Overview

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.

Context: The State of US Democracy and the Rule of Law

Executive Orders

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 The Financial Times 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”

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.

 

Immigration and Tariffs

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.

 

Federal Government Layoffs & DOGE After-Effects

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.

 

Discussion: Public and Community Response, Surveys, Economic Impacts

Systemic Concerns

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.

ICE Effects on the Community

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.

Separating Information Noise from Signal

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.

Effects on International Business & Diversity

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.

Broad Public Opinion Souring on Trump

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.