and escalating economic precarity. President Trump is certainly testing farmers' patience and trust with his sweeping tariff plan.

Here are a few important updates...

HIGHER ED'S BIGGEST NIGHTMARE: TRUMP UNIVERSITY

American universities and colleges have become prime targets for the Trump administration's federal funding cuts. They have been swept up in the political turmoil caused by President Trump and their future is in jeopardy. According to a recent article from The New York Times, "The Trump administration may seek to have a federal judge enforce any deal it reaches with Columbia University in an agreement that could ensure the White House has a hand in the school's dealings for years to come." In March, the Trump administration canceled nearly $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia, accusing the university of not doing enough to address antisemitism on its campus. Now, the administration is considering a consent decree to solidify any agreement the White House reaches in the negotiations with Columbia. "A decree could allow President Trump to continue to exert power over one of New York City's flagship universities and could serve as a model for other schools seeking to negotiate with the White House.

Higher education is under fire now more than ever because of something entirely politically motivated. Cutting federal funding that supports higher education in any shape or form means fewer opportunities for Americans and a disruptive halt to critical research. Weaponizing federal funding to seek political control of an institution is no way to run a democracy. Columbia University's debacle is a case in point as to why other American universities must stay strong during these uncertain times and find another way forward, other than bending to this right-wing ruckus.

MAINE V. THE ADMINISTRATION

Since we're on the topic of education...a blowout between the state of Maine and President Trump over transgender athletes has perhaps reached a climax. As reported by the AP, "A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze funds intended for a Maine child nutrition program that were suspended amid a disagreement between the state and the president over transgender athletes." According to a letter from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the decision to freeze federal funds to Maine for certain functions in the state's schools originated from a quarrel between the state and federal governments over whether Maine was complying with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding. As a result of this political disagreement, the Maine nutrition program that supports kids in the state was not receiving funding.

This is just the latest example of stupidity that has come out of the Trump administration. Once again, the administration is utilizing federal funding to push its extremist political agenda and bully institutions into ceding to them. In fact, Trump has threatened Maine Gov. Janet Mills regarding an executive order on transgender athletes, saying, "You'd better comply. Otherwise, you're not getting any federal funding." It's disheartening to watch a bully drag our country down into darkness. State governments and others in powerful positions must use the power they have to set the President straight. For now, Maine should celebrate this small win and continue to do everything in its power to protect important programs that touch countless lives.

EGG-O-NOMICS WEEKLY

Despite President Trump's predictions and bird flu outbreaks slowing, American egg prices increased again last month, reaching a new record-high of $6.23 per dozen. This increase indicates that consumers and businesses who rely on eggs might not get much immediate relief.

As reported by TribLIVE, "Demand for eggs is typically elevated until after Easter, which falls on April 20. This does not fare well for the Trump administration that has done nothing effective to address this urgent crisis that impacts all Americans."

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

29%: The percentage of young adults (ages 18 to 24) in rural areas who are enrolled in higher education. This is 19% lower than their urban counterparts and 13% lower than those in suburban areas, reinforcing the importance of keeping the higher education system strong so more opportunities are available for rural Americans.

• April 20 – The deadline set by Trump in an executive order for determining if the southern border is secure and for any recommendations for helping secure it further. This could include the invocation of the Insurrection Act of 1807 and the effective declaration of martial law throughout the country.

• June 5 – The deadline for grant applications for the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC), and Emerging Markets Program (EMP). These programs help domestic producers find international markets.

WHAT WE'RE READING

• The Washington Times: Administration 'confident' about aid for farmers amid tariffs, says agriculture secretary

• The Daily Yonder: Education Leaders Urge Congress to Pass Secure Rural Schools Act, But Warn It's an Unsustainable Funding Solution

• Hoosier Ag Today: Leading Ag Economist: Farming Outlook 'Worst We've Ever' Presented

• The Washington Post: Can tariffs turn farmers in this critical state away from Trump?

• Maryland Matters: Local farmers, food banks plan for potential 'blow' to food assistance output from Trump cut

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