[Tuesday, May 06] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Trump Administration Executive Actions and Leadership

1.1 Executive Power and Federal Funding Decisions

The Trump administration has enacted significant funding restrictions targeting research institutions and cultural programs. Harvard University faces an $8 billion pause on grant funding [1] and is barred from new federal research funding [2] until meeting unspecified presidential demands. Beyond higher education, the National Institutes of Health has laid off hundreds of staff [3], while the administration has cut the ‘Safe to Sleep’ infant safety team [4] and proposed shuttering the National Endowment for the Arts [5].

The Atlantic highlights “Elon Musk’s Most Alarming Power Grab” through his role heading the Department of Government Efficiency [6]. Salon characterizes Trump’s first 100 days as “A free fall not seen in modern history” with unusually aggressive efforts against democratic institutions [7]. Republicans have remained silent following Trump’s refusal to commit to upholding the Constitution [8].

[1] Department of Education announces $8 billion pause on Harvard’s grant funding, https://abcnews.go.com/US/department-education-announces-8-billion-pause-harvards-grant/story?id=121492755
[2] Trump administration bars Harvard from new federal research funding, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/05/trump-bars-harvard-new-federal-research-funding-00330059
[3] National Institutes of Health lays off hundreds more staff, including at cancer research institute, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nih-lays-off-hundreds-more-staff-cancer-research-institute/
[4] Trump 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
[5] National Endowment for the Arts sending grant terminations after Trump’s proposed budget calls for shuttering agency, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/national-endowment-for-the-arts-grant-terminations-trump-budget/
[6] Elon Musk’s Most Alarming Power Grab, https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/05/starlink-elon-musk-space-internet/682705/
[7] “A free fall not seen in modern history”: 100 days of destruction. Trump has been more aggressive in his efforts to destroy democracy than any other autocrat in recent decades., https://www.salon.com/2025/05/06/a-free-fall-not-seen-in-modern-history-100-days-of-destruction/
[8] Republicans Silent as Trump Refuses to Commit to Upholding Constitution, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/republicans-silent-trump-refuses-commit-constitution-1235332711/

1.2 Agency Restructuring and Regulatory Changes

Defense Secretary Hegseth has directed a 20% reduction in top military leadership positions [1]. The EPA is removing independent scientists while accelerating chemical approvals [2] and reorganizing to eliminate climate-related work [3]. The administration plans to eliminate the Energy Star program [4], while the Park Service has suspended air-quality monitoring at all national parks [5].

ProPublica reports “Millions of People Depend on the Great Lakes’ Water Supply. Trump Decimated the Lab Protecting It” [6]. Foreign Affairs warns Trump’s university policies could trigger a brain drain threatening U.S. innovation [7], with Columbia University cutting 180 staffers funded by revoked federal grants [8].

[1] Hegseth directs 20% cut to top military leadership positions, https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-pentagon-cuts-dd2107dff617951b0edf6ca86074d836
[2] Out at the E.P.A.: Independent Scientists. In: Approving New Chemicals., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/02/us/politics/trump-epa-cuts.html
[3] EPA reorganization signals end to climate work, https://www.eenews.net/articles/epa-reorganization-signals-end-to-climate-work/
[4] Trump admin plans to shut down money-saving Energy Star program soon, sources say, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/06/climate/energy-star-trump
[5] Park Service suspends air-quality monitoring at all national parks, https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/05/05/national-parks-air-quality-monitoring/
[6] Millions of People Depend on the Great Lakes’ Water Supply. Trump Decimated the Lab Protecting It., https://www.propublica.org/article/noaa-michigan-lab-toxic-algae-blooms-great-lakes-drinking-water
[7] America’s Coming Brain Drain: Trump’s War on Universities Could Kill U.S. Innovation, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/trump-universities-war-america-coming-brain-drain
[8] Columbia University cuts 180 staffers funded by federal grants revoked by Trump administration, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/columbia-university-cuts-180-staffers-funded-federal-grants-revoked-tr-rcna205080

2. Economic and Trade Policy

2.1 Tariff Implementation and International Responses

Trump’s tariff policies are creating significant economic ripples. Bloomberg quantifies “One Ship, $417 Million in New Tariffs: The Cost of Trump’s Trade War” [1]. Ships carrying Chinese goods subject to 145% tariffs are arriving in Los Angeles “half-full,” with shortages expected soon [2]. The European Union has prepared retaliatory measures targeting “€100 Billion of US Goods With Tariffs If Talks Fail” [3].

U.S.-Canada trade relations have deteriorated. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Trump “amid tariff turmoil” [4], while Reuters reports “Canadian firms look past US markets” due to uncertainty [5]. Japan’s finance minister calls U.S. Treasury holdings “a card” in tariff talks [6], while the administration is expected to announce pharmaceutical tariffs “in next two weeks” [7].

[1] One Ship, $417 Million in New Tariffs: The Cost of Trump’s Trade War, https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2025-china-ship-cost-in-tariffs-trade-war/
[2] The first boats carrying Chinese goods with 145% tariffs are arriving in LA. They’re half-full. Expect shortages soon, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/06/business/tariffs-price-increases-shortages-ports
[3] EU Targets €100 Billion of US Goods With Tariffs If Talks Fail, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-06/eu-targets-100-billion-of-us-goods-with-tariffs-if-talks-fail
[4] Carney to meet Trump today at White House amid tariff turmoil, https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/carney-set-to-meet-with-trump-at-white-house-amid-tariff-turmoil-today/
[5] Facing tariffs and uncertainty, Canadian firms look past US markets, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-tariffs-sink-canadian-companies-pivot-us-new-markets-2025-05-06/
[6] Japan’s finance minister calls US Treasury holdings ‘a card’ in tariff talks with Trump, https://apnews.com/article/japan-treasurys-trump-tariffs-44b9b37bf7a290701201322f69bade2e
[7] Trump to announce pharmaceutical tariffs ‘in next two weeks’, https://www.thetimes.com/article/0e802f3f-6a36-4f88-bbeb-a52eb087ccef?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Reddit#Echobox=1746526411

2.2 Business and Consumer Impacts

The tariff policies are directly affecting businesses and consumers. A used car business in Oklahoma is “already straining” from the tariffs [1], while wedding dress retailers face higher costs due to China tariffs [2]. Trump has called for a 100% tariff on foreign films [3], prompting California Governor Gavin Newsom to ask Trump to collaborate on a $7.5 billion tax credit for Hollywood [4].

Mattel warns of price increases after Trump reiterated that kids can deal with fewer dolls [5], while planned pharmaceutical tariffs will significantly increase prescription drug prices [6]. Despite promises to reduce energy prices, costs have increased during Trump’s first 100 days [7].

[1] Trump’s Tariffs Are Already Straining This Oklahoma Used Car Business, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/04/us/trump-tariffs-used-car-dealer.html
[2] Trump’s China tariffs are raising costs for wedding dresses and threatening the small shops that sell them, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/03/trump-china-tariffs-wedding-dresses-bridal-shops.html
[3] Trump called for 100% tariff on foreign films a day after Jon Voight proposed ’limited’ tariffs, https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/06/trump-movie-industry-tariffs-actor-jon-voight
[4] Newsom Asks Trump to Work With Him on $7.5 Billion Tax Credit for Hollywood, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/05/movies/tariffs-trump-voight.html?searchResultPosition=1
[5] Mattel warns of price hikes after Trump reiterates that kids can deal with fewer dolls, https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/mattel-warns-price-hikes-trump-reiterates-kids-can-deal-fewer-dolls-rcna204979
[6] Republicans Want You to Pay More at the Pharmacy — Or Die: Americans already pay far too much for prescription medications. Trump’s planned pharma tariffs will cause drug prices to skyrocket, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/trump-republicans-pay-more-medicine-die-1235330647/
[7] Trump promised to slash energy prices. 100 days in, they’re up—and expected to keep rising, https://www.fastcompany.com/91326181/trump-promised-to-slash-energy-prices-100-days-in-theyre-up-and-expected-to-keep-rising

3. Immigration and Border Security

3.1 Deportation Operations and Legal Challenges

Immigration enforcement has intensified with concerning humanitarian implications. Seven migrants have died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody during Trump’s first 100 days [1]. The administration has deported individuals previously protected by legal settlements [2] while negotiating with Rwanda [3] and Ukraine [4] to accept deportees.

The administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act for deportations has faced judicial resistance, with a second judge blocking its implementation [5]. A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to admit approximately 12,000 refugees [6]. A CIA assessment has challenged the administration’s interpretation of wartime deportation laws [7], while The Latin Times reports on U.S. citizens who have been deported [8].

[1] Lives cut short in ICE custody: Seven migrants die in Trump’s first 100 days, https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-05-05/lives-cut-short-in-ice-custody-seven-migrants-die-in-trumps-first-100-days.html
[2] He was protected from deportation by a legal settlement. Trump deported him anyway., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/05/daniel-lozano-camargo-el-salvador-deportation-00330300
[3] Rwanda says talks underway with US to host deported migrants | Rwanda, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/06/rwanda-us-migrants-deportation
[4] Trump team urged Ukraine to take U.S. deportees amid war, documents show, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/06/trump-ukraine-deportees/
[5] Second judge blocks Trump administration’s use of Alien Enemies Act to remove certain migrants, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-blocks-trump-alien-enemies-act-southern-district-of-new-york/
[6] Judge orders Trump administration to admit roughly 12,000 refugees, https://apnews.com/article/trump-refugee-admissions-suspension-ruling-aa8d219b8ad771eb6c034c45476a7ab3
[7] CIA Brutally Fact Checks Trump’s Wartime Deportation Law, https://www.thedailybeast.com/cia-brutally-fact-checks-trumps-rationale-for-using-alien-enemies-act/
[8] A Look At The U.S. Citizens Who Have Been Deported By The Trump Administration So Far, https://www.latintimes.com/look-us-citizens-who-have-been-deported-trump-administration-so-far-582298

4. National Security and Defense

4.1 Pentagon Leadership and Military Policies

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces mounting controversies over Ukraine policy. Reports indicate he halted weapons shipments to Ukraine without properly informing President Trump [1], while using the Signal messaging app to communicate sensitive military plans to other countries [2].

The Supreme Court has granted the Trump administration authority to implement its ban on transgender individuals serving in the military [3]. President Trump has announced the cessation of U.S. bombing operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels after the group pledged to stop targeting ships in the region [4]. Former Vice President Mike Pence has publicly rebuked Trump over “wavering” support for Ukraine [5], emphasizing that “Putin doesn’t want peace, he wants Ukraine” [6].

[1] Order by Hegseth to cancel Ukraine weapons caught White House off guard, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/order-by-hegseth-cancel-ukraine-weapons-caught-white-house-off-guard-2025-05-06/
[2] Extent of Pete Hegseth Signal usage revealed as he used app to ask aides to relay military plans to other countries, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/pete-hegseth-signal-app-b2745736.html
[3] Supreme Court Lets Trump Enforce Transgender Troop Ban as Cases Proceed, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/06/us/politics/supreme-court-transgender-troops.html?smid=re-share
[4] Trump says the US will stop bombing Yemen’s Houthis after rebels say they’ll stop targeting ships, https://apnews.com/article/trump-houthis-end-of-bombing-yemen-israel-e2f08ac04024ef3d6409b4ce97092489
[5] Mike Pence rebukes Trump over tariffs and ‘wavering’ support for Ukraine, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/05/pence-trump-tariffs-ukraine
[6] ‘Putin doesn’t want peace, he wants Ukraine’ — Pence rebukes Trump’s stance on Russia, https://kyivindependent.com/putin-doesnt-want-peace-he-wants-ukraine-pence-rebukes-trumps-stance-on-russia/

4.2 Israel-Palestine Conflict

Israel-Palestine conflict continues to intensify. Israel has approved a plan to capture all of Gaza and called up tens of thousands of reserve troops [1]. U.S. public opinion on the conflict has shifted, with the BBC reporting that “Americans used to be steadfast in their support for Israel. Those days are gone” [2]. An Israeli news investigation claims the Biden administration did not try to end what the source characterizes as genocide in Gaza [3].

[1] Israel approves plan to capture all of Gaza, calls up tens of thousands of reserve troops, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/israel-approves-plan-capture-all-gaza-calls-up-tens-thousands-reserve-troops-report
[2] Americans used to be steadfast in their support for Israel. Those days are gone, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4n90g6v9qo
[3] Israeli News Investigation Confirms Biden Administration Did Not Try to End Genocide in Gaza, https://www.democracynow.org/2025/5/1/headlines/israeli_news_investigation_confirms_biden_administration_did_not_try_to_end_genocide_in_gaza

5. US-Canada Relations and International Diplomacy

A White House meeting between President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed significant tensions. Trump suggested Canada could become part of the United States, prompting Carney to respond that “Canada is not for sale” [1] and reportedly whispering “never, never, never” [2]. Trump replied “Never say never” [3]. Carney publicly rebuked Trump’s statements about U.S.-Canada trade during their Oval Office appearance [4].

The Guardian warns Trump “is destroying” America’s “greatest strategic advantage” of “friendly neighbors” [5]. Europe has launched “a drive to attract scientists and researchers after Trump freezes US funding” [6], potentially accelerating a brain drain. Kentucky bourbon exports are at risk as Trump-Canada trade tensions escalate [7].

[1] Canada “is not for sale,” Carney tells Trump in White House meeting, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/06/trump-carney-oval-office-canada-51-state-sale
[2] Canadian PM Smacks Down Trump to His Face: Not ‘For Sale’ - Mark Carney whispered “never, never, never” as Trump said he wanted to make Canada part of America., https://www.thedailybeast.com/canadian-pm-mark-carney-smacks-down-trump-to-his-face-not-for-sale/
[3] Trump to Canadian PM: ‘Never say never’ on Canada becoming 51st state, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5285396-canada-not-for-sale-trump/
[4] Canadian PM rebukes Trump claim about US-Canada trade in Oval Office, https://www.newsweek.com/mark-carney-rebukes-trump-trade-oval-office-2068804
[5] Geography has given the US unrivaled security. Trump is destroying it: The US’s greatest strategic advantage is its friendly neighbors. But its ties to Canada and Mexico are being undermined, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/04/trump-us-canada-mexico-relationship
[6] Europe launches a drive to attract scientists and researchers after Trump freezes US funding, https://apnews.com/article/europe-us-science-funding-researchers-6a769e6d40c5127d59797e44a2470cfe
[7] Kentucky bourbon exports at risk as Trump-Canada trade tensions escalate, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/kentucky-bourbon-exports-risk-trump-canada-trade-tensions/story?id=121530023