[Sunday, April 13] US News Headlines from r/politics

1. Executive Leadership and Authority

1.1 White House Operations and Governance Style

The Associated Press reports that “Trump goes with his gut and the world goes along for the ride” [1], highlighting the unconventional decision-making process within the administration. Internal tensions have surfaced with trade adviser Peter Navarro publicly denying conflict with Elon Musk despite Musk reportedly calling him a “moron” [2]. The Times states that “Trump’s team of rivals pulled him back from the brink” [3], suggesting some constraints on presidential decision-making from within his administration.

[1] Trump goes with his gut and the world goes along for the ride, https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-presidential-power-instinct-decision-making-3d1215e5675ef534bbebe8dfe8f136a5
[2] Trump adviser Peter Navarro says ‘we’re great’ after Elon Musk calls him ‘moron’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/13/trump-adviser-peter-navarro-elon-musk-feud
[3] How Trump’s team of rivals pulled him back from the brink, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/how-trumps-team-of-rivals-pulled-him-back-from-the-brink-k7b7brbm7?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Reddit#Echobox=1744550037

1.2 DOGE Initiatives and Challenges

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, faces significant challenges with the New York Times reporting DOGE is “far short of its goal” and “still overstating its progress” [1]. Musk has dramatically reduced DOGE’s annual savings target from $2 trillion to $150 billion [2]. A judge has relaxed restrictions on DOGE’s access to sensitive Treasury information [3], while The Daily Beast reports “DOGE Goons Physically Drag Social Security Worker From Desk” [4].

[1] DOGE Is Far Short of Its Goal, and Still Overstating Its Progress, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/us/politics/doge-contracts-savings.html
[2] Elon Musk drastically drops DOGE’s savings goal from $2 trillion to $150 billion for the year, https://fortune.com/2025/04/11/elon-musk-drastically-drops-doge-savings-goal-2-trillion-150-billion-year/
[3] Judge relaxes ban on DOGE access to sensitive US Treasury information, https://apnews.com/article/doge-treasury-privacy-cybersecurity-injunction-0562718e3220aab3654bf3026dd73928
[4] DOGE Goons Physically Drag Social Security Worker From Desk, https://www.thedailybeast.com/doge-goons-physically-drag-social-security-worker-from-desk/

1.3 Presidential Health and Activities

The White House has released President Trump’s annual physical exam results, with his physician declaring him in “excellent health” [1]. Rolling Stone notes unusual elements in the assessment, including the doctor citing “frequent victories in golf” as evidence of good health [2]. After a week of market turmoil, Trump attended a UFC event in Miami [3]. Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon told Bill Maher that “Trump is going to run for a third term” [4], which would conflict with constitutional term limits.

[1] Trump’s physician says president in ’excellent health’, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/13/politics/trumps-health-report/index.html
[2] Trump’s Doctor Says He’s in ‘Excellent’ Health, Cites ‘Frequent Victories in Golf’, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-doctor-excellent-health-frequent-victories-golf-1235316573/
[3] After week of market turmoil, Trump and Cabinet reconnect with UFC fans, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/04/13/trump-ufc-fight-miami/
[4] Trump is ‘going to run for a third term,’ Steve Bannon tells Bill Maher, https://www.foxnews.com/media/trump-going-run-third-term-steve-bannon-tells-bill-maher?intcmp=fb_fnc&intcmp=fb_fnc

2. Immigration and Border Enforcement

2.1 Deportation Controversies and Legal Challenges

The Trump administration faces scrutiny over deportation cases. Officials claim wrongfully deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia is “alive and detained” in El Salvador’s prison system [1], but the administration “contends it has no duty to return illegally deported man to US” [2]. Lawyers for Abrego Garcia have requested a U.S. contempt hearing [3]. Senator Rubio states that “another 10 people have been sent to El Salvador” [4]. Separately, a U.S. citizen reportedly received instructions from DHS to “immediately self-deport” [5].

[1] Mistakenly deported man is alive and detained in El Salvador, Trump admin says, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/mistakenly-deported-man-alive-detained-el-salvador-trump-admin-says-rcna201018
[2] Trump administration contends it has no duty to return illegally deported man to US, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/13/abrego-garcia-el-salvador-trump-administration-00288502
[3] Lawyers for wrongly deported man ask judge for U.S. contempt hearing, https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/04/12/abrego-garcia-wrongly-deported-contempt/
[4] Rubio says another 10 people have been sent to El Salvador, https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/5247118-rubio-another-10-people-sent-el-salvador
[5] US Citizen Told by Trump Admin to Self-Deport Amid Crackdown, https://www.newsweek.com/us-citizen-told-self-deport-dhs-email-trump-administration-2059069

2.2 Border Security and Enforcement Mechanisms

President Trump has given military jurisdiction over federal land at the U.S.-Mexico border [1]. Trump aides have directed the Social Security Administration to list more than 6,000 living immigrants as dead [2], effectively turning Social Security into an immigration enforcement tool [3]. The Guardian reports Trump’s actions regarding immigrants threaten due process rights [4].

[1] Trump gives military jurisdiction over federal land at U.S.-Mexico border, https://www.axios.com/2025/04/12/trump-military-mexico-border-illegal-immigration
[2] Trump aides direct Social Security Administration to list more than 6,000 living immigrants as dead, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/12/social-security-administration-6000-immigrants-as-dead/83059333007/
[3] Social Security is now an immigration enforcement tool, https://www.axios.com/2025/04/13/social-security-immigration
[4] Trump’s attacks on immigrants threaten the fundamental right to due process, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/13/trump-immigration-due-process-legal-rights

3. Economic Policy and Trade

3.1 Tariff Implementation and Impacts

The Trump administration’s tariff policy has experienced significant volatility. After promising “no retreat on tariffs,” Trump subsequently yielded on some measures [1], with the Wall Street Journal explaining “why Trump blinked on tariffs just hours after they went into effect” [2]. Commerce Secretary Lutnick announced exempted electronic products will come under separate tariffs [3]. One Minnesota company saw tariff costs jump from $18,000 to $170,000 on a shipment from China [4]. Republican lawmakers fear political consequences [5], with an Iowa State economist warning: “We’re all going to be poorer” [6].

[1] No retreat on tariffs, Trump promised. Hours later, he blinked, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/13/trump-tariffs-us-economy
[2] Why Trump Blinked on Tariffs Just Hours After They Went Into Effect, https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/why-trump-blinked-on-tariffs-b588aea8?st=gj7mZ1
[3] US Commerce Secretary says exempted electronic products to come under separate tariffs, https://www.reuters.com/markets/us-commerce-secretary-says-exempted-electronic-products-come-under-separate-2025-04-13/
[4] Eden Prairie firm was set to pay $18K in tariffs on its shipment from China. Now it’s $170K., https://www.startribune.com/china-tariffs-companies-bills-skyrocket-trump-trade-war-fastenal-my-cable-mart/601327824
[5] Republicans fear Trump’s trade war could lead to political wipeout, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5245595-trump-trade-war-political-dangers/
[6] Iowa State economist on Trump tariff policies: ‘We’re all going to be poorer’, https://www.thegazette.com/article/iowa-state-economist-on-trump-tariff-policies-were-all-going-to-be-poorer/

3.2 China Trade Relations and Economic Outlook

China characterized U.S. tariff exemptions as a “small step” toward fixing what it considers a mistake [1] and has reportedly halted “critical exports as trade war intensifies” [2]. Bloomberg reports “Apple was on brink of crisis before tariff concession from Trump” [3]. The Wall Street Journal notes the “economic outlook dives just three months into Trump’s term” [4]. A poll shows most Americans believe Trump’s tariffs primarily benefit wealthy individuals and corporations [5].

[1] China Says US Tariff Break a ‘Small Step’ to Fixing Mistake, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-13/china-says-us-tariff-exemption-a-small-step-to-undoing-mistake
[2] China Halts Critical Exports as Trade War Intensifies, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/business/china-rare-earths-exports.html
[3] Apple Was on Brink of Crisis Before Tariff Concession From Trump, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-13/apple-was-on-brink-of-crisis-before-tariff-concession-from-trump?srnd=homepage-asia
[4] Economic Outlook Dives Just Three Months Into Trump’s Term, https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/us-economic-outlook-trump-b4e3469a?st=f2jiGm
[5] Most believe Trump tariffs benefit wealthy, corporations: Poll, https://thehill.com/business/economy/5246688-most-believe-trump-tariffs-benefit-wealthy-corporations-poll/

4. Public Health and Social Services

4.1 Health Agency Changes

Politico reports that cuts enacted by RFK Jr. have halted data collection on abortion, cancer, HIV, and other health conditions, with fired workers warning “We are flying blind” [1]. CDC’s cruise ship inspectors were laid off amid “bad year for outbreaks” [2]. Measles cases have reached 700, adding pressure on RFK Jr. [3]. The Associated Press reports “RFK Jr. wants to target chronic disease in US tribes. A key program to do that was gutted” [4].

[1] ‘We are flying blind’: RFK Jr.’s cuts halt data collection on abortion, cancer, HIV and more - Fired workers and outside experts say the cuts leave the nation more vulnerable to health threats., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/13/abortions-cancer-in-firefighters-and-super-gonorrhea-rfk-jr-s-cuts-halt-data-collection-00284828
[2] CDC’s cruise ship inspectors laid off amid bad year for outbreaks, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-cruise-ship-inspectors-layoffs-outbreaks-norovirus/
[3] Measles cases rise to 700, adding pressure to RFK Jr., https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5246069-measles-cases-700-rfk-jr-pressure/
[4] RFK Jr. wants to target chronic disease in US tribes. A key program to do that was gutted, https://apnews.com/article/healthy-tribes-rfk-chronic-disease-native-american-1b7f0a2da601fb54cd8cfa0a7a3c4b0c

4.2 Disaster Relief and Service Challenges

The new FEMA head has denied North Carolina’s request to extend 100% reimbursement for Hurricane Helene damage [1]. Senator Warren criticizes the administration over “Social Security communicating only on X” [2]. A memo from the administration promised “more funding for states with higher birth rates” [3].

[1] New FEMA head denies NC request to extend 100% reimbursement for Helene damage, https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article304080931.html
[2] Elizabeth Warren Slams Trump Admin Over Social Security Communicating Only On X: ‘Right, Because Grandma Is On X’, https://www.latintimes.com/elizabeth-warren-slams-trump-admin-over-social-security-communicating-only-x-right-because-580564
[3] A memo promised more funding for states with higher birth rates. See where your state ranks, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/12/us/us-states-births-fertility-rates-dg/index.html

5. Domestic Security and Policy

5.1 Extremism and Political Violence

ABC News reports a “Wisconsin teen allegedly killed parents in extremist plot to assassinate Trump, FBI says” [1]. A serious security incident has affected Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, with an “arson attack” at the governor’s residence that forced evacuation of the governor and his family [2]. The Washington Post reports “Trump’s order could force states to buy costly new voting machines” [3]. The Associated Press reports “South Carolina executes second man by firing squad in 5 weeks” [4].

[1] Wisconsin teen allegedly killed parents in extremist plot to assassinate Trump, FBI says, https://abcnews.go.com/US/wisconsin-teen-allegedly-killed-parents-extremist-plot-assassinate/story?id=120750496
[2] Gov. Josh Shapiro and Family Evacuated After Arson at Pennsylvania Residence, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/us/politics/josh-shapiro-arson-attack-pennsylvania.html
[3] Trump’s order could force states to buy costly new voting machines, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/04/13/trump-elections-voting-machines-ballots/
[4] South Carolina executes second man by firing squad in 5 weeks, https://apnews.com/article/firing-squad-execution-south-carolina-mikal-mahdi-25466963350812080385524ccc3a9298

6. International Relations

6.1 Diplomatic Initiatives

Reuters reports “US envoy Witkoff meets Putin as Trump tells Moscow to ‘get moving’ on Ukraine” [1]. The Associated Press reports “Iran and US envoys hold 1st negotiation over Tehran’s nuclear program, and talk face-to-face” [2]. Jewish Insider reports “AIPAC launches ad blitz against senators who voted to block arms sales to Israel” [3]. The Guardian reports “Panama opposition party accuses US of ‘camouflaged invasion’” [4].

[1] US envoy Witkoff meets Putin as Trump tells Moscow to ‘get moving’ on Ukraine, https://www.reuters.com/world/russias-top-diplomat-hails-us-russia-prisoner-swaps-amid-reports-trump-envoy-2025-04-11/
[2] Iran and US envoys hold 1st negotiation over Tehran’s nuclear program, and talk face-to-face, https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-talks-oman-3aaca426accb6e450fef6395cc5de909
[3] AIPAC launches ad blitz against senators who voted to block arms sales to Israel - The ads, customized to target each of the 15 senators, are airing across 11 states, https://jewishinsider.com/2025/04/aipac-ad-blitz-senators-arms-sales-israel-vote-bernie-sanders/
[4] Panama opposition party accuses US of ‘camouflaged invasion’, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/12/panama-hegseth-us-invasion-canal

7. Public Opinion and Political Activity

Newsweek reports Trump sees a “significant hit” to approval since “Liberation Day” according to Nate Silver [1]. The New Republic reports “Trump’s Approval Rating Quickly Plummets Among Young People” [2]. The Guardian reports a “Bernie Sanders rally in LA draws thousands to protest Trump” with attendees saying “We can’t just let this happen” [3]. USA Today reports “Trump’s approval rating falls as 59% say the economy’s in bad shape” [4].

[1] Trump sees “significant hit” to approval since “Liberation Day”—Nate Silver, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-sees-significant-hit-approval-since-liberation-day-nate-silver-2059029
[2] Trump’s Approval Rating Quickly Plummets Among Young People, https://newrepublic.com/post/193794/trump-approval-rating-plummets-young-people-poll
[3] Bernie Sanders rally in LA draws thousands to protest Trump: ‘We can’t just let this happen’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/12/bernie-sanders-rally-los-angeles
[4] Trump’s approval rating falls as 59% say the economy’s in bad shape: Poll, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/04/13/trump-approval-falls-economy-poll/83071309007/