Hello, readers. Welcome back to On Politics. Zach Schermele here, USA TODAY's congressional correspondent. It's Monday, and there's good news for families of crew aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. More on that later. Let's get into it.
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President Trump said he's increasing tariffs on imported automobiles and auto parts from Canada to 50%, my colleague Joey Garrison reported this morning . The move further escalates a trade war with the United States' northern neighbor that erupted after negotiations between the two countries collapsed over the weekend. Trump's latest threat comes after 50% U.S. tariffs on many other Canadian goods kicked in after midnight on Aug. 22, after his administration was unable to strike a trade deal with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Democrats seized on the tariffs ahead of the November midterm elections, warning the import taxes would likely mean American consumers paying higher costs.
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USS Abraham Lincoln headed for port |
Crew members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln finally have a port call scheduled, according to texts sent to family members and shared with USA TODAY. As my colleagues Chris Quintana and Emily Condon reported today, the Lincoln has a planned stop in Thailand in early September, the texts say. The aircraft carrier is sailing home after an extended, record-setting deployment in the Middle East amid the U.S. war in Iran. Navy spokesperson Christopher Thomas told USA TODAY the Navy does not "speak to future ship movements due to operational security." He directed any additional inquiries to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, whose spokespeople didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
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This midterm year, an unusually high number of Democratic candidates in red states are talking about their faith in an effort to connect with voters in the midterm elections, as my colleague Sarah Wire reported yesterday. Many of the campaigns have devolved into arguments about the proper interpretation of theology and scripture, as well as the role people of faith and the government should play in shaping society.
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Reach me by email at zschermele@usatoday.com.
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Across the country, a bipartisan backlash to the massive telecommunications facilities fueling the AI arms race is shaking up the fall campaigns
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined further sanctions against Iran called "Operation Economic Outcast."
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![The U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington transits the Strait of Malacca August 13, 2026. U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anthony Vilardi/Handout via REUTERS.]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2026/08/20/USAT/91387978007-20260819-t-143107-z-71025016-rc-2-vxmaqm-9-su-rtrmadp-3-irancrisisusacarrier.JPG?crop=3059,3058,x1189,y0&width=240&disable=upscale)
![The U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington transits the Strait of Malacca August 13, 2026. U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anthony Vilardi/Handout via REUTERS.]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2026/08/20/USAT/91387978007-20260819-t-143107-z-71025016-rc-2-vxmaqm-9-su-rtrmadp-3-irancrisisusacarrier.JPG?crop=3059,3058,x1189,y0&width=200&disable=upscale)
