Trump Mulls Third Term; Musk Spends Millions in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
Key Takeaways
- Trump considers a third term, claiming "there are methods" despite constitutional limits.
- Musk spends over $25M supporting Schimel in Wisconsin Supreme Court race.
- Democrats sue Trump over executive order requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voting.
- FDA vaccine expert Dr. Peter Marks resigns, criticizing Trump's "assault on scientific truth".
- Judge pauses Trump's plan to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans.
Executive Overreach
Campaign Trail
Wisconsin Supreme Court race: Musk spends over $25M
On April 1, 2025, Wisconsin and Florida are holding elections, with the Wisconsin State Supreme Court race seen as a referendum on Elon Musk's role in politics. As of April 1, 2025, Elon Musk and affiliated groups have spent over $25 million supporting Brad Schimel in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race; during the 2024 presidential election, Elon Musk committed more than $200 million to America PAC’s work on behalf of President Trump in seven competitive states, including Wisconsin.
Courts & Laws
Democrats sue Trump over voting proof executive order
On March 31, 2025, the Democratic Party filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's executive order requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voting, arguing it's unconstitutional. The order seeks a national deadline for mail ballots and federal access to state voter rolls; lawsuits were also filed by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and several non-profits.
Judge pauses Trump's plan to end Venezuelan TPS
Science Under Siege
FDA vaccine expert Dr. Peter Marks resigns
Policy Landscape
Trump admin to withhold Title X funding from Planned Parenthood
On March 31, 2025, Planned Parenthood reported receiving notice that the Trump administration would withhold Title X funding from nine of its affiliates, effective Tuesday. This will curtail access to services including cancer screenings and affordable birth control; the report was published on April 1, 2025.
Trump to create entity to take over Chips Act
Trump admin reviews $9B in Harvard contracts
Republicans hesitant to oppose Trump's IRA dismantling
White House Watch
Trump admin criticized for classified info carelessness
Trump targets ticket scalping with executive order
On March 31, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at protecting fans by cracking down on “exploitative ticket scalping” and introducing “commonsense reforms” to live entertainment event pricing. He directed the treasury secretary and the attorney general to ensure scalpers reselling tickets at higher prices comply with IRS rules; Kid Rock was present at the signing.
Robert Reich: Trump regime chills dissent in US
On March 31, 2025, Robert Reich discussed the chilling effect of the Trump regime on dissent in the US. He highlighted Columbia University's actions to suppress demonstrations and Trump's attacks on science, media (ABC's $15 million settlement with Trump), and the legal community (targeting law firms).
Greenland rejects Trump's annexation idea
Musk's DOGE gains access to federal payroll system
On March 31, 2025, it was reported that members of Elon Musk’s cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gained access to a payroll system processing salaries for about 276,000 federal employees, overruling objections from IT staff. Two IT officials who resisted were placed on administrative leave and under investigation.
Economy Watch
Trump plans 'reciprocal' tariffs, trade war concerns rise
On March 31, 2025, it was reported that President Trump is planning to announce "reciprocal" tariffs that could disrupt global businesses and create conflict with allies and adversaries. He is increasing US tariffs to match those of other countries, including imposing a 20% tariff on China, a 25% tax on imported cars and trucks, and increasing taxes on foreign steel and aluminum; despite tariffs imposed during the Trump and Biden administrations, the US trade deficit increased to $918 billion last year, the second-highest on record.