[Saturday, April 19] US News Headlines from r/politics

1. Executive Branch Authority and Actions

1.1 Federal Workforce Restructuring

President Trump has moved to invoke “Schedule F,” a classification that would remove civil service protections from thousands of federal workers [1]. This executive action would reclassify “wide swaths” of the federal workforce [2], making it easier to fire career employees. The Department of Defense is experiencing significant upheaval, with Secretary Hegseth removing four staffers in a single day [3].

[1] Trump moves to invoke Schedule F to make it easier to fire some federal workers, https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-civil-service-workforce-e6e4cf979b910b0f89877a9a09e7c4a4
[2] Trump to reclassify wide swaths of federal workers to allow for more firings, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/trump-federal-workers-schedule-f
[3] DOD in Chaos After Hegseth Sheds Four Staffers in One Day, https://www.thedailybeast.com/pentagon-in-chaos-after-pete-hegseth-sheds-four-staffers-in-one-day/

1.2 DOGE Operations and Agency Changes

House Democrats have raised concerns that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is building a “master database” of Americans’ sensitive information [1]. A DOGE representative has reportedly verbally abused federal workers on a 36-hour shift [2]. Personnel changes continue across agencies, with the Kennedy Center firing more staff [3] and the National Security Council being rebuilt with aides aligned with what CBS describes as the “MAGA agenda” [4].

[1] House Democrats: DOGE is building a ‘master database’ of Americans’ sensitive information, https://www.theverge.com/tech/652215/doge-cross-agency-master-database-sensitive-information
[2] DOGE Goon Accused of Screaming at Federal Workers on 36-Hour Shift, https://www.thedailybeast.com/doge-goon-accused-of-screaming-at-federal-workers-on-36-hour-shift/
[3] Under Trump, Kennedy Center Fires More Staff Members, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/18/arts/music/kennedy-center-firings.html
[4] National Security Council rebuilding with aides aligned with MAGA agenda, sources say, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/national-security-council-rebuilding-aides-aligned-maga-agenda/

2. Judicial System and Legal Challenges

2.1 Supreme Court Interventions

The Supreme Court has temporarily halted deportations of Venezuelans under the Alien Enemies Act [1] [2], marking a significant judicial check on the administration’s use of this 18th century wartime law. The administration responded by characterizing the litigation as “meritless” [3]. The Court is also set to hear challenges to the Affordable Care Act’s preventive care mandate [4] and arguments on Trump’s attempt to reinterpret the 14th Amendment regarding birthright citizenship [5].

[1] US Supreme Court halts deportation of Venezuelans under wartime law, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd3rdjn81lo
[2] Supreme Court blocks, for now, new deportations under 18th century wartime law, https://apnews.com/article/aclu-trump-deport-venezuelans-supreme-court-5d85ffec44fca7c267315b34cec9ddb2
[3] After remarkable Supreme Court rebuke, Trump administration slams ‘meritless litigation’, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/19/supreme-court-trump-immigration-ruling-00299717
[4] Supreme Court to hear challenge to Obamacare rule on free preventive care, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/obamacare-supreme-court-preventative-care-challenge-rcna201794
[5] John Roberts can’t split the difference on birthright citizenship, https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-hearing-rcna201910

2.2 Federal Court Rulings

Federal courts have issued several rulings curbing executive actions. A judge blocked passport changes affecting transgender Americans [1], while another temporarily stopped what Common Dreams characterized as a “bloodbath” at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau [2]. A federal judge ordered Rumeysa Ozturk’s transfer from Louisiana to Vermont [3], explicitly stating that “the government cannot undermine the justice system and attempt to manipulate a case’s jurisdiction.”

[1] Judge blocks Trump administration from passport changes affecting transgender Americans, https://apnews.com/article/transgender-passports-trump-executive-order-ee211c3298f0c6f561f829cf5adca281
[2] Judge Halts—For Now—Trump Bloodbath at US Consumer Bureau, https://www.commondreams.org/news/cfpb-staff
[3] Federal Judge Orders Trump Admin to Transfer Rumeysa Ozturk to Vermont, https://www.commondreams.org/news/rumeysa-ozturk-ice

3. Immigration and Border Enforcement

3.1 Alien Enemies Act and High-Profile Cases

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has become central to controversy surrounding the Alien Enemies Act. Senator Van Hollen returned from El Salvador stating the case “is about far more than one man” [1], reporting that Abrego Garcia is “traumatized” by prison threats [2]. Trump has distanced himself from direct involvement despite reportedly “paying” El Salvador to imprison him [3]. The ACLU has warned the Supreme Court that more deportation flights are “imminent” [4].

[1] US senator returns from El Salvador trip, says Abrego Garcia case is about far more than one man, https://apnews.com/article/van-hollen-abrego-garcia-el-salvador-deportation-53c7c2dc95486f5f0c4afd96dc0fb01c
[2] Kilmar Ábrego García ’traumatized’ by threats in prison, Maryland senator says, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/chris-van-hollen-kilmar-abrego-garcia
[3] Trump Asserts He’s ‘Not Involved’ in Abrego Garcia’s Case Despite ‘Paying’ El Salvador to Imprison Him, https://www.latintimes.com/trump-asserts-hes-not-involved-abrego-garcias-case-despite-paying-el-salvador-imprison-him-581143
[4] ACLU rushes to Supreme Court, warning more Alien Enemies Act deportations are ‘imminent’, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/18/trump-deportations-alien-enemies-act-00299474

3.2 Border Security and Enforcement

Border security measures have intensified, with U.S. citizens reportedly being detained when returning from Canada [1]. The Boston Globe reports that federal agents in Trump’s anti-immigrant campaign “seem to be reveling in brutality” [2]. In Florida, a federal judge was “astounded” that state law enforcement violated her order on immigration arrests [3]. The administration has revoked nearly 1,500 student visas [4], affecting Auburn University students and staff [5].

[1] US citizens detained at US border returning from Canada, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/18/us/us-citizen-detained-canada/index.html
[2] Federal agents in President Trump’s anti-immigrant campaign seem to be reveling in brutality, https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/17/nation/new-bedford-immigrant-arrest-video-trump-brutality/
[3] Federal judge ‘astounded’ that Florida cops violated her order on immigration arrests, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article304498066.html
[4] US revokes nearly 1,500 student visas: Who are the targets?, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/18/us-revokes-nearly-1500-student-visas-who-are-the-targets
[5] Auburn University students, staff see visas revoked amid immigration enforcement, https://www.al.com/news/2025/04/alabama-university-students-staff-see-immigration-visas-revoked-reports.html

4. Economic and Financial Policy

4.1 Federal Reserve and Budget Proposals

President Trump is exploring options to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell [1] [2] and has renewed calls for interest rate cuts, claiming rates would be lower if Powell “understood what he was doing” [3]. The administration has proposed sharp budget cuts for the Department of Health and Human Services [4] and is considering an overhaul of federal housing assistance programs for low-income Americans [5]. FEMA budget cuts are directly impacting water infrastructure projects in Portsmouth and Richmond [6].

[1] Trump is studying how to remove Fed Chair Jerome Powell, economic adviser says, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-powell-studying-removal-fire-kevin-warsh/
[2] Trump studying whether to fire Fed Chair Powell, adviser says, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-will-study-whether-fire-fed-chair-powell-adviser-says-2025-04-18/
[3] Trump renews call for interest rate cut, says rates would be lower if Fed chief Powell ‘understood what he was doing’, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/18/trump-renews-call-for-powell-to-lower-interest-rates-he-should-bring-them-down.html
[4] Trump Administration Proposes Sharp Budget Cuts for H.H.S., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/us/politics/trump-administration-proposes-health-department-cuts.html
[5] White House Eyes Overhaul of Federal Housing Aid to the Poor, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/us/politics/housing-aid-hud-federal-budget.html
[6] FEMA funding cuts impact water projects for Portsmouth, Richmond, https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/virginia/trump-admin-cancels-virginia-fema-funding-protect-drinking-water-supply-portsmouth-richmond/291-98c1497f-deb2-4a06-ae71-8a76ff5d0e30

4.2 Tariffs and Trade Impacts

The administration’s tariff policies are generating significant economic consequences. Volvo is cutting up to 800 U.S. jobs due to tariff uncertainty [1], while Bloomberg reports imminent “shockwaves” to the world economy [2]. The administration eased port fees on China-built ships after industry backlash [3]. A group of top economists has circulated a letter stating that Trump’s tariffs have “no basis in economic reality” [4], with nearly 70% of CEOs disapproving of the tariffs according to a survey [5].

[1] Volvo to Cut Up to 800 US Jobs Amid Tariff Uncertainty: Reuters, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-19/volvo-to-cut-up-to-800-us-jobs-amid-tariff-uncertainty-reuters
[2] First Shockwaves of Trump’s Tariffs Are About to Hit the World Economy, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-19/trump-tariffs-first-shockwaves-of-us-trade-policy-hit-world-economy
[3] United States eases port fees on China-built ships after industry backlash, https://www.reuters.com/markets/global-shippers-await-word-us-plan-hit-china-linked-vessels-with-port-fees-2025-04-17/
[4] A Group of Top Economists is Circulating Letter That Says Trump’s Tariffs Have ‘No Basis in Economic Reality’, https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tariffs-economists-academics-trade-policy-letter-2025-4
[5] Nearly 70 percent of CEOs disapprove of Trump’s tariffs: Survey, https://thehill.com/business/5256604-ceos-disapprove-donald-trump-tariff-agenda/

5. International Relations

5.1 Middle East and Nuclear Diplomacy

U.S. airstrikes on a Houthi-controlled port have resulted in more than 70 casualties [1], with Yemen’s Houthi forces vowing to continue their attacks. Iran and the U.S. have moved to expert-level talks over Tehran’s nuclear program following negotiations in Rome [2]. The administration has cited potential threats to Middle East peace process negotiations as justification for deporting Mohsen Mahdawi, a student who led Columbia University protests [3].

[1] Yemen’s Houthis vow to continue attacks after more than 70 killed in US airstrikes on port, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/18/middleeast/dozens-killed-us-airstrikes-yemen-intl-hnk/index.html
[2] Iran and the US move to expert-level talks over Tehran’s nuclear program after negotiations in Rome, https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-nuclear-negotiations-rome-oman-5539236d72216f55aa7766be90b963b2
[3] U.S. Cites Mideast Peace Process to Justify Move to Deport Student, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/nyregion/rubio-mahdawi-deportation-letter.html

5.2 Global Relations and Security

President Trump has backed away from his campaign promise to end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office [1] and stated the U.S. will “pass” on Ukraine peace talks if no progress is achieved soon [2]. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are locked in a diplomatic standoff over trade negotiations [3]. Politico reports Trump may be triggering “the fastest nuclear weapons race since the Cold War” [4]. Canadian university teachers have been warned against traveling to the United States [5].

[1] How Trump backed away from promising to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours, https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-war-633a216d0506c82353fc7745b69c0fe0
[2] Trump says US will ‘pass’ on Ukraine peace talks if no progress soon, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20x5xn1g92o
[3] Trump and Xi are locked in a standoff over direct trade negotiations, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/19/trump-xi-china-trade-negotiations-00299645
[4] Trump May Be Triggering the Fastest Nuclear Weapons Race Since the Cold War, https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/04/11/trump-says-he-fears-nuclear-weapons-so-why-is-he-making-them-more-popular-00278790
[5] Canadian university teachers warned against traveling to the United States, https://apnews.com/article/canada-university-academic-warning-border-trump-492da3367ffc75ae163b4248698d849f

6. Domestic and Social Policy

6.1 Academia and Free Speech

A confrontation has emerged between the Trump administration and Harvard University, with officials blaming a “mistake” for initiating the conflict [1]. Harvard has refused to comply with government demands [2], characterizing them as “astonishing overreach.” The administration has made major cuts to Native American boarding school research projects [3]. A U.S. attorney has demanded a scientific journal explain how it ensures “viewpoint diversity” [4].

[1] Trump Officials Blame Mistake for Setting Off Confrontation With Harvard, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/18/business/trump-harvard-letter-mistake.html
[2] Harvard won’t comply with demands from Trump administration, https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/04/harvard-wont-comply-with-demands-from-trump-administration/
[3] Trump administration makes major cuts to Native American boarding school research projects, https://apnews.com/article/boarding-school-native-americans-research-grants-6309640a3df5934e46bc1151e78c99f8
[4] U.S. attorney demands scientific journal explain how it ensures ‘viewpoint diversity’, https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/us-attorney-demands-scientific-journal-explain-ensures-viewpoint-diver-rcna201929

6.2 Healthcare and Public Safety

HHS Secretary Kennedy has eliminated a committee that advised states on genetic screening for newborns [1]. Video emerged showing a doctor with measles treating children, with Kennedy later praising him as an “extraordinary” healer [2]. The White House has replaced Covid.gov with content promoting lab leak theories about COVID-19’s origins [3]. Florida Republicans are pushing to repeal a gun age law despite mass shootings [4].

[1] Kennedy axes HHS committee advising states on genetic screening for newborns, https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/rfk-hhs-eliminates-committee-newborn-health-rcna201789
[2] Video shows doctor with measles treating kids. RFK Jr later praised him as an ’extraordinary’ healer, https://apnews.com/article/texas-measles-outbreak-rfk-jr-ben-edwards-2dd7c79d47c64ad2e6d4a4ac3c87ec1f
[3] Covid.gov replaced with “Lab Leak: The True Origins of COVID-19”, https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/18/g-s1-61324/lab-leak-white-house-covid-origins
[4] Florida Republicans Pushing to Repeal Gun Age Law Despite Mass Shootings, https://www.newsweek.com/florida-republicans-pushing-repeal-gun-age-laws-despite-mass-shootings-2061482

7. Opposition and Public Response

7.1 Protest Movements and Political Dissent

A significant nationwide protest movement known as “50501” has emerged [1], with more than 400 anti-Trump rallies being organized [2]. Weekend protests are shifting focus toward community action [3], using the slogan “Hands Off!” [4]. Some pardoned January 6 participants are now being “embraced as heroes and candidates for office” [5]. Michigan Representative Thanedar has called for Trump’s impeachment over the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case [6].

[1] Nationwide ‘50501’ protests to rally against Trump administration’s policies, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/04/19/anti-trump-protests-50501-movement-hands-off/
[2] More than 400 anti-Trump rallies planned in another wave of US protests, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/19/anti-trump-rallies-protests
[3] Anti-Trump protests this weekend turn focus to community action, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/19/nx-s1-5369483/anti-trump-protests-50501-tesla-takedown
[4] Nationwide “Hands Off!” 50501 protests against Trump continues for second weekend, https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/nation/2025/04/19/protest-resist-trump-rally-photos/83173515007/
[5] Some pardoned Jan. 6 rioters are embraced as heroes and candidates for office, https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-trump-politics-republicans-pardons-d70e8e27c1907ebb53a6b44d388eb703
[6] Michigan Rep. Thanedar calls for Trump to be impeached over case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/michigan-rep-thanedar-trump-impeachment-kilmar-garcia/

7.2 Public Opinion and Response

Trump’s approval rating on the economy has dropped to the lowest point of his presidential career [1]. Former Trump staff members have criticized the president’s leadership style [2], comparing his actions to those of a “Royal Despot.” Republican lawmakers have reportedly encountered angry constituents at public events [3], with some situations escalating to the point where tasers were deployed.

[1] Trump’s approval rating on the economy drops to lowest of his presidential career, CNBC Survey finds, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/19/trumps-approval-rating-on-economy-drops-to-lowest-of-his-presidential-careerat-.html
[2] Former Trump Staff Members Liken His Actions to Those of ‘Royal Despot’, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/19/us/politics/trump-letter-ty-cobb.html
[3] Tasers Deployed as Republicans Across Country Face Constituents Angry About the News From Washington, https://www.nysun.com/article/this-is-not-a-protest-tasers-deployed-as-republicans-on-break-face-constituents-angry-about-the-news-from-washington