Despite a nearly 10 percent drop in foreign visitors to the U.S. in March compared to the previous year, President Trump downplayed concerns, attributing the decline to minor nationalism and a relatively weak dollar. JPMorgan estimates this decrease in tourism equates to a $29 billion loss in GDP, primarily due to Trump’s tariffs, exacerbated by incidents of foreign visitor detentions. These detentions, such as the cases of two German backpackers deported from Hawaii, have fueled concerns about potential negative impacts on tourism. The administration attempted to alleviate these concerns, but their messaging has been inconsistent and ineffective.
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Four House Democrats, self-funding their trip after Republicans blocked public funds, visited El Salvador to advocate for the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and other individuals deported there under the Trump administration, defying a Supreme Court order. Their visit, spurred by Senator Van Hollen’s prior trip confirming Abrego Garcia’s survival, focused on securing proof of life and legal representation for detainees, including Andry José Hernández Romero. The delegation delivered letters to the State Department demanding action and emphasized the broader implications of the Trump administration’s actions for due process and the rule of law. This action highlights the ongoing struggle to address the plight of hundreds unjustly deported, even amidst other pressing domestic issues.
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President Trump’s approval rating among Latinos has drastically dropped to 28%, with 72% disapproving, a significant shift from his gains in the 2020 election. This decline is largely attributed to dissatisfaction with his immigration policies, specifically the revocation of TPS for Venezuelans and the termination of programs aiding migrants and asylum seekers. Even in areas like Doral, Florida, where Trump enjoyed considerable support among Venezuelan Americans in 2024, a sense of betrayal now prevails. The overall disapproval rating for Trump stands at 59%, with only White respondents showing a net approval.
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A new Pew Research Center poll reveals President Trump’s approval rating at 40 percent, with 59 percent disapproving. This represents a seven-point drop since February, impacting most demographic groups, including significant negative numbers among women and Black Americans. The decline could negatively affect Trump’s political influence and the Republican party’s prospects in the 2026 midterms. Experts attribute the drop to recent policy decisions, particularly regarding tariffs, and broader economic concerns.
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A Maryland federal judge ordered the Trump administration to return a 20-year-old Venezuelan man wrongly deported to El Salvador, citing a breach of a 2024 settlement agreement protecting unaccompanied minors. This marks the second such order concerning deportations to El Salvador, following a similar case involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The administration argued the deportation was justified under the Alien Enemies Act, but the judge disagreed, deeming the matter a contractual dispute. The ruling also protects another Venezuelan man, Javier, from imminent deportation under the same agreement.
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Following deadly tornadoes in Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee requested federal disaster aid, a request subsequently denied by the Trump administration despite the significant loss of life and widespread destruction. This denial prompted appeals from Governor Huckabee and Arkansas legislators, who emphasized the catastrophic damage and the vital need for federal assistance in rebuilding efforts. The decision comes amidst Trump’s ongoing efforts to reduce FEMA’s role and shift greater responsibility for disaster relief to state and local governments. Critics argue that this approach weakens national disaster preparedness and jeopardizes crucial federal funding for affected states.
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President Trump’s amended lawsuit against CBS and Paramount Global now seeks $20 billion in damages, doubling his original claim, alleging deceptive editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris to boost her election prospects. The suit, which now includes Trump’s former doctor as a plaintiff to keep the case in Texas, shifts away from First Amendment arguments, focusing instead on alleged business motivations behind the alleged manipulation. The FCC’s release of unedited interview footage supports CBS’s claim of accurate reporting, yet the lawsuit accuses CBS of making Harris appear more coherent to improve commercial appeal. Preliminary settlement talks between Paramount and Trump’s team are underway, with Trump reportedly seeking a substantial settlement.
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Harvard likely recouped lost funding through alumni donations, while growing political opposition to Trump is evident in various actions, including Congressional pushback against his policies. This opposition is strengthening, but urgency remains crucial due to Trump’s irreversible damage to institutions. Recent polling data reveals significant public disapproval of Trump’s attempts to influence universities and cultural institutions, highlighting a paradox of simultaneous weakness and overreach fueling a backlash against his authoritarianism. This public resistance forms a negative feedback loop, further weakening his position.
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President Trump announced a significant reduction in the high tariffs imposed on Chinese goods, acknowledging that the current 145% rate is unsustainable. This follows comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who predicted a de-escalation of the trade war and a rebalancing of trade between the U.S. and China. Bessent’s remarks, which were made at a private investment conference, contributed to a Wall Street rally. Trump, however, maintains that tariffs will not be eliminated entirely.
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Proposed Republican Medicaid cuts, totaling $880 billion over a decade, are projected to have devastating consequences. These cuts, vehemently opposed by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, would disproportionately harm children, the elderly, and rural healthcare access. A Center for American Progress analysis estimates over 34,000 annual deaths as a result. Governor Beshear believes these cuts will significantly damage Republican support, even among their own constituents.
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John Q. Hosedrinker