Japanese Negotiator in D.C. to Discuss Tariffs; Trump Opens Security Probe Into Critical Minerals

Japan's chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, is in Washington on Wednesday, looking to convince officials to remove tariffs on Japan. He’s set to meet with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Akazawa said he believes he can emerge from the talks with a win-win solution for both countries.

President Donald Trump signed major executive orders on Tuesday. One of them launches a national security probe of U.S. reliance on foreign critical minerals. Another order tackles prescription drug prices, slashing insulin costs and opening the door to Canadian imports.

Lawmakers are digging into the details of a new federal budget and are eyeing several changes to tax rates. Some are pondering how the costs of the cuts will be offset. A Democrat in Silicon Valley says he'd like to see his wealthiest constituents taxed more, and some Senate Republicans are expressing openness to a higher tax on the wealthy. Others, however, say it's not an option. Meanwhile, the White House press secretary says Trump is undecided on whether to raise the corporate tax rate.