Today's Liberal News
Is Aziz Ansari Sorry?
The Waves also discusses the Riverside Church controversy and the case of Sarah Milov.
Your Opinions on Her Wardrobe Are Probably Unwelcome
What we say matters, especially depending on whom we say it to.
What Role Does HR Play in the #MeToo Era?
The Waves also discusses the case against Jeffrey Epstein and Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s Fleishman Is in Trouble.
Trump’s business acumen has long been his armor. It’s being put to the test.
The normally bullish Trump over the weekend declined to rule out the possibility of a full-blown recession as his tariff policies threaten to spark a massive global trade war.
Trump won’t rule out a recession in 2025
“I hate to predict things like that,” Trump said when pressed about the possibility of a recession during a recorded interview that aired on “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo.
‘He Finally Shot the Hostage’: Trump’s Trade War Is a Brutal Reality Check
Trump imposing new tariffs on top of broader policy uncertainty will mean a hit to growth. The question is how large of a hit it will ultimately be.
What Antitrust ‘Reformers’ Got Wrong
Lina Khan and her allies tried to remake antitrust law. Trump’s team is likely putting an end to that.
7 things to watch for during Trump’s joint address to Congress
Look for a more emboldened president compared to the Trump of 2017.
Mahmoud Khalil Isn’t the Only Green-Card Holder Targeted for Arrest
As the details of Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest by U.S. immigration agents first emerged this week, attorneys I spoke with were so astonished that they wondered if the government had made a mistake. President Donald Trump and other administration officials had been threatening to punish protesters by taking away student visas, but Khalil was a legal permanent resident with a U.S.-citizen spouse. The Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student hadn’t been charged with a crime.
HHS braces for a reorganization
The effort is part of the Trump administration’s plan to shrink the federal government.
Another Upside-Down Day of Trump Diplomacy
He denounced the European Union as “hostile” and “abusive” while threatening to ratchet up tariffs on some of its most famous goods by 200 percent. He openly mused about annexing Greenland while sitting in the Oval Office across from the head of the military alliance that would be called to defend it. He vowed to escalate a trade war with Canada while threatening its very right to exist as a sovereign nation.
Is This a Crisis or Not?
This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.
“We will win!” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer chanted at a rally last month protesting Elon Musk’s U.S. DOGE Service infiltrating Treasury Department payments systems. If Democrats want to win, though, they’ll have to fight first, and they don’t seem totally ready for that.
Reality TV Just Leveled Up
Some TV shows catch on because they are great art. Others catch on because they offer soothing distractions from a hectic world. And some catch on because they cause people to text their friends, in a frenzy, “Please watch this immediately because I NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT WITH YOU!!!”
When I get texts like that, I almost always oblige: I will take any opportunity to be a good friend by watching bad TV.
The Endless Hunt to Make Meaning of Marriage
This is an edition of Time-Travel Thursdays, a journey through The Atlantic’s archives to contextualize the present and surface delightful treasures. Sign up here.
I was a walking pile of red flags when I started dating my now-husband—and I made sure to point out each and every one to him. I’d just gotten out of a long-term relationship, and my ex was still sleeping on my couch. I’d cheated before, on the ex, years ago.
Oz may have underpaid Medicare, Social Security taxes, Democrats say
The memo created by Democratic staff on the Senate Finance Committee comes as Oz is expected to face the panel on Friday for a confirmation hearing.
Weldon’s history of vaccine skepticism helped tank his CDC nomination
Sen. Lisa Murkowski shared concerns about his vaccine views before the White House pulled his nomination.
Tesla Takedown: Protests Grow Across the U.S. as Trump & Musk Brand Activists as Terrorists
We speak with Valerie Costa, an organizer behind the grassroots Tesla Takedown movement peacefully protesting outside Tesla showrooms to oppose billionaire owner Elon Musk’s role in government. Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency have led mass firings of federal workers and dismantled entire agencies.
Ex-Education Dept. Official: Trump Is Dismantling Agency as He Weaponizes It Against Gaza Protesters
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has issued a warning to 60 universities that they’re being investigated for antisemitism and could face penalties. Her warning came days after the Trump administration withdrew $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University and as the administration attempts to deport Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil over his involvement in campus antiwar protests at the school.
Mahmoud Khalil’s Lawyers Press for Release of Columbia Univ. Activist Jailed in Free Speech Case
We get an update on the Trump administration’s attempt to deport Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, whose case has alarmed immigrant advocates and civil rights groups. Khalil, a legal permanent resident who is married to a U.S. citizen, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in New York on Saturday and told his green card was being revoked because of his role in Columbia University student protests last year opposed to Israel’s war on Gaza.
As U.N. Accuses Israel of Genocidal Acts, U.S. Surgeons in Gaza Denounce Aid Blockade, Jailing Of Doctors
A new report by United Nations experts says Israel has carried out “genocidal acts” against Palestinians in Gaza, including the destruction of women’s healthcare facilities, intended to prevent births, and the use of sexual violence as a strategy of war. This comes as talks on resuscitating the ceasefire deal continue in Qatar and as Israel continues its total blockade of food, fuel, medicine and other humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory.
The Most Ambitious Crossover Event in Antitrust History
Neither of these companies needs to have its hand in another industry.
Why the GOP Trap for Big-City Mayors Didn’t Work
This was supposed to be the college presidents hearing redux. It didn’t work out that way.
Why Your Budget Soon Won’t Be Able to Include So Many Little Splurges
The only thing holding this country together is the promise of a little treat, and these tariffs may just take them away.
They’re Sprouting Up in Every Rich Neighborhood in America—Including Mine. I Had to Know Where They Came From.
My quest to understand the 5,600-square-foot architectural curiosity that appeared next door.
Top US health agency makes $25,000 buyout offer to most of its employees
The workers have until 5 p.m. on Friday to submit a response for the so-called voluntary separation offer.
‘He needs to do much more’: RFK Jr.’s measles response under scrutiny
The health secretary’s muted response to the first major disease outbreak on his watch worries even some allies.
Another health care disruptor is set to join RFK Jr.’s team
The Covid contrarian’s Senate confirmation hearing to lead the National Institutes of Health promises another airing of pandemic grievances.