Probable cause to hold Trump admin in contempt, judge says
A federal district judge asserts there is probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt due to deportations.
Trouble?
President Donald Trump is facing challenges.
It’s a stark moment when a federal judge’s warning, indicating “probable cause” to believe your administration has violated criminal laws, isn’t the worst news of the day.
Even more concerning were Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s unflinching remarks suggesting that the president’s tariffs are “highly likely” to increase inflation and could hinder economic growth, a scenario reminiscent of the “stagflation” of the Jimmy Carter era.
Voters typically prioritize the economy when evaluating presidents. President Joe Biden’s inability to swiftly and effectively tackle inflation was a major factor contributing to his defeat by Trump.
Now, just two weeks after Trump heralded his new sweeping tariffs as “Liberation Day,” critics argue he is now facing the consequences of his actions.
Trump has often defied expectations since declaring his candidacy in 2015, a bid most deemed improbable. He secured the presidency and has since been a pivotal figure in American politics.
No scandals, convictions, or political controversies have stopped his eventual successes.
However, this time, what’s under scrutiny isn’t solely his rhetoric or personal conduct, but the financial figures that many Americans are seeing on their 401(k) statements amid the stock market’s fluctuations.
In many cases, they’re hesitant to check their retirement investments’ current values.
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Trump’s economic approval is declining
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His approval ratings have taken a dip.
Initially, in the Economist/YouGov survey, he began his second term with a positive rating of 49% approval against 43% disapproval. However, the latest poll shows a reversal to 43% approve and 51% disapprove, indicating a 14-point swing before reaching his 100th day.
Perception of his economic management has deteriorated even more sharply, now showing a 10-point negative difference at 51%-41%. Notably, among 2024 voters who previously supported him, approval ratings have slumped from 75% to 66% since late March.
On immigration, however, public opinion remains favorable toward Trump, sitting at 50%-40%. This reflects the sustained strength of an issue that has consistently galvanized his supporters.
This context may explain why, following a challenging day, the White House orchestrated a press briefing featuring an unexpected guest: Patty Morin, the mother of a Maryland woman murdered by an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, whose trial concluded with a guilty verdict.
The murder of Rachel Morin was a rallying point during last year’s elections.
The wrongful deportation of another Salvadoran immigrant, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, has emerged as a new contentious issue in Trump’s presidency, one that his administration endorses.
Will angry town halls signal trouble?
Disregarding a judicial warning may present new political challenges.
Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has signaled his consideration to initiate contempt proceedings against the Trump administration. He remarked that they have shown “willful disregard” for his order issued on March 15 that prohibited the deportation of Venezuelan alleged gang members under the Alien Enemies Act.
At a town hall in Fort Madison, Iowa, constituents expressed worries that Trump might ignore a Supreme Court ruling, prompting heated exchanges with Senator Chuck Grassley.
One attendee demanded, “Are you going to bring that guy back from El Salvador?” after pointing out that Trump had blatantly defied a Supreme Court ruling.
The six-term senator from this reliably Republican state received a torrent of criticism regarding the adverse impact of tariffs on agricultural exports and looming threats to Social Security.
A voter asked pointedly, “Are you proud of voting for Trump and what he’s doing in office?”
Grassley replied, “There’s no president I’ve agreed with 100% of the time.”
He is among the few Republicans conducting town hall meetings during the two-week congressional recess. The chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee has cautioned GOP members against engaging in these forums out of concern for potential voter backlash.
Since the emergence of the Tea Party in 2009, lively town halls have served as an early indicator of public sentiment and political energy.
The current challenges facing the president aren’t stemming from a natural disaster or an international crisis.
Instead, they originate from his aggressive pursuit of two main objectives: implementing tariffs that he has touted as a cure-all since his days as a real estate mogul in the 1980s, and employing every measure possible to reduce illegal immigration, even if it stretches his executive powers.
In light of the tariffs, Powell indicated at the Economic Club of Chicago that rising unemployment is anticipated as economic growth decelerates. He noted that part of the tariff costs would ultimately fall on consumers, though the specific magnitude of price increases remains uncertain. In response, Trump called for Powell’s “termination” and urged the Fed to lower interest rates through a post on Truth Social.
Powell cautioned that the Fed’s primary goals of stable growth and maximum employment could face conflicting pressures and that tough choices lie ahead for central bank officials.
The White House is likely bracing for the impacts as well.
Trump Under Pressure: Tariffs, Contempt Warnings, and Shifting Approval Ratings – An Expert Analysis
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to Time.news. Today, we’re diving deep into the challenges facing former President Trump, from economic headwinds due to his proposed tariffs to potential contempt charges stemming from his governance’s immigration policies. Joining us to dissect these complex issues is Dr.Vivian Holloway,a leading political economist and expert on presidential approval ratings. Dr. Holloway, thank you for being here.
Dr. Vivian Holloway: Its my pleasure.
Time.news editor: Dr. Holloway, let’s start with the economy. The article highlights Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome powell’s concerns that trump’s tariffs are “highly likely” to increase inflation and hinder economic growth, possibly leading to stagflation. is this a credible threat, and how might it impact the average American?
Dr. Vivian Holloway: it’s a very real threat. Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, and those taxes are almost always passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. We’re talking about everything from clothing and electronics to raw materials used by American manufacturers. If inflation rises significantly while economic growth slows, that’s stagflation – a situation where prices are rising but wages aren’t keeping pace, leaving people with less purchasing power and declining living standards. The average American will likely feel the pinch at the grocery store, the gas pump, and when buying everyday goods. Businesses may also slow hiring or even cut jobs in response to increased costs and uncertainty.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions that President Biden’s inability to quickly tackle inflation contributed to his defeat by Trump. Does this put Trump in a vulnerable position,especially given the declining approval ratings highlighted in the Economist/YouGov survey?
Dr. Vivian Holloway: Absolutely. Economic performance is consistently a top priority for voters, and if Trump’s economic policies are perceived as harmful – leading to rising inflation and economic stagnation – it will undoubtedly erode his support. A 14-point swing in approval ratings before his 100th day is notable. The dip in approval among previous supporters is a warning sign that voters are reassessing his ability to manage the economy effectively. People are focused on thier 401(k)s. The stock market’s fluctuations have people hesitant to check their retirement investments’ current values.
Time.news Editor: Let’s switch gears to immigration. The article points out that Judge Boasberg has indicated “probable cause” to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt due to deportations that violated a court order. How serious is this legal challenge, and what are the potential political implications, especially for a candidate already facing numerous investigations?
Dr. Vivian Holloway: This is a very serious matter potentially leading to a criminal matter if he is found in contempt. Defying a court order is a direct challenge to the rule of law and can create a narrative of disregard for legal processes. Politically, it reinforces concerns about Trump’s respect for institutions and could mobilize opposition voters, especially those who are already critical of his immigration policies. While his immigration stance remains a strong motivator for some voters, this specific case – the potential violation of a court order – could alienate moderate republicans and autonomous voters, damaging the approval rating even further.
Time.news Editor: The article also touches on the challenges faced by Senator Chuck Grassley at town halls, with voters expressing concerns about tariffs and potential disregard for Supreme Court rulings. What do these “angry town halls” suggest about the prevailing mood within the Republican base?
dr. Vivian Holloway: Town halls are often a barometer of public sentiment. The discontent expressed at these meetings is an early indicator of serious problems. Grassley’s difficult exchanges suggest a growing unease, even within the Republican base, about the potential negative consequences of Trump’s policies. Voters are clearly worried about the impact of tariffs on agricultural exports and the potential erosion of social safety nets. The voter openly said “Are you going to bring that guy back from El Salvador?” after pointing out that Trump had blatantly defied a Supreme Court ruling.” It suggests that blind loyalty to Trump is waning. There are also concerns that Trump might ignore a Supreme Court ruling This signifies that the party’s unity is being tested.
Time.news Editor: Given these challenges – economic headwinds, legal troubles, and shifting public opinion – what’s your overall assessment of Trump’s current position, and what should our readers be paying attention to in the coming months?
dr. Vivian Holloway: Trump faces significant hurdles.While his core supporters remain loyal, the economic anxieties and legal challenges are eroding his broader appeal. Readers should closely monitor economic indicators like inflation and unemployment, as well as the growth of legal battles. Another key indicator will be the intensity and frequency to which Trump talks about the immigration issue in his rallies and social media. The way these factors evolve will significantly influence his political trajectory. It’s going to be a volatile period,and voter sentiment could shift rapidly in response to these developments.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Holloway,thank you so much for your insights. This has been incredibly informative.
Dr. Vivian Holloway: Thank you for having me.
[End of Interview]
