Trump news at a glance: Big tech gets a big tariff reprieve; US military steps in on Mexico border

US president exempts host of electronics from tariffs regime; US military allowed more direct role' in securing border with Mexico - key US politics stories from Saturday 12 April at a glance

Big tech has gained a major exemption from Donald Trump's trade war after the US president exempted smartphones, computers and other electronics from the 125% levies imposed on imports from China as well as tariffs imposed on other countries.

Experts had previously warned tariffs would cause electronic consumer prices to spike in the US, with Apple reportedly chartering cargo flights to bring in 600 tons of iPhones from India rather than China amid the cratering trade ties between the two countries.