Explore how Trump’s coal revival, Fed pressure, tariffs, and crypto policy shifts impact energy, finance, pharma, rail, tech, and more in April 2025.
Market-Moving News
Energy
Trump Set to Revive Coal Industry Amid Rising Energy Demands
President Donald Trump is preparing to sign a series of executive orders aimed at reviving the U.S. coal industry, signaling a major shift back toward fossil fuels despite ongoing environmental concerns.
These orders will invoke emergency powers to keep aging coal-fired power plants online, many of which were slated for retirement, in order to meet the nation’s surging electricity demand fueled by data centers, artificial intelligence, and the growing number of electric vehicles.
Trump, who has long championed coal as a “beautiful” and reliable energy source, will also instruct federal agencies to identify and prioritize coal resources on public lands and formally end policies introduced under the Obama administration that discouraged coal production.
While the move marks a clear attempt to reassert coal’s role in the U.S. energy mix, experts remain skeptical about its long-term impact.
Market forces continue to favor cheaper natural gas and increasingly competitive renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Critics argue that this strategy could hinder progress toward cleaner energy goals, while supporters claim it’s a necessary step to ensure grid reliability during an era of rapid technological expansion. Regardless of political stance, Trump’s latest actions reaffirm his administration’s commitment to fossil fuels and a rollback of environmental regulations.
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Financial Services
Trump Pressures Fed to Cut Rates Amid Market Slump and Escalating Tariff War
As global markets reel from escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, President Donald Trump has ramped up pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, arguing that current economic conditions—low inflation, declining oil and food prices—warrant immediate action.
Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump criticized the Fed as “slow moving” and insisted it seize this “PERFECT time” to lower rates. His comments come as Wall Street faces sharp sell-offs, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both entering correction or bear territory following Trump’s aggressive tariff hikes and threats of further duties on Chinese goods. Despite growing market volatility, the president remains defiant, warning China of additional 50% tariffs unless retaliatory measures are rolled back.
Economic leaders and market strategists have voiced growing concern about the ripple effects of Trump’s protectionist policies.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell, in a recent speech, offered no hint of an imminent rate cut, instead emphasizing inflation risks. Meanwhile, prominent figures like JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and investor Bill Ackman have warned of economic fallout, with Ackman cautioning that the tariff war could trigger an “economic nuclear winter” unless a pause is called.
While Trump’s base may applaud the hardline stance on trade, the broader financial community is bracing for increased instability and potential recession signals unless a course correction is made soon.
European Pharma Giants Warn Tariffs Could Accelerate Shift to U.S.
European pharmaceutical companies have raised alarms over President Donald Trump’s looming tariff plans, warning that the threat of new U.S. duties could accelerate the industry’s migration from Europe to America.
At a high-level meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA)—representing companies like Bayer, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk—called for urgent reforms to the EU’s regulatory and intellectual property frameworks. Though pharma products were exempt from Trump’s initial wave of tariffs, he has signaled that the sector will soon face its own set of trade barriers, prompting industry leaders to demand “rapid and radical action” to avoid a potential investment exodus.
EFPIA’s concerns reflect broader tensions between Europe and the U.S. over trade and industrial competitiveness.
With the U.S. already the dominant market for pharmaceutical sales and a favored destination for new production investments, European companies are finding fewer incentives to stay on the continent—especially in the face of complex regulations and now, potential tariffs.
The EU exported nearly €90 billion worth of medical and pharmaceutical goods to the U.S. in 2023, but with supply chains deeply interconnected, the sector’s shift could have far-reaching consequences on both sides of the Atlantic. In response, the European Commission has proposed counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, including agricultural and consumer products, as trade tensions continue to mount.
Industrials
UBS Cuts Price Targets for Canadian Rail Giants Amid Trade Uncertainty
UBS has revised its stock price targets and earnings projections for Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Canadian National Railway (CN), citing rising concerns over U.S. trade policy and potential fallout from new tariff measures.
While initial fears of steep tariffs on cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico have eased—thanks to exemptions for goods compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—analyst Thomas Wadewits warns that the broader policy landscape remains volatile. This uncertainty, especially around non-USMCA compliant goods, could dampen cross-border trade volumes, particularly in key sectors like automotive, which constitutes a substantial portion of revenue for both rail operators.
Wadewits noted that although much of the trade between the U.S. and its North American partners remains USMCA compliant, the risk of retaliatory tariffs and shifting demand due to price hikes poses a threat to future earnings.
UBS now forecasts lower 2025 earnings per share (EPS) for both CPKC and CN, with estimates falling to CAD$4.58 and CAD$7.50, respectively. Additionally, the firm reduced its price targets for CPKC to CAD$113 from CAD$129 and for CN to CAD$172 from CAD$187, citing expected volume declines in automotive, forest products, metals, and energy shipments as key drivers behind the downgrade.
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Tech
Allegations of AI Surveillance by Musk’s DOGE Spark Fears Among Federal Workers
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is facing explosive allegations of using AI surveillance tools to monitor federal employees for anti-Trump and anti-Musk sentiments, according to a Reuters investigation.
Sources within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claim that employees have been warned to watch what they say and type, suggesting DOGE is scanning digital communications—particularly on platforms like Microsoft Teams—for politically sensitive language.
While the EPA officially denied any active monitoring, the unsettling reports follow a wave of staff layoffs reportedly recommended by DOGE, raising concerns that AI is being weaponized to silence dissent and enforce political loyalty within federal agencies.
Further controversy surrounds DOGE’s reliance on encrypted messaging platforms like Signal and AI tools like X’s Grok chatbot, with critics arguing that such use could violate federal transparency and record-keeping laws.
The secrecy around how these tools are deployed has alarmed cybersecurity experts and government watchdogs, who fear the blending of political interests and AI surveillance under a Trump administration could erode democratic norms. The lack of clarity on whether this alleged monitoring extends beyond the EPA has only intensified calls for investigation into the use of AI and private communication tools in federal oversight.
Presidio Property Trust, Inc. has initiated a tender offer to repurchase up to 2,000,000 shares of its Series A Common Stock, along with all odd-lot holdings, at a price of $0.68 per share.
The offer, set to expire on May 5, 2025, provides shareholders the opportunity to sell their shares back to the company without any minimum share requirement or financing conditions. This move follows board approval but comes without any recommendation from the company or its board members, who have stated they do not intend to participate in the buyback themselves.
The San Diego-based REIT, traded under the ticker SQFT on NASDAQ, emphasized that shareholders should carefully review the official “Offer to Purchase” and accompanying documents before making a decision.
While the company hasn’t specified the rationale behind the offer, such moves are often made to return capital to shareholders, consolidate ownership, or improve per-share financial metrics. Stockholders are encouraged to consult their tax and financial advisors to fully understand the implications of participating in the tender offer.
Consumer Defensive
Edible Garden Expands Poultry Mix to ShopRite Ahead of Spring Holidays
Edible Garden AG Incorporated has announced the rollout of its fresh Poultry Mix across all ShopRite stores, aligning the launch with the spring holiday season, including Passover and Easter.
Building on the product’s strong performance during the 2024 winter holidays, the move aims to capture heightened seasonal demand for fresh, sustainable herb blends. The Poultry Mix—featuring rosemary, thyme, and sage—has already gained popularity for its flavor and convenience, supporting the company’s mission to deliver locally grown, USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO produce.
CEO Jim Kras highlighted the strategic value of leveraging the company’s long-standing relationship with Wakefern Food Corp., ShopRite’s parent company, to deepen market reach.
With over 350 ShopRite and Price Rite stores across the Northeast, the partnership significantly enhances product visibility. The rollout not only reinforces Edible Garden’s brand presence during a peak shopping period but also reflects its continued focus on sustainability, freshness, and community-driven values—closely aligned with ShopRite’s own reputation as a trusted grocery retailer.
Crypto
Justice Department Shifts Crypto Focus as Trump Administration Disbands Enforcement Unit
In a sweeping policy shift, the U.S. Justice Department under President Donald Trump has disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), signaling a dramatic reversal from the previous administration’s hardline stance on digital assets.
In a late-night memo, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche criticized the Biden-era approach of “regulation by prosecution,” and announced that future crypto investigations will be limited to cases involving terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, and other serious criminal offenses. Ongoing cases not aligned with this narrowed focus are to be closed, including probes into crypto platforms, mixers, and unregistered securities violations, unless clear willful misconduct is proven.
The move aligns with Trump’s broader push to position the U.S. as a global hub for cryptocurrency innovation.
Since taking office, his administration has eased regulatory oversight, and agencies such as the SEC have slowed or abandoned major enforcement actions. The change also coincides with the Trump family’s growing personal involvement in the crypto space through ventures like World Liberty Financial and promotional meme coins such as $TRUMP and $MELANIA.
Critics argue this new leniency could weaken financial safeguards, but supporters view it as a necessary pivot to foster innovation and reduce government overreach in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
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Everything Else
- Signs of a more buyer-friendly housing market emerge
- Dow rebounds 800 points
- European markets move higher
- Small business optimism dims in March
- Apple stock rises after three day stretch
- Bitcoin’s Next Big Move? Open Interest Says ‘Get Ready’
- Europe wants to lighten AI compliance burden for startups
- Corporate Yield Spreads Start to Widen
That’s all for today. Thank you for reading.
FAQ Section
What is Trump doing to revive the coal industry?
President Trump is set to sign executive orders invoking emergency powers to keep aging coal-fired power plants operational and prioritize coal resources on public lands. This aims to meet rising energy demands from data centers, AI, and electric vehicles, reversing Obama-era policies that discouraged coal production.
Why is Trump pressuring the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates?
Trump argues that low inflation, declining oil and food prices, and a market slump due to U.S.-China trade tensions create a “perfect time” for rate cuts. He has criticized the Fed for being “slow moving” amid Wall Street sell-offs and tariff-driven volatility.
How are Trump’s tariffs affecting European pharmaceutical companies?
European pharma giants like Bayer and Novartis warn that Trump’s looming tariffs could push the industry to shift investments and production to the U.S. They’re urging the EU to reform regulations to stay competitive, as the U.S. is already a dominant market for pharma sales.
What impact do Trump’s trade policies have on Canadian rail companies?
UBS cut price targets for Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Canadian National Railway due to trade uncertainty from Trump’s tariffs. While USMCA-compliant goods are exempt, potential retaliatory tariffs and reduced trade volumes in sectors like automotive could hurt earnings.
Are federal employees being monitored by AI under Trump’s administration?
Allegations suggest Elon Musk’s DOGE is using AI tools to scan federal workers’ communications (e.g., Microsoft Teams) for anti-Trump or anti-Musk sentiments. The EPA denies active monitoring, but concerns persist about political loyalty enforcement.
What is the Justice Department’s new stance on cryptocurrency?
The Trump administration disbanded the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, limiting crypto investigations to serious crimes like terrorism and drug trafficking. This shift aims to ease regulation and support innovation, aligning with Trump’s pro-crypto agenda.
How does Trump’s coal policy affect renewable energy goals?
Critics argue that reviving coal could slow progress toward cleaner energy goals, as market forces favor cheaper natural gas and renewables like wind and solar. Supporters say it ensures grid reliability amid rising electricity demands.
What is Presidio Property Trust’s tender offer about?
Presidio Property Trust launched a tender offer to repurchase up to 2 million shares at $0.68 each, expiring May 5, 2025. It’s an optional buyback for shareholders, possibly to consolidate ownership or boost per-share metrics, with no board participation.
How is Edible Garden expanding its market presence?
Edible Garden is rolling out its Poultry Mix (rosemary, thyme, sage) to all ShopRite stores for the spring holidays, building on winter success. This leverages its partnership with Wakefern Food Corp. to boost visibility in over 350 Northeast stores.
Could Trump’s tariff war lead to an economic downturn?
Experts like Bill Ackman warn that escalating tariffs could trigger an “economic nuclear winter,” with markets already in correction territory. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has not signaled rate cuts, raising fears of recession if trade tensions persist.
