[Saturday, April 5] US News Headlines from r/politics

1. ECONOMIC AND TRADE POLICY

1.1 Market Impact and International Response

Trump’s tariff implementation has triggered immediate market consequences, with the S&P 500 losing approximately $5.4 trillion in value over just two days [1] and tech megacaps losing $1.8 trillion in the same period [2]. Major tech leaders face personal wealth reductions exceeding $23 billion each [3]. China has responded with 34% retaliatory levies on U.S. imports [1], particularly targeting American farm goods like soybeans, benefiting Brazilian exporters [4]. Tourism to the United States is reportedly declining [5], while Germany is reportedly considering withdrawing its 1,200-ton gold stockpile from the US in response to tariff policies [6].

[1] Trump tariffs day 3 as it happened: S&P 500 sheds $5.4tn in 2 days; China announces 34% retaliatory levies on US, https://www.ft.com/content/0147b09b-e319-453d-9a0c-e8fcce510a18
[2] Tech megacaps lose $1.8 trillion in 2 days as Trump tariffs lead Nasdaq to worst weekly drop in 5 years, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/04/technology-stocks-fall-for-a-second-session-led-by-tesla-and-nvidia.html
[3] Zuckerberg, Bezos and Musk each lose more than $23 billion after Trump tariffs spark market meltdown, https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/business/money-report/zuckerberg-bezos-and-musk-each-lose-more-than-23-billion-after-trump-tariffs-spark-market-meltdown/6213578/
[4] China retaliation on US farm goods hits soybeans, bolstering Brazil, https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-retaliation-on-us-farm-goods-hits-soybeans-bolstering-brazil
[5] Tourists are staying away from the US. What does that mean for NYC?, https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/tourists-are-staying-away-from-the-us-what-does-that-mean-for-nyc
[6] Germany considers withdrawing 1,200-ton gold stockpile from US in riposte to Trump, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/04/germany-considers-withdrawing-gold-stockpile-from-us-trump

1.2 Economic Forecasts and Expert Analysis

Economic experts have issued stark warnings about tariff policy consequences. Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney predicts “tough days ahead” as tariffs make U.S. recession likely’ [1]. Finance professor Jeremy Siegel characterizes them as the “worst economic policy in almost 100 years” [2], while JPMorgan has raised its recession forecast to “60 percent chance of a recession this year” [3]. Senator Ted Cruz warns of a potential midterm electoral “bloodbath” if tariffs trigger a recession [4].

[1] Carney warns of ’tough days ahead’ as tariffs make U.S. recession likely’, https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mark-carney-tough-days-tariffs-likely-u-s-recession-1.7502981
[2] Trump Tariffs Worst Economic Policy in Almost 100 Years: Siegel, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-04-03/trump-tariffs-worst-economic-policy-in-almost-100-years-siegel
[3] JPMorgan now predicts a 60 percent chance of a recession this year, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/recession-risk-increase-trump-tariffs-b2727607.html
[4] Ted Cruz warns of midterm ‘bloodbath’ if Trump tariffs cause a recession, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/ted-cruz-midterm-trump-tariffs-recession

1.3 Administration Strategy and Business Reactions

The administration is considering expanding tariffs to foreign-made medicines [1], while President Trump urges Americans to “hang tough” through economic turbulence [2]. Jaguar Land Rover has paused U.S. shipments due to tariffs [3]. Elon Musk has expressed hope for a zero-tariff free trade zone between the United States and Europe [4], while also publicly criticizing key presidential adviser Peter Navarro over tariff policy [5]. Warren Buffett has denied social media rumors after Trump shared claims that the investor supported market-disrupting policies [6].

[1] Trump’s Next Tariffs Target Could Be Foreign-Made Medicines, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/04/health/drug-tariffs-trump-manufacturing.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
[2] President Trump tells Americans to ‘hang tough,’ golfs again as universal tariffs begin, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/05/trump-tells-americans-hang-tough-universal-tariffs-begin/82953727007/
[3] Jaguar Land Rover to pause US shipments over tariffs, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0zr0p77m0o
[4] Musk Hopes US, Europe Move to Zero-Tariff Free-Trade Zone, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-05/musk-hopes-us-europe-will-move-to-zero-tariff-free-trade-zone
[5] Musk slams key Trump adviser Navarro as tariffs bite, https://www.axios.com/2025/04/05/musk-trump-tariffs-navarro-tesla
[6] Buffett denies social media rumors after Trump shares wild claim that investor backs president crashing market, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/04/buffett-denies-social-media-rumors-after-trump-shares-wild-claim-that-investor-backs-president-crashing-market.html

2. EXECUTIVE BRANCH ACTIONS

2.1 National Security Leadership Changes

The administration has fired NSA director and Cyber Command head Gen. Timothy Haugh [1], a move reportedly influenced by far-right activist Laura Loomer [2]. This has prompted bipartisan concern, with lawmakers condemning the firing as “inexplicable” [3]. A Republican representative stated that “Russia and China are laughing at us” following the firing [4], while Senate Minority Leader McConnell has publicly criticized these personnel changes [5].

[1] Trump abruptly fires the 4-star general who headed the National Security Agency, https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-agency-tim-haugh-ec08b455e2c1112f5c6bb1881fad73e2
[2] Trump fires head of NSA and Cyber Command | Gen. Timothy Haugh’s removal was spurred by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who, earlier Thursday, reportedly urged the president to terminate multiple National Security Council staffers., https://www.govexec.com/transition/2025/04/trump-fires-head-nsa-and-cyber-command/404298
[3] ‘Inexplicable’: Lawmakers condemn sudden firing of Cyber Command general, https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2025-04-04/haugh-cyber-command-national-security-fired-trump-17367643.html
[4] GOP Rep Slams Trump For Firing NSA Director: ‘Russia And China Are Laughing At Us’, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-timothy-haugh-nsa-firing-don-bacon_n_67f131a4e4b0b90810dcbbf5
[5] McConnell calls out Trump for hiring ‘amateur isolationists’ at Pentagon, firing NSA director, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5234058-mcconnell-trump-pentagon-nsa-criticism/

2.2 Department of Government Efficiency Initiatives

The newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is targeting multiple federal agencies. Current plans include staffing cuts at the Department of Homeland Security, potentially affecting the U.S. Secret Service [1]. DOGE is planning a hackathon to develop a “mega API” for IRS data [2], while the Social Security Administration is reportedly planning to lay off thousands more staff despite service challenges [3]. The IRS faces dramatic restructuring with plans to cut up to 25% of staff, beginning with the closure of its civil rights office [4].

[1] DOGE expected to take aim at DHS with staffing cuts, including at US Secret Service, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/05/politics/doge-dhs-secret-service/index.html
[2] DOGE reportedly planning a hackathon to build ‘mega API’ for IRS data, https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/05/doge-reportedly-planning-a-hackathon-to-build-mega-api-for-irs-data/
[3] Social Security Administration planning to lay off thousands more staff in DOGE cuts despite long wait times and web crashes — Cuts could be made across variety of departments, including communications, personnel, legislative affairs, and retirement and disability policy., https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/social-security-doge-layoff-musk-b2727707.html
[4] IRS plans to cut up to 25% of staff, starting with closing its civil rights office, AP sources say, https://apnews.com/article/irs-layoffs-civil-rights-compliance-trump-musk-d2c5708973cddf91c1a72b392118628c

3. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

3.1 Diplomatic Tensions with Allies

U.S.-Canadian relations have deteriorated significantly, with Canadian officials reportedly declaring that the friendship between the two nations is “over” [1]. Australian media characterize the situation as Trump “blowing up the West as we know it” [2]. Canada and Mexico appear to be coordinating responses to U.S. policies [3]. Questions are emerging about why Russia and Belarus have been spared from new universal tariffs while U.S. allies face economic penalties [4].

[1] Canada says its friendship with the US is ‘over.’ Now what?, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/05/canada-us-friendship-trade-tariffs-trump-00273255
[2] Exit stage right: Trump blows up the West as we know it as America’s allies flinch. We may be seeing the start of the ‘anti-America century’, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-06/trump-tariffs-america-in-danger-of-becoming-a-friendless-state/105125122
[3] Canada and Mexico Aligned in Fighting Back Against Trump’s Tariffs: “Frustration is directed specifically towards Trump and less towards the U.S.”, https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/trumps-tariffs/article/canada-and-mexico-aligned-in-fighting-back-against-trumps-tariffs-new-poll/
[4] Trump’s tariffs: Why are Russia and Belarus spared?, https://www.dw.com/en/trumps-tariffs-why-are-russia-and-belarus-spared/a-72150328

3.2 Global Security Challenges

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has criticized the United States’ response to a Russian ballistic missile strike as “weak” [1], with Ukrainian officials characterizing the U.S. embassy’s reaction as “unpleasantly surprising” [2]. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Trump on Monday to discuss tariffs and Iran [3], amid scrutiny following a video that appears to contradict Israel’s account regarding the killing of 15 Palestinian medics [4].

[1] US response to Russian ballistic missile strike ‘weak,’ Zelenskyy says, https://abcnews.go.com/International/ukraine-appeals-pressure-russia-after-day-inhuman-strikes/story?id=120513428
[2] US embassy’s response to Russia’s Kryvyi Rih attack ‘unpleasantly surprising,’, https://kyivindependent.com/us-embassys-response-to-russias-kryvyi-rih-attack-unpleasantly-surprising-zelensky-says/
[3] Netanyahu visiting Trump on Monday to discuss tariffs and Iran, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250405-netanyahu-visiting-trump-on-monday-to-discuss-tariffs-and-iran
[4] Video appears to contradict Israel’s account of 15 Palestinian medics killed, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g2z103nqxo.amp

4. IMMIGRATION AND BORDER SECURITY

4.1 Enforcement Actions and Legal Status

The administration has argued in court that a judge lacks authority to order the return of a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador [1], while in a separate case, a judge has given authorities three days to bring back a mistakenly deported Maryland man [2]. Reports indicate U.S. citizens are being caught in immigration enforcement actions [3], while Venezuelan migrants were allegedly shipped to an El Salvador prison within a 24-hour period [4]. A case concerning presidential authority over birthright citizenship is before the Supreme Court, with advocates warning that “tens of thousands of newborns could be subject to removal” otherwise [5].

[1] Trump administration argues judge can’t order return of man mistakenly deported to El Salvador, https://apnews.com/article/trump-el-salvador-prison-kilmar-abrego-garcia-5a92d6bd7f893eed64c2607cc129a6f9
[2] Judge gives US 3 days to bring mistakenly deported Maryland man home, https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/judge-orders-us-to-bring-mistakenly-deported-maryland-man-home/3883968/
[3] U.S. citizens are getting caught in Trump’s immigration crackdown, https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/04/05/us-citizens-deported-immigration/
[4] The frenzied 24 hours when Venezuelan migrants in the US were shipped to an El Salvador prison, https://apnews.com/article/trump-alien-enemies-act-venezuelans-deportations-prison-e6cd083dcf5e213f7b2bd3bf43d27aaa
[5] Justices urged to find Constitution, not president, governs birthright citizenship | Advocates say tens of thousands of newborns could be subject to removal from the U.S. even though they’ve done nothing wrong., https://www.courthousenews.com/justices-urged-to-find-constitution-not-president-governs-birthright-citizenship/

5. CONGRESSIONAL AND LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS

5.1 Legislative Responses and Court Challenges

Congress is considering legislation to reassert authority over trade policy, with a Senate bill requiring congressional approval for presidential tariffs [1] and a House Republican planning similar legislation [2]. Senate Republicans have passed a budget plan advancing Trump’s priorities [3]. Representative Al Green has announced plans to present articles of impeachment against President Trump within the next 30 days [4]. Democratic state attorneys general have filed lawsuits to protect funding for libraries and museums [5], while the Supreme Court has ruled in the administration’s favor regarding its authority to block DEI-related education grants [6].

[1] S.1293 — 119th Congress (2025-2026) A bill to require the approval of Congress for the President to impose duties on the importation of articles into the United States, https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1293?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22congressId%3A119+AND+billStatus%3A%5C%22Introduced%5C%22%22%7D&s=1&r=25
[2] House Republican plans bill to let Congress block Trump tariffs, https://www.axios.com/2025/04/04/house-republican-plans-bill-to-let-congress-block-trump-tariffs
[3] Senate GOP passes budget plan, setting up a critical next phase for Trump agenda, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/05/g-s1-58281/senate-budget-resolution-reconciliation-trump
[4] Al Green says he’ll present articles of impeachment against Trump in next 30 days, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5234386-al-green-donald-trump-impeachment/
[5] States sue Trump administration to protect funding for libraries and museums | Democratic attorneys general say the president’s executive order slashing federal agency violates the separation of powers and completely guts seven critical federal agencies without congressional approval., https://www.courthousenews.com/states-sue-trump-administration-to-protect-funding-for-libraries-and-museums/
[6] Supreme Court sides with Trump on blocking DEI-related education grants, https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house/deadline-legal-blog/supreme-court-dei-grants-education-trump-rcna198917

6. PUBLIC RESPONSE AND OPPOSITION

6.1 Nationwide Protests and Public Opinion

A coordinated nationwide protest movement against the Trump-Musk administration has emerged, with demonstrations planned in all fifty states [1] making this “the largest opposition protest since the inauguration” [2]. The protests specifically focus on concerns about healthcare, Social Security, and education [3]. Polling shows Trump’s approval rating has turned negative even in polls conducted by Republican-affiliated pollsters [4], with 75% of Americans reporting they don’t feel better off under the current administration [5]. Former President Barack Obama has called on Americans to defend democratic values in response to the administration’s agenda [6].

[1] ‘Hands Off!’ protests against Trump and Musk are planned across the US, https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-doge-protests-hands-off-472c574303260cbac315367cc808960d
[2] Anti-Trump Protesters Assemble in Every State and Cities Worldwide | Hundreds of thousands gather for the largest opposition protest since the inauguration, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-musk-protests-america-world-hands-off-1235311342/
[3] Anti-Trump Protests Try to Reach the Newly Alarmed — The rallies on Saturday are being held all over the country and emphasize cuts to health care, Social Security and education., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/05/us/politics/trump-protests-hands-off-saturday.html
[4] Trump approval rating goes negative with Republican pollster for first time, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-approval-rating-polls-2055795
[5] 3 in 4 Americans Don’t Feel Better Off Under Donald Trump: Poll, https://www.newsweek.com/americans-economic-anxiety-donald-trump-2051409
[6] Barack Obama calls on Americans to defend democratic values in face of Trump agenda, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/barack-obama-trump-agenda