### White House Faces Tumultuous Week Amid Tariff Rulings and Policy Criticism

The White House experienced significant turbulence this week as President Donald Trump's key initiatives faced challenges from multiple fronts. A pair of federal courts struck down his controversial tariffs, while a former high-profile ally, Elon Musk, criticized his sweeping domestic policy bill as he exited from his official position.

A defining feature of Trump's presidency has been his relentless push for extensive measures, often playing high-stakes politics despite the risks. This week's events starkly revealed how quickly his fortunes could fluctuate. His signature policies — the far-reaching tariffs and domestic policy bill — faced potential collapse following these judiciary and market responses.

Trump's robust response came despite Wall Street traders mocking his repeated reversals on tariff policies with a meme: TACO, which implies "Trump Always Chickens Out." Nevertheless, he seems to bounce back, with some supporters highlighting his persistent approach. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich remarked on Trump facing "big bumps in the road" but stressed the president's bold maneuvers.

The preceding period of Trump's tenure has largely been unchallenged due to Republican control of both the House and Senate, and Trump's firm grip on his party. His earlier dismissal of multiple inspectors general also aimed to curtail internal opposition. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has been dealing with internal conflicts, primarily revolving around debates about Joe Biden's cognitive health, leaving courts and financial markets as significant checks on Trump's power.

This week, much of the administration's rhetoric was directed at the U.S. Court of International Trade after it struck down the majority of Trump’s tariffs on imported goods. The court determined that Trump's actions exceeded legal bounds under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which he invoked to impose these tariffs. While the court ruling represented a temporary setback, an appeals court later allowed the tariffs to continue for the time being.

Against this backdrop, Trump also publicly criticized Leonard Leo, who had assisted in judicial appointments during his first term, over unfavorable court rulings. Tariff policies saw significant volatility, with tariffs on China and the European Union being imposed and then adjusted based on financial market reactions. Trump's maneuvers were labeled as strategic, though not without criticism from financial circles.

The departure of Elon Musk marked another tremor, especially given his sharp criticism of Trump's spending bill. As the week drew to a close, Trump found himself defending his high-tariff strategy while maintaining his firm stance that these measures are part of a broader negotiation tactic.

Despite the storm of criticism and setbacks, Trump's administration appeared undeterred, continuing to power through a challenging week that underscored the precarious yet resilient nature of his presidency.