In this installment of “Ripped from the Headlines with Andrea Bonime-Blanc,” we examine the sweeping legal, political, and economic shifts emerging from the second Trump Administration’s first six months—and what they mean for democracy, business, and society.
By Andrea Bonime-Blanc
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The Athena Alliance “Ripped from the Headlines” monthly Salon in July 2025 explored
various aspects of the second Trump Administration’s first 6 months. Topics included
the unprecedented rise in Presidential Executive Orders, the “Big Beautiful Bill”,
continuing Tariff Wars, immigration policy chaos, the Ukraine/Russia War and the US
Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) continuing support for what constitutional scholars are
calling the “imperial presidency”. This turbocharged presidential power began via
SCOTUS decisions a year ago including one granting the office of the US President
unprecedented immunity. Participants reviewed these developments with the assistance
of this Financial Times article coinciding with the 6-month anniversary of the Administration.
We started with a look-back at the decisions made by the US Supreme Court at the end
of its 2024 session, which were deeply impactful in increasing the powers of the
Presidency and limiting the authority of federal regulatory agencies. Some constitutional
scholars and legal observers have characterized this shift as contributing to an
emerging “imperial presidency”—a term historically used to describe a significant
expansion of executive authority at the expense of legislative and judicial oversight. This
perspective is reinforced by the unprecedented number of Presidential Executive
Orders issued under President Trump (see FT chart below), as well as reported
instances where the executive branch appeared to disregard judicial rulings, particularly
in immigration-related cases.
The “Big Beautiful Bill” was passed by Congress with support from the Republican
majority and no votes from the Democratic Party. Key provisions included reductions in funding to federal entitlement programs and tax cuts that disproportionately benefited high-income earners. Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office project the bill could add up to $4 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade. Supporters argue this will stimulate economic growth, while critics express concern over the impact on social safety nets and fiscal sustainability. See The Financial Times Chart below.
We reviewed data related to recent developments in immigration policy and tariff
measures. The data showed an increase in ICE arrests of individuals without prior
criminal convictions. Participants also examined the volatility and shifts in tariff
policy, including newly announced or adjusted tariffs, which have contributed to an
overall rise in effective U.S. tariff rates globally. See below for a chart on immigration from The Financial Times.
We also reviewed information on the breadth and depth of DOGE related and other
federal department layoffs and program dismantling, particularly in the Health & Human Services Department and the State Department (most dramatically the termination of
USAID). See Graphic below from The Financial Times detailing federal layoffs by
department.
Participants discussed concerns about the current balance of power among the
branches of government, including perceptions that Congress has been less active in
asserting its constitutional role. They expressed concerns about the current state of
American democracy, citing issues like the impact of the Citizens United decision 15
years ago opening up political funding and potential risks to electoral integrity in the
2026 election. Observations were made about increased community engagement in
response to the current climate, while also mentioning the impact of funding cuts on
tech startups working with governmental, quasi-governmental, and nonprofit
organizations.
Participants discussed concerns about heightened tension and anxiety in some
communities related to immigration enforcement. One participant noted that in
California—where ICE enforcement actions have received increased public
attention—there has been a rise in civic activism and local community response.
According to this participant, several communities have mobilized in protest
against what they described as the excessive and indiscriminate use of
enforcement tactics.
The group also discussed the challenge of distinguishing between useful information
and disinformation. Some emphasized the need for emotional discipline when
consuming news and ensuring that we don’t fail to distinguish the signal from the noise
or spend too much time on clickbait, which only drains time and emotional wellbeing,
even when it comes from reliable news sources.
A participant in the asset management industry shared observations about how global
sovereign investors are rerouting assets outside of certain jurisdictions due to
confidence concerns, particularly in North America and Europe.
There are serious challenges developing in maintaining business relationships while
navigating political uncertainties and moral questions. Immigration policies are playing
negatively into this narrative especially impacting the hospitality and tech industries.
The group discussed current challenges in the tech industry and broader societal
issues, with concern expressed about lack of accountability and a dim future outlook. A
participant shared her experiences as a diversity and inclusion leader at a major
company, highlighting ongoing struggles with language requirements and racial
tensions in the workplace.
Participants also discussed recent public opinion trends, noting a reported decline
in support for the Trump administration’s performance over the past six months.
This assessment was based on a summary slide of survey data from multiple
sources considered relevant and reliable by the group.
The discussion ended with a general call to action to find solutions at the personal,
organizational, and community levels, with many participants expressing a deep desire
to find practical and actionable solutions to these challenges going forward.
© Athena Alliance 2025
