[Thursday, April 10] US News Headlines from r/politics

1. Executive Actions and Presidential Authority

1.1 Executive Orders and White House Directives

President Trump has issued a series of executive orders expanding presidential authority, including orders punishing individuals who opposed his 2020 election claims [1] and probing former cybersecurity officials who defied him [2]. The White House is seeking legally binding control over Columbia University through a consent decree [3] while issuing an order on “Restoring truth and sanity to American History” [4]. Additional orders target state climate laws [5] and showerhead efficiency standards characterized as “restoring shower freedom” [6].

The president has made statements suggesting expanded presidential authority, including comments about potentially staying in office past 2028 [7] and exploring sending U.S. citizens to foreign prisons [8]. Several state governments have mounted resistance, with Colorado refusing to comply with Trump’s DEI order [9].

Reference List – Executive Orders and White House Directives:

[1] Trump Signs Orders Punishing Those Who Opposed His 2020 Election Lies, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/us/politics/trump-executive-orders-law-firm-krebs.html
[2] In authoritarian fashion, Trump orders probes into two ex-officials who defied him, https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/authoritarian-fashion-trump-orders-probes-two-ex-officials-defied-rcna200574
[3] White House may seek legally binding control over Columbia through consent decree – report, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/10/trump-columbia-consent-decree
[4] Restoring truth and sanity to American History Executive Order, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/03/2025-05838/restoring-truth-and-sanity-to-american-history
[5] Trump targets California climate laws in new executive order, https://calmatters.org/environment/climate-change/2025/04/trump-order-california-climate-laws/
[6] Trump signs executive order on water pressure to ‘restore shower freedom’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/09/trump-water-pressure-executive-order
[7] Trump Says He Is Serious About Staying in Office Past 2028, https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/04/trump-third-term-republicans/682381/
[8] Trump wants to send U.S. citizens to foreign prisons. Experts say there’s no legal way., https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/04/10/trump-deportation-us-citizens-legal/
[9] Colorado’s K-12 education department won’t comply with Trump’s DEI order, https://www.denverpost.com/2025/04/10/colorado-trump-dei-order-state-education-board/

1.2 Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Operations

The Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk has terminated National Highway Traffic Safety Administration staffers evaluating self-driving vehicle risks [1], raising conflict of interest concerns as NHTSA regulates Tesla, Musk’s company. DOGE has repeatedly lowered its estimated savings projections [2] and reportedly deployed AI systems to monitor federal workers for anti-Trump sentiment [3]. The department’s authority has expanded to include reviewing Navy operations [4], marking an extension into military affairs.

Cost-cutting measures have resulted in terminations of public sector employees, including scientists working on Yellowstone grizzly research [5]. Democrats have launched a campaign aimed at removing Musk from his position by June [6], while Senator Bernie Sanders has warned that Musk’s authority could extend to targeting private sector workers [7].

Reference List – DOGE Operations:

[1] NHTSA staffers evaluating the risks of self-driving cars were reportedly fired by DOGE, https://www.theverge.com/news/646797/nhtsa-staffers-office-vehicle-automation-safety-firing-doge-tesla
[2] Elon Musk lowers DOGE’s estimated savings — again, https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-lowers-doges-estimated-savings-again-2025-4
[3] Musk’s DOGE reportedly deploys AI to monitor federal workers for anti-Trump sentiment: ‘The willingness to skirt laws is brazen’, https://fortune.com/2025/04/09/musks-doge-reportedly-deploys-ai-to-monitor-federal-workers-for-anti-trump-sentiment-the-willingness-to-skirt-laws-is-brazen/
[4] Trump sends DOGE to review the Navy, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/09/shipbuilding-doge-executive-order-00283055
[5] Trump and Musk’s DOGE ‘functionally destroying’ historic Yellowstone grizzly science team, https://wyofile.com/trump-and-musks-doge-functionally-destroying-historic-yellowstone-grizzly-science-team/
[6] Democrats launch campaign to oust Musk by June, https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/democrats-campaign-oust-elon-musk-june
[7] Bernie Sanders Town Hall Live Updates: Senator Warns Elon Musk Could Target Private Sector Workers, https://www.newsweek.com/bernie-sanders-town-hall-live-updates-senator-faces-questions-republicans-democrats-2057731

2. Economic and Trade Policy

2.1 Tariffs Implementation and Reversal

President Trump’s administration initially imposed sweeping tariffs but then executed a dramatic reversal, announcing a 90-day pause following what reports describe as a “bond market freakout” [1]. The White House later clarified Chinese import tariffs now stand at 145% [2]. Before the reversal announcement, Trump told people to “buy” stocks [3], and hours later markets soared [4]. Wall Street executives Jamie Dimon and Bill Ackman reportedly received private credit for swaying Trump’s decision [5].

Treasury Secretary Yellen criticized these policies, stating Trump “has taken a wrecking ball” to the economy with his trade war [6]. The president acknowledged “transition problems” affecting markets [7] while threatening to reinstate higher rates if countries don’t strike deals [8]. The European Union paused planned retaliatory tariffs following Trump’s trade policy reversal [9].

Reference List – Tariffs Implementation and Reversal:

[1] Trump caved on tariffs. It took a scary bond market freakout., https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/04/09/bond-market-selloff-trump/
[2] White House clarifies tariffs on China are now 145%, https://www.cnn.com/
[3] Trump told people to buy. Hours later, his tariff pause sent markets soaring., https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/04/09/trump-market-manipulation/
[4] Stock markets jump after Trump announces 90-day pause on many tariffs, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/04/09/trump-presidency-news-tariffs/
[5] Wall Street Execs Privately Credit Dimon and Ackman for Swaying Trump on Tariffs, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-10/trump-tariffs-dimon-on-fox-ackman-on-x-set-up-wall-street-reprieve
[6] Yellen: Trump ‘has taken a wrecking ball’ to economy with trade war, https://thehill.com/business/5243186-yellen-trump-had-taken-a-wrecking-ball-to-economy-with-trade-war/
[7] Donald Trump Acknowledges ‘Transition Problems’ As Tariffs Roil Wall Street, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-acknowledges-transition-problems-tariffs-roil-wall-street-2058163/
[8] Trump threatens to put higher tariff rate back if countries don’t strike deals, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5243097-trump-tariffs-rate/
[9] EU pauses retaliatory tariffs following Trump’s trade U-turn, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/10/business/eu-pauses-retaliatory-tariffs/index.html

2.2 Market Reactions and Economic Impacts

Financial markets responded dramatically to tariff policy shifts. U.S. stock futures fell after a rally following Trump’s tariff reversal [1], and markets tumbled again as “reality of Trump’s tariffs sets in” [2]. Goldman Sachs dropped its recession forecast entirely after the tariff pause announcement [3], while The Economist described the policies as “incoherent” and damaging [4]. American businesses are reportedly “drowning in tariffs” [5].

U.S. egg prices hit record highs despite Trump’s claims they are “much cheaper” [6]. Democrats are questioning whether Trump and his allies engaged in insider trading related to tariff policy changes [7], with legislators seeking an investigation into a suspicious spike in stock options trading minutes before the President’s tariff announcement [8]. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene purchased stocks hit hard by Trump tariffs during the market meltdown [9].

Reference List – Market Reactions and Economic Impacts:

[1] U.S. stock futures fall after sharp rally on Trump tariff reversal, https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/futures-fall-after-sharp-rally-trump-tariff-reversal-2025-04-10/
[2] Markets tumble again as reality of Trump’s tariffs sets in, https://www.nbcnews.com/business/markets/stocks-open-lower-tariffs-reality-sets-rcna200576
[3] Goldman Sachs Drops Recession Call After Trump Tariff Pause, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-09/goldman-sachs-rescinds-recession-call-after-trump-s-tariff-pause
[4] Trump’s incoherent trade policy will do lasting damage [The Economist], https://economist.com/leaders/2025/04/10/trumps-incoherent-trade-policy-will-do-lasting-damage
[5] Drowning in tariffs, American businesses try to stay afloat, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/10/1243870155/drowning-in-tariffs-american-businesses-try-to-stay-afloat
[6] Oeuf! U.S. egg prices hit record high despite Trump’s claim they’re ‘much cheaper’, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/egg-prices-trump-1.7506739
[7] Democrats question whether Trump and his allies engaged in insider trading on tariffs, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/democrats-question-whether-trump-allies-engaged-insider-trading-tariff-rcna200663
[8] Lawmakers Seek Investigation of Suspicious Spike in Stock Options Trading Minutes Before President’s Tariff Announcement, https://www.nysun.com/article/lawmakers-seek-investigation-of-suspicious-spike-in-stock-options-trading-minutes-before-presidents-tariff-announcement
[9] Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene bought stocks hit hard by Trump tariffs during the market meltdown, https://apnews.com/article/greene-stocks-conflicts-interest-restoration-hardware-tariffs-trump-f9922a970c837cb76dd8ddc01f20f51d

3. Congressional Affairs and Legislation

3.1 Key Legislation and Budget Matters

The Republican-controlled House has passed the Secure America’s Voters and Elections (SAVE) Act, requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections [1][2]. Critics characterize this legislation as potentially disenfranchising millions of voters [3]. The House also passed legislation limiting federal district judges’ ability to issue nationwide injunctions [4], restricting judges from blocking administration policies beyond their jurisdictions.

The House narrowly approved a budget blueprint advancing the Trump administration’s agenda [5], with Speaker Mike Johnson “quashing” internal Republican opposition [6]. The legislation includes tax provisions that could substantially cut Medicaid [7]. House Republicans have moved to prevent a floor vote on repealing Trump’s tariffs [8] and were reportedly “blindsided” and “fuming” after Trump’s tariff pause announcement [9].

Reference List – Key Legislation and Budget Matters:

[1] House passes GOP bill requiring proof of US citizenship for voting, a Trump priority, https://apnews.com/article/congress-save-act-citizenship-voting-elections-a37c139461d11eb5f82086680b67ffe7
[2] House passes bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-passes-bill-requiring-proof-citizenship-vote-federal-elections-rcna200586
[3] The SAVE Act, Which Could Stop Millions of Women From Voting, Just Passed in the House, https://www.glamour.com/story/save-act-could-stop-millions-women-voting
[4] Republican-led House passes bill to limit nationwide orders from federal district judges, https://apnews.com/article/gop-bill-district-court-injunction-trump-doge-764231e50ae5e7119a8bdc9c0d7daf89
[5] House Republicans narrowly approve blueprint to start work on Donald Trump’s agenda, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/10/house-approves-blueprint-trump-legislative-agenda/83007472007/
[6] Mike Johnson quashes GOP revolt to pass Trump-backed budget bill, https://www.axios.com/2025/04/10/mike-johnson-trump-budget-taxes-passes
[7] Republicans pass Trump-backed tax plan that could drastically cut Medicaid, https://www.businessinsider.com/republicans-budget-medicaid-cuts-trump-congress-healthcare-retirement-2025-4
[8] House Republicans Move to Prevent Vote on Repealing Trump’s Tariffs, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/us/politics/house-republicans-trump-tariffs-vote.html
[9] Congress’ Republicans fume as Trump blindsides them with tariff pause, https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/trump-tariff-pause-house-republicans-reaction

4. Immigration and Border Control

4.1 Deportation Policies and Legal Developments

The administration has implemented controversial new immigration enforcement measures. The Department of Homeland Security announced it will monitor social media activity of non-citizens for “antisemitic activity” [1]. The White House is pressuring migrants to “self-deport” by moving to cancel Social Security numbers [2]. ICE leadership has compared the deportation system to Amazon Prime delivery, but “with human beings” [3].

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a wrongfully deported migrant [4], upholding a lower court order directing Trump administration officials to facilitate the return of a man erroneously deported to El Salvador. A federal judge has allowed requirements to move forward that would mandate everyone in the US illegally to register with authorities [5]. President Trump has threatened to cut all federal funding to sanctuary cities [6], while also floating a plan that would allow undocumented farm and hotel workers to work legally in the U.S. [7].

Reference List – Deportation Policies and Legal Developments:

[1] U.S. will monitor immigrants’ social media for ‘antisemitic activity’, https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/04/09/antisemitic-social-media-immigrants/
[2] Pressuring Migrants to ‘Self-Deport,’ White House Moves to Cancel Social Security Numbers, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/us/politics/migrants-deport-social-security-doge.html
[3] ICE chief thinks deportation system should be run like Amazon Prime ‘but with human beings’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ice-deportations-amazon-prime-b2730464.html
[4] Supreme Court Sides With Wrongly Deported Migrant, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/us/politics/supreme-court-wrongly-deported-migrant.html
[5] Judge allows requirement that everyone in the US illegally must register to move forward, https://apnews.com/article/illegal-immigration-immigrant-registry-trump-homeland-security-329d9b1523792aaf5940f72948d8b48b
[6] Trump Threatens to Cut All Federal Funding to Sanctuary Cities, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-10/trump-threatens-to-cut-all-federal-funding-to-sanctuary-cities
[7] Trump floats plan for undocumented farm and hotel workers to work legally in the U.S., https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/trump-farmworkers-hotel-workers-undocumented-legal-rcna200722

5. Foreign Relations and Security

5.1 Diplomacy and Defense Initiatives

U.S.-China relations appear strained, with CNN reporting that while “Trump is waiting for Xi to call,” Chinese officials “see it differently” [1]. China has responded forcefully to U.S. tariffs, with the country’s official X accounts going “scorched earth” in their criticism [2]. A significant prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia has been completed, with U.S.-Russian dual national Ksenia Karelina released in a prisoner swap arranged through intelligence agency channels [3].

In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump urged an end to the Gaza war [4], while also floating a proposal for the United States to take over Gaza [5]. The administration has threatened joint U.S.-Israeli military action if Iran nuclear program negotiations fail [6]. Defense initiatives include expediting production of a nuclear warhead reportedly 24 times stronger than the Hiroshima bomb [7] and advancing plans for a space-based missile defense system dubbed the “Golden Dome” [8].

Reference List – Diplomacy and Defense Initiatives:

[1] Trump is waiting for Xi to call. The Chinese see it differently, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/10/politics/trump-xi-china-tariffs/index.html
[2] China’s official X accounts go scorched earth on Trump tariffs, https://www.dailydot.com/debug/china-social-media-accounts-tariffs-trade-war/
[3] U.S.-Russian dual national Ksenia Karelina released in prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, her lawyer and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio say., https://apnews.com/article/russia-ksenia-karelina-prisoner-exchange-moscow-us-15ac0dcf76c670eaf47efda7b756afc6
[4] Trump, hosting Netanyahu, urges end to Gaza war, thinks that is not ’too distant’, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trump-hosting-netanyahu-says-war-gaza-should-stop-soon-2025-04-07/
[5] Meeting with Netanyahu, Trump again floats proposal for US to take over Gaza, https://forward.com/fast-forward/710689/meeting-with-netanyahu-trump-again-floats-proposal-for-us-to-take-over-gaza/
[6] Trump Threatens Joint U.S.-Israeli Attack on Iran If Talks on Iran’s Nuclear Program Fail, https://www.democracynow.org/2025/4/10/us_iran_nuclear_weapons_deal
[7] U.S. expedites production of warhead 24 times stronger than Hiroshima bomb: ‘urgent need’, https://newschannel9.com/news/nation-world/us-expedites-production-of-warhead-24-times-stronger-than-hiroshima-bomb-due-to-urgent
[8] Options for Trump’s space-based ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense shield head to Hegseth for approval, https://apnews.com/article/golden-dome-missile-defense-trump-16cb94047bfdd7c2c55c5e099e40f74f

6. Public Health and Environment

6.1 HHS Policies and Environmental Actions

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced that HHS will determine the cause of autism by September [1], while also reportedly complaining about the focus on child measles deaths under his watch [2]. The Atlantic reports on “what RFK Jr. Told Grieving Texas Families About the Measles Vaccine” [3], while President Trump has allegedly been “subtly pushing debunked theory linking vaccines to autism” [4].

The EPA plans to discontinue collecting greenhouse gas data from most major polluters [5], while the administration works to reduce endangered species protections, citing dire wolves as justification [6]. President Trump has told Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer that he will “save Lake Michigan” from invasive carp [7], addressing a long-standing environmental threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem. The Social Security Administration faces operational challenges, with the acting leader admitting that “Social Security’s telephone customer service sucks” [8].

Reference List – HHS Policies and Environmental Actions:

[1] RFK Jr. says HHS will determine the cause of autism by September, https://apnews.com/article/autism-kennedy-trump-vaccines-rfk-jr-cdc-b66251888f039c80b15beda23c279d5b
[2] RFK Jr. Whines About Focus on Child Measles Deaths on His Watch, https://www.thedailybeast.com/rfk-jr-whines-about-focus-on-child-measles-deaths-on-his-watch/
[3] What RFK Jr. Told Grieving Texas Families About the Measles Vaccine, https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2025/04/rfk-measles-grieving-families-texas/682386/
[4] Trump Subtly Pushes Debunked Theory Linking Vaccines to Autism: ‘Maybe It’s a Shot’, https://www.latintimes.com/trump-subtly-pushes-debunked-theory-linking-vaccines-autism-maybe-its-shot-580443
[5] Trump’s EPA Plans to Stop Collecting Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data From Most Polluters, https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-epa-greenhouse-gas-reporting-climate-crisis
[6] Citing dire wolves, Trump team aims to cut endangered species protections, https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/04/10/trump-endangered-species-protections-dire-wolves/
[7] Trump tells Whitmer he will ‘save Lake Michigan’ from invasive carp, https://www.mlive.com/environment/2025/04/trump-tells-whitmer-hell-save-lake-michigan-from-invasive-carp.html
[8] Social Security’s telephone customer service sucks, acting leader admits. Many senior citizens agree, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/10/politics/social-security-phone-customer-service/index.html