Thursday, July 31, 2025
All civic learning topics for this day
Today's Topics
Biden accuses Trump administration of trying to "erase justice" and "dismantle the Constitution"
Former President Joe Biden delivered a fiery speech on July 31, 2025, at the National Bar Association's 100th annual gala in Chicago, accusing the Trump administration of trying to "erase justice" and "dismantle the Constitution." Speaking to a room of predominantly Black judges and attorneys, Biden warned these are "dark days" for American democracy. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Rep. Jasmine Crockett were among the attendees as Biden struck a somber tone about constitutional governance under Trump.
ICE arrests 3,000 farm workers as crops rot in fields
Immigration raids in July 2025 arrested over 3,000 farm workers right as harvest season hit peak. California, Texas, and Florida farmers report $2 billion in crops rotting in fields with nobody to pick them. Food prices will spike 40% while Trump insists "Americans will do these jobs." Spoiler: they won't.
Trump refers Harvard to DOJ over Gaza protest response
The Trump administration referred Harvard University to the Justice Department on July 31, 2025, claiming the school violated civil rights law by allowing antisemitic discrimination during pro-Palestinian protests. The referral comes as Harvard fights to restore billions in frozen federal research funding. Critics say the probe weaponizes antisemitism accusations to silence legitimate criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Trump strips health care from legal immigrants and their kids
Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" signed July 4, 2025, kicked millions of legal immigrants off health insurance by requiring Social Security numbers for everything from ACA subsidies to Medicare. Legal immigrants pay taxes but can't access the programs they fund. Their American-born children also lose benefits because their parents have the "wrong" paperwork, even though they're here legally.
Trump sets random tariff rates: Switzerland 39%, Syria 41%
President Trump announced July 31, 2025, new country-specific tariff rates taking effect August 7, with rates ranging from 10% to 50% based on what experts call arbitrary calculations. Switzerland faces 39% tariffs despite being a key financial partner, war-torn Syria gets hit with 41%, while Brazil faces the maximum 50%. Trade experts say the numbers "do not appear to fit known facts" and reflect personal presidential whims rather than economic logic.
Fed Governor Adriana Kugler resigns early, opening key vacancy for Trump appointment
Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler announced her resignation effective August 8, 2025, stepping down five months before her term was set to expire. The Biden appointee's early departure gives President Trump an immediate opportunity to shape Fed policy at a crucial time when he's pressuring the central bank to lower interest rates. Trump celebrated the resignation and said he has "about three very good candidates" for the position, which could be pivotal in potentially replacing Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
Trump and Powell clash over Fed's $2.5 billion renovation costs
President Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell clashed over the $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed's headquarters during a site tour on July 26, 2025. Trump criticized the cost overruns but stated it was not necessary to remove Powell. This incident highlights the tension between the White House and the Fed, underscoring the importance of central bank independence in maintaining economic stability.
Trump pressures Federal Reserve chair for election-year rate cuts
President Trump hinted at potential interest rate cuts after meeting with Fed Chair Jerome Powell on July 26, 2025. This move escalates White House pressure on the central bank, highlighting how presidential influence can impact monetary policy and economic stability. The meeting underscores the delicate balance between political pressure and the Fed's independence, which is crucial for maintaining economic trust.
Trump mixes state diplomacy with personal golf business in Scotland
President Trump's visit to Scotland on July 26, 2025, combines diplomatic meetings with PM Keir Starmer and personal golf outings. The trip highlights the blurred lines between official duties and personal interests, raising ethical concerns. Trump's use of his golf resorts for diplomatic events has sparked criticism and questions about the appropriateness of mixing state visits with private business promotions.
Trump releases $7 billion in frozen education funding after pressure
The Trump administration announced the release of nearly $7 billion in previously frozen K-12 education funds on July 26, 2025. This move follows bipartisan pressure and legal challenges, highlighting the impact of public and political scrutiny on policy decisions. The funds will support critical school programs, demonstrating the importance of timely funding for educational stability and student success.