Dow Plunges as Greenland Tariff Threat Triggers Bipartisan Pushback in Congress

Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].

Lisa Murkowski is a Republican U.S. Senator from Alaska who has served since 2002. Born in 1957 in Ketchikan, Alaska, she comes from a politically active family; her father, Frank Murkowski, appointed her to the Senate after leaving his seat to become governor. Before her Senate career, she served three terms in the Alaska House of Representatives and practiced commercial law in Anchorage. In 2010, after losing the Republican primary, Murkowski won reelection in a rare and notable write-in campaign, the first successful Senate write-in since 1954[1][2][6]. Murkowski is known for her focus on economic development, energy policy, and environmental issues relevant to Alaska, such as oil and gas production and responsible resource development. She served as Chair and remains the longest-serving Republican member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and is Vice Chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Her legislative work includes championing the Amber Alert system and supporting Alaska’s fishing industry. She has also taken moderate stances on social issues, voting to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," supporting same-sex marriage, and backing abortion rights legislation[1][2][4]. Throughout her Senate tenure, Murkowski has cultivated bipartisan relationships and leveraged her seniority to secure significant policy achievements for Alaska, including infrastructure investment, COVID-19 relief for Alaskans, and basing F-35 fighters at Eielson Air Force Base. She continues to advocate for Alaska’s development balancing economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. In 2025, she remains an active legislator involved in veterans’ affairs and health policy legislation[1][3][4].

Thomas Roland Tillis, known as Thom Tillis, is an American politician serving as the U.S. Senator for North Carolina. Born on August 30, 1960, in Jacksonville, Florida, Tillis grew up in a working-class family and faced financial challenges early in life. After high school, he worked as a warehouse records clerk before pursuing higher education, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland University College in 1997[1][2]. Tillis built a successful career in the private sector, working as an executive at IBM and a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. His 29-year tenure in technology and management consulting provided him with a deep understanding of policy-making and organizational management[2][4]. He transitioned into public service, serving as a member of the Cornelius Board of Commissioners and later as the PTA president at Hopewell High School. In 2006, he was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he served as Speaker from 2011 to 2014[2][3]. Tillis was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014 and re-elected in 2020. He is a member of several key Senate committees, including Finance, Veterans’ Affairs, and Judiciary[3][5]. As Senator, Tillis has focused on pragmatic policy solutions and job creation. Recently, he has been involved in sponsoring legislation such as the National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act[5]. Tillis resides in Huntersville, North Carolina, with his wife Susan, and they have two grown children[2][3].