[Saturday, April 26] US News Headlines from r/politics

1. Immigration and Enforcement

1.1 Deportation of US Citizens

Multiple reports document U.S. citizens, primarily children, being deported in recent immigration operations. A federal judge highlighted a case where a 2-year-old U.S. citizen “appears to have been deported with no meaningful process” [1][2]. The child was “apparently deported to Honduras” [3]. The ACLU reports three U.S. citizen children were “held incommunicado” prior to deportation [4]. Additional cases include U.S. citizen children with cancer [5] and a Tampa woman separated from her one-year-old child and U.S. citizen husband after being deported to Cuba [6].

[1] Judge says 2-year-old US citizen appears to have been deported with ’no meaningful process’, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/25/us-citizen-deportation-donald-trump-00311631
[2] 2-year-old U.S. citizen apparently deported ‘with no meaningful process,’ judge says, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/2-year-old-us-citizen-apparently-deported-no-meaningful-process-judge-rcna203124
[3] U.S. judge says 2-year-old apparently deported to Honduras ‘with no meaningful process’, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/26/nx-s1-5378077/honduras-deported-girl-citizen
[4] ICE Deports 3 U.S. Citizen Children Held Incommunicado Prior to the Deportation, https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/ice-deports-3-u-s-citizen-children-held-incommunicado-prior-to-the-deportation
[5] Trump Has Now Deported Multiple U.S. Citizen Children With Cancer, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-deport-child-cancer-us-citizen-1235325778/
[6] Tampa woman deported to Cuba gets separated from one-year-old and U.S. citizen husband, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article305077166.html

1.2 Judicial Response to Immigration Enforcement

Conflict between judicial officials and immigration authorities has intensified. Attorney General Bondi criticized judges, stating “no one is above the law” regarding those allegedly helping undocumented immigrants evade arrest [1]. In Wisconsin, federal authorities arrested a judge “for allegedly helping illegal migrant accused of punching victim 30 times evade ICE agents” [2], with the DOJ filing a criminal complaint against her [3]. Senator Sanders characterized the Wisconsin judge’s arrest as being about “unchecked power” rather than immigration enforcement [4]. The administration has made policy adjustments, restoring “status of international students after abrupt terminations” [5].

[1] ‘No one is above the law’: AG Bondi blasts judges accused of helping undocumented immigrants evade arrest, https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/judge-hannah-dugan-arrested-fbi-allegedly-helping-undocumented/story?id=121161497
[2] Feds bust Wisconsin judge for allegedly helping illegal migrant accused of punching victim 30 times evade ICE agents, https://nypost.com/2025/04/25/us-news/wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan-arrested-by-fbi-for-allegedly-helping-illegal-immigrant-evade-ice/
[3] Read the full criminal complaint against a Milwaukee judge accused of helping man evade immigration authorities, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/read-the-full-criminal-complaint-against-a-milwaukee-judge-accused-of-helping-man-evade-immigration-authorities
[4] Sanders Says Trump Arrest of Wisconsin Judge Is About One Thing Only: ‘Unchecked Power’ - “Let’s be clear. Trump’s arrest of Judge Dugan in Milwaukee has nothing to do with immigration. It has everything to do with his moving this country toward authoritarianism.”, https://www.commondreams.org/news/hannah-dugan-milwaukee
[5] Trump administration restores status of international students after abrupt terminations, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-administration-restores-status-international-students-after-abrupt/story?id=121197087

2. Executive Power and Governance

2.1 DOGE Activities and Expansion

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is expanding operations in ways that raise concerns about transparency and civil liberties. Reports describe “Elon Musk’s turbulent takeover of government” through DOGE [1]. Rolling Stone reports Musk’s allies required Federal Aviation Administration staff to sign non-disclosure agreements for an unspecified project [2]. The Daily Beast alleges DOGE is constructing a “deportation machine” utilizing sensitive personal data [3]. Techdirt claims DOGE’s efforts to identify supposed censorship have resulted in terminating legitimate anti-censorship research [4].

[1] ‘Just never been anything like DOGE’: Inside Elon Musk’s turbulent takeover of government in Trump’s first 100 days, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/26/politics/elon-musk-hostile-takeover-government-trump-100-days?cid=ios_app
[2] Musk Allies Made FAA Staff Sign NDAs to Keep New Project Secret, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-musk-doge-faa-nda-secret-project-lift-1235325667/
[3] Musk’s DOGE Goons Are Building a ‘Deportation Machine’ from Sensitive Personal Data, https://www.thedailybeast.com/musks-doge-goons-are-building-a-deportation-machine-from-sensitive-personal-data/
[4] In DOGE’s Hunt For Imaginary Censors, It Kills Actual Anti-Censorship Research, https://www.techdirt.com/2025/04/25/in-doges-hunt-for-imaginary-censors-it-kills-actual-anti-censorship-research/

2.2 Presidential Approval and Conduct

Multiple polls indicate President Trump faces approval challenges across diverse demographics. A New York Times/Siena poll finds voters perceive Trump’s use of power as “overreaching” [1] with overall ratings characterized as “dismal” [2]. Approximately “4-in-10 Americans” specifically label him a “terrible” president amid sinking approval ratings [3]. Only “about half of Republicans” say he has focused on the right priorities [4]. Support appears to be declining among independent voters [5].

Critics characterize Trump’s second term as feeling like “a vengeful monarchy” after 100 days [6]. Several protocol incidents have drawn attention, including Trump wearing “a blue suit to Pope Francis’ funeral” despite Vatican requests for black attire [7] and “refusing to give Biden Air Force One ride to Pope’s Funeral” [8].

[1] Voters See Trump’s Use of Power as Overreaching, Times/Siena Poll Finds, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/us/politics/trump-poll-approval.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Ck8.jo77.hy7PlVf44MGu&smid=url-share
[2] Trump receives dismal ratings in NYT poll, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5268463-trump-receives-dismal-ratings-in-nyt-poll/
[3] About 4-in-10 Americans say Trump is a ’terrible’ president amid sinking approval: Survey, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5269499-about-4-in-10-americans-say-trump-is-a-terrible-president-amid-sinking-approval-survey/
[4] Only about half of Republicans say Trump has focused on the right priorities, AP-NORC poll finds, https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-immigration-trade-100-days-poll-625efe6128d5f2e90e04bcc7f30479eb
[5] Trump Is Suddenly Bleeding Independents. A Brutal New Poll Shows Why., https://newrepublic.com/article/194424/trump-approval-poll-immigration-independents
[6] After 100 days, Trump’s presidency feels like a vengeful monarchy, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/after-100-days-trumps-presidency-feels-like-a-vengeful-monarchy-69r5hqj89
[7] The Vatican asked Pope Francis funeral attendees to wear all black. Trump wore a blue suit, https://fortune.com/article/pope-francis-funeral-dress-code-donald-trump-blue-suit/
[8] Trump Refuses to Give Biden Air Force One Ride to Pope’s Funeral, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-refuses-to-give-biden-air-force-one-ride-to-popes-funeral/

2.3 Federal Workforce Changes

Trump officials are “weakening rules insulating government workers from politics” [1], a significant shift in civil service protection. A federal judge halted President Trump’s order that would have ended collective bargaining rights for many federal workers [2]. Labor representation has been weakened as the “largest federal employee union” is “shedding more than half its staff amid Trump attacks” [3]. Some agencies now face operational disruptions with “critical functions at risk of failure” [4].

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired “dozens of Pentagon Advisory Board members” [5] and faces internal challenges with “vicious interpersonal conflicts among staff clouding leak investigations” [6]. Reports also indicate Hegseth is “screaming at generals about polygraph tests” [7].

[1] Trump Officials Weaken Rules Insulating Government Workers From Politics, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/us/politics/trump-hatch-act.html
[2] Judge halts Trump’s order to end collective bargaining rights for many federal workers, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/25/politics/union-bargaining-federal-workers-trump/index.html
[3] Largest federal employee union to shed more than half its staff amid Trump attacks, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/26/politics/afge-government-employee-union-layoffs?cid=ios_app
[4] Some agencies are walking back workforce cuts with critical functions at risk of failure, https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/04/some-agencies-are-walking-back-workforce-cuts-critical-functions-risk-failure/404868/
[5] Hegseth Fires Dozens of Pentagon Advisory Board Members, Cites Need for ‘Fresh Thinking’ to ‘Drive Bold Change’, https://www.latintimes.com/hegseth-fires-pentagon-advisory-board-members-cites-need-fresh-thinking-bold-change-581771
[6] Vicious interpersonal conflicts among Hegseth staff cloud leak investigation | Pete Hegseth, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/26/pete-hegseth-leak-investigation
[7] Paranoid Hegseth Is Screaming at Generals About Polygraph Tests, https://www.thedailybeast.com/rattled-hegseth-is-screaming-at-staffers-about-polygraph-tests/

3. Foreign Policy

3.1 Ukraine-Russia Relations

President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy held a meeting “in Vatican basilica to seek Ukraine peace” during Pope Francis’s funeral [1]. Following this meeting, Trump “threatened new sanctions against Russia” [2] and reportedly “turned on Putin” [3]. Trump publicly expressed doubts about Putin’s intentions, saying “he’s just tapping me along” [4] and questioning the Russian leader’s willingness to end the war, a day after saying “a deal was close” [5].

[1] Trump and Zelenskiy meet one-on-one in Vatican basilica to seek Ukraine peace, https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraines-zelenskiy-met-trump-rome-zelenskiys-office-says-2025-04-26/
[2] Trump meets Zelensky, then threatens new sanctions against Russia, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/26/trump-zelensky-pope-francis-funeral/
[3] Trump turns on Putin after ‘constructive’ talks with Zelensky, https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/trump-blue-suit-pope-funeral-kwgkck0lr
[4] ‘He’s just tapping me along’ — Trump admits Putin may not be interested in ending war on Ukraine, https://kyivindependent.com/putin-maybe-doesnt-want-to-stop-the-war-trump-admits/
[5] Trump expresses doubts Putin is willing to end the Ukraine war, a day after saying a deal was close, https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-funeral-francis-vatican-7b3b3e6e194e7099e5463d1f23b5f3cf

3.2 US-China Trade Relations

Recent developments in U.S.-China trade show mixed signals. CNN reports China has rolled back its 125% retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S.-made semiconductors [1]. Fox Business characterizes this as China “caving” to Trump’s trade war strategy [2]. However, other assessments suggest “Trump is losing his trade war with China” [3]. CNN warns Americans who haven’t yet felt the trade war’s impact should “get ready” [4]. The Guardian reports tourism to the United States has declined 11.6% in March, attributed to deportation policies and tariffs making the U.S. “a less appealing destination” [5].

[1] China rolls back retaliatory tariffs of 125% on some US-made semiconductors, import agencies say, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/25/business/china-us-tariffs-semiconductors-exemptions-hnk-intl/index.html
[2] China is ‘caving’ to Trump’s trade war strategy, expert signals, https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/china-caving-trumps-trade-war-strategy-expert-signals.amp
[3] Why Trump is losing his trade war with China | Trade wars are easy to win — if you’re China, https://www.vox.com/politics/410471/trump-tariffs-china-trade-war-negotiations
[4] Not feeling the trade war pain yet? Get ready, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/25/business/trump-tariff-pain-customers-nightcap/index.html
[5] US to miss out on billions as Trump’s policies deter overseas tourists: Number of visitors sinks 11.6% in March as deportations and tariffs make US a less appealing destination, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/26/trump-tariffs-trade-war-tourism

4. Justice System and Civil Liberties

4.1 Press Freedom and Legal Challenges

Multiple actions by the administration raise press freedom and civil rights concerns. Attorney General Bondi has rescinded Biden-era protections for journalists during leak investigations [1]. The U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C. has accused Wikipedia of distributing “propaganda” and threatened its nonprofit status [2]. Medical journals are alleging “harassment” from the Justice Department [3]. The Associated Press reports critics see President Trump “weaponizing government in targeting of judge and Democratic fundraising site” [4].

[1] Attorney General Bondi rescinds Biden-era protections for journalists in leak investigations, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/25/politics/justice-department-journalists-leaks?cid=ios_app
[2] U.S. attorney for D.C. accuses Wikipedia of ‘propaganda,’ threatens nonprofit status, https://wapo.st/42J0r79
[3] Medical journals complain of ‘harassment’ from Justice Department, https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/medical-journals-complain-harassment-department-justice-rcna203091
[4] Some see Trump weaponizing government in targeting of judge and Democratic fundraising site, https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-judge-arrest-fbi-immigration-trump-democracy-9a471656c7d7066f02efbb10a56ce4f2

5. Domestic Policy

5.1 Healthcare and Social Services

Public health funding and policy changes are raising concerns. CNN reports that under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s leadership, the NIH has “slashed science funding across states that backed Trump” [1]. Critics characterize Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr.’s policies as an “assault on America’s health” proceeding at a “terrifying pace” [2]. Wired reports scientific projections that measles could become endemic in the United States over the next two decades [3]. The Independent reports the administration is considering terminating a $56 million grant program providing first responders with Narcan [4]. The “health program for 9/11 illnesses faces uncertain future after federal staffing cuts” [5].

[1] Beyond Ivy League, RFK Jr.’s NIH slashed science funding across states that backed Trump, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/25/health/nih-science-funding-states-kff-health-news/index.html
[2] RFK Jr.’s Assault on America’s Health Is Worse Than We Ever Imagined - One of the House’s foremost experts on the nation’s health systems breaks down the terrifying pace at which Kennedy is working to make America sick again, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/rfk-jr-assault-america-health-systems-1235325612/
[3] Scientists Find Measles Likely To Become Endemic in the US Over Next 20 Years, https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-say-measles-likely-to-become-endemic-in-us-polio-diphtheria-rubella/
[4] Trump looks to end $56m grant to provide first responders with life-saving Narcan, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-narcan-overdose-grant-b2739727.html
[5] Health program for 9/11 illnesses faces uncertain future after federal staffing cuts, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/health-program-911-illnesses-faces-uncertain-future-federal-staffing-c-rcna202980