What did Trump do on March 11th, 2025?
fresh off the presses - by watchdog.fyi
Here’s what Trump did today:
It's Official: The United States Just Placed Its Bet on Bitcoin
Summary:
In a move that will send ripples through global finance, President Trump has signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR)—essentially treating Bitcoin like a national asset. Think of it like Fort Knox, but for BTC.
Here's the play: The Treasury is consolidating all Bitcoin seized from criminal cases, civil forfeitures, and penalties into this new reserve, ensuring that these holdings are maintained rather than sold off. And it's not just Bitcoin—a United States Digital Asset Stockpile (USDAS) is also being created to manage other confiscated digital assets, including Ethereum, Solana, and others.
Now, the federal government is on the clock. Every agency has 30 days to report how much Bitcoin and other digital assets they're holding and prepare to transfer them. Meanwhile, the Treasury and Commerce Departments will develop strategies to expand the reserve—without using taxpayer money. That means the only way the U.S. adds more Bitcoin is through further seizures or new legislation.
And before you ask—no, Uncle Sam isn't offloading this BTC anytime soon. The reserve is locked, and assets can only be sold or used under strict conditions, like reimbursing crime victims or funding law enforcement.
The Takeaway
The U.S. just made a massive statement: Bitcoin isn't just another speculative asset—it's a strategic one. While other nations are still debating regulations, America is actively stacking sats at the highest level. Now the real question is: Will other countries follow suit?
President Trump Scales Back Tariffs on Mexican Imports
Summary:
President Trump just walked back some of his own tariffs—at least for one crucial industry. In a shift from the trade crackdown earlier this year, his latest executive order spares key auto parts from extra duties, offering relief to U.S. manufacturers who rely on cross-border supply chains.
For automakers, this is a lifeline. The industry had been bracing for higher costs that could have forced price hikes on American consumers. With production deeply tied to Mexico, the original tariffs threatened to disrupt operations, making this rollback a strategic retreat to keep assembly lines moving and jobs intact.
But not everyone is celebrating. While automakers get a pass, U.S. farmers are still on the hook. The tariff on potash—a critical fertilizer—was cut from 25% to 10%, but that's still an added burden for an industry already squeezed by rising costs. If farmers pay more, expect grocery bills to follow suit.
The Takeaway
Trump's move signals that even a hardline trade stance has limits when jobs and prices are on the line. For automakers, it's a win. For farmers, the struggle isn't over. Keep an eye on how this plays out—your next car or grocery trip might feel the impact.
Trump's Tariff Tweak: Canada Gets a Reprieve—For Now
Summary:
Tariffs are back in the spotlight, and this time, it's Canada feeling the heat. President Trump's latest move—Executive Order 14231—eases some duties on automotive imports while keeping pressure on other industries. For U.S. automakers, this could be a crucial adjustment.
Here's the deal: The original February tariffs aimed at curbing illicit drug flow across the northern border had the unintended consequence of shaking up the auto industry, which relies on cross-border supply chains. The latest amendment ensures Canadian-made automotive parts continue to enter the U.S. duty-free, preventing potential disruptions. However, other sectors aren't as lucky—potash, a key ingredient in fertilizers, will still face a 10% tariff, down from 25%.
The Takeaway
For Detroit and beyond, this tweak buys some breathing room. But make no mistake—tariffs remain a wildcard in North American trade, and businesses will be watching closely for the next move.
Trump Targets Perkins Coie in New Crackdown
Summary:
President Trump's Executive Order 14230 is turning up the heat on Perkins Coie LLP, the powerhouse law firm long accused of bending the rules to shape elections and push a political agenda. From its role in the infamous 2016 dossier to legal battles over election laws, the firm now finds itself squarely in the administration's crosshairs.
But this order goes beyond just bad press. Effective immediately, federal agencies must suspend security clearances for Perkins Coie employees, cut off access to government resources, and start unwinding contracts tied to the firm. Government contractors must also come clean about any business they have with Perkins Coie, while the EEOC and Attorney General launch investigations into alleged race-based hiring and promotion practices. Even stepping foot in a federal building could now be off-limits for firm employees.
The Takeaway
This isn't just a rebuke—it's a full-scale purge. With government doors slamming shut, Perkins Coie faces a reckoning that could reshape its influence in Washington for good.
have a splendid day,
watchdog team