[Friday, April 11] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Immigration and Deportation Policies

1.1 High-Profile Cases and Legal Challenges

A Louisiana immigration judge has ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and activist, can be deported [1], representing a significant test of the administration’s deportation powers. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court has demanded “daily updates” regarding compliance with court orders to return a Maryland man wrongfully deported to El Salvador [2], with a judge characterizing the deportation as “wholly illegal from the moment it happened” [3]. A federal judge has sided with Trump in allowing immigration enforcement in houses of worship [4].

[1] Immigration Judge Rules Khalil Can Be Deported, but Legal Hurdles Remain, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/nyregion/khalil-jena-deportation-ruling.html?smid=nytcore-android-share
[2] Judge demands ‘daily updates’ on whether Trump admin is complying with court order to return illegally deported man, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/11/trump-administration-illegal-deportation-el-salvador-00286877
[3] U.S. Continues to ‘Delay’ and ‘Flout’ Courts in Return of Deported Man, Lawyers Say • The judge, clearly frustrated, reminded the Justice Department that the administration’s act of mistakenly sending a Maryland man to El Salvador “was wholly illegal from the moment it happened.”, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/nyregion/us-maryland-man-deportation-delay.html
[4] Federal judge sides with Trump in allowing immigration enforcement in houses of worship, https://apnews.com/article/trump-churches-immigration-enforcement-82e5d40e8dad512a23732e9185879eeb

1.2 Deportation Strategies and “Self-Deportation” Policies

The administration has launched a strategy to force immigrants to leave by manipulating federal systems. Multiple sources confirm the administration is placing thousands of living immigrants in Social Security’s “death master file” [1], effectively canceling their Social Security numbers to cut off financial services. The Department of Homeland Security has directed migrants who entered through the CBP One app to “leave immediately” [2], while the administration has terminated protected status for thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians [3].

[1] Trump administration lists thousands of living immigrants as dead to prompt them to leave., https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/11/social-security-canceled-immigrants?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
[2] Migrants who entered the U.S. via CBP One app should leave ‘immediately,’ DHS says, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/08/g-s1-58984/cbp-one-app-migrants-dhs-border
[3] Trump ends protected status for thousands of Afghans, Cameroonians, https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-ends-protected-status-thousands-afghans-cameroonians-2025-04-11/

1.3 Individual Cases and State Policies

A Carnegie Mellon student with just one semester remaining had his visa revoked without explanation [1], while an Australian with a valid working visa was reportedly detained and deported upon returning to the U.S. [2]. Tennessee’s Senate has voted to allow school districts to deny enrollment to undocumented students [3]. Contradictorily, President Trump has proposed allowing undocumented farm and hotel workers to work legally in the U.S. [4], while a GOP Florida Congresswoman has opposed deportations for migrants fleeing authoritarian regimes [5].

[1] Carnegie Mellon student with one semester left learns his visa was revoked with no explanation, https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/pittsburgh/news/carnegie-mellon-student-visa-revoked-interview/
[2] Australian with working visa detained and deported on returning to US from sister’s memorial, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/11/australian-with-us-working-visa-detained-insulted-deported
[3] Tennessee Senate votes ‘yes’ for school districts to deny undocumented students enrollment, https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessee-senate-votes-yes-for-school-districts-to-ask-undocumented-kids-of-their-legal-status
[4] Donald Trump says millions of illegal immigrants could be allowed to return, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-says-millions-illegal-immigrants-could-return-farms-hotels-2058413
[5] GOP Florida Congresswoman Sticks Her Neck Out for Migrants Fleeing Authoritarian Regimes as Trump Administration Seeks Deportations, https://www.nysun.com/article/gop-florida-congresswoman-sticks-her-neck-out-for-migrants-fleeing-authoritarian-regimes-as-trump-administration-seeks-deportations?member_gift=CUZ5qwd3crq4pmz-xrd

2. Economic Policy and Tariffs

2.1 Market Instability and Financial Concerns

Financial markets show severe stress, with liquidity worsening in the $29 trillion Treasury market amid soaring volatility [1]. U.S. Treasury bonds now trade like risky investments [2], with a troubling “freak sell-off” unsettling Wall Street [3]. Despite Trump’s insistence that the “tariff war is doing really well” [4], BlackRock’s CEO has stated the U.S. “may already be in recession” [5]. Consumer sentiment has reached historic lows, with one measure showing the second-lowest level on records dating back to 1952 [6].

[1] Liquidity worsens in $29tn Treasury market as volatility soars, https://www.ft.com/content/5b436a19-4061-48a8-87fa-94c0c8d83e0e
[2] Treasuries Suddenly Trade Like Risky Assets in Warning to Trump, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-11/treasuries-suddenly-trade-like-risky-assets-in-warning-to-trump
[3] Freak sell-off of ‘safe haven’ US bonds has Wall Street rattled, https://apnews.com/article/treasurys-bond-market-yield-tariff-46b4818710f01b8cc93fd002081167b0
[4] Trump insists tariff war is ‘doing really well’ as recession fears mount, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/11/trump-tariffs-china-recession
[5] US may already be in recession: Blackrock CEO, https://www.thehill.com/business/5245180-us-may-already-be-in-recession-blackrock-ceo/
[6] US consumer sentiment plummets to second-lowest level on records going back to 1952, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/11/economy/us-consumer-sentiment-april/index.html

2.2 U.S.-China Tariff Escalation

The U.S.-China trade war has reached unprecedented levels. China has raised tariffs on U.S. goods to 125% from 84% [1], with Bloomberg reporting China “Says It Won’t Go Higher” [2]. Implementation challenges persist, with reports of a technical “glitch” resulting in no one at ports collecting the tariffs [3], though Trump tariff surcharges are now being added to customer bills [4]. Congressional leaders including Senators Warren and Schumer are calling for SEC investigations into possible market manipulation related to tariff announcements [5].

[1] China raises duties on US goods to 125%, calls Trump tariff hikes a “joke”, https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-increase-tariffs-us-goods-125-up-84-finance-ministry-says-2025-04-11/
[2] China Raises Tariffs on US to 125%, Won’t Go Higher, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-04-11/china-raises-tariffs-on-us-to-125-won-t-go-higher?srnd=homepage-americas
[3] Um, It Turns Out No One at the Ports Is Collecting Trump’s Tariffs - A technical “glitch” has created the biggest hiccup in Trump’s tariffs rollout., https://newrepublic.com/post/193930/ports-not-collecting-trump-tariffs-glitch
[4] Trump Tariff Surcharges Are Now Getting Added to Customer Bills, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-11/trump-tariff-surcharges-are-now-getting-added-to-customer-bills?srnd=homepage-americas&sref=fqqmZ8gi
[5] Warren, Schumer, Senate Colleagues Call on SEC to Launch Investigation into Possible Trump Tariff Market Manipulation, Insider Trading, https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/minority/warren-schumer-senate-colleagues-call-on-sec-to-launch-investigation-into-possible-trump-tariff-market-manipulation-insider-trading

2.3 Industry Impacts and Business Responses

A Reuters study reveals Trump’s 25% auto tariffs could cost U.S. automakers $108 billion [1]. Tesla has paused orders on select electric vehicles amid the ongoing tariff war [2], while Apple has remained silent despite Trump’s promises of “impossible” US-made iPhones [3]. Agricultural impacts are visible as Montana farmers see Canadian trade “dry up due to tariffs” [4]. Manufacturing workers express frustration over policy inconsistencies [5], while Amazon warns of price increases [6].

[1] Study finds Trump’s 25% auto tariffs could cost US automakers $108 billion, https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/study-finds-trumps-25-auto-tariffs-could-cost-us-automakers-108-billion-2025-04-10/
[2] Tesla pauses orders on select EVs amid Trump’s tariff war, https://www.chron.com/culture/article/tesla-trump-tariffs-20270875.php
[3] Apple silent as Trump promises “impossible” US-made iPhones, https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/04/apple-silent-as-trump-promises-impossible-us-made-iphones/
[4] Montana farmers see Canadian trade dry up due to tariffs, https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-farmers-see-canadian-trade-dry-up-due-to-tariffs
[5] Manufacturing Workers Are Beyond Pissed at Trump Over Tariffs Whiplash, https://newrepublic.com/post/193917/manufacturing-workers-trump-tariffs-poll
[6] Expect Amazon prices to rise because of tariffs, CEO says, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/10/business/amazon-ceo-prices-tariffs/index.html

3. Executive Branch Operations

3.1 DOGE Activities and Government Efficiency

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is collaborating with Palantir Technologies on “a massive IRS data project” [1] and has identified over $380 million in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims [2]. However, reports indicate DOGE may have improperly accessed Social Security data to advance voter fraud narratives [3], while the Interior Department has terminated senior leadership following disputes over DOGE access to a key payroll system [4].

[1] Palantir Is Helping DOGE With a Massive IRS Data Project, https://www.wired.com/story/palantir-doge-irs-mega-api-data/
[2] DOGE reveals over $380 million in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, https://abc3340.com/news/nation-world/doge-reveals-over-380-million-in-fraudulent-unemployment-insurance-claims-department-of-government-efficiency-benefits-president-trump-labor-secretary-lori-chavez-deremer
[3] How DOGE may have improperly used Social Security data to push voter fraud narratives, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/11/nx-s1-5352470/doge-musk-social-security-voting
[4] Interior fires senior leaders after fight over DOGE access to key payroll system, https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/04/interior-fires-senior-leadership-after-fight-over-doge-access-key-payroll-system/404466/

3.2 Presidential Directives and Federal Agencies

The Trump White House has moved former President Obama’s portrait “across the hall” to make room for a painting depicting Trump’s assassination attempt [1]. Federal agencies face significant disruptions, with NOAA scientists reportedly “cleaning bathrooms and reconsidering lab experiments after contracts for basic services expire” [2]. The White House budget proposal has drawn criticism for cutting science funding at NASA, with critics claiming it would “decimate American leadership in space” [3].

[1] White House moves Obama portrait for painting depicting Trump assassination attempt, https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/5245400-trump-art-work-replaces-obama/
[2] NOAA Scientists Are Cleaning Bathrooms and Reconsidering Lab Experiments After Contracts for Basic Services Expire, https://www.propublica.org/article/noaa-contracts-seattle-lab
[3] Trump White House budget proposal eviscerates science funding at NASA | “This would decimate American leadership in space.”, https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/04/trump-white-house-budget-proposal-eviscerates-science-funding-at-nasa/

4. International Relations

4.1 U.S.-China Strategic Relations and Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The U.S.-China relationship has deteriorated beyond economic disputes. Bloomberg reports “Trump and Xi Are Preparing for a War Nobody Wants” [1]. In an unprecedented restriction, the U.S. has banned government personnel in China from romantic or sexual relations with Chinese citizens [2].

On the Russia-Ukraine front, a Trump envoy has proposed to “divide Ukraine like postwar Berlin” [3], suggesting a partition strategy. Presidential envoy Witkoff has met directly with Russian President Putin while Trump publicly urged Russia to “get moving” on Ukraine [4]. This approach has alarmed allies, with a Trump envoy’s “embrace of Russian demands” concerning both Republicans and international partners [5].

[1] Trump and Xi Are Preparing for a War Nobody Wants, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-04-11/trump-and-xi-s-tariffs-are-preparation-for-a-us-vs-china-war-nobody-wants
[2] US bans government personnel in China from romantic or sexual relations with Chinese citizens, https://apnews.com/article/chinese-beijing-honeypot-spies-diplomat-agent-intelligence-c077ef57b0f7ae43dd0db41bea92238b
[3] Trump envoy: We can divide Ukraine like postwar Berlin, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/keith-kellogg-general-ukraine-envoy-trump-ldjprpzxt
[4] Witkoff meets Putin as Trump urges Russia to ‘get moving’ on Ukraine, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crm3kxxx8x9o
[5] Trump envoy’s embrace of Russian demands worries Republicans, U.S. allies, https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-envoys-embrace-russian-demands-worries-republicans-us-allies-2025-04-11/

4.2 Allied Relations and Territorial Interests

Traditional U.S. alliances face strain. Canadian visits to the United States have “plummeted over fear of harsh new security measures” [1]. The administration continues to pursue interest in Greenland, with reports that Trump may offer annual $10,000 checks for every Greenlander if the U.S. annexes the island [2]. A U.S. military base commander in Greenland was removed following a visit by Vice President Vance [3], reportedly linked to alleged “undermining” of the Vice President.

[1] Canadian visits to U.S. plummet over fear of harsh new security measures, https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6719910
[2] Trump May Offer Annual $10K Checks for Every Greenlander if U.S. Annexes Island, https://people.com/trump-financial-incentives-every-greenlander-us-annexation-11713774?utm_campaign=peoplemagazine&utm_content=manual&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwY2xjawJmYKJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHsIeGhc3ESHzTL7Ukys953sXupFi579tjDQp7SVqlI25kzMGHKGd-yzHxrNC_aem_ZFLxcrFrgYoBcyKEJ1sfuA
[3] US fires Greenland military base chief for ‘undermining’ Vance, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/creq99l218do

5. Legal and Domestic Policy Developments

5.1 Supreme Court and Federal-State Conflicts

A direct confrontation between the Trump administration and the Supreme Court has materialized. The Atlantic declares “The Confrontation Between Trump and the Supreme Court Has Arrived” [1]. The Court has ordered the U.S. to “Facilitate” the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador [2], described by one legal expert as an “extraordinary unanimous rebuke” of Trump [3].

Maine has refused to “back down in fight with Trump over transgender athletes” [4], while the administration is moving to “strip Maine of federal education funding” [5]. Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro has filed a lawsuit over $185 million in revoked school funding [6].

[1] The Confrontation Between Trump and the Supreme Court Has Arrived, https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/04/supreme-court-confronts-donald-trump/682402/
[2] Supreme Court Orders U.S. to “Facilitate” Return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador, https://www.democracynow.org/2025/4/11/ice_updates
[3] Legal expert stunned by Supreme Court’s “extraordinary unanimous rebuke” of Trump, https://www.salon.com/2025/04/11/legal-expert-stunned-by-extraordinary-unanimous-rebuke-of/
[4] Maine refuses to back down in fight with Trump over transgender athletes, https://www.newsweek.com/maine-trump-doj-transgender-athletes-sports-2058858
[5] Trump moves to strip Maine of federal education funding in unprecedented tactic, https://www.chalkbeat.org/2025/04/11/trump-administration-moves-to-strip-federal-education-funding-from-maine/
[6] Gov. Shapiro sues Trump administration over $185 million in revoked school funding, https://www.inquirer.com/education/josh-shapiro-school-funding-lawsuit-donald-trump-20250411.html

5.2 Congressional Activity and Social Policy

The House has passed a bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote [1], drawing criticism from voting rights groups. State Department employees are being directed to “report colleagues for ‘anti-Christian bias’” [2], while Mississippi has ordered the deletion of race and gender databases in state libraries [3].

The White House has ordered NIH to research transgender “regret” and “detransition” [4], while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has falsely claimed measles vaccine protection “wanes very quickly” [5]. Public health infrastructure faces challenges as measles outbreaks coincide with federal budget cuts forcing the closure of vaccine clinics [6].

[1] House passes bill to require proof of citizenship to register to vote, drawing ire of voting rights groups, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/house-passes-bill-require-proof-citizenship-register-vote/story?id=120691270
[2] State department staff told to report colleagues for ‘anti-Christian bias’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/11/state-department-anti-christian-bias
[3] Mississippi orders deletion of race and gender databases in state libraries, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/11/mississippi-libraries-race-gender-databases
[4] White House orders NIH to research trans ‘regret’ and ‘detransition’, https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/10/nx-s1-5355126/trump-nih-trans-regret-detransition-research
[5] Robert F. Kennedy Jr. falsely claims measles vaccine protection ‘wanes very quickly’, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/health-secretary-rfk-jr-measles-vaccine-falsely-claims-wanes-rcna200636
[6] As measles spreads, federal budget cuts force closure of vaccine clinics, https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/10/nx-s1-5357471/measles-outbreak-hhs-federal-budget-cuts-vaccine-clinics