Most brilliant take down of the week
2 hours ago
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Around the country, America rebukes Donald Chump
That's San Francisco today. Philip Marcelo (LOS ANGELES TIMES) reports, "In San Francisco, protesters formed a human banner reading 'Impeach & Remove' on the sands of Ocean Beach overlooking the Pacific, while others marched downtown chanting, 'No wall! Sanctuary for all!' to block access to a San Francisco Tesla dealership." Across the country protests took place. Max Levy (DENVER POST) reports:Protesters in San Francisco formed an “Impeach & Remove” human banner on Ocean Beach during a protest against U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday. πΈ: Stephen Lam
— San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle.com) April 19, 2025 at 1:28 PM
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A crowd returned to Colorado’s Capitol and downtown Denver on Saturday for the latest in a nationwide series of “Hands Off!” rallies opposing the Trump administration.
Videos and images posted on social media by rally attendees show the group holding signs denouncing what they described as the threat to American democracy posed by President Donald Trump and his associates, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who leads the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.
The event was scheduled to last from noon to 4 p.m. and was organized by Colorado 50501 Chapter, Women’s Strike and Raise Her Voice.
Colorado 50501 Chapter also helped organize the “Hands Off!” rally that brought a crowd and speakers to the Capitol on April 5.
Good for Denver. And good for people in cities across the land.
They're dancin' in Chicago
ABC 7's Maher Kawash reports, "People took to the streets Saturday in Chicago and nationwide to protest President Donald Trump's policies. The protests came as the U.S. Supreme Court issued a new ruling temporarily blocking deportations of immigrants under the Alien Enemies Act. The high court acted in an emergency appeal from the ACLU." Noel Brennan (CBS CHICAGO) adds, "A sea of people crowded Daley Plaza, and marched through the Loop, seeking to turn the tide of the Trump administration" and quotes protester Jim Coleman stating, "The more people come out, the quicker the government will change. There's a lot of energy. People are very upset right now."
That was not the only action in the Chicago area. Courtney Sisk (NBC NEWS CHICAGO) notes that the city hosted "Spend In The Black" this morning an effort that fights back against anti-DEI polices and encouraged people to shop at Black-owned stores. Sisk quotes Rev Charlie Dates stating, "It is absolutely remarkable. We want to strengthen our Black businesses, we don’t want to put our dollars where our dignity is not respected."
Down in New Orleans?
Around 100 people gathered outside of the New Orleans ICE Field Office on Saturday, rallying for the freedom of Mahmoud Khalil and others detained in immigration enforcement operations.
The case of Khalil, a Colombia University graduate student detained at a facility in Louisiana, has garnered national attention. A week ago, a federal judge ruled that Khalil could be removed from the country. His lawyers are expected to appeal and a federal judge in New Jersey has temporarily barred his removal.
Saturday's protest began with a rally on Poydras Street. Then, the group began marching toward the French Quarter. The demonstration is scheduled to end at the Moon Walk, a park across from Jackson Square.
James Finn (NOLA) adds, "A collection of student activists, immigration advocates and progressive groups organized the demonstration 'in response to the Trump administration’s racist and unconstitutional attacks on immigrants and student activists leading to the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, Rumeysa Ozturk, and other students on visas at ICE facilities in Louisiana,' the organizers said."
up in New York City
Janice Yu (WABC) reports, "A sea of people gathered outside the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue with signs in hand and chanting in unison. Then they marched through the streets. Their concerns were the climate ahead of Earth Day, but also some of the policies and actions of the Trump administration." Activist Jamie Leo is quoted stating, "A combination of an environmental disaster and the human disaster of what is happening, not just to the people being illegally and monstrously abducted, but the people who are being hurt silently." CBS NYC reports chants included "No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state" and quotes protester Marshall Green stating, "Congress
should be stepping up and saying no, we are not at war. You cannot use
that [the wartime Alien Enemies Acto fo 1798]. You cannot
deport people without due process, and everyone in this country has the
right to due process no matter what." NEWSWEEK's Jesus Mesa notes, "Tony, one of the marchers, held a placard showing the face of Andry, a
Venezuelan hairdresser who he says disappeared after an encounter with
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)" and quotes him stating, "I saw they all came from videos of their mothers crying. That's what impacts me most -- that there are mothers who don't know where their sons are."
Philadelphia, P.A (Philadelphia, P.A.)
Over a thousand people gathered in Old City to protest against President Donald Trump and his administration.
The demonstration was part of another National Day of Action opposing the president's policies. People throughout the country also gathered for protests earlier this month.
"We need to wake up. We can't take this for granted. Democracy dies in silence," said Lip Spector.
The protest, called "No Kings," is part of a nationwide demonstration denouncing the policies and actions of the White House that protesters say are anti-democratic.
"This is a sign from the grassroots up," said Margaret Ralph. "Americans are saying this is not who we are."
Emily Neil (WHYY) notes, "Philadelphia's rally leaned heavily into the city’s lore and history. A person dressed in a Gritty suit held up a QR code with information on speakers’ names, and the Positive Movement Drumline accompanied rally-goers when they marched several blocks around Old City. With Independence Hall as a backdrop, several attendees came in colonial attire as speakers drew parallels to the Founding Fathers’ fight against the British monarchy and what many people described as the 'lawlessness' of the Trump administration."
Sounds pretty impressive. Good for Philadelphia. Too bad that their crap ass newspaper, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, couldn't be bothered to file a report -- but, hey, they're jazzed that Mark Levin's joining the Chump administration. Priorities, you understand.
Baltimore
March now at the Federal building in downtown Baltimore that houses the ICE field office. Crowd is fired tf up! #HandsOff
— Phillip Anderson (@phillipanderson.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 12:23 PM
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March chanting “Free Kilmar Garcia!” In downtown Baltimore
— Phillip Anderson (@phillipanderson.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 11:49 AM
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Hubs & I marched today in Baltimore. It’s the 250th anniversary of the battle of Lexington and Concord, and also the 10th anniversary of the death of Freddie Gray. So many things to protest it’s hard to know where to start. One thing I learned is that I really need to step up my sign game.
— ✨Rhinestone Specs✨ (@rhinestonespecs.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 8:51 PM
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After the protest we went Sherwood Gardens in Baltimore's Guilford neighborhood to see the tulips and unwind. It's a beautiful neighborhood park and the tulips have been a Baltimore tradition for decades. They were mostly post-peak but still beautiful.
— Fast Fingers Audit (@fastfingersaudit.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 9:08 PM
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and DC now (Baltimore and DC now)
Emma Bowman and Juliana Kim (NPR) report, "In Washington, D.C., hundreds of protesters gathered in Lafayette Square outside the White House on Saturday morning to voice their opposition to the Trump administration. Demonstrators cited a range of concerns, including the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and the administration's moves to cut funding for research and higher education." Philip Marcelo (AP) notes, "Bob Fasick said he came out to the rally by the White House out of concern about threats to constitutionally protected due process rights, as well as Social Security and other federal safety-net programs." Kanishka Singh (REUTERS) notes, "Some demonstrators carried symbols expressing support for Ukraine and urging Washington to be more decisive in opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine." and Everyone should have due process. No one should be just taken away and locked up. I don’t care if he is a murderer, he still should get due process. That's what this country is based on. Laws."
Yeah, don't forget the Motor City (can't forget the Motor City)
Darcie Moran and Liam Rappleye (DETROIT FREE PRESS) notes:
Protesters across metro Detroit spent another Saturday rallying and protesting against the Trump administration.
A handful of protest movements, ranging from Oakland County to Detroit, and farther south into Trenton, took place April 19 as a follow-up to the nationwide “Hands Off! Day of Action" protests on April 5, which saw thousands of Michiganders rally against President Donald Trump, his administration and tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Thousands turned out, but the shouts of the crowds across Michigan stood in contrast to how the state voted in 2024. President Donald Trump won the state by a bit over 80,000 votes, earning 49.7% of the vote to then-Vice President Kamala Harris’ 48.3%.
Also in Michigan, Sarah Atwood (LANSING STATE JOURNAL) reports:
Hundreds of people gathered at the Michigan Capitol Saturday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump's administration on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
The rally, held by Stand Against Extremism in "solidarity" with the 50501 movement, began at noon with a march around the Capitol. Afterward, the crowd stood in front of the steps of the Capitol to hear from local organizers, politicians and community members.
Way down in L.A., California (way down in L.A., California)
Tim Pulliam (ABC 7) reports, "At City Hall in downtown L.A. Saturday, demonstrators said Trump and wealthy members of his administration, like billionaire Elon Musk, are attacking working people and democratic policies. Other protesters there denounced the administration's effort to conduct mass deportations."
MSNBC offers this video report of protests around the country.
NEWSWEEK offers a photo essay of protests here. They protested in Houston.
In Columbia, South Carolina.
In Miami.
In Indiana
In Atlanta.
In Austin, Texas.
Even Austin, Texas is out enjoying a Spring day, in the most American way! #Protest! #FiftyFiftyOne #NoKings #HandsOff
— The Calitaliano Kid ππΊπ¦π½ (@moved2italy.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 10:50 PM
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I had such an overwhelming feeling of community togetherness today. Austin did a different kind of protest. More of a rally. There were speakers, music, info tabling. Next big protest is May 1st! @50501movement.bsky.social
— Brittney (@brittneyhoch.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 9:54 PM
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Austin Texas Protest
— 24zullo.bsky.social (@24zullo.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 9:21 PM
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In Dallas.
Protest and march at Dallas City Hall to Dealey Plaza. April 19th. DAY OF ACTION. #50501movement
— 50501 Supporters (@50501supporters.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 9:59 PM
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Solid showing for the protest in Dallas todayπ
— Aspiringspike (@inspiringtimmy.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 7:19 PM
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Anchorage, Alaska protest. #NoKings #HandsOff #50501Movement.
— Jay Wal Alaska (@jay-wal-alaska.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 4:11 PM
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In Boise, Idaho.
My dad is at the protest in Boise, Idaho. He sent me these photos
— WingFlex (@wingflex.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 1:18 PM
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Boise, Idaho protest www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjY9b5mB/
— Clara Jeffery (@clarajeffery.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 10:22 PM
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MOTHER JONES' Clara Jeffery has a number of BLUESKY posts about protests around the country.
Tyler, Texas turned out.
In the two weeks since we’ve had the first Hands Off protest, Trump has chosen to ignore a Supreme Court ruling. Today in my blood red city of Tyler, TX, we have two protests going on. Two different locations - Hands Off, and a second against fascism. The tide has turned. Knives are on the table.
— sstarkes.bsky.social (@sstarkes.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 12:50 PM
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Hilo, Hawaii.
I love our town. Hilo, Hawaii Saturday, April 19 2025 #Protest #NoKings #Resist
— DC (@dc2go.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 6:06 PM
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#Maui #protest at 8x speed! #50501movement #teamblue #savedemocracy #handsoff #nokings #hawaii #joinus
— Menestune (@menestune.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 11:37 PM
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Kansas City.
Kansas City Protest 4.19.25 #Protest #kansascity @maddow.msnbc.com
— jbuck10.bsky.social (@jbuck10.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 3:19 PM
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Monterey.
On a road trip from Washington down here in Monterey right now at a No Kings protest on the waterfront. People lining both sides of the street and cars honking like crazy in support ❤️
— magia76 (@magia76.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 3:26 PM
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My little town of Monterey, CA had a couple hundred people at our protest today!!!!
— taylorbuaya.bsky.social (@taylorbuaya.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 5:18 PM
50501 Protest - 4/19/25 Monterey, CA
— sirdan69.bsky.social (@sirdan69.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 4:49 PM
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Columbus, Ohio.
I just got back from the protest in Columbus, Ohio. Beautiful day! Huge turnout. 4/5 #50501Movement #HandsOff #NoKings
— ππππ§ (@breakingkind.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 3:12 PM
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Protesting in Boston.
No Kings protest… Boston
— Patti (@patti54.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 4:40 PM
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— Humor For Resistance (@funnysnarkyjoke.bsky.social) April 18, 2025 at 12:44 PM
My husband took this at the Boston protest a few weeks ago.
— Rebecca Tapley, she/her (@rebexa.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 5:38 PM
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They turned out in New Hampshire.
This one from New Hampshire seems relevant again too
— Happy Autistic Demands Month (@audhd-psychnp.com) April 19, 2025 at 1:42 PM
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People from All Over New Hampshire Protest for ‘No Kings Day’ flip.it/k1YmVw
— Greed Apocalypse (@juanmunoz.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 7:29 PM
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#NoKings protest in Oakland—a joyful, diverse crowd marching down Broadway in the spring sunshine.
— Monika Bauerlein (@monikab.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 6:31 PM
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Smaller but enthusiastic various groups including We Fight Back and allies Oakland CA #3E #HandsOff #TeslaShutDown #FiftyFiftyOne #50501Movement #April19 #NoKings #HandsOff #PeoplesMovement #HandsOff #FiftyFiveZeroOne #Protest π π πππ π
— sjh2025.bsky.social (@sjh2025.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 3:12 PM
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It was a nation wide rebuke to Donald Chump, a rejection of the Convicted Felon's efforts to destroy the country. The participation increases nd more people become aware. Rachel Maddow's stated courage is contagious and we're seeing it spread as more and more people refuse to cower before Chump, refuse to bow and scrape and kiss the ring. Joe and Mika embraced cowardice and they are useless for that reason and forevermore. But the American people are standing up and speaking out.
I've seen many good things on BLUESKY but think this may be the most important post of the day.
Why does the mainstream media (CNN, CBS, BBC etc) keep saying the Hands Off protest drew "hundreds of thousands" of protesters?? There were 1/2 a million between DC, LA, NYC, and Boston alone (give or take). And why did I have to HUNT for coverage about today's protest? #50501 #fiftyfiftyone #resist
— Tom Baker π¨π¦ (@cle-tdb.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 9:55 PM
The following sites updated:
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Tiny Desk launches a radio program7 hours ago
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Nathan Tankus, Part II18 hours ago
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We need to lead23 hours ago
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The failure Donald Chump23 hours ago
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Why Trump's Trade War Is Far from Over
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Why Trump's Trade War Is Far from Over
The bond vigilantes stopped the US president in his tracks for now. But there's still a lot to be pessimistic about.
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Spooked by last week's Treasurys selloff (on top of the stock market meltdown), President Donald Trump backed down – at least for now – from most of the new tariffs he had threatened to implement on roughly 60 countries. But while the markets may have won this battle, the trade war is far from over.
Trump's U-turn was significant, as the market reaction shows. Having seen the largest fall in the S&P 500 since 2020, we then witnessed the largest rebound since 2008. But, behind the scenes, many investors are concerned that we haven’t seen the end of the rout. Several are still predicting recessions this year, despite Trump’s U-turn.
Part of the reason for the ongoing pessimism is that plenty of tariffs remain in place. Imports to the US are still subject to the 10% base tariff. Up to a few weeks ago, such import duties would have been considered a deep shock to the global trade system. They are still going to have a significant impact on inflation and demand in the US, as well as export revenues for many US trading partners. While Trump is hoping to make deals with different nations, it’s also unclear what will happen after the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs (except for China), particularly if no agreements are in place.
But the big news is the dramatic step up in the trade war with China. Trump upped tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 125% after Beijing announced reciprocal tariffs on US imports. The impact of these tariffs will be considerable. Even as tensions have mounted between the two countries, trade between the US and China has remained significant, amounting to $585 billion last year alone.
All in all, the current tariff rate in the US is the highest it has been since the 1930s. Tariffs on this scale will spell chaos for US manufacturers, which import many of the inputs used in production from China. They’ll mean lower revenues for companies that export to China and higher prices for US consumers. The Chinese economy will also be hit. Export revenues will fall, and China’s retaliatory tariffs will push up the price of imports from the US, affecting the prices of everything from smartphones to soybeans.
Trump’s team appears to have belatedly realized this. The administration slipped out a note over the weekend announcing that the single largest Chinese import to the US – smartphones – would be exempt from tariffs. Other important imports, from electronic devices to semiconductors to solar cells, will also receive carveouts (though Trump officials signaled that such exemptions may only be temporary). And other countries that have large trade deficits with the US, from Vietnam to Thailand to Malaysia to Taiwan, will benefit from exemptions.
This is a quiet, but stark, turnaround from an administration that, just last week, was claiming that it would bring iPhone manufacturing back to the US (it’s also been managed very badly, as Paul Krugman points out in a recent piece on his Substack). It is becoming clear that Trump and his core team realize they have crossed a line. By all accounts, the architect of the trade war – Peter Navarro – is now being sidelined as the administration changes its tactics.
But even with Trump’s climb down, many investors remain pessimistic. While Trump U-turned on many of the tariffs he threatened to introduce last week, the damage wrought by this latest trade battle can’t be undone overnight. Trump’s erratic behavior has led to an increase in uncertainty, greater economic fragmentation, and the collapse of faith in the US-backed global trading system.
Stopped in His Tracks...
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