[Wednesday, April 16] US News Headlines from r/politics

1. Immigration and Border Enforcement

1.1 Abrego Garcia Deportation Case

The Kilmar Abrego Garcia deportation has escalated into what Democratic lawmakers call a “constitutional crisis” [1]. Despite Supreme Court rulings, the administration has refused to comply with court orders to secure his return [2], with one judge explicitly reminding officials “you lost” at the Supreme Court [3]. Senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to advocate for Garcia’s release [4] but was denied meetings, and reportedly learned from El Salvador’s Vice President that “the Trump administration is paying El Salvador… to keep him at CECOT” prison [5]. Judge Boasberg has found “probable cause exists” to hold the administration in contempt for violating deportation flight orders [6], declaring this “a solemn mockery of the Constitution itself.”

[1] Senate Democrat calls Abrego Garcia case ‘constitutional crisis’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5250332-trump-constitutional-crisis-deportation/
[2] Trump administration slammed by judge for doing ’nothing’ to retrieve man wrongly deported to El Salvador, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-16/kilmar-abrego-garcia-deportation-el-salvador-court/105181198?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link
[3] ‘No tolerance for gamesmanship’: Judge reminds Trump admin ‘you lost’ at SCOTUS in wrongfully deported dad case, tells them to start following orders, https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/no-tolerance-for-gamesmanship-judge-reminds-trump-admin-you-lost-at-scotus-in-wrongfully-deported-dad-case-tells-them-to-start-following-orders/
[4] Sen. Chris Van Hollen travels to El Salvador to advocate for Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-chris-van-hollen-travels-el-salvador-advocate-kilmar-abrego-garcia-rcna201487
[5] Van Hollen details meeting with vice president of El Salvador: “His answer was that the Trump administration is paying El Salvador, the government of El Salvador, to keep him at CECOT,”, https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/kilmar-abrego-garcia-supreme-court-trump-administration-el-salvador-updates.html
[6] Boasberg finds ‘probable cause exists’ to hold Trump administration in contempt for violating orders on deportation flights, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/16/politics/boasberg-contempt-deportation-flights/index.html

1.2 Broader Immigration and Deportation Policies

The administration’s immigration policies have expanded significantly. A memo obtained by CBS News reveals the U.S. can now send migrants without criminal records to Guantanamo, contradicting President Trump’s promise to hold only “the worst” there [1]. NPR reports the administration hopes to deport and jail U.S. citizens abroad, with sources suggesting “homegrowns are next” [2]. DHS has sent notices to U.S. citizens instructing them to leave the country [3], including a U.S.-born immigration lawyer. ICE agents were filmed smashing a car window to detain a Guatemalan man in Massachusetts, with an attorney claiming they have the “wrong person” [4]. Elon Musk’s team is developing a system to sell “Gold Card” immigrant visas [5].

[1] Memo shows U.S. can send migrants without criminal records to Guantanamo, despite Trump’s promise to hold “the worst” there, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/guantanamo-trump-migrants-without-criminal-records/
[2] ‘Homegrowns are next’: Trump hopes to deport and jail U.S. citizens abroad, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/16/nx-s1-5366178/trump-deport-jail-u-s-citizens-homegrowns-el-salvador
[3] DHS wrongly sends notices to US citizens: ‘It’s time for you to leave’ the country, https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/immigration/2025/04/15/why-did-some-u-s-citizens-receive-dhs-notices-telling-them-to-leave/83086144007/
[4] Video shows ICE agent smash window to detain man in Massachusetts. Attorney says they have wrong person., https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/video-ice-agent-smash-car-window-new-bedford-massachusetts/
[5] Musk’s Team Is Building a System to Sell ‘Gold Card’ Immigrant Visas, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/us/politics/gold-card-visa-trump-musk.html?unlocked_article_code=1.AE8.y1oz.pHTzo-J5jp4D&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

2. Executive Authority and Government Restructuring

2.1 DOGE Activities and Government Efficiency

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, faces scrutiny after claiming success in identifying $382 million in unemployment fraud that reports indicate was discovered years earlier [1]. Critics challenge DOGE’s fraud claims as “old finds from Biden era” [2]. The agency has removed AmeriCorps volunteers from disaster relief positions [3] while expanding operations at state levels in Oklahoma and Iowa. Internal tensions have emerged, with President Trump reportedly canceling a Pentagon briefing by Musk, questioning “What the F*** Is Elon Doing There?” [4].

[1] Elon Musk’s DOGE is claiming victory after uncovering $382 million in unemployment fraud—but the government already found it years ago, https://fortune.com/2025/04/15/elon-musk-doge-unemployment-fraud-claims/
[2] Doge unemployment ‘fraud’ discoveries are old finds from Biden era, experts say, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/16/elon-musk-doge-fraud
[3] DOGE Cuts Pull AmeriCorps Volunteers Off of Disaster Relief Jobs, https://www.wired.com/story/doge-cuts-americorps-volunteers-disaster-relief-jobs/
[4] Trump Killed Musk’s Secret Pentagon Briefing: ‘What the F*** Is Elon Doing There?’, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-killed-musks-secret-pentagon-briefing-what-the-f-is-elon-doing-there/

2.2 Executive Orders and Agency Reorganization

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has closed the State Department office tracking foreign disinformation, placing 40 employees on leave [1]. The Pentagon has removed senior adviser Dan Caldwell during a leak investigation [2], with a third top official also suspended. Budget cuts are affecting critical services, with the National Weather Service preparing for “degraded operations” [3] and UNICEF projecting a 20% drop in 2026 funding following US cuts [4]. The Trump administration plans to end the IRS Direct File program for free tax filing [5], while the White House has characterized NPR and PBS as a “grift,” announcing plans to ask Congress to rescind their funding.

[1] Trump Aides Close State Dept. Office on Foreign Disinformation | Secretary of State Marco Rubio put about 40 employees on leave who had tracked disinformation by China, Russia, Iran and terrorist groups., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/us/politics/trump-rubio-state-department-foreign-disinformation.html
[2] Pentagon senior adviser Dan Caldwell ousted during investigation into leaks, https://apnews.com/article/caldwell-pentagon-investigation-leaks-hegseth-344d480e47cf4c04e0b2c510bd333b02
[3] Weather Service Prepares for ‘Degraded Operations’ Amid Trump Cuts, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/climate/national-weather-service-forecast-doge-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.AE8.iwcc.OZwIQSyy512F
[4] UNICEF projects 20% drop in 2026 funding after US cuts, https://www.reuters.com/world/unicef-projects-20-drop-2026-funding-after-us-cuts-2025-04-15/
[5] Trump administration plans to end the IRS Direct File program for free tax filing, AP sources say, https://apnews.com/article/irs-direct-file-tax-returns-free-trump-4bb0bca02fab9b3d06ae6f45ac67b7ab

3. Legal and Judicial Challenges

3.1 Federal-State Legal Conflicts

California, led by Governor Newsom, has become the first state to file a lawsuit challenging Trump’s tariffs [1], launching what headlines describe as a legal challenge against “illegal” tariffs. The administration has reportedly “denied FEMA funds to Democratic-led states,” with critics noting this continues a pattern of “imposing conditions on critical funds for disaster recovery” [2]. The Trump administration has sued Maine over transgender athlete participation in girls sports [3], with Maine Governor Janet Mills “hitting back” against the federal lawsuit. The administration has referred New York Attorney General Letitia James for potential prosecution over alleged mortgage fraud [4].

[1] California is first state to sue Trump on tariffs, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/16/california-is-first-state-to-sue-trump-on-tariffs-00292637
[2] Trump administration denies FEMA funds to Democratic-led states | Trump has repeatedly shown a willingness to impose conditions on critical funds for disaster recovery, https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/fema-north-carolina-washington-recovery-funds-rcna201417
[3] Trump administration sues Maine over participation of transgender athletes in girls sports, https://apnews.com/article/maine-education-department-transgender-athletes-pam-bondi-5b5c8d0022233fae5ec60efc9fa5394f
[4] Trump administration refers NY AG Letitia James for potential prosecution over alleged mortgage fraud, https://nypost.com/2025/04/15/us-news/trump-administration-refers-ny-ag-tish-james-for-prosecution/

4. Economic Policy and Trade

4.1 Tariff Implementation and Global Impact

The World Trade Organization warns Trump’s tariffs will cause global trade to contract [1] and “badly hurt” U.S. and global economies. Federal Reserve Chair Powell has warned that Trump’s tariffs are “highly likely” to reignite inflation [2], creating a dilemma between controlling inflation and supporting growth. Customs and Border Protection reports the latest tariffs generated only $500 million, well below administration projections [3]. U.S.-China trade tensions have escalated significantly, with China pivoting from U.S. to Canada for oil imports [4] and halting Boeing jet orders in response to U.S. tariffs [5].

[1] Donald Trump’s tariffs will make global trade shrink, says WTO, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjewdy2zw3go
[2] Trump’s tariffs “highly likely” to reignite inflation, Fed chair Powell says, https://www.axios.com/2025/04/16/trump-tariffs-inflation-powell-interest-rates?stream=top&utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alerts_all
[3] CBP says latest tariffs have generated $500 million, well below Trump’s estimate, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/16/us-customs-tariffs-revenue-generated-since-april-5.html
[4] China Pivots From US to Canada for More Oil as Trade War Worsens, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-16/china-pivots-from-us-to-canada-for-more-oil-as-trade-war-worsens
[5] China halts Boeing jet orders as Trump tariffs escalate trade war, https://www.axios.com/2025/04/15/china-boeing-orders-trump-tariffs

5. Civil Rights and Educational Institutions

5.1 Harvard and Academic Freedom

Harvard University has taken a stance against Trump administration policies, having “decided to fight Trump” [1]. Harvard reportedly “stacked every penny of its $54 Billion Endowment and Told the Trump Administration to Bring It On” [2], with support from 60 past and present college presidents who characterized the administration’s actions as an “authoritarian incursion.” President Trump responded by calling Harvard “a joke” while threatening funds [3]. The IRS is making plans to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status [4] following direct requests from the Trump administration. Faculty across universities have united to defend academic freedom, while students are suing the Department of Defense for removing diversity, equity, and inclusion books from its school libraries [5].

[1] Why Harvard Decided to Fight Trump, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/us/why-harvard-resisted-trumps-demands.html?unlocked_article_code=1.AE8.vV6F.5CiMl-zj3d_j&smid=url-share
[2] Harvard Stacked Every Penny of Its $54 Billion Endowment and Told the Trump Administration to Bring It On, https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a64491994/trump-feud-harvard-billions-funding/
[3] Trump calls Harvard ‘a joke’ while threatening funds, https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5251335-trump-harvard-funding-joke/
[4] IRS making plans to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/16/politics/irs-harvard-tax-exempt-status/index.html
[5] Students sue Department of Defense for pulling ‘DEI’ books from its school libraries, https://19thnews.org/2025/04/aclu-students-lawsuit-defense-dei-books-school-libraries/

6. Political Opposition and Public Response

6.1 Democratic Leadership Strategy

Former President Biden delivered his “biggest speech since leaving office,” attacking the White House “calamity” [1] and accusing Trump and Musk of “taking a ‘hatchet’ to social security.” Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are energizing Democratic opposition [2], with Ocasio-Cortez telling crowds “I don’t think this is Trump country, I think this is our country” [3]. Representative Ocasio-Cortez has raised “$9.5 million in the first three months of 2025” [4] as she and Sanders “barnstorm U.S. against Trump.” David Hogg, DNC Vice Chair, has announced plans to support primary challenges against Democratic incumbents in what Politico describes as an “unprecedented move” [5].

[1] Biden attacks White House ‘calamity’ in biggest speech since leaving office, https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/biden-attacks-white-house-calamity-in-biggest-speech-since-leaving-office-q28czpk3t
[2] Bernie Sanders and AOC Inject New Anti-Trump Energy Into the Democratic Party, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/us/politics/bernie-sanders-aoc-trump-democrats.html?unlocked_article_code=1.AE8.25Z7.G8Pmu_rF1_1S&smid=re-nytimes
[3] ‘I don’t think this is Trump country, I think this is our country’: AOC fires up crowds on tour, https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house/watch/-i-don-t-think-this-is-trump-country-i-think-this-is-our-country-aoc-fires-up-crowds-on-tour-237609029816
[4] AOC Raises a Stunning $9.5 Million in the First Three Months of 2025, https://www.nysun.com/article/aoc-raises-a-stunning-9-5-million-in-the-first-three-months-of-2025?member_gift=CUZ5qwd3crq4pmz-xrd
[5] In unprecedented move, DNC official to spend big to take down fellow Democrats, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/15/david-hogg-dnc-vice-chair-to-spend-big-to-take-down-safe-democratic-incumbents-00292535

6.2 Protests and Public Resistance

Police used stun guns on two people at a town hall hosted by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia [1], who reportedly “laughed off” the protests while delivering a “pro-Trump message.” A “Nationwide Anti-Trump Protest” is planned for April 19 [2], while the AFL-CIO and allied organizations are planning mass protests through the same date. A suspect in an arson attack targeted Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro specifically for his views on the Gaza conflict [3], with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg calling the attack “unconscionable” [4]. Labor unions have established a legal defense network for federal workers described as “targeted by Trump” [5].

[1] Police use stun gun on two people at Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Georgia town hall, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/16/marjorie-taylor-greene-town-hall
[2] Nationwide Anti-Trump Protest Planned for April 19—What to Know, https://www.newsweek.com/nationwide-trump-protest-april19-50501-handsoff-2056119
[3] Suspect in arson at Pennsylvania governor’s home targeted the governor for his views on war in Gaza, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/16/us/cody-balmer-search-warrant-shapiro-arson-motive/index.html
[4] Pete Buttigieg calls the arson attack on Jewish Gov. Josh Shapiro “unconscionable”, https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/04/pete-buttigieg-calls-the-on-jewish-gov-josh-shapiro-unconscionable/
[5] Unions Form Pro Bono Legal Network for Federal Workers Targeted by Trump, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/business/economy/federal-workers-trump-network-unions.html