Hey Capitalists:

Memorial Day Weekend started with fireworks early! President Trump called out the EU and Apple for trade imbalances. Gas Prices are down. Buc-ee’s is expanding. California’s ban on gas cars got overturned by the Senate and a very familiar object is finally going away. Let’s break it down for you:

And by the way: PolitiBrawl Newstand has evolved into The Capitalist! Financial news and politics for the Golden Age of America

Trump Unleashes A Trade War Broadside On The EU and Apple In Truth Social Post

President Trump just fired the next shot in the ongoing trade war with the European Union with a Truth Social post on Friday morning. 

“The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with. Their powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against Americans Companies, and more, have led to a Trade Deficit with the U.S. of more than $250,000,000 a year, a number which is totally unacceptable. Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

• Trump’s Tariff Threats: President Trump announced a 25% tariff on iPhones not made in the U.S. and a 50% tariff on all EU goods starting June 1, 2025, via posts on Truth Social.

• Apple in the Crosshairs: He’s pressuring Apple to manufacture iPhones in the U.S., specifically calling out CEO Tim Cook after a White House meeting, arguing they shouldn’t be built in places like India.

  
  “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United  States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else. If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S. Thank your for your attention to this matter!“

  

• EU Trade Tensions: Trump’s targeting the EU for what he calls unfair trade practices, like high trade barriers and a $250 billion trade deficit, claiming the bloc was formed to take advantage of the U.S.

• Market Jitters: The announcement sent U.S. and European stock markets tumbling, with Apple shares dropping over 2% and indexes like Germany’s DAX falling more than 1.7%.

• Analyst Skepticism: Experts doubt Apple can quickly shift production to the U.S. due to complex supply chains in China, and some question whether Trump’s tariffs will deliver the trade deals or manufacturing boost he’s aiming for.

• Global Economic Impact: These tariffs could disrupt global trade, potentially raising consumer prices and straining U.S.-EU relations, with the EU already floating retaliatory tariffs on $108 billion in U.S. goods.

Gas Prices Tumble Just In Time For Memorial Day, down 11 percent

Gas prices are hitting a four-year low just in time for Memorial Day weekend, which means you can hit the road without breaking the bank. This is a big deal because it’s the unofficial start of summer travel, and with millions of Americans planning to drive, these lower prices are like a little gift for your wallet. 

• Four-Year Low: The average U.S. gas price is $3.17 per gallon, down 11% from last year and 14% lower when adjusted for inflation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

• Why It’s Cheaper: Falling crude oil prices are the main driver, with summer prices expected to stay between $3.25 and $3.50 per gallon, well below last year’s levels.

• Big Travel Weekend: AAA estimates 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles, with 39.4 million hitting the road, making it a record-breaking Memorial Day for travel.

• Regional Price Drops: West Coast prices are at $4.29 per gallon (down 10%), Gulf Coast at $2.79 (down 13%), East Coast at $2.99 (down 17%), Midwest at $3.03 (down 15%), and Rocky Mountains at $3.13 (down 12%).

• Summer Outlook: Experts predict stable or lower prices through the summer, thanks to global oil demand trends and OPEC+ optimism.

• Why It Matters: Lower gas prices ease the cost-of-living burden, acting like a “psychological tax cut” for consumers, especially as travel demand spikes.

US Senate Blocks California's Ban On Gas Cars

The U.S. Senate just made a bold move to block California’s plan to phase out gas-powered vehicles, and it’s stirring up a storm of debate. This could shake up the auto industry, impact your wallet at the pump, and change how we tackle climate change. Plus, it’s got some serious implications for state rights versus federal power.

• Senate’s Big Vote: On May 22, 2025, the Senate voted 51-44 to overturn California’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate, which aimed to ban new gas-only car sales by 2035. This mandate also applied to 11 other states, covering a third of the U.S. auto market.

• Why It Happened: Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, argued that California’s rules were too aggressive, raising costs for consumers and straining the power grid. They used the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nix the EPA waiver that allowed California to set these strict standards.

• Breaking the Rules?: The Senate ignored advice from the Government Accountability Office and the Senate parliamentarian, who said the CRA couldn’t be used this way. Democrats called this a “nuclear option,” warning it could mess with Senate traditions like the filibuster.

• California Fights Back: Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta plan to sue, calling the vote illegal and a threat to California’s clean air efforts. They argue it’ll cost taxpayers $45 billion in health care costs due to worse air quality.

• Auto Industry’s Take: Big automakers like General Motors and Toyota backed the Senate’s move, saying the EV targets were unrealistic since EVs are only about 10% of national sales now. But environmental groups say these rules were key to cutting pollution.

• What’s Next?: The decision now heads to President Trump, who’s likely to sign it, given his campaign against EV mandates. If courts uphold this, it could slow the EV push, letting carmakers focus less on electric and more on gas vehicles.

The Buc-ee’s Empire Is Growing, Invades Virginia And Mississippi (And Georgia Again)

Buc-ee’s, the Texas based (and Texas-sized) gas station phenomenon, is spreading its beaver-branded charm to new corners of the U.S. this summer! Famous for its massive stores, spotless restrooms, and mouthwatering brisket, Buc-ee’s is about to make waves in Virginia and Mississippi with its first-ever locations there, plus a new spot in Georgia. This expansion is a big deal for travelers and local economies alike, bringing jobs and a one-of-a-kind pit-stop experience to new regions. 

• New States, New Stops: Buc-ee’s is opening its first locations in Virginia (Rockingham County) on June 30 and Mississippi (Harrison County) on June 9, marking its debut in these states, along with a third Georgia location in Brunswick on July 1.

• Massive Facilities: Each new center spans 74,000 square feet—think 1.5 football fields—with over 100 gas pumps, 20 EV charging stations, and 600 parking spaces for ultimate convenience.

• Job Creation: The Virginia and Mississippi locations are expected to create 200 jobs each, boosting local economies with an investment of over $60 million in Rockingham County alone.

• Northeast Expansion: The Virginia store, located 2.5 hours west of Washington, D.C., will be Buc-ee’s most northeastern outpost, introducing its cult-favorite experience to a new audience.

• Signature Buc-ee’s Experience: Expect the classic Buc-ee’s vibe with pristine bathrooms, fresh-made food like Beaver Nuggets and brisket, and a huge range of beaver-themed merchandise.

• Georgia Growth: The Brunswick location will be Georgia’s third Buc-ee’s, situated five hours southeast of Atlanta, further cementing the chain’s Southern stronghold.

The Penny Drops

The U.S. Treasury is pulling the plug on penny production, a move that’ll save taxpayers $56 million a year. After centuries of circulation, the penny—costing nearly 4 cents to make—will stop being minted by early 2026. With 114 billion pennies already out there, businesses will soon round prices to the nearest nickel. This cost-cutting decision, backed by President Trump, reflects a push for efficiency, as pennies are underused and pricey to produce. It’s a practical step, but it might mean saying goodbye to those penny jars

Palantir CEO Unload Stock For Millions!

Palantir, a major player in AI and government contracts, is making headlines again, and its CEO, Alex Karp, is at the center of it. A recent CNBC article dives into some big moves by Karp and other execs, and it’s a great snapshot of where Palantir stands in today’s market.

• Massive Stock Sales: Alex Karp, Palantir’s CEO, sold about $50 million worth of shares, with other top execs like CTO Shyam Sankar and co-founder Stephen Cohen also cashing out millions.

  

• Stock Surge: Palantir’s stock has skyrocketed nearly 62% in 2025, outpacing most tech peers and making it a standout in the S&P 500.

• AI and Government Boost: The company’s growth is fueled by booming demand for its AI tools and hefty government contracts, especially with the U.S. military, like a $178 million Army deal.

• High Valuation Concerns: Despite its success, Palantir’s stock trades at a steep price-to-earnings ratio of nearly 600-to-1, raising questions about whether it’s overvalued.

• Recent Volatility: Shares dropped 12% after a May earnings report showed slower international growth, though Karp brushed it off, saying, “You don’t have to buy our shares.”

• Trump’s Influence: The stock’s rise is partly tied to President Trump’s push for government efficiency, led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, aligning with Palantir’s business model.