Welcome back to “The Unify Brief,” where we track the latest developments shaping the nation. Here’s what you need to know this week.
Trump Tariffs
On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a series of comprehensive tariffs aimed at addressing longstanding trade imbalances and revitalizing domestic manufacturing. In his speech, he declared April 2 as a “day of liberation,” marking a significant shift in U.S. trade policy.
President Trump justified these measures to rectify trade practices that have contributed to persistent U.S. trade deficits. He has argued that previous administrations allowed other countries to exploit trade relationships, resulting in the loss of American jobs and the closure of factories. The administration positioned these tariffs as a strategy to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. and stimulate economic growth.
The European Union, affected by the 20% tariff, began preparations for retaliatory measures, potentially targeting billions in U.S. goods. Countries like India, Indonesia and Taiwan opted for negotiations rather than immediate reciprocal tariffs. More than 50 countries initiated trade talks with the U.S., seeking relief from the new import duties.
The tariffs could significantly affect American society, most notably marginalized communities, by increasing costs on essential goods, creating job instability and heightening existing economic inequalities both domestically and globally.
Local: Colorado leaders, businesses brace for fallout from Trump tariffs (The Denver Gazette)
National: What to know about Trump’s Tariffs and the Global Trade War (The New York Times)
What other college campuses have to say: Yale experts weigh in on Trump’s tariffs (The Yale Daily News)
Defunding of the department of education
On March 20, Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The administration hopes to reduce the federal government’s role in education, cut down on regulations and shift responsibilities to states and local governments.
The department was created by Congress in 1979 and, in order to fully dismantle it, an act of Congress is required. However, downsizing has already taken effect, with almost half of the department’s workforce being laid off.
Critics argue that these changes could undermine public education, particularly in lower-income areas that rely on federal support. The move could lead to reduced funding for various educational programs, including those that assist marginalized communities.
On Friday, April 4, the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration in a 5-4 ruling, permitting the freeze of the Department of Education’s DEI grants. Eight states, including Colorado, had their grants terminated as DEI initiatives no longer align with government policy.
On Thursday, April 3, the Trump administration sent a memo to public school officials across the country informing them that they were at risk of losing federal funding unless they were able to verify the elimination of all DEI-related programs.
Local: Colorado, 20 other states, sue Trump administration over “illegal dismantling” of Department of Education (The Colorado Sun)
National: Trump orders a plan to dismantle the Education Department while keeping some core functions (AP News)
What other college campuses have to say: Trump signs executive order to dismantle Department of Education (USC Daily Trojan)
Immigration lawyer put on leave after questioning administration
On April 5, a senior Justice Department immigration lawyer, Erez Reuveni, was placed on indefinite paid leave after questioning the Trump administration’s wrongful deportation of a Maryland man to El Salvador.
Mr. Reuveni struggled during a court hearing when asked about details regarding the deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, ultimately conceding that his arrest should have never happened. Mr. Reuveni asked the judge for 24 hours to persuade his client, the Trump administration, to begin the process of retrieving Mr. Garcia. Less than a day later, Mr. Reuveni was suspended.
Following the suspension, Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the importance of DOJ attorneys zealously advocating for the government’s interests. Additionally, Mr. Reuveni’s supervisor, August Flentje, was also placed on administrative leave for failing to supervise him properly. The department is working to appeal a judge’s order to return Mr. Garcia to the U.S. by Monday.
The Trump administration’s decision to place a DOJ attorney on leave highlights its emphasis on strict accountability and advocacy for government policies, particularly in immigration. This move reflects a broader tendency within the administration to punish perceived failures and discourage opposition, even within its own legal teams.
Local: As of Sunday, April 6, no local publications have reported on this development.
National: DOJ attorney placed on leave after expressing frustration in court with government over mistakenly deported man (CNN)
What other college campuses have to say: As of Sunday, April 6, no college campuses have reported on this development.
Take Action:
- Support local organizations and unions focused on advocating for teachers and educators in Colorado, like the Colorado Education Association (CEA).
At DU:
- Engage in conversations with professors or other faculty members to learn more about the impact of tariffs and how the defunding of the Department of Education could affect your academic experience.
- Stay informed and up to date with news and developments surrounding these topics.
- If you’re passionate about these issues, consider raising awareness by organizing discussions, debates or events on campus. Speak up during class discussions, attend town halls or reach out to student organizations to learn more.
