New Trade Taxes and Problems with Law Firms

May 14, 2026, 18:00
ChinaPolitics

Introduction

President Donald Trump wants to put new taxes on goods from other countries. He also has problems with some big law firms.

Main Body

The courts stopped the President's first taxes. Now, the government uses a law from 1971. This law lets them put taxes on other countries if the trade is not fair. They want to start these taxes in July 2026. Some people disagree. They say these taxes do not help the US economy. They think the President only wants more power to make deals with other countries. The government is also punishing four law firms. These firms helped people who do not like the President. The government stopped their contracts and took away their security papers. The law firms are angry. They say this is not fair. They say the President is breaking the law about free speech.

Conclusion

The government and the courts are fighting. The President wants more power over trade and lawyers.

Learning

⚡ The 'Power' of Verbs

Look at how we describe what people want and what they do in this story. To reach A2, you need to move from simple words to 'action' words.

1. Desires (Wanting things)

  • Wants to put → He has a goal.
  • Want to start → They have a plan.
  • Wants more power → He desires control.

2. Disagreement (Saying 'No')

  • Disagree → I don't think you are right.
  • Stopped → To make something end.
  • Breaking the law → Doing something illegal.

3. Cause and Effect (The 'Why')

  • Helped →\rightarrow Punishing
  • (Action) →\rightarrow (Result)

Quick Tip: Vocabulary Shift Instead of saying "bad," use words from the text like:

  • Not fair (It is wrong)
  • Angry (Very upset)
  • Problems (Difficulties)

Vocabulary Learning

taxes (n.)
A charge on goods or services.
Example:The new taxes on imported goods were announced yesterday.
goods (n.)
Things that can be bought or sold.
Example:The shop sells many different goods.
countries (n.)
Nations with their own governments.
Example:Traveling to many countries can broaden your perspective.
problems (n.)
Difficulties or issues.
Example:He faced many problems during the project.
law (n.)
A rule made by a government.
Example:The new law will affect how businesses operate.
courts (n.)
Places where legal cases are decided.
Example:The courts ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
government (n.)
The group that runs a country.
Example:The government announced a new policy.
trade (n.)
The buying and selling of goods.
Example:Trade between the two countries increased.
fair (adj.)
Just and not unfair.
Example:The judge said the decision was fair.
economy (n.)
The system of producing and buying goods.
Example:The economy is growing slowly.
power (n.)
The ability to influence.
Example:She gained more power in the organization.
deals (n.)
Agreements between parties.
Example:They reached deals after long negotiations.
contracts (n.)
Written agreements.
Example:The company signed new contracts.
security (n.)
The state of being safe.
Example:Security at the airport is strict.
papers (n.)
Documents or written materials.
Example:He filed his papers with the office.
angry (adj.)
Feeling strong displeasure.
Example:She was angry when she heard the news.
speech (n.)
Talking to an audience.
Example:The president gave a speech.
fighting (v.)
Competing or arguing.
Example:The two teams are fighting for the title.
July (n.)
The seventh month of the year.
Example:We plan to travel in July.
firms (n.)
Business organizations.
Example:The law firms are known for their expertise.