[Monday, March 31] US News Headlines from r/politics

1. EXECUTIVE BRANCH AUTHORITY & GOVERNANCE

1.1 Presidential Powers & Term Limit Discussions

President Trump has explicitly stated he is “not joking” about seeking a third term [1], directly challenging the 22nd Amendment’s two-term limit. Legal experts warn such actions would throw the country “into chaos” [2], while critics characterize these statements as behavior typical of “dictators” [3]. Congressional Republicans appear to be downplaying these statements, with at least one Republican lawmaker insisting Trump “wasn’t advocating” for a third term [4].

[1] Why Trump Says He’s ‘Not Joking’ About a Third Term, https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/trump-third-term/682243/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_medium=social&utm_content=edit-promo
[2] Donald Trump third term would throw country “into chaos”—lawyer, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-president-third-term-chaos-constitutional-crisis-chaos-jd-vance-2052940
[3] Contempt as Trump claims he can run for third term: ‘This is what dictators do’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/31/trump-running-third-term-reactions
[4] Republican Lawmaker Insists Trump ‘Wasn’t Advocating’ for Third Term Despite Saying He ‘Was Not Joking’ About Another Run, https://www.latintimes.com/republican-lawmaker-insists-trump-wasnt-advocating-third-term-despite-saying-he-was-not-579613

1.2 DOGE Operations and Musk’s Dual Roles

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has accessed the federal payroll system despite objections from career IT officials, who were subsequently placed on leave and under investigation [1]. A DOGE staffer who previously shared Treasury Department data now has expanded access to government systems [2]. While leading DOGE, Musk claimed his government role is “costing me a lot” [3] while simultaneously stating that public backlash against DOGE’s cuts is negatively affecting Tesla stock [4]. DOGE’s actions have disrupted Social Security service delivery [5].

[1] DOGE accesses federal payroll system and punishes employees who objected — Report: IT officials who fought DOGE access put on leave and under investigation, https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/03/doge-accesses-federal-payroll-system-and-punishes-employees-who-objected/
[2] DOGE staffer who shared Treasury data now has more access to government systems, https://www.npr.org/2025/03/31/nx-s1-5345708/doge-data-access-labor-cfpb-hhs
[3] 5 takeaways from Elon Musk’s 100-minute town hall about DOGE and America: ‘It’s costing me a lot to be in this job’, https://www.businessinsider.com/5-takeaways-elon-musk-doge-america-town-hall-wisconsin-court-2025-3?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=insider-politics-sub-post
[4] Elon Musk says backlash against his DOGE government cuts is hurting Tesla stock, https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/03/31/elon-musk-says-people-against-his-doge-cuts-are-trying-to-pressure-tesla.html
[5] DOGE’s Latest Chaotic Move May Make It Harder To Receive Your Social Security Benefits, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/social-security-changes-scam_l_67e1fdc8e4b092040e511298?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main

1.3 White House Personnel & Decision-Making

The White House has taken controversial personnel actions, including the “highly unusual step” of directly firing line prosecutors [1] and reportedly ordering the termination of a prosecutor investigating one of the president’s donors [2]. A new FDA commissioner has ousted a top vaccine regulator after a private swearing-in ceremony [3]. On internal communications, the White House has declared the Signal group chat review “case closed” [4], despite growing Republican calls for investigation into Trump officials’ Signal chat usage [5].

[1] White House Takes Highly Unusual Step of Directly Firing Line Prosecutors, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/30/us/line-prosecutors-fired-trump-doj.html
[2] Trump Orders Firing of Prosecutor Investigating One of His Donors, https://www.thedailybeast.com/white-house-orders-termination-of-federal-prosecutor-investigating-one-of-trumps-donors/
[3] New FDA commissioner agreed to oust top vaccine regulator after private swearing-in, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/31/new-fda-commissioner-signed-off-on-ousting-top-vaccine-regulator-after-private-swearing-in-00260582
[4] White House says it’s ‘case closed’ on the Signal group chat review, https://www.npr.org/2025/03/31/nx-s1-5345865/white-house-signal-group-chat-review
[5] Republicans’ calls for probe of Trump officials’ Signal chat grow, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3r8d7q0200o?xtor=AL-71-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bbbc.news.twitter%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D&at_link_origin=BBCWorld&at_link_type=web_link&at_link_id=B28499B0-0D89-11F0-8D0C-D4056926A9FA&at_ptr_name=twitter&at_format=link&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_campaign_type=owned&at_medium=social&at_campaign=Social_Flow

2. ECONOMIC POLICY & MARKET IMPACTS

2.1 Tariff Implementation & Global Reactions

President Trump is implementing sweeping tariff policies set to take effect on April 2, described as “Liberation Day,” which will “start with all countries” [1]. These policies have prompted Americans to reduce spending in anticipation of price increases [2]. The New York Times reports that “Trump’s Tariff Agenda Bets on Americans Giving Up Cheap Goods” [3]. China, Japan, and South Korea plan to jointly respond to U.S. tariffs [4], while Canada has implemented “Buy Canadian” practices turning away U.S. products [5]. The White House is considering providing financial assistance to affected farmers [6].

[1] Trump says reciprocal tariffs will ‘start with all countries,’ rejects narrower launch, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/31/trump-tariffs-reciprocal-april-2.html
[2] Americans are spending less as they brace for new tariffs, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/03/31/tariffs-affect-consumer-spending/
[3] Tariff Gambit Bets Americans Will Swallow Higher Prices, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/business/trump-tariffs-higher-prices.html?smtyp=cur&smid=bsky-nytimes
[4] China, Japan, South Korea will jointly respond to US tariffs, Chinese state media says, https://www.reuters.com/world/china-japan-south-korea-will-jointly-respond-us-tariffs-chinese-state-media-says-2025-03-31/
[5] As ‘Buy Canadian’ grows, more US companies say retailers turning away their products, https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/buy-canadian-grows-more-us-companies-say-retailers-turning-away-their-products-2025-03-31/?utm_source=reddit.com
[6] As Trump Tariffs Loom, White House Eyes Costly Farmer Bailouts, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/us/politics/farmers-bailouts-trump-tariffs.html

2.2 Market Performance & Recession Concerns

Financial markets have reacted sharply to the tariff announcements, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling to six-month lows [1] and stocks marking their worst month in years [2]. Goldman Sachs has revised its U.S. recession probability upward from 20% to 35% [3], while first-quarter GDP growth is projected at just 0.3% as tariffs contribute to stagflation conditions [4]. Consumer confidence about the future has reached a 12-year low, prompting companies to lower earnings forecasts [5]. The president has insisted the “Economy Not About to Explode” despite warnings from banks [6].

[1] S&P 500, Nasdaq at over six-month lows as tariffs spark recession fears, https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/futures-tumble-tariffs-fuel-recession-worries-2025-03-31/
[2] Stocks Mark Worst Month in Years as Trump’s Tariffs Loom, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/30/business/stocks-nikkei-sp500.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
[3] Goldman Sachs Revises Up US Recession Probability To 35% From 20%, https://www.marketwatch.com/story/goldman-sachs-revises-up-us-recession-probability-to-35-from-20-bc1313ed
[4] First-quarter GDP growth will be just 0.3% as tariffs stoke stagflation conditions, says CNBC survey, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/31/first-quarter-gdp-growth-will-be-just-0point3percent-as-tariffs-stoke-stagflation-conditions-says-cnbc-survey.html
[5] Companies are dropping their earnings forecasts as consumer confidence about the future reaches 12-year low, https://fortune.com/2025/03/30/consumer-confidence-inflation-tariffs-comerica-fedex-delta-american-airlines-lululemon-walmart-eagle/
[6] Trump Insists Economy Not About to Explode as Banks Warn Differently, https://newrepublic.com/post/193388/donald-trump-economy-recession-banks-panic

2.3 Budget Cuts & Program Impacts

USDA cuts described as “a huge blow” threaten Wisconsin’s local food supply [1], while Hawaii, which imports 90% of its food, faces cuts to programs that offset this dependency [2]. Veterans are increasingly becoming the public face of government cuts [3], with Senator Gillibrand stating that V.A. staff cuts and return-to-office orders threaten veterans’ healthcare access [4]. Social Security has emerged as a focal point, with claims that both Trump and Musk are “targeting” the program [5].

[1] ‘A huge blow’: USDA cuts threaten to throw Wisconsin’s local food supply into disarray, https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/30/business/wisconsins-farmers-usda-funding/index.html
[2] In Hawaii, where 90% of food is imported, farmers who offset imbalance now face cuts, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/hawaii-farmers-trump-cuts-rcna198550
[3] Veterans becoming face of Trump’s government cuts and Democrats’ resistance, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/veterans-becoming-face-of-trumps-government-cuts-and-democrats-resistance
[4] V.A. staff cuts and return orders threaten veterans’ care, says Senator Gillibrand, https://cnycentral.com/news/local/gillibrand-criticizes-trump-policy-affecting-veterans-mental-health-care
[5] Trump and Musk are targeting Social Security, and you should worry, https://thehill.com/opinion/columnists/juan-williams/5220003-social-security-attacks/

3. ELECTIONS & JUDICIAL POLITICS

3.1 Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election has attracted extraordinary national attention, with Elon Musk declaring that the “destiny of humanity” rests on its outcome [1]. Musk has distributed $1 million payments to Wisconsin voters after the state’s Supreme Court declined requests to stop the practice [2], with reports indicating the chair of Wisconsin’s College Republicans won one of these payments [3]. The race has become the most expensive judicial contest in Wisconsin history [4], with the state’s Attorney General suing Musk over his voter payout scheme [5].

[1] Elon Musk proclaims ’the entire destiny of humanity’ rests on Wisconsin Supreme Court election, https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/03/30/musk-says-destiny-of-humanity-rests-on-wisconsin-supreme-court-race/82705243007/
[2] Elon Musk hands out $1 million payments after Wisconsin Supreme Court declines request to stop him, https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-million-dollar-giveaway-cdea66e0dcbaa53dd183e1d10bee2b35?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=share
[3] ‘What a coincidence’: Musk’s $1 million Wisconsin giveaway won by chair of state’s College Republicans, https://www.dailydot.com/debug/elon-musk-giveaway-wisconsin/
[4] Wisconsin Court Race Is Most Expensive Ever. Where Is the Money Coming From?, https://truthout.org/articles/wisconsin-court-race-is-most-expensive-ever-where-is-the-money-coming-from/?utm_source=Truthout&utm_campaign=a2abe4d85a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_03_30_02_50&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bbb541a1db-a2abe4d85a-650963661
[5] Wisconsin AG sues Musk over his state Supreme Court voter payout scheme, https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/wisconsin-elon-musk-lawsuit-supreme-court-election-rcna198709

3.2 Election Security & Democratic Processes

The Trump administration has cut election security funds, prompting officials to express concrete concerns that future elections may be “less secure” [1]. Senator Chris Murphy has warned that free and fair elections in America might end as soon as 2026, describing the country as “sleepwalking into autocracy” [2]. The Justice Department has been instructed to dismiss a legal challenge to Georgia’s election law [3]. Meanwhile, the Guardian claims “Republicans are quietly trying to disenfranchise millions of voters” [4].

[1] The Trump admin cut election security funds. Now officials fear future elections may be ’less secure.’, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/31/trump-admin-cut-election-security-funds-00258787
[2] We Are Sleepwalking Into Autocracy Senator Chris Murphy, of Connecticut, describes how free and fair elections might end in America as soon as 2026., https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/the-new-yorker-radio-hour/senator-chris-murphy-this-is-how-democracy-dies-everybody-just-gets-scared?utm_medium=social&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=bluesky&mbid=social_bluesky&utm_brand=tny
[3] Justice Department instructed to dismiss legal challenge to Georgia election law, https://apnews.com/article/georgia-election-law-legal-challenge-232c5d05db604aed31beb9e717f745f9
[4] Republicans are quietly trying to disenfranchise millions of voters, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/31/congress-republicans-save-act-voting-rights

4. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

4.1 Ukraine-Russia Policy

Trump has accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of “trying to back out” of a proposed minerals deal [1], while separately expressing anger at Putin and threatening tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow blocks a Ukraine deal [2]. Reports claim Trump has a specific plan to pressure Ukraine to restore what is characterized as “Putin’s gas empire” [3]. A U.S. source indicates that Ukraine-US talks on a minerals deal are ongoing and not tied to NATO membership [4].

[1] Trump accuses Ukraine’s Zelensky of ’trying to back out’ of proposed minerals deal, https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/03/31/europe/ukraine-minerals-deal-trump-zelensky-intl
[2] ‘Pissed off’ at Putin, Trump threatens tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow blocks Ukraine deal, https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-threatens-secondary-tariffs-russian-oil-if-unable-make-deal-ukraine-2025-03-30/
[3] Revealed: Trump’s plan to force Ukraine to restore Putin’s gas empire, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/03/27/revealed-trump-plan-force-ukraine-restore-putin-gas-empire/
[4] Ukraine-US talks on minerals deal ongoing, not tied to NATO membership, source says, https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-us-talks-on-minerals-deal-ongoing-source-says/

4.2 Foreign Relations Challenges

Reports indicate that Trump has “supercharged distrust” and is “driving U.S. allies away” [1]. Greenland’s new Prime Minister has rejected Trump’s “latest threat” saying “we do not belong to anyone else” [2]. As the administration reduces foreign aid budgets, China is taking a leading role in Myanmar’s earthquake response, having already rescued six people while a U.S. team has yet to arrive [3]. Canadian generals have reportedly discussed military cooperation amid Trump’s continued threats against Canada [4].

[1] How Trump Supercharged Distrust, Driving U.S. Allies Away, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/world/trump-foreign-policy-trust.html
[2] Greenland’s new PM rejects Trump’s latest threat: ‘We do not belong to anyone else’, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/31/greenland-donald-trump-us-plans-pm-jens-frederik-nielsen
[3] As Trump guts foreign aid, China and others lead Myanmar earthquake response | A U.S. team has yet to arrive in Myanmar after last week’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake, while China has already rescued six people and committed $14 million in humanitarian aid., https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/myanmar-earthquake-rescue-trump-usaid-china-rcna198818
[4] Canadian generals discuss military co-operation with U.S. as Trump continues to threaten Canada, https://ottawacitizen.com/public-service/defence-watch/canadian-generals-military-u-s-trump

5. DOMESTIC & SOCIAL POLICY

5.1 Immigration Enforcement

The administration has transferred 17 alleged illegal alien gang members to El Salvador [1]. Documents obtained by the ACLU appear to show how the Trump administration identifies Venezuelan gang members [2]. Military involvement in immigration enforcement has increased, with detailed reports on “How Trump Is Leaning on the Military to Fulfill His Hopes of Mass Deportations” [3]. Meanwhile, farmworkers have marched against ICE raids on César Chávez Day at the historic Delano grape strike site [4].

[1] Trump admin transfers 17 alleged illegal alien gang members to El Salvador, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/el-salvador-accepts-17-more-criminals-linked-tren-de-aragua-ms-13-from-trump-admin
[2] Documents appear to show how Trump admin identifies Venezuelan gang members: ACLU, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/documents-show-trump-admin-identifies-venezuelan-gang-members/story?id=120319762
[3] How Trump Is Leaning on the Military to Fulfill His Hopes of Mass Deportations and an Immigration Freeze, https://www.military.com/daily-news/investigations-and-features/2025/03/28/how-trump-leaning-military-fulfill-his-hopes-of-mass-deportations-and-immigration-freeze.html
[4] Farmworkers march against ICE raids on César Chávez Day at historic Delano grape strike site, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/cesar-chavez-day-march-against-ice-raids-farmworkers-rcna198967

5.2 Healthcare & Education

CNN reports the CDC has “buried a measles forecast that stressed the need for vaccinations” [1]. Kansas faces simultaneous outbreaks of measles and tuberculosis while state lawmakers are “dropping vaccine requirements” [2]. Seventeen states want to end an abortion privacy rule, with a federal judge questioning HIPAA itself [3]. The Trump administration is targeting Harvard University, reviewing billions in funding [4].

[1] The CDC buried a measles forecast that stressed the need for vaccinations, https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/31/health/cdc-measles-forecast-propublica/index.html
[2] Kansas Has a Double Outbreak of Measles and Tuberculosis. Meanwhile, State Lawmakers Are Dropping Vaccine Requirements, https://people.com/measles-tuberculosis-kansas-outbreak-vax-requirements-dropped-11704982?utm_campaign=peoplemagazine&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com&utm_content=post
[3] Seventeen states want to end an abortion privacy rule. A federal judge is questioning HIPAA itself., https://michiganadvance.com/2025/03/31/repub/seventeen-states-want-to-end-an-abortion-privacy-rule-a-federal-judge-is-questioning-hipaa-itself/
[4] Trump administration targets billions in funding to Harvard, https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/03/31/harvard-federal-funding-trump-administration/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com