[Monday, May 05] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Executive Authority and Constitutional Questions

1.1 Presidential Power Expansion

President Trump has made statements raising fundamental questions about constitutional authority. When asked if he must uphold constitutional due process, Trump reportedly said “I don’t know” [1]. Despite these concerns, he has explicitly stated he won’t seek a third term, saying “I’ll be an eight-year president” [2]. Senior adviser Stephen Miller has presented what critics describe as a “totally made up definition” of constitutional due process protections [3].

The president has directed the Bureau of Prisons to reopen and expand Alcatraz prison [4], specifying it would house the country’s “most ruthless” offenders [5]. The administration is considering labeling some suspected cartel and gang members inside the United States as “enemy combatants” [6] and has introduced a financial incentive program offering $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the country [7].

[1] Trump says he doesn’t know if he needs to uphold constitutional due process | Trump administration, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/04/trump-due-process-rights-constitution
[2] ‘I’ll be an eight-year president’: Trump weighs in on third-term speculation, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2028-election/-eight-year-president-trump-weighs-third-term-speculation-rcna204579
[3] Stephen Miller Unveils Totally Made Up Definition of “Due Process”, https://newrepublic.com/post/194875/stephen-miller-definition-due-process-immigration
[4] Trump directs Bureau of Prisons to reopen Alcatraz, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-directs-bureau-prisons-reopen-alcatraz-2025-05-04/
[5] Trump says he has ordered reopening and expansion of Alcatraz to house country’s ‘most ruthless’ offenders, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-alcatraz-reopen-prison-b2744830.html
[6] Trump administration considering labeling some suspected cartel and gang members inside the US as ’enemy combatants’, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/02/politics/trump-administration-considers-labeling-suspected-cartels-gangs-enemy-combatants
[7] DHS will offer a $1K stipend to migrants who self-deport, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/05/dhs-money-offer-migrants-self-deport-00326428

1.2 Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, faces scrutiny over its effectiveness. Reports indicate that despite workforce reductions, savings are minimal and offset by degraded government services [1]. Questions have emerged about DOGE’s actual purpose beyond cost-cutting [2]. Musk has stated that he and Trump are aligned “80% of the time” [3]. House Democrats have launched an investigation into Musk’s potential conflicts of interest [4].

[1] As Musk steps back, experts say Doge cuts have harmed government services | The billionaire fired thousands of workers, but savings are minimal and offset by degradation of services., https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/05/elon-musk-doge-federal-government
[2] DOGE Isn’t Saving Money, So What’s It Really Doing?, https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-05-05/doge-isn-t-saving-money-so-what-s-it-really-doing
[3] Elon Musk Says He And Trump Are On the Same Page ‘80% Of The Time’, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-elon-musk-friendship_n_6817d073e4b0e811371e3efa
[4] House Democrats launch probe into Elon Musk’s ‘conflict of interest’, https://www.newsweek.com/house-democrats-launch-probe-elon-musks-conflict-interest-2068031

2. Economic and Trade Policy

2.1 Tariffs and International Response

President Trump has announced a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the United States [1], an unprecedented move targeting the entertainment industry. Reports indicate actor Jon Voight met with Trump before the proposal was announced [2]. The White House states “no final decisions” have been made [3]. UK concerns have emerged that such tariffs could “wipe out” their film industry [4].

Beyond film, Trump has expanded tariffs to include small packages from China [5] and suggested tariffs on dolls, stating U.S. girls “could be very happy with lots fewer dolls” under new tariffs [6]. Chinese exporters are reportedly circumventing Trump’s tariffs by routing products through third countries [7]. These policies have triggered significant international backlash, with European consumers boycotting American brands [8] and a Canadian boycott reportedly “ravaging” U.S. border towns [9].

[1] Trump announces 100% tariff for movies produced outside US, https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/trump-announces-100-tariff-movies-produced-outside-us-2025-05-04/
[2] Jon Voight met with Trump before president proposed tariffs on foreign film productions, https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/jon-voight-hollywood-plan-donald-trump-tariffs-rcna204968
[3] Trump White House says ’no final decisions’ on foreign film tariffs: Officials say administration ’exploring all options’ after president declared 100% tariff on non-US-produced films, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/05/trump-tariffs-foreign-movies
[4] Fears Trump’s foreign film tariffs could ‘wipe out’ UK movie industry, https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/05/fears-trump-foreign-film-tariffs-wipe-out-uk-movie-industry
[5] Small Packages From China Are Now Subject to US Tariffs. Here’s What to Know, https://www.wired.com/story/tariffs-temu-shein-trump-de-minimis/
[6] Trump says U.S. girls ‘could be very happy’ with lots fewer dolls under new tariffs, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/05/trump-dolls-china-tariffs-.html
[7] Chinese exporters ‘wash’ products in third countries to avoid Donald Trump’s tariffs, https://www.ft.com/content/147fddbb-7031-4347-9251-4425614e138d
[8] As Backlash to Trump’s Tariffs Grows, Europe Boycotts American Brands, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/05/business/tariffs-europe-boycott-american-goods.html
[9] US Border Towns Are Being Ravaged by Canada’s Furious Boycott, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-05-05/canada-s-us-boycott-is-ravaging-american-border-towns

2.2 Economic Impact and Financial Services

Economic analyses warn of challenges arising from current policies. The Washington Post reports that Trump’s trade war and interest rates are weighing on housing and the broader economy [1]. Some analysts warn that current policies could “make Americans permanently poorer” [2], while others have published guidance on preparing for what they term a “Trumpcession” [3]. The global economy is “already feeling drag from Trump tariffs” [4].

Student loan collections officially restarted on May 5, affecting more than 5 million borrowers in default [5], with the administration reportedly preparing to implement wage garnishment [6]. Social Security has reduced its benefit clawback rate from 100% to 50% for certain beneficiaries, although experts still warn of “devastating” effects [7]. Republican lawmakers are exploring “per capita caps” as a mechanism to generate Medicaid savings [8], with analysis suggesting the “Republican Budget Plan Could Kick Millions Off Medicaid” [9].

[1] Trump trade war, rates weigh on housing market and economy, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/05/housing-economy-tariffs-rates/
[2] How Trump could make Americans permanently poorer, https://www.vox.com/politics/411360/value-dollar-trump-tariffs-trade-war
[3] How to Prepare for the Trumpcession, https://www.theatlantic.com/economy/archive/2025/05/trump-economic-policy-recession/682680/
[4] Global economy already feeling drag from Trump tariffs, https://www.reuters.com/world/china/global-economy-already-feeling-drag-trump-tariffs-2025-05-05/
[5] Student loan collections restart for more than 5 million borrowers in default, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/05/student-loan-collections-restart-for-borrowers-in-default.html
[6] ‘Unconscionable’: Trump Ready to Garnish Wages for Indebted Student Loan Borrowers, https://www.commondreams.org/news/student-loan-wage-garnishment
[7] Social Security reduces benefit clawback from 100% to 50% for some; experts still warn of ‘devastating’ effects, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/05/social-security-overpayment-withholding-rate-change.html
[8] Republicans eye ‘per capita caps’ in Medicaid savings search, https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5280452-medicaid-spending-caps-republicans/
[9] The Republican Budget Plan Could Kick Millions Off Medicaid, https://newrepublic.com/article/194799/republican-budget-kick-millions-off-medicaid

3. International Relations and Security

3.1 Foreign Policy and Military Posture

President Trump has renewed threats of military force to annex Greenland [1] and made statements regarding potential military action, saying he “doesn’t see it with Canada” but noting that “something could happen with Greenland” [2]. Foreign policy analysts are advocating that “Trump Should Rein In Taiwan” [3], suggesting concerns about U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Israeli officials have indicated plans to “occupy and flatten all of Gaza” if no deal is reached before President Trump’s upcoming visit [4]. Tensions with Iran are escalating, with Netanyahu reportedly pushing for military action while Trump holds back [5]. President Trump has claimed that European Union leaders have asked him to contact Russian President Putin because Putin has been ignoring their calls [6].

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed a 20% reduction in the number of senior generals at the Pentagon [7]. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz faces scrutiny after a messaging application he used suspended service following reports of being hacked [8]. President Trump is considering Stephen Miller for national security adviser [9].

[1] Trump renews threat of military force to annex Greenland, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-greenland-military-force-threat-b2745130.html
[2] Trump on using military force says “I don’t see it with Canada,” but “something could happen with Greenland.”, https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/trump-greenland-military-force-canada/
[3] Trump Should Rein In Taiwan, https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/05/01/trump-taiwan-china-war-military/
[4] Israel plans to occupy and flatten all of Gaza if no deal by Trump’s trip, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/05/israel-gaza-destroy-trump-deal
[5] Netanyahu Is Pushing for an Iran War, but Trump Holds Back for Now, https://www.thenation.com/article/world/netanyahu-trump-iran-waltz-firing/
[6] Trump says EU leaders asked him to call Putin because he’s been ignoring their calls, https://kyivindependent.com/trump-says-eu-leaders-asked-him-to-call-putin-claiming-russian-president-ignored-their-calls/
[7] Hegseth orders Pentagon to cut number of senior generals by 20%, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/05/politics/hegseth-orders-pentagon-cut-senior-generals
[8] TeleMessage app used by Mike Waltz suspends service over suspected hack, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/05/mike-waltz-app-trump
[9] Trump says he is considering Stephen Miller for national security adviser, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-is-considering-stephen-miller-new-national-security-adviser-2025-05-05/

4. Domestic Programs and Federal Cuts

4.1 Education and Research Funding

The Trump administration has barred Harvard University from receiving new federal research grants [1]. Budget cuts have eliminated more than a dozen U.S. government health-tracking programs [2]. Europe is actively recruiting American scientists who feel “shunned” by the U.S. [3], while researchers are reportedly looking to relocate abroad as “Trump slashes funding” [4]. The administration is reportedly calling for “significant cuts” to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights [5].

[1] Trump Administration Disqualifies Harvard From Future Research Grants, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/05/us/politics/trump-harvard-research-grants.html
[2] Cuts have eliminated more than a dozen US government health-tracking programs, https://apnews.com/article/cdc-disease-tracking-health-surveillance-554eb9aa20b758714eba8b835dcde856
[3] Europe Makes a Pitch to Attract Scientists Shunned by the U.S., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/05/world/europe/eu-us-scientists-trump.html
[4] US researchers look to relocate as Trump slashes funding, https://www.france24.com/en/video/20250505-us-researchers-look-to-relocate-as-trump-slashes-funding
[5] Admin calls for significant cuts to Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, https://jewishinsider.com/2025/05/admin-calls-for-significant-cuts-to-department-of-educations-office-for-civil-rights/

4.2 Healthcare and Public Safety

The administration is considering ending a $56 million grant program that provides Narcan (naloxone) to first responders for treating opioid overdoses [1]. The National Institutes of Health has cut its “Safe to Sleep” team [2], a program designed to reduce infant mortality. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “MAHA” (Make America Healthy Again) movement is expanding across multiple states [3], while advocates have rejected his proposal for a national autism database, describing it as “a slippery slope to eugenics” [4]. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is “ending door-to-door canvassing in disaster areas” [5], potentially altering how disaster victims access relief services.

[1] Trump looks to end $56 million grant to give Narcan to first responders to help save lives during an overdose, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-narcan-overdose-grant-b2739727.html
[2] NIH cuts baby ‘Safe to Sleep’ team. Here’s what parents should know, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/05/nx-s1-5383871/trump-cuts-safe-sleep-sids-baby
[3] RFK Jr.’s MAHA movement is coming to a state near you, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/03/maha-rfk-jr-state-legislation-hhs/83323250007/
[4] ‘A slippery slope to eugenics’: advocates reject RFK Jr’s national autism database, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/05/autism-national-database-rfk-jr
[5] FEMA Is Ending Door-to-Door Canvassing in Disaster Areas, https://www.wired.com/story/fema-ending-door-to-door-canvassing-disaster-areas/

5. Legal Challenges and Ethics Concerns

5.1 Legal Challenges to Administration Policies

Multiple state-led legal challenges against Trump administration policies have emerged, with 19 states plus DC suing the administration [1]. States are challenging what The Verge characterizes as an “existential threat to wind energy” [2], with New York Governor Hochul specifically suing over “pausing of wind energy development” [3]. In federal courts, an appeals court has rejected attempts to revoke the legal status of approximately 400,000 migrants [4]. Maine Governor Janet Mills has secured a legal victory against the Trump administration, successfully challenging federal withholding of school meal funds linked to her state’s policies protecting transgender children [5]. In Missouri, elected officials are attempting to overrule a voter-approved measure that restored abortion rights in the state [6].

[1] The AGs of 19 states and DC sue the Trump administration, https://www.thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5283255-trump-administration-health-federal-restructuring/
[2] States sue Trump over ’existential threat’ to wind energy, https://www.theverge.com/news/661318/wind-energy-electricity-states-lawsuit-president-trump
[3] Gov. Hochul suing Trump Admin. for pausing of wind energy development, https://www.silive.com/climate/2025/05/gov-hochul-suing-trump-admin-for-pausing-of-wind-energy-development-including-si-project.html
[4] Appeals court denies Trump request to revoke 400,000 migrants’ legal status, https://www.newsweek.com/appeals-court-denies-trump-request-revoke-400000-migrants-legal-status-2068280
[5] Maine Gov. Janet Mills beats Donald Trump, gets school meal funds restored while defending trans kids. She said she would see him in court. She did. She won., https://www.advocate.com/news/janet-mills-beats-trump-transphobia
[6] Missouri’s voters restored abortion rights. Their leaders are trying to overrule them., https://19thnews.org/2025/05/missouri-abortion-rights-laws-protections/

5.2 Administration Ethics and Conflicts

The New York Times reports that the president’s sons are engaged in deals across three continents that directly benefit the president [1], raising conflict of interest questions. Mother Jones alleges President Trump has violated promises regarding foreign business dealings [2]. CBS News reports the “Trump family’s net worth has increased by $2.9 billion thanks to crypto investments” [3], while NBC News reports that “Trump hasn’t said who funded his presidential transition effort despite pledging to disclose donors” [4]. Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio reportedly thanked Trump for a pardon during a Mar-a-Lago encounter [5] and says he met with Trump in Florida [6].

[1] Trump Sons’ Deals on Three Continents Directly Benefit the President, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/05/us/politics/eric-donald-jr-trump-family-deals.html
[2] Trump Promised No New Business Deals With Foreign Governments. He Lied. - His family’s real estate deals put the president in direct conflict with the Constitution., https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/05/trump-org-foreign-real-estate-deals-unconstitutional-business-ethics-conflict-interest/
[3] Trump family’s net worth has increased by $2.9 billion thanks to crypto investments, new report says, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-family-net-worth-crypto-investments/
[4] Trump hasn’t said who funded his presidential transition effort despite pledging to disclose donors, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-not-said-funded-presidential-transition-effort-pledging-disclose-rcna204785
[5] Proud Boys’ Ex-Leader Thanks Trump for Pardon at Mar-a-Lago Encounter, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/04/us/politics/trump-tarrio-proud-boys-pardon.html
[6] Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio says he met with Trump in Florida, https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-e011d3a6db465f9ae20f441e4b6bea45

6. Political Landscape

6.1 Party Dynamics and Opposition

Republican representatives have encountered heated town hall meetings, with reports of congressmen being “peppered with questions about Trump” [1] and sessions “descending into chaos as constituents revolt” [2]. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has warned that Republicans risk a “crushing election loss” if current trends continue [3]. The Daily Beast reports that “Even Republicans Don’t Want Trump to Run for a Third Term” [4].

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have emerged as “Trump resistance leaders” despite their contrasting backgrounds [5]. Maryland Governor Wes Moore is described as “a rising Democratic star” who “leans into a sense of national pride as the party searches for new vision” [6]. Tensions have emerged between generations of Democratic lawmakers, with reporting on “a public fight about their oldest lawmakers” [7]. Former Vice President Mike Pence has received the JFK Profile in Courage Award for his actions on January 6 [8] and has subsequently made public statements defending the Constitution [9].

[1] A GOP congressman is peppered with questions about Trump during raucous town hall, https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-lawler-trump-dc074f165919c3d5305b3fa0e382c2b0
[2] Yet Another GOP Town Hall Descends Into Chaos as Constituents Revolt, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/mike-lawler-town-hall-chaos-woman-removed-1235331885
[3] MTG Warns Republicans Will Suffer Crushing Election Loss at This Rate, https://newrepublic.com/post/194871/marjorie-taylor-greene-warns-republicans-midterms-election-loss
[4] Even Republicans Don’t Want Trump to Run for a Third Term, https://www.thedailybeast.com/even-republicans-dont-want-trump-to-run-for-a-third-term/
[5] Pritzker and Ocasio-Cortez: A billionaire and a former bartender emerge as Trump resistance leaders, https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/pritzker-ocasio-cortez-billionaire-former-bartender-emerge-trump-121444008
[6] Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a rising Democratic star, leans into a sense of national pride as the party searches for new vision, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/05/politics/wes-moore-democrats-trump
[7] House Democrats Are Having a Public Fight About Their Oldest Lawmakers | Democrats serve later in life than Republicans, fueling tensions between leaders and the younger generations, https://www.wsj.com/politics/house-democrats-are-having-a-public-fight-about-their-oldest-lawmakers-d99519c
[8] Mike Pence receives JFK Profile in Courage Award for Jan. 6 actions, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/mike-pence-receives-jfk-profile-courage-award-january-6-actions-rcna204763
[9] Former Vice President Pence defends Constitution after getting Profile in Courage Award, https://apnews.com/article/pence-profile-courage-award-jfk-capitol-riot-10918d5bc5a356a19b7fa524fea16760