Happy Friday and welcome to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news in politics.
Court Strikes Down Most Trump Tariffs….The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a major setback to Donald Trump, ruling 6–3 that he lacked authority to impose sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said the Constitution gives Congress—not the president—the power to tax and set tariffs, rejecting the administration’s claim that emergency powers allowed unilateral action. The decision invalidates roughly 70% of Trump’s tariffs, though some industry-specific tariffs remain in place. The White House signaled it will explore alternative legal paths, while they are left with little guidance over potential refunds for billions already collected from businesses and consumers.
Common Sense Takeaway: Wow, in a huge blow to Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court just did the right thing for once and validated that the Constitution still matters. Congress controls taxation and tariffs, not the president acting alone (!!!) Prepare for attempts by the Trump administration to try to repackage the tariffs and to push back against businesses and consumers getting any of that money back. It will be a nasty battle.
Allegations Rock Texas GOP Primary….Rep. Tony Gonzales is facing controversy after reports surfaced of text messages in which a former staffer who recently died by suicide allegedly claimed an affair with him—an allegation Gonzales has repeatedly denied. His campaign declined to address the texts directly, instead accusing primary challenger Brandon Herrera of orchestrating a political smear timed to early voting. The dispute has escalated into a bitter public fight involving the family of the deceased staffer, accusations of blackmail, and calls for Gonzales to resign. Despite the turmoil, Gonzales retains the endorsement of Donald Trump as he tries to hold his seat in a razor-thin GOP primary rematch.
Common Sense Takeaway: Rep. Tony Gonzales is trying to frame this situation as a smear campaign, but let’s be real….this does not look good for him. What reason would his married staffer have to admit to having an affair with him if it weren’t true? And why is the manner she died in so suspicious? So many questions.
U.S. Economic Growth Slows at End of 2025….The U.S. economy cooled more than expected in the final quarter of 2025, growing at an annualized rate of just 1.4%—down sharply from 4.4% the previous quarter—as consumer spending weakened. Sluggish retail sales, rising credit card debt, and low consumer confidence signal strain on households that drive most economic activity. While inflation has eased slightly, it remains above the Federal Reserve’s target, and hiring has slowed, raising concerns about potential stagflation. The mixed data leaves policymakers in a bind, with markets expecting modest interest rate cuts later this year.
Common Sense Takeaway: A drop from 4.4% growth to 1.4% in one quarter is a huge warning sign. American consumers are pulling wayyy back under the weight of debt, high prices, and uncertainty from the Trump admin. The Federal Reserve now faces the decision to cut rates too soon and risk reigniting inflation or wait too long and risk a deeper economic downturn.
Poll Shows Backlash to ICE After Minnesota Raids….Public support for Donald Trump’s immigration policies has fallen sharply following deadly federal operations in Minnesota, with a new ABC poll showing 58% of Americans disapprove of his handling of immigration—his worst rating of his second term. While Americans remain divided on mass deportations, majorities oppose expanded enforcement actions and reject the tactics used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by roughly 2 to 1. Many also doubt deported immigrants are primarily violent criminals and express concern that enforcement could affect people they know.
Common Sense Takeaway: (*Pretends to be shocked*) A majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration and strongly oppose the tactics used by ICE. That is extremely telling and also a really bad sign for the Trump admin. Will they learn anything from this though? Definitely not. Will. they double down on their dangerous tactics? 100%.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back on Monday for more.
