EA Weekend Roundup – 5.4.25
We watched the news so you don't have to. This Week in Politics: Trump's abysmal approval ratings, a judge arrested, and growing global backlash.
Welcome to this week’s EA Weekend Roundup. You’ll find a more condensed version weekly on Threads and Instagram, but here, you’ll get a deeper dive of the week’s biggest headlines and what you can do about them.
The EA Weekend Roundup is always free, but if you’d like to support our work and receive bonus content weekly, subscribe to our paid tier with a small monthly pledge.
We believe that change happens when everyday people get involved. 📣
Here’s what you need to know this week.
This Week in U.S. Politics (Apr. 27 – May 3, 2025)
From a sitting judge’s arrest and executive orders targeting public media to rising international backlash and a shrinking economy, here are the 10 biggest stories shaping the future of U.S. democracy.
1. Trump’s Approval Ratings Plummet
President Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a historic low of 39% at the 100-day mark of his second term—the lowest for any U.S. president at this point in office in over 80 years. This surpasses his own previous record of 42% during his first term in 2017. Recent polls from ABC News/Washington Post, CNN, and NPR/PBS/Marist consistently show approval ratings between 39% and 42%, with disapproval ratings ranging from 53% to 55%.
The decline is attributed to widespread dissatisfaction with the administration's handling of the economy, immigration policies, and the rapid implementation of over 140 executive orders. Notably, 45% of Americans have given Trump an "F" grade for his performance thus far, with nearly half of independents sharing this view.
Why it matters: Public opinion serves as a critical check on executive power. The significant drop in approval ratings may hinder the administration's ability to advance its agenda and could influence the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
ABC, Marist Poll, Washington Post, NPR, PBS
2. PBS/NPR Defunded by Executive Order
President Trump signed a sweeping executive order this week eliminating all federal funding for public broadcasters—including NPR, PBS, and affiliated member stations. The order directs agencies to end both direct grants and indirect subsidies, such as interagency contracts and educational partnerships. Trump justified the move as a “budgetary realignment,” but administration officials and conservative media figures have long accused public broadcasting of liberal bias.
The defunding comes alongside broader efforts to delegitimize independent media and dismantle institutions seen as critical of the administration. Public media leaders warned the cuts will disproportionately harm rural communities, where PBS and NPR affiliates often serve as the only source of local news, emergency alerts, and educational programming.
Why it matters: Attacking public media is a classic tactic in authoritarian playbooks. By targeting NPR and PBS, the administration isn’t just slashing budgets—it’s undermining nonpartisan journalism, civic education, and community access to trustworthy information. The ripple effects will be especially severe in underserved regions already hit hard by disinformation and media consolidation.
The Guardian, NPR, PBS
3. U.S. Economy Shrinks for the First Time in Three Years
New data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis this week shows the U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025—the first decline in GDP since the early days of the pandemic. The slowdown was driven by a sharp drop in consumer spending, declining private investment, and growing uncertainty over the administration’s erratic tariff policies. Economists also pointed to disruptions in supply chains, slower hiring, and weakening business confidence as contributing factors.
The announcement comes amid rising inflation and ongoing legal challenges to Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs, which have increased costs for U.S. importers and drawn international criticism. The White House has downplayed the contraction, blaming the Federal Reserve and “legacy economic policies,” but markets reacted with unease.
Why it matters: Economic slowdowns often spell political risk—but this one is also policy-driven. A shrinking economy early in a presidential term undermines Trump’s claims of financial stewardship and could deepen divisions within his party over trade, taxation, and long-term growth strategy.
Washington Post, Bureau of Economic Analysis, The Guardian, Reuters
4. Canada’s Liberals Win Big After Anti-Trump Turn
In a major political upset, Canada’s Liberal Party—now led by former central banker Mark Carney—won a fourth consecutive term, forming a minority government despite trailing by over 20 points in pre-election polls. The April 28 election was widely seen as a referendum on growing U.S. influence under Trump, whose threats of annexation and steep tariffs dominated the final weeks of the campaign. Carney, a political newcomer, took over party leadership from Justin Trudeau just weeks earlier after Trudeau stepped down under internal pressure.
Both Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh lost their parliament seats. Voter turnout surged in Quebec and Ontario, where voters cited concerns about Canadian sovereignty, public media, and climate policy. Trump’s actions appear to have significantly altered the outcome, with Canadian analysts crediting the Liberal victory to “backlash mobilization” in response to U.S. interference.
Why it matters: Canada’s election is the clearest international sign yet that Trump’s second term is reshaping global politics. The results reflect a growing desire among U.S. allies to assert independence from MAGA-aligned extremism—and may embolden opposition movements across Europe and beyond.
The Guardian, Reuters, AP
5. Waltz Out, Rubio In: Trump Ousts National Security Adviser in Surprise Power Move
On May 1, President Trump abruptly removed National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and nominated him as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was appointed to serve concurrently as interim National Security Adviser—an unprecedented consolidation of power that places Rubio at the helm of both U.S. diplomacy and national security strategy.
The White House has provided no detailed rationale for the shake-up, which arrives amid heightened global tensions and internal debate over Trump’s aggressive foreign policy agenda. Rubio’s dual appointment bypasses Senate confirmation and breaks from decades of precedent separating the two roles. Legal scholars and national security experts warn the move could severely undermine institutional checks and interagency coordination.
Why it matters: The National Security Council is meant to function as a neutral advisory body—not an extension of a political agenda. Elevating Rubio while sidelining Waltz may signal a shift toward a more centralized, loyalty-driven approach to foreign policy at a moment when diplomatic missteps could have far-reaching consequences.
Washington Post, NPR, Reuters
6. U.S. and Ukraine Sign Economic Deal—But Impact Remains Unclear
On April 30, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a new economic agreement to create the U.S.–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, aimed at funneling private capital into Ukraine’s war-ravaged economy. The deal was announced in Kyiv by Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko alongside U.S. officials, who emphasized investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals.
While the agreement is being touted as a ‘breakthrough’ in bilateral cooperation, experts remain skeptical. Ukraine’s economy is still under siege, and global investors have shown little appetite for high-risk, long-term projects in unstable regions. A related deal for U.S. access to Ukrainian critical minerals was delayed at the last minute due to objections from Ukrainian lawmakers. Critics argue the fund may serve more as a symbolic gesture—or a political win for Trump—than a realistic recovery vehicle.
Why it matters: The deal reflects the Trump administration’s shift away from direct aid and toward private-sector-driven foreign policy. But without strong safeguards, transparent oversight, or long-term investor confidence, the fund may do little to stabilize Ukraine—or meaningfully reshape the U.S. role in postwar reconstruction.
Reuters, Washington Post, AP
7. Wisconsin Judge Arrested for Allegedly Aiding Immigrant Defendant
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by the FBI on April 25 and charged with obstructing a federal proceeding and concealing a person from arrest. The charges stem from an April 18 incident in which Dugan allegedly helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz—a noncitizen with a prior deportation order—exit the courthouse through a restricted hallway to avoid waiting ICE agents. Flores-Ruiz was later detained outside.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court promptly suspended Dugan from her judicial duties. She has denied wrongdoing and retained a high-profile legal team, including former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement. The case has divided legal observers and drawn national attention: some see Dugan’s actions as a defense of due process and discretion within the judiciary, while others argue it constituted interference with federal immigration enforcement.
Why it matters: Arresting a sitting judge is an extraordinary move—and one that signals escalating conflict between the Trump administration and the independent judiciary. The case raises urgent questions about judicial discretion, local-federal cooperation, and the chilling effect such prosecutions may have on legal resistance to authoritarian policy shifts.
The Guardian, Reuters, NPR
8. May Day Protests Sweep U.S. in Nationwide Rebuke of Trump Policies
On May 1, tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in cities across the U.S. for International Workers’ Day—also known as May Day—protesting the Trump administration’s stance on labor rights, immigration, and economic inequality. Organized by a broad coalition of unions, immigrant justice groups, and community organizations, the protests included mass marches, student walkouts, and civil disobedience actions in more than 40 cities.
Key demands included the reinstatement of labor protections rolled back by executive order, an end to mass deportations and family separations, and federal support for living wages and worker safety standards. In several locations, protesters also called out corporate complicity and targeted firms linked to government contracts under Trump’s immigration agenda.
Why it matters: May Day has long been a global rallying point for labor and immigrant rights—but under Trump, it’s becoming a flashpoint for broader resistance. This year’s protests mark the largest May Day turnout since 2006, signaling deepening opposition to policies that disproportionately harm working-class and immigrant communities.
Reuters, AP, The Guardian
9. Germany Rebukes Rubio Over Defense of Far-Right AfD
This week, German officials publicly pushed back against U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio after he criticized Germany’s domestic intelligence agency for designating the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party as “extremist.” Rubio’s remarks—delivered during a press event in Brussels—framed the designation as a threat to democratic pluralism and “political diversity,” drawing swift condemnation from German lawmakers and legal experts.
German officials emphasized that the classification was the result of an extensive constitutional review and years of documented ties between AfD leaders and neo-Nazi movements. In an unusually blunt rebuke, Germany’s Foreign Ministry stated that the U.S. should “respect sovereign judicial processes” and avoid interference in internal democratic safeguards. The clash marks a new flashpoint in US–EU relations, especially as Trump-aligned officials continue to support authoritarian movements abroad.
Why it matters: U.S. interference in European domestic politics—especially in defense of extremist parties—risks weakening global alliances and normalizing far-right ideologies. Germany’s response underscores the growing divide between traditional Western democracies and the Trump administration’s foreign policy posture.
The Guardian, Politico, ABC
10. Court Blocks Reinstatement of Voice of America Staff
A federal appeals court has upheld a Trump-era order limiting operations at Voice of America, blocking the return of over 1,000 terminated journalists and halting $15 million in funding for global affiliates. The ruling gives the executive branch wide control over federally funded media, despite existing protections for editorial independence.
Voice of America is the U.S. government’s largest international broadcaster, reaching over 300 million people weekly in 48 languages. It provides independent news in countries with state-run propaganda—including Iran, Myanmar, and Russia—and acts as a wire service for outlets across Africa and Eastern Europe. Since mid-March, broadcasts and updates have gone dark.
Why it matters: This decision threatens press freedom far beyond U.S. borders. By gutting VOA, the administration is silencing a trusted source of fact-based reporting in places where journalism is already under attack. It also sets a precedent that future presidents can reshape global news coverage to serve political aims—eroding the firewall between state power and independent media.
Reuters, Washington Post, Politico
Love the EA Weekend Roundup and want even more content weekly? Support our work and get bonus content like even deeper dives into a significant story each week, with a small monthly pledge.
Take Action: 5 Ways to Fight Back This Week
From shrinking press freedom and judicial retaliation to global instability and rising authoritarianism, this week’s headlines demand clear, coordinated resistance. Here are five tangible ways to plug in—each tied to a story in this week’s roundup:
1. Defend Public Media and Press Freedom
Trump’s executive order defunding NPR and PBS—and a court ruling allowing political control over Voice of America—marks an unprecedented attack on independent journalism.
📣 Submit a Letter to the Editor about the importance of public media
📺 Donate to your local NPR or PBS station
📢 Share trusted global reporting from Voice of America and its affiliates
More Ways to Act:
• Support PEN America and their press freedom initiatives
• Share this overview of how VOA supports global democracy
2. Protect Judicial Independence
The FBI’s arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan raises serious concerns about political retaliation against the judiciary.
📬 Write your state bar association urging a public defense of judicial integrity
🧾 Support the Brennan Center for Justice and their work on democratic resilience
More Ways to Act:
• Look up upcoming courthouse protests or host a small local vigil with a few neighbors
• Share this one-page explainer on judicial independence on social media or in community groups
• Support the National Association of Women Judges and their work defending impartial courts
3. Push Back on Power Consolidation in Foreign Policy
Trump’s appointment of Marco Rubio as both Secretary of State and interim National Security Adviser consolidates power and bypasses checks and balances.
📞 Email your senators demanding hearings on executive overreach
📢 Support civic education programs teaching how government power should work
More Ways to Act:
• Post a graphic or reel explaining the difference between the State Department and National Security Council
• Share this quick civics explainer from Civics 101 on presidential powers and checks
• Support Generation Citizen to fund civics education for high school students
• Write a short post or email explaining why Senate confirmation matters—and tag your senator
4. Amplify Protest Momentum and Get Ready for the Next One
This year’s May Day actions were the largest in nearly two decades, drawing tens of thousands into the streets to oppose Trump’s immigration, labor, and economic policies. Organizers across the country are already planning what's next.
📣 Find and follow a local protest or labor organizing hub in your area
📅 Subscribe to the Protest Weekly calendar to stay informed about upcoming actions
More Ways to Act:
• Donate to a protest support fund or local mutual aid group
• Share trusted protest safety guides like this infographic on your rights from the ACLU
5. Support Ukraine Without Exploitation
The new U.S.–Ukraine economic fund has drawn criticism for prioritizing mineral access and foreign investors over Ukrainian sovereignty. Economic recovery shouldn't be driven by corporate extraction.
📬 Email your representative urging them to support transparent, non-exploitative aid to Ukraine
📞 Call the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at (202) 224-4651 and ask them to hold hearings on U.S. investment practices in Ukraine
More Ways to Act:
• Send a postcard to your member of Congress: “Ukraine deserves sovereignty, not exploitation. We’re watching.”
• Follow the Ukraine 5AM Coalition and share one testimony from their war crimes documentation project
• Support a Ukrainian-owned Etsy shop or small business to help rebuild local economies
• Share The Kyiv Independent with 3 friends and encourage them to follow
This weekly newsletter is always free, but you can support our work and receive bonus content multiple times a week when you upgrade with a small monthly pledge. Consider helping us bring this information to more people by upgrading.