Apple News Today

Episode: The tariff on cheap packages all online shoppers should know about
Host: Shumita Basu
Date: August 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Shumita Basu covers three prominent stories making headlines:

• President Trump's controversial attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and the broader implications for the Fed’s independence.
• A new tariff policy that will impact online shopping for millions of Americans by eliminating the de minimis threshold for duty-free imports.
• The engagement of Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce, a celebrity news story generating massive public interest.

Additional stories touch on a Social Security data breach, AI's effect on youth employment, and a social media parenting trend encouraging more outdoor play for children.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Attempt to Remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook

• Background: President Trump is attempting to fire Lisa Cook, a sitting Federal Reserve Governor, a move Cook is legally contesting.
• Legal Context:
  • The Federal Reserve’s unique structure prevents the president from firing its board members without cause. This legal precedent stems from a Supreme Court ruling, but its practical application is untested ([00:05]).
• Administration’s Justification:
  • Trump alleges Cook committed mortgage fraud, a claim echoed against other political opponents, including Letitia James and Adam Schiff ([01:24]).
  • These public allegations appear politically selective, especially as parallel cases involving Republican figures are reportedly not pursued with the same vigor ([03:11]).
• Systemic Concerns:
  • Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is driving the criminal referrals. The acquisition and use of sensitive mortgage data for political ends is raising alarms ([02:36]).
• Potential Impact:
  • Removing Cook would allow Trump to gain majority control over the Fed board, potentially altering US monetary policy ([03:57]).
• Notable Quote:
  • "He has used his platform to further these claims, and I think it's important to note against people that the administration has framed as its adversaries." – Rachel Siegel ([02:36])

2. The End of the De Minimis Exemption: Tariffs on Cheap Packages

• Policy Change:
  • The US de minimis threshold, allowing imported packages worth under $800 to enter duty-free, will be revoked at the end of August.
  • This affects e-commerce giants such as Shein, Temu, and potentially Amazon ([04:50]).
• Rationale:
  • Economic: Intended to level the playing field for domestic businesses by closing a historic tax loophole now used for billions in trade, especially fast fashion ([05:06]).
  • Security: Claimed by the administration to help prevent fentanyl smuggling, as fast-tracked packages often avoid thorough customs scrutiny ([05:47]).
• New Requirements:
  • Starting Friday, every imported package must include a detailed customs declaration (contents, value, country/manufacturer, components) ([06:12]).
  • This abrupt regulatory change has confused international mail carriers—some European services have suspended US shipments due to unclear compliance procedures.
• Impact on Small Businesses and Consumers:
  • Small businesses relying on cheap imports face existential threats.
  • Consumers will likely see higher prices, particularly in shoes and clothing, or find certain goods temporarily unavailable ([07:35]).
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Particularly shoes and clothing are going to be the two biggest impacted categories." – Sean Henry, CEO of Stord ([07:35])
• Exemptions:
  • Letters and gifts under $100 between individuals remain exempt; there’s no need to rush personal shipments ([07:56]).

3. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Engagement

• Announcement:
  • Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement after two years of dating. Their relationship has been a cultural phenomenon, with public appearances boosting NFL viewership among women and inspiring Swift’s music ([08:53]).
• Backstory:
  • Kelce’s playful public attempt to woo Swift began with a friendship bracelet at her Kansas City concert, a story recounted on the "New Heights" podcast, which broke a YouTube viewing record ([09:23]).
• Swift’s Perspective:
  • "This kind of felt more like I was in an 80s John Hughes movie, and he was just, like, standing outside of my window with a boombox, just being like, I want to date you." – Taylor Swift ([09:46])
• Impact:
  • Swift and Kelce’s social media engagement announcement received one million likes in nine minutes ([10:15]).
  • Their relationship has transcended celebrity culture, influencing sports, music, and social media trends.

4. Quick News Bites

[10:15]

• Data Security Concern:
  • A government whistleblower alleges Social Security data for 300 million Americans was placed on a vulnerable server, raising fears of massive identity theft—though the SSA claims there’s no breach ([10:15]).
• AI Job Disruption:
  • New research shows that AI, since the release of ChatGPT, disproportionately impacts younger workers (22-25) in sectors like software and marketing, potentially creating a generational divide ([10:15]).
• Parenting Trend – "Feral Child Summer":
  • A resurgence in unsupervised, outdoor play for children is being championed on social media. Research supports its benefits for emotional regulation and independence ([10:15]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rachel Siegel on politically motivated probes:
  "He has used his platform to further these claims, and I think it's important to note against people that the administration has framed as its adversaries." ([02:36])
• Sean Henry on tariff impacts:
  "Particularly shoes and clothing are going to be the two biggest impacted categories." ([07:35])
• Taylor Swift on Kelce's overture:
  "If this guy isn't crazy, which is a big if, this is sort of what I've been writing songs about wanting to happen to me since I was a teenager." ([10:03])
• On the tech job market:
  "Researchers found workers aged between 22 and 25 saw a decline of 16% in jobs like software engineering, marketing and customer service, even as overall employment grew." ([10:15])

Timestamps to Key Segments

• 00:05 — Trump’s attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook and the legal fight.
• 02:36 — Rachel Siegel discusses the broader context and potential data misuse.
• 04:50 — Reporter Megan Casella introduces the ending of the de minimis exemption for imported goods.
• 05:47 — Laura Curtis explains administration’s reasoning (economic fairness, fentanyl).
• 06:12 - 07:56 — Compliance changes, small business impact, and advice for shoppers.
• 08:53 - 10:15 — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement story and cultural impact.
• 10:15 — Headlines: Social Security data breach, AI and youth jobs, “Feral Child Summer.”

Episode Takeaways

• Political maneuvers at the Federal Reserve signal a shift in the checks and balances of economic policy.
• Massive changes in the way cheap goods are imported could make online shopping more expensive and less convenient for Americans.
• Celebrity culture, through the lens of Swift and Kelce’s relationship, continues to shape broader trends far beyond music and sports.
• Significant developments in data security, technology’s impact on employment, and parenting philosophies round out a diverse news day.

For more details, listeners are encouraged to check out Apple News and the referenced articles for deeper dives into each subject.