AP Photo
Trump brands his opponents as ‘communists,’ a label loaded with the baggage of American history
By LAURIE KELLMANUpdated 8:15 AM CDT, May 3, 2025
For years, President Donald Trump blamed “communists” for his legal and political troubles. Now, the second Trump administration is deploying that same historically loaded label to cast his opponents — from judges to educators — as threats to American identity, culture and values.
Why? Trump himself explained the strategy last year when he described how he planned to defeat his Democratic opponent, then-Vice President Kamala Harris, in the White House election.
“All we have to do is define our opponent as being a communist or a socialist or somebody who is going to destroy our country,” he told reporters at his New Jersey golf club in August.
Trump did just that — branding Harris “comrade Kamala” — and he won in November. With the assent of more than 77 million Americans who cast ballots — 49.9% of the vote — Trump is carrying that strategy into his second term.
What he’s talking about is not actually ‘communism’
In 2025, communism wields big influence in countries such as China, Vietnam, North Korea and Cuba. But not the United States. ...
READ THE FULL STORY - AP
White House brings conspiracy theorists, former Trump officials and a family friend to its 'influencer briefings'
A review of attendees to the first three influencer briefings shows an overwhelmingly right-leaning guest list.
www.nbcnews.comJustice Department will switch its focus on voting and prioritize Trump's elections order, memo says
A new mission statement for the Justice Department unit that upholds voting rights shows it's being redirected toward prioritizing President Donald Trump's executive order on elections.
apnews.com
Mexico's president says she rejected Trump's plan to send US troops across the border
Mexico's president has said that U.S. President Donald Trump proposed sending American troops into Mexico to help her administration fight drug trafficking but that she rejected it
Former Vice President Pence will receive the Profile in Courage Award for his actions on Jan. 6
Former Vice President Mike Pence will receive the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his refusal to go along with President Donald Trump’s efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election.
apnews.com
Australia's Albanese claims election victory, riding anti-Trump wave
Supporters at Labor’s election party in Sydney cheered and hugged each other as Albanese claimed victory and said his party would form a majority government.
www.usatoday.com
'My sacrifice': Canadians boycott US products as Trump feeds 'Buy Canada' surge
Canadians are foregoing their favorite American products in anger at President Donald Trump. The boycott could impact the U.S. economy.
www.usatoday.com
Analysis: Trump is trying to chill the investigative journalism that holds him to account | CNN Business
On World Press Freedom Day, there’s a bleak backdrop as Trump and his aides are actively trying to impede reporting and intimidate news outlets.
www.cnn.com
James Carville says Democrats can't afford to lie like 'Republicans do' because they would lose credibility
Democratic political strategist James Carville expressed frustration with the state of his party, arguing that Democrats are not able to get away with lying, unlike Republicans.
Trump blamed Biden for a down market. 2 days later, stocks are soaring.
Donald Trump might want to take back blaming Joe Biden for the stock market. Wall Street is doing quite well again.
news.yahoo.comTrump draws criticism with AI image of himself as the pope ahead of the papal conclave
President Donald Trump has posted an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself dressed as pope.
apnews.com
Trump claims grocery and gas prices are falling. Experts say that's misleading
"Prices are still going up," one expert said.
Waltz ouster adds to tumult in Trump's national security team but consolidates power in fewer hands
President Donald Trump’s removal of national security adviser Mike Waltz brings further disruption to his national security team.
apnews.com
Israel’s Gaza blockade sparks outrage as dozens die of ‘forced starvation’
Aid trucks carrying food are waiting to enter Gaza as Israel’s blockade and bombardment kill dozens of Palestinians.
Germany hits back at Rubio's defense of far-right AfD party
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the German intelligence agency designation of the far-right AfD party “tyranny in disguise,” after the agency classified AfD a “proven right-wing extremist organization.”
www.nbcnews.com
For America's European allies, Trump's first 100 days a time of reckoning, backlash
It was the sacrifice of U.S. and European Allied soldiers during World War II that formed the bedrock of an alliance that has lasted for over 80 years.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump's social media post targeting Harvard's tax-exempt status could create problems for the IRS
Tax and legal experts say the appearance of Trump directing the IRS to take action could work in Harvard’s favor if a legal battle ensues.
www.nbcnews.com
Analysis: A map of the ethical minefield Elon Musk’s business interests create for the US government | CNN Politics
Elon Musk sits at the center of a galaxy of companies and pursuits, all of which he appears to be maintaining while also taking point on President Donald Trump’s efforts to shrink the federal government.
www.cnn.comArizona communities bank on Trump's push for coal to ensure they're not forgotten
President Donald Trump wants to tap into “beautiful, clean coal" to help meet the electricity demands of what he bills as a new dawn of manufacturing and technological advancement in the United States.
apnews.com
Australian opposition party reeling after Albanese's landslide election win
Anthony Albanese's left-leaning Labor Party has won an outright majority in parliament, according to the latest counting
www.bbc.com
Laura Loomer has Donald Trump’s ear. What she wants is a White House press credential | CNN Politics
Laura Loomer can get President Donald Trump on the phone, but she can’t get a seat in his briefing room.
www.cnn.com
Marco Rubio's swift rise to a central spot in Trump's orbit
In a dramatic shift in fortunes, Rubio is the first person since Henry Kissinger to be both secretary of state and national security adviser at the same time.
www.nbcnews.comRussia and Ukraine clash over ceasefire proposals as fighting rages
Ukraine and Russia are at odds over competing ceasefire proposals. Moscow has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of threatening the safety of dignitaries attending Victory Day celebrations after he dismissed Russia’s unilateral 72-hour ceasefire.
apnews.com
Trump thinks ESPN's Stephen A. Smith should run for president. Dem voters aren't so sure.
The 57-year-old "First Take" host knows how to create a buzz, but progressives activists and voters are skeptical about embracing bombastic celebrity
www.usatoday.com
Watch: Three things to know about the Australian election result
The BBC's Australia correspondent Katy Watson breaks down who won and lost the election - and what it means.
www.bbc.com
Why it’s time we change how we talk about conspiracy theories | CNN Politics
CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan, who interviews people with crazy beliefs, reflects on some of his own.
www.cnn.comJudge slaps down Trump's 'cringe-worthy' executive order targeting Perkins Coie
Judge Beryl Howell blocked President Donald Trump's executive order against Perkins Coie, calling the effort to target its lawyers "cringe-worthy."
A legislative session like no other: Key issues that didn't go in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' favor
Gov. Ron DeSantis has had firm support from Florida's legislative body for six years. Yet this time he is facing major challenges.
apnews.com
At least seven killed in South Sudan hospital bombing: MSF
The UN has warned in recent weeks that the country is on the brink of a new civil war.
Australia's prime minister wins second term, local broadcasters project
It was a defeat for the conservative party, whose campaign promises, including on immigration and government efficiency, were widely seen as emulating Donald Trump.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump's 2026 budget proposal calls for $163B in cuts to federal spending
The White House on Friday released President Donald Trump's proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which calls for $163 billion in cuts to federal spending.
Mexican president declines Trump's offer of US troops to help fight drug cartels
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum recently confirmed President Donald Trump offered U.S. military assistance to address cartel concerns, and she declined.
Man whose son was killed by Cincinnati police now charged in death of deputy
Police in Cincinnati say a man who struck and killed a county deputy with his car on Friday is the father of a teenager who was shot and killed by Cincinnati police a day earlier during a chase.
apnews.com
CIA's top doctor sues over her firing, accusing the government of bowing to far-right
Terry Adirim, director of the CIA’s Center for Global Health Services, accused the government of denying her due process and allegedly bowing to far-right activists.
www.nbcnews.comTrump says US in transition period, downplays impact of short-term recession
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump said on Friday the U.S. was in a "transition period" and was going to do "fantastically" while downplaying the impact any short-term recession may have. What we are — I said, this is a transition period. Trump's comment on the U.S. economy being in...
Newly elected chair of Georgia Democrats says party hasn't been fighting enough
Charlie Bailey has been elected as the new chair of Georgia’s Democratic Party. Bailey, who won a leadership race Saturday, pledges to raise the money and help the party win elections.
apnews.comScientific societies to do climate assessment after Trump administration dismissed authors
Two groups join forces for peer-reviewed research after key contributors on Congress-mandated report dismissed
Protestors rally to support the national African American museum and Black history
Groups rallied pushing back against what they call the Trump administration's campaign to erase Black history.
www.usatoday.com
Crimea is at the crux of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Here's why it's important.
The diamond-shaped peninsula on the Black Sea has vast trade and military significance — and is steeped in spiritual lore.
www.nbcnews.comVP Vance's global travels are a mix of diplomacy, dealmaking, soft power and family time
President Donald Trump has dispatched Vice President JD Vance all over the world in the opening months of the administration.
apnews.com
President Trump shares AI-generated photo of him dressed as pope
Cardinals are set to gather in Vatican City next week to choose Pope Francis' successor as the leader of the Catholic Church.
www.cbsnews.com
https://apnews.com/article/cia-staffing-spy-agencies-trump-ratcliffe-ce8b1d50acefaeb980e14754e95c878
Texas Gov. Abbott signs school vouchers into law. What we know about the school choice bill
A growing number of states have passed school choice legislation since the COVID-19 pandemic.
www.usatoday.com
Elon Musk's Starbase on its way to becoming an official Texas city
The home of Elon Musk's SpaceX rocket company is on its way to becoming an official Texas city with a galactic name: Starbase.
www.cbsnews.com
Fear, pain, and a little hope: Volunteer doctors in Gaza
Four doctors take Al Jazeera through their days helping people in Gaza’s beleaguered Nasser Hospital.
Texas governor signs $1 billion voucher bill in milestone for school choice supporters nationally
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a $1 billion voucher program into law. The signing on Saturday caps a yearslong effort by Republican supporters in the state to use public dollars to fund private school education.
apnews.com
Voice of America’s fate still in flux after appeals court pauses back-to-work orders | CNN Business
About 1,400 Voice of America employees and contractors at its parent agency, the US Agency for Global Media, gained access to their email accounts and other systems on Saturday. But later in the day, an appeals court paused the earlier ruling that had prompted the return-to-work message.
www.cnn.com
Trump administration plans to cut thousands of employees at spy agencies
Sources familiar with the situation said the downsizing would cut about 1,000 to 1,200 employees at the Central Intelligence Agency.
www.nbcnews.com
CBS analyst recalls time Shedeur Sanders missed pregame obligation with network
Another damning report about Shedeur Sanders has come to light, days after the quarterback dropped to the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Ohio deputy fatally struck by man whose son had been shot by police: Authorities
Authorities in Ohio said a man "purposely" struck and killed a sheriff's deputy the day after his teen son was fatally shot by police.
United Airlines cuts 35 daily flights at Newark airport, citing shortage of air traffic controllers
Passengers with flights to or from Newark Liberty International Airport are encountering long delays and cancellations due to an air traffic controller shortage and equipment failures.
apnews.com
Dozens of Palestinians starved to death under Israel’s blockade of Gaza
As trucks carrying vital supplies pile up at border with Egypt, hungry children look through rubbish for food.
Fears of global instability drive Singapore voters into ruling People's Action Party's arms
The People's Action Party won by a landslide in an election dominated by concerns over the cost of living and the economy.
www.bbc.com
Trump turns civil rights upside down in ‘biggest rollback’ since Reconstruction | CNN Politics
The government under President Donald Trump is bending the arc of US history in a new direction, away from the civil rights focus of the past 60 plus years.
www.cnn.comIndigenous activists see Trump's Columbus Day rhetoric as cause for continued advocacy
President Donald Trump has announced he won't recognize Indigenous Peoples Day and will bring Columbus Day “back from the ashes” — another sign some Native leaders say that advocacy for Indigenous representation must continue during Trump’s second term in the White House.
apnews.com
Brown University in GOP crosshairs after student's DOGE-like email kicks off frenzy
Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, wrote to Brown University questioning its endowment and handling of a student who sent a DOGE-like email to staff.
Singapore's long-ruling party wins another landslide in election boost for new prime minister
Lawrence Wong, 52, succeeded Lee Hsien Loong to become the city-state’s fourth leader
www.nbcnews.comA community rallied to share flu shot experiences. Then the government stopped the study
Some Denver parents got texts during this winter's brutal flu season with videos sharing why people in their neighborhoods chose flu shots for their kids.
apnews.com
Elon Musk does not regret work at DOGE, support for Trump: 'Essential' for America to 'reach greater heights'
Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk affirmed his support for President Donald Trump and his tenure at DOGE on "My View with Lara Trump."
Expert testifies that repeated strikes to Tyre Nichols' head were unnecessary and excessive
A police training expert testifying as a defense witness in the trial of three former Memphis officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols acknowledged that kicks and punches to Nichols’ head were unnecessary and excessive.
apnews.com
‘Don’t see a major war with India, but have to be ready’: Pakistan ex-NSA
Pakistan’s ex-NSA says lack of crisis mechanisms could spark conflict with India after deadly Kashmir attack.
NPR stations targeted for cuts by Trump have provided lifelines to listeners during disasters
After Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville, North Carolina, the sound coming from open car windows as residents gathered on a street at the top of a ridge trying to get cell service last fall was Blue Ridge Public Radio.
apnews.com
Pro-Gaza candidates elected despite gender segregation, antisemitism controversies
Pro-Gaza candidates won in local English elections, highlighting growing concern in the UK over Israel's war with Hamas. This comes as the Reform UK Party made major gains locally.
3 corrections officers stabbed by MS-13 gang members in prison: Officials
Three corrections officers were stabbed by inmates in a "premeditated" attack Friday at Wallens Ridge State Prison, the Virginia Department of Corrections said.
Florida's GOP Legislature cracks down on ballot measures after near-misses on pot, abortion
Despite Republican infighting between Gov. Ron DeSantis and state House GOP leaders, the legislation gives the governor a win on one of his top priorities this year.
Musk gets his Texas wish. SpaceX launch site is approved as the new city of Starbase
A vote Saturday to formally organize Starbase as a city was approved by a small group of Texas voters who live there and are mostly Musk’s employees.
apnews.com
Eight men arrested in two separate anti-terror operations, Met police says
Five were arrested in one operation, the other three were arrested separately, at various addresses across England.
www.bbc.com
Libertarians like Ron Paul warned against REAL ID — is the criticism merited? Experts weigh in
With the REAL ID deadline days away, experts disagree on the balance between privacy and national security, with one telling Fox News Digital the protocol creates a de facto national ID.
Donald Trump asks for huge spending increase on border, deportations
The president's plan would increase Homeland Security spending by two-third for one year.
www.usatoday.com
Nearly 7,000 troops, tanks and parachute jumps: Army confirms military parade coinciding with Trump's birthday
The Army is planning a historic parade through the streets of Washington on June 14 that will coincide with and be part of the Army's long-planned 250th celebration.
International students in Alabama fearful after researcher with no political ties is detained
Alireza Doroudi has been detained in an immigration facility in Louisiana for nearly six weeks. Doroudi’s detention has instilled fear in the small Iranian community in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he and his fiancee are doctoral students.
apnews.com
Video: How businesses are waiting out tariffs | CNN Business
With Trump’s new tariffs in place on products from countries like China, many businesses are looking at bonded warehouses as a way to legally avoid paying the extra dues for now. CNN’s Julia Vargas Jones explains how they work.
www.cnn.comWarren Buffett shocks shareholders by announcing his intention to retire at the end of the year
Buffett said he will recommend to Berkshire Hathaway’s board that Greg Abel should become CEO at the end of the year.
apnews.com
Olympian charged in Florida with battery on female fellow athlete
An Olympic track medalist is charged in Florida with punching a female hurdler who also competed in the Olympics
Trump administration sues Colorado and Denver for allegedly interfering in immigration enforcement
The Department of Justice is suing Colorado and Denver for allegedly interfering with federal efforts to enforce immigration laws.
apnews.comElon Musk does not regret work at DOGE, support for Trump: 'Essential' for America to 'reach greater heights'
Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk affirmed his support for President Donald Trump and his tenure at DOGE on "My View with Lara Trump."
Major delays at Newark Liberty Airport wreak havoc with weekend travel plans
United Airlines canceled dozens of flights at Newark following a chaotic week of travel that left some passengers dealing with massive delays.
www.nbcnews.comPakistan test fires ballistic missile as tensions with India spike after Kashmir gun massacre
Pakistan asked Gulf allies on Friday to help ease tensions with India after the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 people, mostly Hindus, were killed.
apnews.com
Sovereignty wins 2025 Kentucky Derby
It was a wet day at Churchill Downs Saturday, but that did not seem to bother Sovereignty, who took home the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby.
Houthis maintain pressure on Israel as US launches more strikes on Yemen
Prime minister of Yemen’s internationally recognised government has resigned amid political turmoil.
Visa crackdown leads international students in the US to reconsider summer travel
International students in the U.S. are reconsidering their travel plans this summer after a wave of student status terminations and visa revocations.
apnews.com
Enten breaks down how Australians view Trump’s impact on their country | CNN
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secures a second term in office in a disastrous night for his conservative rivals, as voters chose stability over change against a backdrop of global turmoil inflicted by President Donald Trump. CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten breaks down the data.
www.cnn.com
Alligators, snakes, biting insects: Small plane crash survivors recall 36-hour ordeal
It was after their tiny plane crashed into the Bolivian jungle earlier this week that their problems really began
Trump budget proposes drastic cuts for US scientific research
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House wants to reduce U.S. health spending by more than a quarter next year, with the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention facing the brunt of billions of dollars in cuts. President Donald Trump's administration on Friday...
Romanians vote in a presidential redo after voided election sparked deep political crisis
Romanians are casting ballots in a critical presidential election redo after last year’s annulled vote plunged the European Union and NATO member country into its worst political crisis in decades.
apnews.com
Europe marks VE Day with Trump on its mind
As Western alliances unravel, Europe is entering an era that seems distant from what VE Day represented, the BBC's Katya Adler writes.
www.bbc.comHeavy rainfall sets records and washes out roadway in rural Oklahoma
A steady line of slow-moving thunderstorms that battered Oklahoma in recent weeks has set multiple rainfall records across the state and helped ease drought conditions.
apnews.comVirginia GOP roiled by controversy over sexually explicit photos
The controversy has consumed the state Republican party as it looks toward a tough November.
Hunger and malnutrition are rising across Gaza as Israel's blockade leaves mothers with few options
Malnutrition and hunger are prevelant in the Gaza strip as Israel’s blockade enters its third month.
apnews.comWarren Buffett shocks shareholders by announcing his intention to retire at the end of the year
Earlier, Buffett warned Saturday about the dire global consequences of President Donald Trump's tariffs.
news.yahoo.com
Cincinnati police fatally shot an armed 18-year-old. The next day, his father killed a sheriff’s deputy, authorities say | CNN
A Cincinnati sheriff’s deputy was fatally struck by a car driven by the father of an armed 18-year-old man who was shot and killed by police a day earlier, authorities say.
www.cnn.comWarren Buffett’s best and worst investments in his 60 years leading Berkshire Hathaway
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett says he wants to step down as chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year.
apnews.com
Israel calls up thousands of reservists, plans to expand Gaza offensive amid stalled hostage talks | CNN
The Israel Defense Forces said Saturday it will mobilize thousands of reservists in the coming days, in what appears to be an expansion of its offensive in Gaza.
www.cnn.com
Could our solar system have 9 planets after all? Astronomers may have confirmed possible existence.
Our solar system may have a ninth planet after all, following the declassification of Pluto nearly two decades ago, researchers say.
Who is Greg Abel, the executive picked to be successor to Warren Buffett?
When Warren Buffett announced at his annual shareholder meeting that he is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year, he elevated a 62-year-old Canadian executive named Greg Abel who has long been one of his top lieutenants.
apnews.com
Katy Perry: From Blue Origin flight to 'cringe' dance moves - the online backlash against her
The US singer says she feels "bruised" after weeks of online backlash - what's sparked the change?
www.bbc.com
Judge issues permanent block of Trump executive order targeting Perkins Coie law firm
A federal judge on Friday issued a permanent ruling barring the Trump administration from implementing an executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie.
NEWS FROM THE HILL:
