Trump Administration Faces Criticism and Protests

Donald Trump's instinct for dealmaking poses significant dangers to global stability, as he often relies on might-makes-right approaches, making threats to destroy opponents who defy his demands, amidst rising tensions in global power politics, armed conflicts, and China's increasingly aggressive sabre-rattling.

The US is being questioned on the effectiveness of its diplomacy, with concerns that it may be "all bark, no bite". The article is part of The War Room, a weekly newsletter providing insights into defence and security, and discusses the implications of American diplomatic efforts.

The 50501 Movement, a decentralized network, is organizing a "day of action" on Saturday with hundreds of protests and events across the US against the Trump administration. The movement, which is pro-democracy and anti-executive overreach, has seen growing momentum since its first nationwide protest in February. Events planned for Saturday include local protests, teach-ins, and mutual aid efforts, such as food drives, aimed at strengthening communities against the administration's policies. The effort is expected to see close to 1,000 events nationwide, with other groups like the "Tesla Takedown" campaign, which is protesting Elon Musk's role in the Trump administration, also holding protests.

The White House is soliciting corporate sponsors for its annual Easter Egg Roll event for the first time, with tech giants such as Meta, YouTube, and Amazon among the sponsors, despite criticism of these companies' ties to the Trump administration. The event, held on the White House South Lawn, typically features activities like egg rolling and hunting, and this year's event will include additional entertainment thanks to the White House Historical Association and its partnerships. The sponsorships, which range from $75,000 to $200,000, will go to the White House Historical Association, a nonprofit.

Natasha Cohen, a 46-year-old family therapist from Brooklyn, was charged with a hate crime after allegedly leaving a brick with a swastika and the word "Nazi" on a parked Tesla Cybertruck in a Jewish neighborhood. Cohen, who has a private practice and has worked with young offenders, was released on her own recognizance after her arraignment. Surveillance footage caught her in the act, and she told police she was motivated by her fear of Elon Musk and the country's perceived slide into Nazism. Cohen's neighbors were shocked by the allegations, and she declined to comment to a reporter.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the all-female crew on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin flight, which included Katy Perry and Lauren Sanchez, were "brave and glam" but not astronauts as they didn't meet the FAA's criteria, having not played a direct role in piloting the spacecraft or contributed to public safety. The crew flew on an automated 11-minute flight above the Earth's surface, with Duffy praising America's commercial space industry as "an inspiring project" despite the crew not qualifying as astronauts.

Elon Musk's influence in the Trump administration has faced setbacks, raising questions about his enduring power and relationships in the White House. The acting commissioner of the IRS was replaced after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent complained that Musk's preferred candidate was installed without his blessing. Musk has also faced obstacles with his Department of Government Efficiency, and his efforts to slash government agencies have been slower than expected. Despite this, Musk continues to work behind the scenes, including building a "gold card" visa program for rich foreigners and gutting AmeriCorps. Trump has privately acknowledged Musk's mistakes but still speaks of him warmly, and Musk's allies continue to praise him. Musk has also used his social media platform, X, to criticize Bessent and others, and his influence is still felt in various government agencies.

A group of prominent Republicans, including former Trump administration officials, have signed an open letter criticizing President Trump for using his power to punish two former officials who criticized him, likening his actions to those of a "royal despot." The letter, signed by over 200 people, condemned Trump's executive orders revoking the security clearances of Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor, who had spoken out against Trump, as a "profoundly unconstitutional break" with precedent and a path towards autocracy.

Thousands of protesters across the US rallied on Saturday to condemn President Trump's policies, including his handling of immigration, civil liberties, job cuts, and other issues. The demonstrations, which took place in hundreds of cities, were organized by the group 50501 and drew crowds ranging from several thousand in Washington and Chicago to hundreds in other cities. Protesters chanted "Shame!" and "The people united will never be defeated" and expressed concerns over a wide range of issues, including federal job cuts, veterans' rights, Social Security, and LGBTQ+ rights. The protests were largely peaceful, with some events incorporating activities such as food drives to unite local communities.

Billionaires in President Trump's administration, including Trump himself, Elon Musk, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have made comments that have been criticized for being out of touch with ordinary Americans. Trump encouraged people to buy stocks, while Lutnick suggested his mother-in-law wouldn't worry about missing a Social Security check. Musk called Social Security a "Ponzi scheme" and is cutting the agency's staff. Democrats argue these comments show the administration's cluelessness about the lives of most Americans. Republicans claim the comments are being unfairly cherry-picked and that their policies will ultimately benefit everyone. Psychologists say extreme wealth can change people's views and decrease empathy for those with less. The comments have not been politically helpful for Trump and have been seized upon by his opponents, who say they show he and his friends live in a "billionaires' bubble." Recent polls show Trump's approval rating has declined, with a significant drop in support among independents.

President Trump is reshaping federal cultural institutions to advance his vision of American history, challenging the Smithsonian, National Park Service, and National Endowment for the Humanities. He issued an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," criticizing a "revisionist movement" that undermines the US's achievements. Trump is also planning a "grand celebration" for the 250th anniversary of American independence, creating a Task Force 250 and proposing a National Garden of American Heroes, a statuary park honoring 250 historical figures. Many historians see Trump's moves as an assault on history, sidelining critical inquiry and purging uncomfortable facts. Trump's efforts are part of an escalating attempt to use history as a wedge, separating "real" Americans from naysayers. The administration's actions have caused alarm among planners, with the National Endowment for the Humanities laying off staff and canceling grants, potentially undermining state and local history organizations.