MORNING HEADLINES | Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to defend President Donald Trump’s high tariffs on foreign goods during a tour today at Nucor Steel’s Berkeley County plant. It’s his first visit to the state as the nation’s number two.
Nucor, which says it’s the continent’s largest steel maker and recycler, is seen as a likely S.C. winner under the new tariff regime, while major Palmetto State exporters like Boeing, Michelin and BMW are expected to be losers.
Vance reportedly will highlight the Trump administration’s first 100-day agenda, including what it is calling a “manufacturing renaissance.”
In a statement today, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., said South Carolinians wouldn’t be fooled by Vance’s rhetoric.
“The Trump administration’s economic record in its first 100 days has been an abysmal failure, and a substantial course correction is needed to prevent grave harm to families and businesses,” he said. “Trump’s exorbitant tariffs—imposed on countless essential products without any strategy—are increasing costs, jeopardizing retirement savings, threatening jobs, and putting small businesses at risk.”
Meanwhile amid tariff chaos, the U.S. economy in the Trump administration got smaller for the first time since the pandemic during the first quarter of 2025, according to reports. Consumer spending weakened and imports surged in advance of punishing Trump tariffs. A repeat of that performance in the second quarter would signal the official start of a recession, experts said.
In other headlines:
CP FOOD: 10 outdoor Charleston patios worth visiting now. We are in that sweet spot of Charleston spring — a season that is as fleeting as soft shell crabs — when it’s gorgeous outside and neither the oppressive heat nor the mass of summer visitors have yet descended.
How Charleston County plans to spend $9 million Airbnb settlement. According to County Council Chairman Kylon Middleton, council will look at several options for the money, which the short-term rental company paid to settle a lawsuit over unpaid accommodations taxes. Potential uses include spending for infrastructure, drainage and affordable housing.
S.C. House GOP tries again with new tax cut plan. After their much-touted flat tax proposal flopped earlier this session, House GOP leaders are back with a two-rate income tax plan they say will keep taxes low for most, while providing a significant cut for high-income filers. The earlier plan would have raised taxes on about 60% of S.C. residents.
S.C. Ports Authority board set to have no Charleston members. Lowcountry Republican and Democratic lawmakers reacted with alarm to Gov. Henry McMaster’s new appointments to the S.C. Ports board after noticing that no Charleston-area residents would be left on the body. “That’s unacceptable,” Charleston Sen. Ed Sutton said, capturing the mood of many.
Charleston’s Gaillard Center celebrates 10th season. In honor of the milestone, the center will offer a bevy special offers and programming, including $10 tickets for some shows.
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