[Friday, May 09] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Executive Branch Actions & Authority

1.1 Key Appointments and Removals

President Trump has appointed Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia [1], fired Carla Hayden from her position as Librarian of Congress [2], and removed the FEMA head after saying the agency should not be abolished [3]. David Steiner of FedEx has been tapped to lead the U.S. Postal Service [4].

[1] Trump says he is naming Fox News host and former judge Jeanine Pirro as top federal prosecutor in DC, https://apnews.com/article/jeanine-pirro-washington-dc-fox-news-ed-martin-d654d957a15045a4b904224c2c97c059
[2] President Donald Trump fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-library-of-congress-carla-hayden-20a1862ce6d2e0d51a84a37b264ce2ef?link_source=ta_bluesky_link&taid=681d5a4f925fde0001a2238a&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky
[3] Head of FEMA removed after saying the agency should not be abolished, https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/05/08/trump-fema-cameron-hamilton/
[4] David Steiner of FedEx is tapped to be the U.S. Postal Service’s new leader, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/09/nx-s1-5384252/usps-david-steiner-who-is-the-postmaster-general

1.2 Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Operations

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, faces serious criticism over its sweeping cuts. Bill Gates warned these cuts could cause “millions of deaths” due to USAID funding reductions [1], a concern echoed by Senator Bernie Sanders [2]. Impacts include FDA delays in posting food safety warnings [3] and tribal opposition to Fish and Wildlife Service office closures [4].

[1] Bill Gates warns Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts will cause ‘millions of deaths’, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/09/tech/bill-gates-elon-musk-usaid-cuts-criticism?utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit
[2] Sanders Statement: USAID Cuts Will Lead to Millions of Preventable Deaths, https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-statement-usaid-cuts-will-lead-to-millions-of-preventable-deaths/#:~:text=According%20to%20internal%20USAID%20memos,Ebola%20and%20Marburg%20virus%3B%20and
[3] FDA stalls in posting food safety warning letters amid staff cuts, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-stalls-posting-food-safety-warning-letters-staff-cuts-rcna204879
[4] Tribes urge Trump to undo planned DOGE closure of Fish and Wildlife’s Lander Conservation Office, https://wyofile.com/tribes-urge-trump-to-undo-planned-doge-closure-of-fish-and-wildlifes-lander-conservation-office/

1.3 Constitutional Challenges to Executive Power

Federal courts have imposed significant checks on administration actions. A judge barred the administration from shrinking agencies that fund libraries [1], while another indicated they would likely block the president’s plan to fire thousands of federal employees, citing constitutional overreach [2]. Reports indicate Trump is “losing more than he’s winning” in court [3].

[1] Judge bars Trump administration from shrinking agencies that fund libraries, settle labor disputes, https://apnews.com/article/trump-agencies-mediation-libraries-museums-business-cuts-lawsuit-f51b450cf037c77ff18cafdf8b649243
[2] Judge likely to block Trump plan to fire thousands, citing constitutional overreach | The judge said a president can only order wholesale changes to the staffing of federal agencies with Congress’ cooperation., https://www.courthousenews.com/judge-likely-to-block-trump-plan-to-fire-thousands-citing-constitutional-overreach/
[3] In Court, Trump Is Losing More Than He’s Winning, https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2025-lawsuits-against-trump-administration/?srnd=undefined

2. Immigration & Border Policies

2.1 Enforcement Operations and Refugee Policies

ICE enforcement actions have generated nationwide controversy. A judge ordered the release of Turkish student Rümeysa Öztürk from immigration detention [1], while contentious operations included confrontations with families [2] and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest while protesting an ICE detention center [3]. White House adviser Stephen Miller reportedly stated the administration is “actively looking at” suspending habeas corpus for deportations [4]. Simultaneously, Trump officials are bringing white Afrikaner refugees from South Africa to the U.S. [5], while other refugee programs remain paused [6].

[1] Tufts student Rümeysa Öztürk ordered freed from immigration detention, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/09/nx-s1-5393055/tufts-student-rumeysa-ozturk-ordered-freed-from-immigration-detention
[2] ICE agents battle mom clinging to baby in ‘chaotic’ video, https://www.newsweek.com/ice-agents-battle-mom-baby-chaotic-video-worcester-2070027
[3] Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested while protesting ICE detention facility he vowed to shut down, https://nypost.com/2025/05/09/us-news/newark-mayor-ras-baraka-arrested-while-protesting-ice-detention-facility/
[4] Stephen Miller says Trump administration is ‘actively looking at’ suspending habeas corpus, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-stephen-miller-says-trump-administration-is-actively-looking-at-suspending-habeas-corpus
[5] Trump Officials Seek to Bring First White Afrikaner Refugees to U.S. Next Week, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/world/africa/trump-afrikaner-refugees.html?unlocked_article_code=1.F08.FsAh.B68ViqwHbxt1&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
[6] US to accept white South African refugees while other programs remain paused, https://apnews.com/article/us-south-africa-refugees-a8ef81e11667041f6d87c33f613774a9

3. Economic Policy & International Trade

3.1 Tariffs and Global Trade

President Trump has suggested an 80% tariff on Chinese imports [1] while delegating final decisions to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent [2]. The administration confirmed that a baseline 10% tariff will remain permanent [3] and identified approximately 20 priority economies for trade negotiations [4]. The U.S.-UK trade deal reducing tariffs on cars and metals [5] has generated criticism from American automakers [6]. Economic impacts are mounting: China’s exports to the U.S. have dropped 20% [7], businesses are labeling tariff costs on receipts [8], and consumers face higher prices on products ranging from vehicles to baby items [9].

[1] Trump Says 80% China Tariff ‘Seems Right,’ Ahead of Trade Talks, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-09/trump-says-80-china-tariff-seems-right-ahead-of-trade-talks?utm_source=website&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=copy
[2] Trump, in a major concession, says the tariff on China should be 80% — but will leave it up to Bessent, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/09/economy/china-tariff-trump-trade?utm_medium=social&utm_source=igCNN&utm_content=2025-05-09T12%3A14%3A07
[3] The White House says Trump’s baseline 10% tariff is here to stay, https://www.businessinsider.com/white-house-says-trumps-baseline-10-tariff-here-to-stay-2025-5?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=insider-politics-sub-post
[4] Trump’s Priority List for Tariff Talks Homes In on Around 20 Economies, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-09/trump-s-priority-list-for-tariff-talks-homes-in-on-around-20-economies
[5] US and UK agree deal slashing Trump tariffs on cars and metals, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp92r2kvk74o
[6] Detroit Three automakers blast Trump UK trade deal, https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/detroit-three-automakers-blast-trump-uk-trade-deal-2025-05-08/
[7] Trump tariffs cause 20% drop in China exports to US, https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/economics/article/trump-tariffs-cause-20-percent-drop-in-china-exports-to-us-skhmdpqp8
[8] In a Bid For Survival, Businesses are Labeling Tariff Costs on Receipts to Explain Price Hikes and Retain Customer Trust, https://www.businessinsider.com/businesses-are-labeling-tariff-costs-on-receipts-bid-for-survival-2025-5
[9] U.S. tariffs could raise the cost of baby products up to $1,000 a year, industry players say, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/baby-tax-trump-tariffs-parenting-products/

3.2 Debt Ceiling and Fiscal Policy

The Treasury Department warned the nation will likely reach its debt limit “X-date” in August [1], with Treasury Secretary Bessent advising Congress to raise the debt limit by July to prevent a default [2]. On taxation, President Trump has sent mixed signals – stating Republicans should “probably not” raise taxes on wealthy Americans [3] while also reportedly instructing Congress to include higher taxes on wealthy Americans in budget legislation [4].

[1] U.S. likely to hit debt limit X-date in August, Treasury says, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/09/us-debt-limit-x-date-august-treasury-00340024
[2] Congress should raise debt limit by July to avoid default, Bessent says, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/09/debt-limit-july-bessent-congress/
[3] Trump pivots, says GOP should ‘probably not’ raise taxes on rich, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5291877-trump-tax-increase-rich/
[4] Trump tells Congress to raise taxes on the rich in budget bill, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/08/trump-tax-millionaires-republicans/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com

4. Justice System & Foreign Policy

4.1 Legal Investigations and Court Rulings

The Justice Department launched a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James [1] and invoked state secrets privilege in the Kilmar Ábrego García case [2]. Federal courts struck down Alabama’s congressional map as racially discriminatory [3]. In Ukraine policy, President Trump proposed “ideally a 30-day ceasefire” backed by sanctions [4], while Vice President Vance stated “Russia has asked for territory it hasn’t won” during negotiations [5].

[1] Trump’s Justice Department launches criminal probe into Letitia James, multiple sources say, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/letitia-james-criminal-fraud-probe-sources-trump-justice-department/
[2] Trump administration invokes state secrets privilege in Kilmar Ábrego García case, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/08/trump-abrego-garcia-el-salvador-state-secrets
[3] Alabama ‘purposely’ diluted Black votes with congressional plan, court finds | CNN Politics, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/08/politics/alabama-congressional-plan-court-ruling
[4] Ukraine war briefing: Trump calls for ‘ideally a 30-day ceasefire’ backed with sanctions, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/09/ukraine-war-briefing-trump-calls-for-ideally-a-30-day-ceasefire-backed-with-sanctions
[5] JD Vance says Russia has asked for territory it hasn’t won, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/08/jd-vance-says-russia-has-asked-for-territory-it-hasnt-won-00337243

4.2 Global Diplomacy

The Trump administration has shifted Middle East policy by dropping requirements for Israeli ties as a precondition for Saudi nuclear negotiations [1] and planning to rename the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf” [2]. Tensions have emerged with Denmark over spying allegations in Greenland [3], while the U.S. is weighing granting “special status” to Greenland [4]. U.S.-China relations show strain, with disagreement over who initiated upcoming bilateral talks [5].

[1] Trump drops Israel ties as condition for Saudi nuclear talks, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-853252
[2] Trump administration to announce U.S. will call Persian Gulf the Arabian Gulf during Middle East visit: Report, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/07/trump-administration-to-announce-us-will-call-persian-gulf-the-arabian-gulf.html
[3] Denmark summons US ambassador over Greenland spying reports, https://www.newsweek.com/greenland-denmark-trump-spying-2069495
[4] US weighs special status for Greenland as quest for island intensifies, https://www.reuters.com/world/us-weighs-special-status-greenland-quest-island-intensifies-2025-05-09/
[5] You called me. No — you called ME. Before US-China meeting, nations each say the other wanted talks, https://apnews.com/article/china-united-states-trump-xi-jinping-diplomacy-3d476906422ba9749641c82979f67c28

5. Civil Rights & Social Policy

5.1 Military and Healthcare Policies

The Pentagon began removing transgender service members from the military [1] and directed military libraries to “pull books that address diversity, anti-racism, gender issues” [2]. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to create an autism database using Medicare and Medicaid information [3]. Proposed Medicaid cuts could cause 700,000 Michigan residents to lose health insurance [4], threatening Republican efforts to advance what’s described as Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” [5].

[1] US to begin immediate removal of up to 1,000 trans military members, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/08/trump-pentagon-trans-military-ban
[2] Pentagon directs military to pull library books that address diversity, anti-racism, gender issues, https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-hegseth-dei-library-books-770364ab99591402ddffe8758432ff26
[3] RFK Jr. says autism database will use Medicare and Medicaid info, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/08/nx-s1-5391310/kennedy-autism-registry-database-hhs-nih-medicare-medicaid
[4] 700,000 Michigan residents could lose health insurance under Medicaid cuts, report shows, https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/07/whitmer-michigan-medicaid-cuts/83491092007/
[5] A fight over Medicaid cuts is threatening GOP plans for Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/09/nx-s1-5392357/republicans-medicaid-trump-reconciliation-bill

5.2 Information Access and Federal Services

The administration terminated broadband grants under the Digital Equity Act, with President Trump reportedly calling the program “racist and illegal” [1]. The U.S. discontinued tracking extreme weather disaster costs related to climate change [2], while Republican lawmakers advanced legislation to expedite fracking, logging, and mining on public lands [3]. The USDA and DOGE are demanding states surrender personal data about food stamp recipients [4].

[1] Trump kills broadband grants, calls digital equity program “racist and illegal”, https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/05/trump-is-killing-broadband-grants-because-some-of-them-help-minorities/
[2] U.S. stops tracking costs of extreme weather disasters fueled by climate change, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/u-s-stops-tracking-costs-of-extreme-weather-disasters-fueled-by-climate-change
[3] GOP Advances Bill to Fast-Track Fracking, Logging and Mining on Public Lands, https://truthout.org/articles/gop-advances-bill-to-fast-track-fracking-logging-and-mining-on-public-lands/?utm_source=Truthout&utm_campaign=d82b9a04dd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_05_08_09_10&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bbb541a1db-d82b9a04dd-650963661
[4] USDA, DOGE demand states hand over personal data about food stamp recipients, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/09/nx-s1-5389952/usda-snap-doge-data-immigration