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Top Stories for Today
The NPR/PBS News/Marist poll surveyed over 1,400 respondents on President Trump’s performance in his first 100 days in office. The results were mixed, with almost half giving him a failing grade and 23% awarding him an A.
President Trump speaks to the media as he departs the White House on April 25 in Washington, D.C., for Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
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Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
- 🎧 NPR’s Domenico Montanaro discusses the significance of the poll results on Up First. The low ratings are linked to Trump’s handling of tariffs and the economy. His approval rating for the economy is at an all-time low of 39%. The majority of respondents disapprove of his performance in areas like foreign policy and immigration. Montanaro notes that while Trump’s approval rating may change, the polarized political climate makes it challenging to sway opinions.
President Trump has taken aggressive steps in his second term to fulfill his promise of “retribution” by targeting over 100 individuals and organizations, according to NPR’s investigation. His actions include using government resources to go after political adversaries, media outlets, legal firms, universities, and more. Some of the harshest measures involve initiating multiple investigations through the Justice Department.
- 🎧 The Trump administration is exerting influence on investigations by dictating desired outcomes, as reported by NPR’s Tom Dreisbach. Various government agencies are being used to exact revenge, such as revoking Secret Service protection for President Biden’s children and launching FCC probes against media companies like NPR. Universities are also facing scrutiny from the Department of Education unless they comply with stringent demands.
Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student detained by authorities, has granted his first interview since being held at a Vermont correctional facility. Leila Fadel from Morning Edition conducted the exclusive conversation. The Trump administration seeks to deport Mahdawi and other students for their advocacy during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite the injustice he faces, Mahdawi remains hopeful for a just resolution, emphasizing his commitment to legal compliance and respect for the law.
- 🎧 In his interview with Fadel, Mahdawi reflects on his upbringing in a Palestinian refugee camp and his educational journey in the U.S. He stresses the importance of freedom of speech and adherence to legal principles. While no criminal charges have been filed against him, Mahdawi and other students are targeted under an immigration law rarely used for such cases.
