In the October 15, 2025 discussion of the “Talking About Politics” series, Political Science Professors John Dietrich, Tristan Hightower, and Rich Holtzman led an open discussion and addressed questions about the state of the Trump presidency. Topics discussed included the political, legal, economic, and cultural impact of the second term of the Trump presidency in the United States and in the world.
Related Talking About Politics Discussions
February 11, 2025- Early Directions in Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy: "Talking About Politics" Discussion Series
April 17, 2025- Talking About Politics: Reciprocal Tariffs and the Economy
Opinion-Trump Approval Ratings
Pew Research Center- Most Americans think Trump is trying to exercise more power than previous presidents
Pew Research Center- Americans view Trump, Vance and congressional leaders in both parties more negatively than positively
National Guard Deployment to Democratic Cities
Council on Foreign Relations- What does the US National Guard do?
NPR- Where has Trump suggested sending troops? In cities run by Democratic mayors
NPR- Trump using National Guard in LA is an 'abuse of power,' says national security expert
BBC- Trump's use of National Guard in US cities faces key court tests
PBS News Hour- What to know about Trump’s National Guard deployments in Chicago and Portland
New York Times- Appeals Court Allows Federalized National Guard, but Retains Block on Chicago Deployment
Office of the Mayor, City of Chicago- Chicago Crime Statistics
Washington Post- A conservative influencer was arrested in Portland. Trump was watching
Pew Research Center- Americans Have Mixed to Negative Views of Trump Administration Immigration Actions
Immigration
New York Times- What Is the H-1B Visa Program, and How Is Trump Changing It?
Economy
Pew Research Center- How most Americans rate the economy
Long Term Economic Effects of Trump Presidency
Wharton- The Economic Effects of President Trump’s Tariffs
Wharton- The Impact of President Trump’s Deportation Policies: The Social Security Program
Congress Power of Purse
Washington Post- Congress is losing its grip on the power to spend Americans’ money
Tariffs
BBC- Trump tariffs on kitchen cabinets and lumber come into force
Criminal Charges Against Enemies
Politico- New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Trump foe, is indicted by Trump’s DOJ
MSNBC- Trump crossed another name off his enemies list. But his targets aren’t going quietly
PBS- Trump pushes Bondi to pursue cases against his foes as he ramps up retribution campaign
Silencing of Critics/Media Outlets
PBS News- Trump’s moves against media outlets mirror authoritarian approaches to silencing dissent
New York Times- Grijalva, Now Certified in Arizona, Demands Again That Johnson Seat Her
Trump Executive Orders
White House- Executive Orders