For the first time in his second term, President Trump’s approval rating has fallen below 50 percent, registering a net negative rating in a Rasmussen poll. Multiple polls from various firms, including Republican-leaning ones, show a consistent downward trend in his approval, with some placing it as low as 43 percent. This decline correlates with growing public dissatisfaction over his economic policies, particularly new tariffs. Compared to his first term and to President Biden at a similar point in his presidency, Trump’s current approval is comparatively lower.
Read More
A significant internal debate among Democrats centers on the strategic prioritization of criticizing Trump’s undermining of democratic norms versus focusing on economic issues. Some argue that emphasizing Trump’s actions distracts from the more pressing concerns of everyday economic hardship. However, Barack Obama’s recent forceful condemnation of Trump’s abuses of power highlights the gravity of the situation and underscores the importance of this ongoing discussion within the Democratic party. This high-profile intervention from a former president signifies a major development in the internal debate.
Read More
In a speech at Hamilton College, Barack Obama urged Americans, universities, and law firms to actively resist the Trump administration’s policies, warning of potential sacrifices in defense of democratic values. He highlighted the administration’s efforts to pressure universities into abandoning student diversity programs and restricting free speech, citing instances where federal funding was threatened or withdrawn. Obama also criticized the administration’s targeting of law firms representing political opponents and its restrictions on press access, emphasizing that passive support for democratic ideals is insufficient in the current climate. He concluded by stating that active resistance, potentially including financial sacrifice, is now necessary to preserve these values.
Read More
President Trump will not attend the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base for four U.S. soldiers killed in a Lithuanian training exercise; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will represent the administration. This solemn tradition, typically attended by the Commander-in-Chief to honor fallen service members, has seen infrequent presidential attendance in recent years. The four soldiers’ remains were repatriated from Lithuania, with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda attending a departure ceremony. Instead of attending the transfer, President Trump’s public schedule indicates he will attend a dinner at his Mar-a-Lago club.
Read More
Following his announcement of widespread tariffs, President Trump, while vacationing at his Florida properties, maintained his trade policies would remain unchanged. Despite criticism from Democrats who described him as being in a “billionaire bubble,” and warnings from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell about increased inflation, Trump defended his actions, claiming they are a necessary step to boost the U.S. economy. He cited a recent jobs report as evidence of success and engaged in negotiations with foreign leaders, aiming to secure trade deals. Trump also insisted on maintaining his course of action despite significant market volatility.
Read More
Nintendo delayed U.S. preorders for its Switch 2 console, originally scheduled for April 9th, due to President Trump’s newly implemented global tariffs. These tariffs, impacting manufacturing locations in Vietnam and Cambodia, significantly increase import costs for the console. As a result, Nintendo is reevaluating the Switch 2’s price, potentially pushing it above the already-high $449 price tag. Online, consumers expressed outrage, blaming Trump and his supporters for the preorder delay and anticipated price hike.
Read More
President Trump’s sweeping tariffs triggered a historic stock market plunge, with the Dow Jones losing 2,231 points on Friday—the worst single-day drop since 2020. This two-day market collapse resulted in a record-breaking $6.4 trillion in losses, fueling recession fears among experts who warn of long-term economic damage. While Trump and some officials downplayed the impact, analysts predict a significant increase in inflation and decreased growth, with some even predicting a 60% chance of global recession by 2025. The sell-off reflects widespread investor concern over the tariffs’ potential to stifle economic growth.
Read More
Contrary to assertions comparing Donald Trump’s presidency to a reversed Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, substantial policy differences exist. Roosevelt, working with Congress, enacted the New Deal, expanding government programs with public support, while Trump’s actions, often relying on executive power, dismantle existing agencies and reduce public spending. Furthermore, Roosevelt forged a lasting political coalition, unlike Trump’s seemingly more personal popularity. Finally, while both presidents engaged in direct communication with the public, the methods and resulting impact differ significantly.
Read More
Following the U.S.’s imposition of new tariffs, China’s Foreign Ministry declared that “the market has spoken,” referencing the significant two-day drop in U.S. stock markets exceeding 5%. China’s retaliatory 34% tariff on U.S. goods, effective April 10th, further fueled global market anxieties concerning inflation, recession, and overall economic growth. The Chinese Ministry urged the White House to engage in equitable negotiations to de-escalate the trade conflict. The White House has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Read More
Over 1,000 anti-Trump protests are planned nationwide on Saturday, aiming to demonstrate widespread discontent with the Trump administration’s policies. These protests, organized by a coalition of groups including MoveOn and the Women’s March, will take place in both large cities and smaller towns to maximize participation. The demonstrations reflect growing opposition to the administration’s stances on immigration, transgender rights, and federal worker firings. The White House has acknowledged the protests, rescheduling a White House event in response.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker