Apple News Today: April 7, 2025

Host: Shemitah Basu
Episode Title: As Trump’s tariffs take hold, how much pain can Americans handle?

Trump Administration's Tariff Policy and Its Economic Impact

In this episode, Shemitah Basu explores the widespread ramifications of the Trump administration's recent implementation of sweeping tariffs. These tariffs have sent shockwaves through global markets, with the S&P 500 plunging to its lowest level in nearly a year. Basu highlights that last week marked the worst performance for American stocks since the onset of the pandemic five years ago.

Market Turmoil and Public Protest

The announcement of the tariffs has not only destabilized financial markets but also sparked significant public unrest. Over the weekend, thousands of protesters rallied in Washington, D.C., and in cities across all 50 states. These demonstrations, termed "hands off protests" by organizers, expressed dissent against President Trump and influential figures like Elon Musk. Protesters cited a variety of grievances, including Musk's restructuring of government agencies, cuts to medical research funding, and the economic uncertainty introduced by the tariffs.

Government Response and Optimism

Despite the immediate negative impact on the economy, administration officials remain optimistic. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant addressed concerns on Meet the Press at [01:35], stating, "There doesn't have to be a recession. Who knows how the market is going to react in a day, in a week. What we are looking at is building the long-term economic fundamentals for prosperity that I think the previous administration had put us on a course toward financial calamity." Besant emphasized that over 50 countries have reached out to the United States to initiate trade negotiations, suggesting potential long-term economic benefits.

Expert Opinions and Historical Context

However, not all experts share this optimism. Sean Donnan, a senior writer for economics at Bloomberg News, voiced concerns about the short-term economic outlook. At [02:24], Donnan explained, "If you have a recession in the United States, that by definition means Americans are buying less stuff... Maybe now's not the time to invest." He drew parallels to the 1930s, recalling how the Smoot-Hawley tariffs led to a global trade war, significantly exacerbating the Great Depression. Donnan cautions that the current tariffs could similarly trigger a prolonged economic downturn.

Global and Domestic Reactions

The global response to the U.S. tariffs has been swift and retaliatory. China announced reciprocal tariffs of 34% on all U.S. imports beginning that week, and the European Union is reportedly preparing its own response. Domestically, the reaction is mixed. While industries such as steel and aluminum welcome the tariffs to protect against cheaper foreign competitors, there is growing concern among some Republican leaders about potential future retaliatory measures. Even within labor unions, traditionally supportive of protectionist policies, there is a nuanced stance. At [03:58], Donnan observes, "Labor unions have traditionally been pretty supportive of tariff policy, but... even some protectionist parts of the conversation... say... this may be just going a little bit too far too quickly."

Immigration: Uncertainty for Venezuelans Under Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Basu shifts focus to the precarious situation facing hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans residing legally in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Originally designated to protect individuals fleeing unsafe conditions in their home countries, TPS allows them to work legally in the U.S. without the risk of deportation.

Potential Revocation and Its Consequences

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had initially planned to terminate TPS for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans. However, a federal judge intervened last week, halting this plan. The judge argued that deporting these individuals would cause irreparable harm to families and lead to significant economic losses. The caregiving sector, which relies heavily on immigrant workers, stands to be particularly affected. According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 40% of home health aides, nearly 30% of personal care workers, and just over 20% of nursing assistants are foreign-born.

Personal Impact: The Story of Alanis Ortiz

To illustrate the human cost, Basu shares the story of Alanis Ortiz, a Venezuelan immigrant and caregiver in New Jersey with TPS. Vanessa Sanchez, a KFF Health News reporter, explains Ortiz's critical role in caring for Josephine Sanek, a 16-year-old with severe autism and other disabilities. Any disruption to Ortiz's employment threatens Josephine's well-being. Krista Sanek, Josephine's mother, expressed deep fear, stating at [06:56], "If anything happens to Ortiz, their family and especially Josephine would be, quote, gutted beyond." Ortiz herself faces immense anxiety over the possibility of deportation, fearing detainment and uncertainty about her future.

International Incident: Rescue Workers Killed by Israeli Troops

Another critical issue discussed is the tragic incident involving the death of rescue workers in Rafah, a town bordering Gaza. Following the end of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, aid workers in ambulances approached an area affected by an Israeli airstrike to assist the wounded. According to reports, Israeli soldiers opened fire on these rescue vehicles.

Conflicting Accounts and Evidence

Jonathan Whittle, head of the UN's humanitarian office in Gaza and the West Bank, stated at [09:11], "They were here to save lives. Instead they ended up in a mass grave." This statement underscores the discrepancy between the initial Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) account and emerging evidence. Sky News Middle East correspondent Alastair Bunkel reported at [09:34], "The video obtained by the New York Times very clearly shows that those ambulances had their emergency lights flashing," directly contradicting the IDF's claim that the ambulances were suspicious due to the absence of visible emergency indicators.

Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations

The Israeli military has since acknowledged that the initial account was a mistake, asserting that nine Hamas militants were responsible for the incident, including one involved in the October 7 attacks in 2023. However, Reuters notes that the Israeli government has not provided evidence to support these claims. Investigations are ongoing, with more conclusions expected to be shared later in the week.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagements

In the wake of this incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Trump to discuss not only the ongoing conflict and its human toll but also other pressing issues such as Iran and the previously mentioned tariffs. This meeting signifies the interconnectedness of domestic economic policies and international diplomatic relations.

Additional News Highlights

Measles Outbreak in Texas

Basu reports on a tragic measles outbreak in West Texas, where an 8-year-old girl succumbed to measles-induced pulmonary failure in Lubbock last Thursday. This case prompted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to make a last-minute trip to Texas. Despite past controversies surrounding the MMR vaccine, Kennedy emphasized its importance, stating that "the most effective way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine." To date, 500 measles cases have been reported across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, with the majority concentrated in Texas's South Plains and Panhandle regions.

Deportation Case: Kilmar Abrego Garcia

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration must take steps to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador. The administration had contended that the judge lacked authority over foreign policy decisions. However, the judge rejected this argument, asserting that Garcia was "seized without lawful authority" and emphasizing the U.S. government's responsibility to facilitate his return. This case has caused significant turmoil within the Department of Justice, leading to the administrative leave of a career DOJ attorney who expressed frustration over the department's handling of the situation. The administration has filed an appeal seeking an emergency stay of the judge's order.

UConn Women's Basketball National Championship

In sports news, the UConn Huskies clinched their record 12th NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship by defeating South Carolina. Senior guard Paige Beckers, a standout likely to be the first pick in the WNBA draft, scored 17 points, while senior guard Az Fudd and freshman Sarah Strong combined for 48 of the team's total points. The men's championship game is also highlighted, with Houston preparing to face Florida after a significant upset over Duke.

Conclusion

Shemitah Basu's comprehensive coverage in this episode of Apple News Today provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted challenges facing America today, from economic policies and their global repercussions to critical issues in immigration and international conflicts. By incorporating expert opinions, personal stories, and factual reporting, the episode offers a nuanced understanding of how current events are shaping the nation's future.

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