[Tuesday, April 29] US News Headlines from r/politics

1. Trump Administration’s First 100 Days

1.1 Performance Assessment and Public Opinion

President Trump’s first 100 days have generated predominantly negative polling data. Only 39% approve of his economic handling [1], while most Americans view him as “a dangerous dictator” [2]. His popularity has hit “historic lows” [3], with a significant plurality assigning him an “F” grade—more than any other grade [4]. Financial markets are experiencing their worst 100-day start since Nixon due to “semi-permanent uncertainty” [5].

The President has rejected negative polling as “FAKE” [6] while claiming “I Run the Country and the World” [7]. The Wall Street Journal characterizes Trump 2.0 as “in trouble” [8], while multiple analyses catalog “the most consequential, damaging, head-scratching things Trump did in his first 100 days” [9].

[1] Only 39% approve of Trump’s handling of economy, according to poll of first 100 days, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/29/nx-s1-5379613/only-39-approve-of-trumps-handling-of-economy-according-to-poll-of-first-100-days
[2] Most Americans now see Trump as “a dangerous dictator,” poll says, https://www.axios.com/2025/04/29/prri-poll-most-americans-trump-dangerous-dictator
[3] Trump’s popularity hits historic lows as he marks 100 days in office, https://www.semafor.com/article/04/29/2025/at-100-days-trumps-popularity-hits-historic-lows?utm_campaign=semaforreddit
[4] More give Trump an F than any other grade for first 100 days, poll finds, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/29/nx-s1-5379596/trump-100-days-polling-grade-approval-rating
[5] Stocks set for worst 100 day start since Nixon as Trump injects semi-permanent uncertainty, https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/stocks-set-worst-100-day-start-since-nixon-trump-injects-semi-permanent-2025-04-29/
[6] Trump Insists His Dismal Polling Numbers Are ‘FAKE’ and the Economy Is Doing Great, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-insists-his-dismal-polling-numbers-are-fake-and-the-economy-is-doing-great/
[7] ‘I Run the Country and the World’ Donald Trump believes he’s invincible. But the cracks are beginning to show., https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/06/trump-second-term-comeback/682573/?taid=6810e5f841412400010e18a0&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_content=edit-promo&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
[8] At 100 Days, Trump 2.0 Is in Trouble, https://www.wsj.com/opinion/donald-trump-100-days-second-term-tariffs-economy-china-ukraine-6abc2198?st=GTW5Bb
[9] The most consequential, damaging, head-scratching things Trump did in his first 100 days., https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/04/29/trump-first-100-days-reporter-roundtable-00309408

1.2 Executive Actions and Policy Implementation

President Trump has issued numerous executive orders reflecting what Fox News terms an “unprecedented use of presidential authority” [1]. Key directives include requiring truck drivers to speak English [2], implementing auto industry tariffs [3], and targeting sanctuary cities while authorizing military involvement in domestic law enforcement [4].

The administration has set a July 4 deadline for Trump’s tax agenda [5] while spending approximately $220 billion more in the first 100 days than the previous year, despite promises of fiscal restraint [6]. The White House has used government powers against more than 100 perceived enemies [7]. Multiple media outlets highlight substantial policy shifts as Trump attempts to “remake America” [8].

[1] Trump’s executive order surge: The unprecedented use of presidential authority, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trumps-executive-order-surge-unprecedented-use-presidential-authority?intcmp=fb_fnc&intcmp=fb_fnc
[2] Trump executive order requires truck drivers to speak English, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5271893-trump-executive-order-truck-drivers-speak-english/
[3] Trump will sign an executive order on auto industry tariffs today, White House says, https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/trump-reduce-auto-tariffs-1.7521474
[4] Trump signs orders targeting sanctuary cities, seeking military involvement in law enforcement | Trump’s orders look to protect police from legal repercussions and involve the military in enforcement, https://www.salon.com/2025/04/28/signs-orders-targeting-sanctuary-cities-seeking-military-involvement-in-law-enforcement/
[5] White House sets new July 4 deadline for Trump tax agenda, https://thehill.com/business/domestic-taxes/5271781-bessent-trump-tax-agenda-july-4/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR6JgmFM7sdpuzFvjnoEvIeIqrEm5L8TfOZGBqmKiSe9P_rWSLKUS8qdq-Jd3w_aem_cU7Nkol7W6YDlcvk0a5O6g
[6] Despite Trump’s promised cuts, U.S. spent about $220 billion more in first 100 days than last year, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-promised-cuts-spent-200-billion-more/
[7] Trump has used government powers to target more than 100 perceived enemies, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/29/nx-s1-5327518/donald-trump-100-days-retribution-threats
[8] How Trump has tried to remake America in his first 100 days, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-tried-remake-america-first-100-days-rcna201224

2. Government Structure and Authority

2.1 DOGE Operations and Conflicts

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) faces significant scrutiny. A Senate report values Musk’s conflicts of interest at $2.37 billion [1], warning he may leverage governmental influence to avoid legal liability. Despite Musk’s mission to reduce government size, federal spending has increased by $171 billion over prior years [2]. Reports indicate Musk has lost approximately 25% of his fortune during his government role [3].

DOGE’s impact is becoming visible across agencies. The Peace Corps faces “significant” cuts following a DOGE assessment [4], with state-level impacts described as “devastating” in Wyoming regarding AmeriCorps [5]. A new lawsuit directly challenges President Trump and DOGE’s government overhaul plans [6], with top Democrats claiming the administration has disrupted approximately $430 billion in federal funds [7].

[1] Elon Musk’s Doge conflicts of interest worth $2.37bn, Senate report says | Committee calls figure a ‘conservative estimate’ and warns Musk may seek to use his influence to avoid legal liability, https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/apr/28/elon-musk-doge-conflict-of-interest
[2] Elon Musk’s DOGE Promised Budget Cuts but Spending Is Up $171 Billion Over Prior Years, https://www.nysun.com/article/elon-musks-doge-promised-budget-cuts-but-spending-is-up-171-billion-over-prior-years?member_gift=CUZ5qwd3crq4pmz-xrd
[3] Elon Musk Lost 25% of Fortune During His Quest to Gut the US Government, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-04-29/elon-musk-s-wealth-drops-by-25-after-his-doge-work-for-donald-trump
[4] Peace Corps to undergo ‘significant’ cuts after Doge review, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/28/peace-corps-doge-elon-musk
[5] DOGE cuts to Americorps ‘a devastating blow to the state of Wyoming’, https://wyofile.com/doge-cuts-to-americorps-a-devastating-blow-to-the-state-of-wyoming/
[6] New lawsuit takes aim at Trump and DOGE’s government overhaul, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/29/nx-s1-5380783/trump-doge-lawsuit-federal-workers-cities
[7] Trump’s team has disrupted some $430 billion in federal funds, top Democrats say, https://apnews.com/article/doge-trump-musk-funding-cuts-lawsuits-congress-2e486ba901abee6736e76e956e3794c4

2.2 Federal Agency Restructuring

The administration has dramatically restructured federal agencies. The Department of Homeland Security abruptly terminated remote work policies, requiring some employees to send selfies to verify office presence [1]. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth canceled a program on women in security previously signed into law by Trump [2], publicly expressing pride in ending the Women, Peace and Security program [3].

The administration has dismissed all authors involved in producing the National Climate Assessment [4], while the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has sued over what they claim were illegal firings of board members [5]. President Trump has fired Biden-era appointees from the Holocaust Museum board, including Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff [6].

[1] Some DHS employees told to send selfies to prove they are in-office as department suddenly ends remote work, https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/04/some-dhs-employees-told-send-selfies-prove-they-are-office-department-suddenly-ends-remote-work/404893/
[2] Pentagon chief cancels program on women in security that was signed into law by Trump, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/pentagon-chief-cancels-program-women-security-that-was-signed-into-law-by-trump-2025-04-29/
[3] Hegseth ‘proud’ to end Women, Peace and Security program, https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5272905-hegseth-pentagon-women-peace-security/
[4] Trump administration dismisses all authors of major climate report, throwing US assessment into limbo, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/29/climate/trump-dismisses-climate-report-authors/index.html
[5] Corporation for Public Broadcasting sues Trump in fight for control, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/29/nx-s1-5381045/cpb-board-members-trump-lawsuit-npr-pbs
[6] Trump Fires Biden Appointees, Including Doug Emhoff, From Holocaust Museum, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/29/us/politics/trump-doug-emhoff-holocaust-museum-biden.html

3. Immigration and Border Enforcement

3.1 Deportation Policies and Implementation

The administration has intensified immigration enforcement dramatically. Reports characterize this period as an “unprecedented phase of mass deportation” [1], with operations expanding to involve multiple federal agencies, including U.S. Postal Service law enforcement [2]. The administration has begun criminally charging migrants for entering newly established restricted military zones at the border [3].

Trump’s border czar has insisted that three U.S. citizen children sent to Honduras “weren’t deported” [4], while ICE enforcement official Homan has publicly defended the deportation of U.S. citizen children [5]. House Republicans have proposed charging $1,000 to claim asylum [6], while Portland’s mayor has defended the city’s sanctuary status against renewed threats from the administration [7].

[1] We’re About to Find Out What Mass Deportation Really Looks Like, https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/04/ice-deportation-funding-increase/682480/?gift=8NB2Y8R8pwPdrbgeKyENZVCEXYYvC92biKhwDzcKDpU&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
[2] USPS law enforcement assists Trump ‘mass deportation’ effort, sources and records show, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/04/29/usps-immigration-trump-deportations/
[3] First migrants charged with entering restricted military zone at border, https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/04/29/trump-border-militar-zone-migrants-charges/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com
[4] Trump’s border czar insists 3 U.S. citizen children sent to Honduras ‘weren’t deported’, https://apnews.com/video/trumps-border-czar-insists-3-u-s-citizen-children-sent-to-honduras-werent-deported-fe0681e78f8d491395b785fd5160b14f
[5] Homan defends deporting US citizen children, https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/28/politics/video/homan-us-citizen-children-deported-digvid
[6] House G.O.P. Proposes Charging $1,000 to Claim Asylum, Hiking Fees on Migrants, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/us/politics/house-republicans-asylum-fees.html
[7] Portland mayor defends sanctuary status against renewed Trump threats, https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/28/portland-mayor-defends-sanctuary-status-against-renewed-trump-threats/

3.2 Humanitarian and Civil Rights Concerns

The human impact of current immigration policies has generated significant concern. ICE reportedly gave a deportee mother who is a U.S. citizen just “2 minutes to decide” her citizen children’s fate [1]. Lawyers report that mothers deported under the Trump administration are being “denied” the opportunity to legally transfer custody of their children [2]. One Oklahoma City family was reportedly traumatized after ICE raided their home despite their protests that “We’re citizens!” [3].

Children are reportedly being “targeted in immigration crackdown” [4], with tracking efforts documenting U.S. citizens caught in enforcement actions [5]. Families of detained individuals are drawing parallels to Latin American dictatorships, specifically using the phrase “they disappear them” [6].

[1] ICE Gave 2-year-old U.S. citizen Deportee Mom 2 Minutes to Decide Citizen Kids’ Fate, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-ice-gave-deportee-mom-2-minutes-to-decide-citizen-kids-fate/
[2] Mothers deported by Trump ‘denied’ chance to transfer custody of children, lawyer says, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/28/women-children-citizens-deported-honduras
[3] ‘We’re citizens!’: Oklahoma City family traumatized after ICE raids home, but they weren’t suspects, https://kfor.com/news/local/were-citizens-oklahoma-city-family-traumatized-after-ice-raids-home-but-they-werent-suspects/
[4] Trump news at a glance: children targeted in immigration crackdown, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/29/trump-administration-news-updates-today
[5] All the U.S. Citizens Who’ve Been Caught Up in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown, https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/tracking-us-citizens-children-detained-deported-ice-trump-updates.html
[6] ‘They disappear them’: families of the detained liken Trump’s US to Latin American dictatorships, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/29/venezuelan-detained-families-el-salvador-trump-dictatorship

4. Economic and Trade Policy

4.1 Tariff Implementation and Corporate Responses

A major confrontation erupted between the White House and Amazon over tariff transparency. Amazon reportedly considered showing customers how much of a product’s price comes from recently implemented tariffs [1], but abandoned the plan after the White House labeled it “hostile” [2]. President Trump reportedly personally complained to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos about the idea [3].

Corporate America is adapting to the tariff regime with varying impacts. UPS announced cutting 20,000 jobs amid likely lower Amazon shipments [4], while General Motors delayed an investor call amid “corporate chaos” stemming from tariff implementation [5]. After implementing broad tariffs, the administration granted automakers specific relief [6]. Small businesses dependent on imports from China report feeling “nowhere to turn” [7].

[1] Amazon says it never planned to post how much of a product’s price comes from tariffs, https://www.npr.org/2025/04/29/nx-s1-5380935/amazon-tariffs
[2] White House: Amazon tariff price announcement is hostile, https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/white-house-amazon-tariff-price-announcement-is-hostile-2025-04-29/
[3] Trump complained to Bezos over report Amazon would show tariff impact | Amazon said staff had considered listing tariff costs on its low-cost Temu competitor, Amazon Haul, but it won’t proceed with the move. The Trump administration had condemned the idea after a news report., https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/04/29/amazon-trump-tariffs-leavitt/
[4] UPS says it’s cutting 20,000 jobs amid reduction in Amazon shipments, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ups-job-cuts-layoffs-amazon-shipments-stock-price/?linkId=808221052
[5] UPS cuts 20,000 jobs, GM delays investor call as Trump’s tariffs create corporate chaos, https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/profit-warnings-uncertainty-trump-tariffs-send-chill-through-businesses-2025-04-29/
[6] Trump to Grant Carmakers Some Relief From His Punishing Tariffs, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/29/us/politics/trump-auto-tariffs-executive-order.html
[7] ‘Nowhere to turn’: Small businesses dependent on imports from China are feeling more desperate, https://apnews.com/article/china-tariffs-small-business-economy-imports-7bc7a0d07ddac551b3b24a5e477ccb0c

4.2 International Trade Relations

Chinese exports to the U.S. have plunged dramatically [1], while the Port of Los Angeles has warned about “difficult decisions” ahead as shipments from China cease [2]. China has adopted a defiant posture toward Trump’s trade policies, vowing to “stand firm” while urging nations to resist a “‘bully’ Trump” [3].

U.S. consumer confidence has plummeted to levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the trade war cited as a primary factor [4]. Tariffs-related stockpiling has boosted the U.S. goods trade deficit to a record high [5]. The administration is preparing financial relief for farmers affected by trade disputes [6], while Treasury Secretary Howard Bessent has indicated the U.S. is “very close” to a trade deal with India [7].

[1] China exports to U.S. plunge as tariffs hit, leading some experts to warn of product shortages, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-exports-to-us-drop-sharply/?linkId=808226992
[2] Port Of Los Angeles Warns ‘Difficult Decisions’ Ahead As Shipments From China Cease, https://www.investors.com/news/trump-trade-war-difficult-decisions-as-china-shipments-cease/
[3] China Vows to Stand Firm, Urges Nations to Resist ‘Bully’ Trump, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-29/china-rallies-countries-to-stand-up-to-trump-s-tariff-bullying
[4] US consumer confidence plummets to Covid-era low as trade war stokes anxiety, https://apnews.com/article/economy-confidence-tariffs-f3cb9058971c008127f8dc22c8933296?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=share
[5] Tariffs-related stockpiling boosts US goods trade deficit to record high, https://www.reuters.com/business/us-goods-trade-deficit-widens-sharply-march-2025-04-29/
[6] Trump ready to bail out farmers amid trade war squeeze, Rollins says, https://www.axios.com/2025/04/27/farm-tariffs-bailout-trump-china
[7] U.S. ‘very close’ to a trade deal with India, Bessent says, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/29/trump-india-trade-deal-bessent-south-korea-japan.html

5. Foreign Policy and Justice System

5.1 International Relations and Law Enforcement

Despite Trump’s campaign promise to achieve peace within 100 days, the Kyiv Independent reports that Russia’s violence against Ukraine has only escalated during this period [1]. Ukrainian President Zelensky has accused Russian President Putin of “deceiving” Trump with a new three-day ceasefire proposal [2]. Canada’s Prime Minister Carney stated “Canada’s Old Relationship With US Is Over” [3], with the European Union reportedly “reeling” from the administration’s actions [4].

Federal law enforcement agencies are employing aggressive tactics. The FBI is using polygraphs for “leak hunts” [5]. President Trump has issued an executive order titled “Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement” [6], while Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued what’s described as a “chilling warning to judges,” reportedly stating “We Will Find You” [7]. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is experiencing an exodus, with “over 100” attorneys having departed [8].

[1] Trump promised peace in 100 days, but Russia’s violence against Ukraine has only escalated, https://kyivindependent.com/trump-promised-peace-in-100-days-but-russias-violence-against-ukraine-has-only-escalated/
[2] Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky accuses Putin of ‘deceiving’ Trump with new three-day ceasefire, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-putin-ceasefire-zelensky-trump-latest-news-b2741220.html
[3] Watch Carney Says Canada’s Old Relationship With US Is Over, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-04-29/carney-says-canada-s-old-relationship-with-us-is-over
[4] ‘It’s unlike anything we have seen before’: European Union left reeling after Trump’s first 100 days, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/29/european-union-left-reeling-after-donald-trumps-first-100-days.html
[5] FBI, national security agencies using polygraphs for ’leak’ hunts, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/04/28/leak-polygraph-fbi-justice-odni-dhs/
[6] Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/strengthening-and-unleashing-americas-law-enforcement-to-pursue-criminals-and-protect-innocent-citizens/
[7] ‘We Will Find You’: AG Pam Bondi Issues Chilling Warning To Judges, https://abovethelaw.com/2025/04/we-will-find-you-ag-pam-bondi-issues-chilling-warning-to-judges/
[8] Exodus at DOJ civil rights division as official says ‘over 100’ attorneys departed, https://abc7.com/post/department-justice-exodus-doj-civil-rights-division-official-says-100-attorneys-departed/16271722/

5.2 Healthcare and Environmental Policy

Healthcare policy has emerged as a focal point of administration activity. Medicaid has become central to policy debates, with Republican senators publicly criticizing House-proposed changes to Medicaid as “cutting benefits” [1]. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s role as HHS Secretary has sparked controversy, with his sister publicly stating that “he is not an appropriate HHS Secretary” [2]. Kennedy is planning a $20 million “Take Back Your Health” ad campaign through HHS [3].

The administration has taken significant steps to reshape environmental policy, with all authors working on the National Climate Assessment dismissed [4]. Concerns about U.S. scientific research have emerged, with Nature publishing an article asking “Will US science survive Trump 2.0?” [5], and reporting that 75% of U.S. scientists in a poll are considering leaving [6].

[1] Republican senators pan proposed House changes to Medicaid as ‘cutting benefits’, https://www.semafor.com/article/04/29/2025/republican-senators-pan-proposed-house-changes-to-medicaid-as-cutting-benefits
[2] RFK Jr.’s Sister: ‘He Is Not an Appropriate HHS Secretary’, https://www.thedailybeast.com/robert-f-kennedy-jrs-sister-kerry-kennedy-says-he-is-not-an-appropriate-hhs-secretary/
[3] Kennedy planning $20 million HHS ‘Take Back Your Health’ ad campaign, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-care/kennedy-planning-20-million-hhs-take-back-health-ad-campaign-rcna202381
[4] All Authors Working on Flagship U.S. Climate Report Are Dismissed, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/climate/national-climate-assessment-authors-dismissed.html?unlocked_article_code=1.DU8.gNkN.wp-8sRou4ko8&smid=nytcore-android-share
[5] Will US science survive Trump 2.0?, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-01295-6
[6] 75% of US scientists who answered Nature poll consider leaving, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00938-y