April 8, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

Just hours before major new tariffs are set to kick in, President Trump and his team said he remains open to deals but generally would not back down from levies on goods from more than 80 countries. That includes a 104 percent tariff on China set to take effect at midnight. That message helped kill an early stock market rally. Stephanie Sy reports.

Ukrainian President Zelensky said troops in eastern Ukraine captured Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, a reminder of that war's global impact. Russia’s invasion has affected the thinking in Taiwan, which sees itself confronting a larger neighbor that challenges its sovereignty. Nick Schifrin reports on the connections between Ukraine and Taiwan for our series, Taiwan: Risk and Resistance.

A second child died from measles-related causes in Texas where an outbreak has infected at least 505. Until this year, the U.S. had no reported measles deaths in a decade. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former anti-vaccine advocate, now says the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles. Deema Zein spoke with someone who had a front-row seat to its creation.

The U.S. has sent hundreds of people to the notorious mega-prison in El Salvador known as CECOT. William Brangham discussed conditions inside that facility with Nnoah Bullock, the executive director of Cristosal, an international human rights group based in El Salvador.

The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can continue to use a rare 18th-century war authority to deport Venezuelan immigrants alleged to be gang members. But justices stipulated migrants must be given reasonable time to challenge their deportation under the Alien Enemies Act. William Brangham discussed more with Steve Vladeck, a constitutional law professor at Georgetown University.

As a member of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma questioned President Trump’s trade representative Jamieson Greer about the president's tariffs. Sen. Lankford joined Amna Nawaz to discuss that issue and his new book, “Turnaround: America's Revival.”

Congress had its first full day back at work since the tariff-related market selloffs. For Republicans, they face a critical moment for Trump’s agenda on Capitol Hill. Lisa Desjardins reports on how those in office see the tariffs and the latest budget negotiations.

In our news wrap Tuesday, the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration in its push to lay off thousands of federal workers, President Trump signed four executive orders designed to boost coal production after decades of decline and at least 58 people were killed in the Dominican Republic when a nightclub roof collapsed.

For perspective on the growing trade war between the United States and China and the ripple effects it’s having, Amna Nawaz spoke with Elizabeth Economy. She served as the senior advisor for China in the Commerce Department during the Biden administration and is currently a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution.