[Thursday, May 08] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Federal Government Structure and Operations

1.1 Executive Branch Appointments and Actions

The Trump administration continues implementing significant personnel changes. FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton was abruptly fired just ahead of hurricane season after reportedly opposing proposals to eliminate or restructure the agency [1]. In another high-profile nomination, Dr. Casey Means, described as a “holistic influencer” with ties to RFK Jr., has been tapped for U.S. Surgeon General [2], with Trump later admitting he didn’t personally know Means but accepted RFK Jr.’s recommendation [3]. Voice of America will now receive feeds from pro-Trump network One America News [4], representing a major shift in government media operations. The administration has also announced an air traffic control system overhaul [5] and discontinued a long-standing database tracking disaster costs since 1980 [6].

[1] FEMA Leader Fired After Breaking With Trump Administration on Eliminating Agency, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fema-leader-fired-trump-administration-cameron-hamilton/
[2] Trump nominates Dr Casey Means, influencer close to RFK Jr, for surgeon general, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/07/trump-surgeon-general-nominee-casey-means
[3] Trump Admits He Doesn’t ‘Know’ His Surgeon General Pick Despite Nominating Her: RFK Jr ‘Thought She Was Fantastic’, https://www.latintimes.com/trump-admits-he-doesnt-know-his-surgeon-general-pick-despite-nominating-her-rfk-jr-thought-she-582649
[4] Voice of America to Receive Feeds From Pro-Trump Network, Administration Says, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/07/us/politics/trump-voice-of-america.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=g&pvid=A5396CF0-CE17-487B-BCB3-A615493DF55E
[5] Air traffic control system overhaul to be announced by Trump administration, https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/05/08/air-traffic-modernization-trump-cuts/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com
[6] Trump admin ends extreme weather database that has tracked cost of disasters since 1980, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/08/climate/noaa-ends-disaster-database

1.2 Agency Restructuring and Budget Cuts

The administration continues implementing significant cuts across federal agencies. NIH research grants are being axed despite legal challenges [1], with a leaked memo revealing restrictions on grants for vaccine hesitancy, climate change health effects, gender-affirming care, and diversity initiatives [2]. NASA faces significant budget reductions [3], while coal miners in West Virginia have lost access to black lung screenings after cuts to worker safety agency NIOSH [4]. The Energy Star program faces elimination after three decades [5], and Bill Gates has publicly accused Elon Musk of “killing” children through USAID cuts [6].

[1] Trump’s NIH Axed Research Grants Even After a Judge Blocked the Cuts, Internal Records Show, https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-nih-cuts-transgender-research-grants
[2] Leaked Memo Reveals Details About Trump’s War on Science at the NIH | On the chopping block for grants: Vaccine hesitancy, the health effects of climate change, gender-affirming care, DEI, research in China, and more., https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/05/nih-hhs-leaked-memo-funding-cuts-trump-war-on-science-vaccines-rfk-climate-change-covid-china/
[3] What Trump’s NASA Budget Cuts Mean for the Space Agency, https://time.com/7283206/what-trump-proposed-nasa-budget-cuts-mean-for-space-science/
[4] West Virginia coal miners lose black lung screenings after Trump slashes worker safety agency NIOSH, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/west-virginia-coal-miners-lose-black-lung-screenings-trump-slashes-worker-safety-agency-niosh/
[5] Trump administration plans to eliminate the Energy Star program after 3 decades, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-energy-star-program-epa-eliminate/
[6] Bill Gates accuses Elon Musk of ‘killing’ children with USAID cuts, https://www.ft.com/content/bdd9bb89-ac3c-4043-9ca4-bc7efbd41fed

1.3 Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) faces challenges gaining traction with lawmakers [1]. Reports indicate public land agencies depleted by DOGE will rely more heavily on private partners [2]. The Trump administration is reportedly pressuring nations subject to U.S. tariffs to approve Musk’s Starlink service [3], while tensions between tech leaders are escalating, with Bill Gates reportedly accusing Musk of “killing the world’s poorest children” [4].

[1] DOGE is sputtering on Capitol Hill, https://www.businessinsider.com/doge-congress-subcommittee-caucus-rescissions-2025-5?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=insider-politics-sub-post
[2] DOGE-depleted public land agencies expect to lean more on private partners, https://wyofile.com/doge-depleted-public-land-agencies-expect-to-lean-more-on-private-partners/
[3] ‘The Corruption Is Staggering’: Trump Officials Push Tariffed Nations to Approve Musk’s Starlink, https://www.commondreams.org/news/elon-musk-starlink
[4] Bill Gates says Elon Musk is “killing world’s poorest children”, https://www.newsweek.com/bill-gates-says-elon-musk-killing-worlds-poorest-children-2069595

2. Economic and Trade Policy

2.1 Tariffs and International Trade

The administration’s tariff policies are creating significant economic tensions. China has explicitly called for the U.S. to cancel tariffs ahead of planned trade talks [1], while Americans are reporting tangible effects of tariffs through higher prices [2]. President Trump has characterized 10% as only the minimum tariff rate, with some potentially being “much higher” [3] and has stated that tariffs slowing down ports is a “good thing” [4]. The administration has announced a trade deal with the United Kingdom [5], though economic experts have expressed skepticism about its benefits. The European Union has announced approximately €100 billion in countermeasures targeting U.S. planes and automobiles [6].

[1] China Reiterates US Should Cancel Tariffs Ahead of Trade Talks, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-08/china-reiterates-us-should-cancel-tariffs-ahead-of-trade-talks
[2] Americans are already seeing Trump’s tariffs kick in. They sent in receipts to prove it, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/08/g-s1-64816/tariffs-prices-receipts-trump
[3] Trump says 10% is floor for tariffs; ‘Some will be much higher’, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/08/trump-tariffs-trade-minimum.html
[4] Trump: China tariffs slowing down ports is a “good thing”, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/08/trump-tariffs-china-ports-slowdown
[5] Donald Trump announces trade deal with UK, https://www.ft.com/content/d43d2b3d-1b3e-4496-96db-aa407ff17306
[6] EU takes aim at US planes, autos in €100B counterstrike against Trump tariffs, https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-ready-fresh-100-billion-counterstrike-donald-trump-tariffs/

2.2 Financial Markets and Taxation

Conflict has emerged between the administration and the Federal Reserve, with President Trump calling Fed Chair Jerome Powell a “fool” after the central bank held interest rates steady despite presidential pressure [1]. In a surprising policy shift, Trump is advocating for higher taxes on wealthy Americans earning $2.5 million or more annually [2], urging Congressional Republicans and Speaker Mike Johnson to incorporate this increase into what he calls a “Big Beautiful Bill” [3]. The cryptocurrency sector is generating controversy, with a Trump-hosted fundraising dinner where plates reportedly cost $1.5 million drawing ethics scrutiny [4].

[1] Trump calls Fed Chair Jerome Powell a ‘fool’ after central bank keeps rates steady again, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/08/trump-calls-fed-chair-jerome-powell-a-fool-after-central-bank-keeps-rates-steady.html
[2] Trump Seeks Tax Hike on Wealthy Who Earn $2.5 Million or More, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-08/trump-seeks-tax-hike-on-wealthy-who-earn-2-5-million-or-more
[3] Trump tells congress to raise taxes on the rich in “Big Beautiful Bill”, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/08/trump-tax-millionaires-republicans/
[4] Trump’s crypto dinner, where plates cost $1.5m, draws ethics concerns as president could make millions from meme coin, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-crypto-dinner-ethics-b2745231.html

3. Immigration and Border Policy

3.1 Deportation Initiatives and Enforcement

Reports indicate Trump’s Border Czar secretly deported two U.S. citizen children after allegedly deceiving their mother [1]. The administration has asked the Supreme Court to revoke the legal status of approximately 500,000 immigrants currently protected under humanitarian provisions [2]. ICE has reportedly threatened to deport a Texas man to Ukraine [3] and conducted a raid on a restaurant owned by a CBS News anchor’s husband [4]. A judge has demanded that Trump officials provide detailed legal justification for the deportation of a Palestinian activist [5].

[1] Trump’s Border Czar Secretly Deported Two U.S. Citizen Children, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-border-czar-tom-homan-secretly-deported-two-us-citizen-children-to-mexico/
[2] Trump asks Supreme Court to revoke legal status of 500,000 immigrants, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/trump-asks-supreme-court-revoke-legal-status-500000-immigrants-rcna205639
[3] ICE Threatened To Deport Texas Man To War Torn Country, https://www.newsweek.com/ice-threat-deport-texas-man-ukraine-2069128
[4] ICE raids restaurant owned by CBS News anchor’s husband, https://www.newsweek.com/cbs-news-norah-odonnell-husband-dc-restaurant-ice-raid-2069094
[5] Judge demands Trump officials detail legal grounds for deporting Palestinian activist, https://www.reuters.com/legal/judge-demands-trump-officials-detail-legal-grounds-deporting-palestinian-2025-05-07/

3.2 Legal Challenges

The Trump administration is facing unprecedented judicial opposition, with courts blocking administration actions more than 200 times [1]. A U.S. judge has blocked the administration’s plan to deport migrants to Libya [2] amid reports highlighting concerning abuses faced by migrants there. Bloomberg reports that the U.S. economy would face significant losses if the administration pushes out legal immigrants [3], while an NPR report reveals administration plans focused on resettling white South Africans [4].

[1] Trump Has Been Stopped By Courts More Than 200 Times, https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2025-lawsuits-against-trump-administration/
[2] US judge blocks plan to deport migrants to Libya, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yry9y089eo
[3] What the US Would Lose If Trump Pushes Out Legal Immigrants, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-08/legal-us-immigrant-workers-from-latin-america-set-to-vanish-under-trump
[4] Memo outlines Trump administration plans on resettling white South Africans, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/08/nx-s1-5389835/memo-outlines-trump-administration-plans-on-resettling-white-south-africans

4. Justice and Legal System

4.1 Supreme Court and Judicial Independence

The Supreme Court has allowed the administration to enforce its transgender military ban while cases proceed through the courts [1]. Chief Justice John Roberts has defended judicial independence as essential for checking both Congress and the president [2], which Rep. Jayapal characterized as “sending a message” to Trump [3]. Oklahoma GOP legislators are asking the Court to overturn same-sex marriage, with Republicans in at least five other states introducing similar resolutions [4].

[1] Supreme Court Lets Trump Enforce Transgender Troop Ban as Cases Proceed • Lower courts had blocked the policy, saying it was not supported by evidence and violated equal protection principles., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/06/us/politics/supreme-court-transgender-troops.html
[2] Chief Justice Roberts says judicial independence is key to checking Congress and the president, https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-roberts-trump-federal-judges-impeachment-38f3a626328894580f15874f304be636
[3] Chief Justice Roberts ‘sending a message’ to Trump over independence of judges: Rep. Jayapal, https://www.msnbc.com/ana-cabrera-reports/watch/chief-justice-roberts-sending-a-message-to-trump-over-independence-of-judges-rep-jayapal-239174213872
[4] Oklahoma GOP legislators ask Supreme Court to overturn same-sex marriage. Republicans in at least five other states have introduced similar resolutions., https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/oklahoma-gop-legislators-ask-supreme-court-to-overturn-same-marriage/

4.2 DOJ Appointments and Criminal Justice

President Trump withdrew Ed Martin’s nomination for DC U.S. Attorney after resistance from Republican senators concerned about his alleged extremism [1] and is now considering Fox News host and former judge Jeanine Pirro for the position [2]. The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James [3]. A botched execution by firing squad has raised concerns about capital punishment protocols after an autopsy revealed executioners missed the prisoner’s heart [4].

[1] Trump Withdraws U.S. Attorney Nominee, Whose Extremism Tested Limits for G.O.P. Senators, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/us/politics/ed-martin-justice-department-republicans.html?campaign_id=190&emc=edit_ufn_20250508&instance_id=154145&nl=from-the-times®i_id=93576114&segment_id=197568&user_id=3baeb9af6d5a167095d28bc09c6d2eab
[2] Trump considering naming Jeanine Pirro as the acting US attorney for DC, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/08/politics/jeanine-pirro-trump-acting-dc-prosecutor?cid=ios_app
[3] New York Attorney General Letitia James investigated by Justice Dept., https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/08/letitia-james-mortgage-investigation-trump-justice-fbi/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com
[4] A firing squad tried to shoot a prisoner in the heart. They missed, autopsy indicates, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/08/nx-s1-5389846/firing-squad-south-carolina-death-penalty-execution

5. Congressional Activity and Political Dynamics

5.1 Legislation and Party Relations

House Republicans have passed legislation to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” [1], a move promoted by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene with only one Republican reportedly voting against the measure [2]. House Republicans are experiencing significant infighting over what Trump calls his “big beautiful bill” [3], with Rep. Chip Roy demanding leadership “show us the math” regarding tax cuts and Medicaid proposals [4]. Internal tensions within the Democratic Party are increasingly visible, with Senator Fetterman reportedly becoming isolated following an outburst at a meeting with union officials [5].

[1] House approves Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bill renaming Gulf of Mexico as “Gulf of America”, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marjorie-taylor-greene-renaming-gulf-of-mexico-gulf-of-america-house-vote/
[2] Lone Republican votes against bill renaming Gulf of Mexico, https://www.newsweek.com/lone-republican-votes-bill-renaming-gulf-mexico-2069712
[3] House GOP infighting turns ugly over Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/07/politics/medicaid-republicans-divided-house-trump-bill
[4] Rep. Chip Roy says GOP leaders need to ‘show us the math’ in tax cut, Medicaid talks, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/rep-chip-roy-says-gop-leaders-need-to-show-us-the-math-in-tax-cut-medicaid-talks
[5] John Fetterman finds himself increasingly alone, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/08/fetterman-island-new-york-article-00333777

5.2 State-Federal Tensions

California is developing strategies to protect state policies from federal interference [1], while the Trump administration is reviewing Maryland’s authority to set Medicare rates, potentially threatening the state’s healthcare cost control system [2]. Pennsylvania’s House has approved legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis [3], and Washington has become the third state to enact a rent cap law [4]. Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s blocking of funding for electric vehicle chargers [5].

[1] Is California’s Plan to Trump-Proof the State Enough?, https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/trump-proofing-california/?nc=1
[2] Bumps AHEAD: Trump administration evaluating Maryland’s authority to set Medicare rates, https://marylandmatters.org/2025/05/08/bumps-ahead-trump-administration-evaluating-marylands-authority-to-set-medicare-rates/
[3] Pennsylvania House approves bill to legalize adult-use cannabis, https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-house-passes-adult-use-cannabis-bill/64703256
[4] Washington becomes 3rd state to enact rent cap law, https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/07/washington-rent-hike-limit
[5] 16 states and DC are suing the Trump administration over blocking funding for EV chargers, https://www.businessinsider.com/states-dc-sue-trump-administration-funding-ev-chargers-billions-lawsuit-2025-5?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=insider-politics-sub-post

6. Foreign Policy and International Relations

6.1 Vatican Developments

American Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV [1]. Prior to his elevation, Prevost had made critical comments about Trump and J.D. Vance on social media [2], yet Trump has publicly congratulated the new pope [3]. The election has triggered strong negative reactions from some Trump supporters [4].

[1] USA Cardinal Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/usa-cardinal-prevost-elected-pope-leo-xiv-2025-05-08/
[2] Before he was elected pope, Leo XIV was critical of Trump, Vance on social media, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-trump-vance-social-media/83516805007/
[3] Trump congratulates new American pope, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/08/donald-trump-new-pope-00336241
[4] MAGA Melts Down Over New Pope’s Anti-Trump, Pro-Immigrant Social Media, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/new-pope-robert-prevost-social-media-maga-meltdown-1235334802/