Here are today's featured stories, posted by DU members and curated by the Administrators. More news items can be found in our Latest Breaking News forum, and for all the most up-to-the-minute stories that are being talked about by DU members, visit the Latest Discussions page.
March 28, 2025
DOGE Plans to Rebuild SSA Codebase In Months, Risking Benefits and System Collapse
(Wired) The so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is starting to put together a team to migrate the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) computer systems entirely off one of its oldest programming languages in a matter of months, potentially putting the integrity of the system—and the benefits on which tens of millions of Americans rely—at risk. Under any circumstances, a migration of this size and scale would be a massive undertaking, experts tell WIRED, but the expedited deadline runs the risk of obstructing payments to the more than 65 million people in the US currently receiving Social Security benefits.
Go to discussionInvestment advisor sees 'pure chaos' in auto industry from tariffs
(The Fly) After speaking to auto industry experts from the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Wedbush Securities concluded President Trump’s 25% tariff on all cars and parts made outside the U.S. “would send the auto industry into pure chaos.” The move will raise the average price of cars between $5,000 on the low end and $10,000-$15,000 on the high end, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Wedbush believes every auto maker in the world will have to raise prices selling into the U.S. while the supply chain logistics of the tariff announcement is “hard to even put our arms around at this moment.”
Go to discussion"We made a mistake": GOP Rep. Bacon suggests limiting Trump's presidential tariff powers
(Salon) President Donald Trump’s metastasizing tariffs are forcing some Republicans to fall out of line. With broad tariffs on Canada and Mexico set to kick in next week and a recently announced duty on most imported vehicles, Republicans in Congress worry massive price increases on everyday goods may trigger a backlash against the party. Some GOP lawmakers are even ready to rein in the president's power to implement tariffs, citing the economic uncertainty that spooked investors earlier this month.
Go to discussion4 Days Until Florida 1st and 6th Districts Special Elections!
Donald Trump’s recent appointments have triggered a number of key special elections that could change everything for Democrats. The GOP holds one of the slimmest House majorities in history – meaning Hakeem Jeffries only needs three more seats to win a House majority. We can’t let this opportunity slip through our fingers.
Go to discussionTrump order aims to outlaw most government unions on 'national security' grounds
(GovExec.com) President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order purporting to outlaw collective bargaining across two thirds of the federal government, citing a little-used provision of federal labor law relating to national security issues. A fact sheet announcing the policy document says that Trump cited a rarely used provision of the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act allowing the president to exclude agencies and agency subcomponents from collective bargaining rules if the rules “cannot be applied to that agency or subdivision in a manner consistent with national security requirements.”
Go to discussionCore inflation in February hits 2.8%, higher than expected; spending increases 0.4%
(CNBC) The Federal Reserve’s key inflation measure rose more than expected in February while consumer spending also posted a smaller than projected increase, the Commerce Department reported Friday. The core personal consumption expenditures price index showed a 0.4% increase for the month, the biggest monthly gain since January 2024, putting the 12-month inflation rate at 2.8%. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for respective numbers of 0.3% and and 2.7%.
Go to discussionTrump executive order on Smithsonian targets funding to programs with 'improper ideology'
(AP) President Donald Trump on Thursday revealed his intention to force changes at the Smithsonian Institution with an executive order that targets funding for programs that advance “divisive narratives” and “improper ideology.” Trump claimed there has been a “concerted and widespread” effort over the past decade to rewrite American history by replacing “objective facts” with a “distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth,” adding that it casts the “founding principles” of the United States in a “negative light.”
Go to discussion'Crushed' Elise Stefanik 'Scrambled' To Convince Trump To Change His Mind About Pulling Her Nomination
(Mediaite) On Thursday, CBS News reported that Stefanik was under pressure to withdraw her name from consideration because Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House, which they control 218-213. Shortly after the CBS News report dropped, Trump pulled Stefanik’s nomination. “As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress,” he wrote.
Go to discussionThe Signal security lapse was bad. So is what the chat logs actually reveal.
(MSNBC) Though most of the commentary about the Signal group chat this past week has focused on the accidental inclusion of journalist Jeffrey Goldberg — an outrageous breach of national security protocols — the scandal has also provided us an extraordinary window into Trump’s inner circle’s thinking about foreign policy strategy. What it reveals is a cavalier attitude toward new open-ended bombardment campaigns. And it underscores how farcical Trump’s pledge to be president of 'peace' and focus narrowly on American interests has already turned out to be. Trump didn’t need to drop bombs on scores of sites across the poorest country in the Middle East now or with such intensity — and his whole team admitted it.
Go to discussionJenner & Block file lawsuit re: Trump administration efforts to intimidate
(Jenner & Block) "The March 25, 2025 Executive Order—entitled 'Addressing Risks from Jenner & Block' (the 'Order')—is an unconstitutional abuse of power against lawyers, their clients, and the legal system. It is intended to hamper the ability of individuals and businesses to have the lawyers of their choice zealously represent them. And it is intended to coerce law firms and lawyers into renouncing the Administration’s critics and ceasing certain representations adverse to the government..."
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