[Wednesday, April 9] US News Headlines from r/politics

1. Trade Policy and Economic Impact

1.1 Tariff Implementation and International Response

President Trump has implemented sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs, hiking trade levies to their highest level in a century [1]. The administration then announced a 90-day pause on most tariffs while raising China’s tariffs to 125% [2], though Trump’s top trade official wasn’t informed of the delay until after the announcement [3].

International responses have been swift. China announced 84% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods [4], causing oil prices to tumble more than 6% [5]. The European Union approved €20 billion in retaliatory tariffs targeting Republican-leaning states [6], while Japan and Canada agreed to cooperate on market stability measures [7].

[1] Trump Tariffs Take Effect Hiking Trade Levies to a 100-Year High, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-09/trump-tariffs-take-effect-hiking-trade-levies-to-a-100-year-high
[2] Trump says he’s pausing most ‘reciprocal’ tariffs for 90 days — but raising China’s to 125%, https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-pauses-reciprocal-tariffs-90-days-raises-china-stocks-rcna200464?04092025
[3] Trump’s top trade official wasn’t informed of tariff delay until after announcement, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/09/business/trump-top-trade-official-testifies-house-tariffs/index.html
[4] China announces 84% tariffs on US goods in showdown with Trump, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/09/business/china-us-tariffs-retaliation-hnk-intl/index.html
[5] U.S. crude oil tumbles more than 6%, trades below $56 as China imposes retaliatory tariffs, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/09/us-crude-oil-tumbles-as-china-imposes-retaliatory-tariffs.html
[6] EU slaps tariffs on US trucks, cigarettes and ice cream to target Trump’s red states, https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-tariffs-trade-war-donald-trump-republican-states/
[7] Japan, Canada agree to cooperate on market stability, https://www.reuters.com/markets/japan-canada-agree-cooperate-market-stability-2025-04-09/

1.2 Economic Consequences

Financial markets have experienced extreme turbulence. U.S. Treasuries underwent what analysts describe as a “fire sale,” sending yields soaring worldwide [1]. Goldman Sachs predicts a 65% chance of U.S. recession within 12 months [2], while Jamie Dimon indicates a recession is a “likely outcome” from the tariff turmoil [3]. Investor Ray Dalio characterized the situation as a “once-in-a-lifetime collapse in economic and political order” [4].

The business community has begun responding, with Walmart pulling its quarterly income forecast specifically citing tariffs [5]. Public conflict erupted between Elon Musk and Trump adviser Peter Navarro, with Musk calling Navarro “truly a moron” as Tesla shares declined [6].

[1] Treasuries ‘Fire Sale’ Sends Long-Term Yields Soaring Worldwide, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-09/treasuries-fire-sale-sends-long-term-yields-soaring-worldwide?srnd=homepage-americas
[2] Goldman Sachs Sees 65% Chance of US Recession in Next 12 Months, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-09/goldman-sachs-sees-65-chance-of-us-recession-in-next-12-months
[3] Jamie Dimon says a recession is ’likely outcome’ from Trump’s tariff turmoil, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/09/jamie-dimon-says-a-recession-is-likely-outcome-from-trumps-tariff-turmoil.html
[4] Dalio Sees Once-a-Lifetime Collapse in Economic, Political Order, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-09/ray-dalio-says-once-in-lifetime-major-breakdown-is-occurring
[5] Walmart pulls quarterly operating income forecast, citing Trump’s tariffs, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/09/walmart-pulls-q1-guidance-due-to-trump-tariffs.html
[6] ‘Truly a moron’: Elon Musk escalates spat with Trump adviser Peter Navarro over tariffs, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/08/business/elon-musk-peter-navarro-comments-tariffs?cid=ios_app

2. Executive Authority and Governance

2.1 Agency Leadership Changes

Significant leadership changes are occurring across federal agencies. Kash Patel has been removed as acting head of the ATF and replaced by Army Secretary Driscoll [1]. Former Representative Tulsi Gabbard faces scrutiny for voting in Hawaii despite declaring Texas residency [2] and has selected a controversial figure to run the Counterterrorism Center who allegedly “aided the start of a right-wing paramilitary group” [3].

Within Health and Human Services, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged he is “not familiar” with all health program cuts [4] while the department substantially reduced its sexual violence prevention division [5]. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced the creation of a 2nd Amendment Task Force [6].

[1] Kash Patel has been replaced by Army Secretary Driscoll as acting head of the ATF, AP sources say, https://apnews.com/article/atf-director-army-secretary-driscoll-kash-patel-9de7e829b0585a9c4b5c13c08d4e7a38
[2] Tulsi Gabbard declared her residency in Texas. Then she voted in Hawaii, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/09/politics/tulsi-gabbard-texas-hawaii-voting-residency-invs/index.html
[3] Gabbard’s Pick to Run Counterterrorism Center Aided Start of a Right-Wing Paramilitary Group, https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/04/joe-kent-tulsi-gabbard-national-counterterrorism-center-first-amendment-praetorian-robert-patrick-lewis/
[4] RFK Jr. says he’s “not familiar” with all health program cuts in exclusive interview, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rfk-jr-sweeping-cuts-health-programs-employees-exclusive-interview/
[5] HHS guts sexual violence prevention division, leaving local efforts adrift, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/08/nx-s1-5349529/hhs-layoffs-sexual-assault-rape-prevention
[6] Attorney General Pamela Bondi Statement Regarding Creation of a 2nd Amendment Task Force, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-pamela-bondi-statement-regarding-creation-2nd-amendment-task-force

2.2 Department of Government Efficiency and Executive Actions

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, established a service agreement with the Department of Labor showing a $1.3 million fee [1]. DOGE cuts have reportedly created “chaos” at Social Security offices [2], while a federal judge allowed it to take control of a $500 million office building at no cost [3].

The administration halted $1 billion in funding for Cornell University and $790 million for Northwestern University [4]. White House Press Secretary Leavitt announced they will “ghost reporters who use pronouns” as a “matter of policy” [5]. President Trump directed the Justice Department to investigate political enemies [6].

[1] US DOGE Service Agreement With Department of Labor Shows $1.3 Million Fee—and Details Its Mission, https://www.wired.com/story/department-of-labor-doge-usds-payment/
[2] ‘It’s a shambles’: DOGE cuts bring chaos, long waits at Social Security for seniors, https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-04-09/trump-doge-social-security-cuts-seniors
[3] Federal Judge Allows DOGE to Take Over $500 Million Office Building for Free, https://www.wired.com/story/judge-approves-doge-usip-office-building/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7g3aitL7_DMA3nws4koY4vxMeqElHX4JHAP1fCqno_m3E8kWEpA15TngmwnA_aem_SRL4eMkKFX_nKmcicUdJkQ
[4] Trump administration halts $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell, $790 million for Northwestern, https://apnews.com/article/trump-cornell-northwestern-federal-funding-frozen-37192b49730304960929dcb72f09469c
[5] Leavitt Says White House Will Ghost Reporters Who Use Pronouns: ‘Matter of Policy’, https://www.thedailybeast.com/leavitt-says-white-house-will-ghost-reporters-who-use-pronouns-matter-of-policy/
[6] ‘Insane authoritarian stuff’: Trump directs Justice Department to investigate political enemies, https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house/watch/-insane-authoritarian-stuff-trump-directs-justice-department-to-investigate-political-enemies-236962373955

3. Judicial and Legal Developments

3.1 Court Decisions and Civil Liberties

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of President Trump regarding the firing of independent regulatory agency members [1] and halted the reinstatement of fired federal employees [2]. Justice Sotomayor issued what’s described as a “harsh dissent on Trump arrests” [3].

A Delaware judge ruled that Newsmax defamed Dominion Voting Systems [4], while another judge required the White House to reinstate the Associated Press to the press pool [5]. The DOJ stated that January 6 defendants deserve refunds of restitution payments after their cases were “invalidated” [6].

Restrictions on political expression are intensifying, with the federal government cracking down on peaceful protests [7] and states introducing 41 anti-protest bills seeking criminal punishments for protected speech [8]. David Cole described a “war on the First Amendment,” citing the targeting of students, law firms, schools, and journalists [9].

[1] Supreme Court allows Trump to fire independent agency members, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-allows-trump-fire-independent-agency-members-rcna200492
[2] Supreme Court halts reinstatement of fired federal employees, https://www.ksl.com/article/51291201/supreme-court-halts-reinstatement-of-fired-federal-employees
[3] Sotomayor’s Harsh Dissent on Trump Arrests Offers a Terrifying Warning, https://newrepublic.com/article/193761/sotomayor-harsh-dissent-trump-arrests-offers-terrifying-warning?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tnr_daily&vgo_ee=KYQ5BP4wIzDQO0TeWAoAXl7Kolss6RxHo%2FAEppx7w4CfQVnDPA%3D%3D%3Ahp2tBudcKRUzTxg6bClJN00h8o18QgY9
[4] Delaware judge rules Newsmax defamed Dominion Voting Systems, https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/delaware-judge-rules-newsmax-defamed-dominion-voting-systems-2025-04-09/
[5] White House Must Allow The Associated Press Full Access to Trump, Judge Rules, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/08/us/politics/trump-ap-oval-office-access.html?unlocked_article_code=1.-E4.2tYW.dCYLg2tPldXB&smid=url-share
[6] ‘Entitled to reimbursement’: Trump DOJ says Jan. 6 defendants deserve to get restitution refunds after having cases ‘invalidated’, https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/entitled-to-reimbursement-trump-doj-says-jan-6-defendants-deserve-to-get-restitution-refunds-after-having-cases-invalidated/
[7] US intensifies crackdown on peaceful protest under Trump, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/09/anti-protest-bills-trump?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
[8] US sees surge in bills seeking criminal punishments for protected speech: Forty-one anti-protest bills in 22 states have been introduced since start of 2025, according to law tracker, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/09/anti-protest-bills-trump
[9] A War on the First Amendment: David Cole on Trump Targeting Students, Law Firms, Schools & Journalists, https://www.democracynow.org/2025/4/9/david_cole

4. Immigration and Deportation Policies

The White House confirmed the Trump administration is exploring ways to potentially deport U.S. citizens [1], with Trump stating he would “love” to deport U.S. citizens to El Salvador’s detention facilities if legally possible [2]. The ICE director described deportation operations as an “Amazon-like mass deportation system,” comparing it to “Prime, but with human beings” [3]. Reports indicate 90% of migrants sent to a “mega prison” had no U.S. criminal record [4].

Federal judges have limited Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act for some deportations [5]. A significant development is the data-sharing agreement between the IRS and DHS, allowing immigration officials to access tax information to locate undocumented immigrants [6], which reportedly led to the resignation of the acting IRS commissioner [7].

[1] White House Confirms Trump Is Exploring Ways To ‘Deport’ U.S. Citizens, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/white-house-confirms-trump-is-exploring-ways-to-deport-us-citizens_n_67f580abe4b0a5ea5c7608d2/amp
[2] Trump Says He’d “Love” to Deport US Citizens to El Salvador Gulags if It’s Legal, https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-deporting-us-citizens-el-salvador
[3] ICE director envisions Amazon-like mass deportation system: ‘Prime, but with human beings’, https://michiganadvance.com/2025/04/09/ice-director-envisions-amazon-like-mass-deportation-system-prime-but-with-human-beings
[4] 90% of ‘Worst of the Worst’ Migrants Sent to Mega Prison Had No U.S. Criminal Record, https://www.thedailybeast.com/90-of-worst-of-the-worst-migrants-sent-to-mega-prison-had-no-criminal-record/
[5] Federal judges limit Trump’s use of Alien Enemies Act for some deportations, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/federal-judges-limit-trump-alien-enemies-act-deportations-rcna200418
[6] IRS reaches data-sharing deal with DHS to help find undocumented immigrants for deportation, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/08/politics/irs-dhs-sign-data-deal-undocumented-immigrants/index.html
[7] Acting IRS commissioner resigning after agency reaches data-sharing deal with immigration authorities, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/08/politics/melanie-krause-acting-irs-commissioner-resigning/index.html

5. Congressional Politics and Domestic Policy

5.1 Budget Conflicts and Opposition

President Trump is reportedly facing a “House Republican mutiny” [1] over budget proposals. Trump pressured GOP lawmakers to support his budget plan, telling them to “close your eyes and get there” [2], while Speaker Johnson aims for a budget vote without secured support [3].

Tensions have emerged over tariffs, with Senator Ted Cruz “begging” Trump to stop listening to his “tariff-loving aides” [4]. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a primary challenge against Senator John Cornyn [5]. Democratic responses include former President Obama calling on citizens to “resist Trump agenda” [6], while Senator Schumer criticized Trump for “going overboard” on tariffs [7].

[1] Trump faces a House Republican mutiny, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/08/trump-house-republican-mutiny-budget-vote-00279964
[2] Trump tells House GOP to back budget plan: “Close your eyes and get there”, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-presses-house-gop-to-back-budget-plan/
[3] Johnson aiming for budget vote Wednesday, but suggests support is not yet there, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5241312-speaker-mike-johnson-budget-vote/
[4] Ted Cruz Begs Trump to Stop Listening to His Tariff-Loving Aides, https://www.thedailybeast.com/ted-cruz-begs-trump-to-stop-listening-to-his-tariff-loving-aides/
[5] Texas AG Ken Paxton launches Senate primary challenge against Republican Sen. John Cornyn, https://apnews.com/article/ken-paxton-texas-senate-john-cornyn-60c34efe45143422c5f9ff84d27c1be1
[6] Obama calls on citizens, colleges and law firms to resist Trump agenda, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/04/05/obama-trump-universities-intimidation/
[7] Schumer: Trump ‘going so overboard’ on tariffs, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5239851-schumer-trump-tariffs/

5.2 Environmental and Public Health Policies

The Trump administration has reversed environmental protections, opening 58% of U.S. national forests to logging [1] and exempting “the dirtiest coal power plant from pollution rules” [2]. Trump claimed “the future of AI is powered by coal” [3] and is aiming to “shut down state climate policies” [4].

America’s scientific research faces challenges, with Northwestern University bracing for cuts that could “nearly wipe out all its federal research funding” [5]. A measles outbreak is approaching 600 cases nationwide [6], with Texas experiencing a surge concentrated in districts of Texas House leaders, though support for “vaccine choice” remains strong [7]. Social Security services face disruption with new rules creating hurdles for millions of seniors [8].

[1] National forests face the hatchet as Trump administration boosts logging | A new policy opens 58% of U.S. national forests to logging by rolling back environmental protections., https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/04/08/national-forests-logging-forest-service-order/82974502007/
[2] Trump Exempts Dirtiest Coal Power Plant From Pollution Rules, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-09/trump-exempts-dirtiest-coal-power-plant-from-pollution-rules
[3] Trump says the future of AI is powered by coal, https://www.theverge.com/energy/646011/trump-says-the-future-of-ai-is-powered-by-coal
[4] Trump aims to shut down state climate policies, https://stateline.org/2025/04/09/trump-aims-to-shut-down-state-climate-policies/
[5] Northwestern braces for massive cuts that could nearly wipe out all its federal research funding, https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2025/04/09/northwestern-braces-for-massive-cuts-that-could-nearly-wipe-out-all-its-federal-research-funding
[6] As measles outbreak nears 600 cases, fears grow about spread in day cares and urban areas, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/08/health/measles-outbreak-urban-areas/index.html
[7] Push for Texas to weaken vaccine mandates persists as measles surge | Much of the outbreak is concentrated in the districts of Texas House leaders, including Speaker Dustin Burrows. The crisis appears to have done little to change support for “vaccine choice.”, https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/09/texas-measles-legislation-vaccines/
[8] New Social Security rules will create hurdles for millions of seniors, report finds, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/08/nx-s1-5356476/social-security-new-rules