Easy
Thursday, April 17th, 2025
America — Trump’s Approval Rating Takes a Dive
Donald Trump’s approval ratings have dropped significantly in recent polls, with multiple surveys showing a net negative approval driven by economic concerns and backlash against tariffs. The Economist/YouGov poll (April 13-15) places his approval at 42% against 52% disapproval, while Morning Consult records a second-term low of 45% approval. Key factors include voter dissatisfaction with tariff policies—52% believe increased tariffs on goods like automobiles will harm Americans—and declining support among independents, whose approval fell 5% to 32% post-tariff announcements. Economic handling draws particular scrutiny, with only 37% approving of his approach, and net-negative ratings on inflation and living costs. Swing states that secured Trump’s 2024 victory now show net disapproval, signaling vulnerability for Republicans in upcoming elections as disillusionment grows among younger, Hispanic, and economically strained voters.
Tech — Meta’s Hope of an Anti-Trust Reprieve Are Dashed
Bloomberg
Meta’s expectation of regulatory relief under the Trump administration has collided with the reality of an aggressive FTC antitrust trial, which began April 14, 2025, scrutinizing its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp as alleged monopolistic practices. Despite CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s efforts to align with the administration’s pro-tech rhetoric, the FTC—now led by Trump appointees—has maintained pressure, arguing Meta’s past acquisitions stifled competition and demanding divestitures. Meta counters that TikTok, YouTube, and Apple’s iMessage represent vigorous competition, but internal documents and Zuckerberg’s past emails about neutralizing rivals through acquisitions remain central to the case. The trial underscores the administration’s unexpected continuation of Biden-era antitrust rigor, with eight major tech investigations ongoing, including against Amazon and Google, signaling no respite for Silicon Valley.
Trade — America is Turning Away From Chinese Goods, Where Will They Go Instead?
The Economists
As U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods reach prohibitive levels (up to 145% on most imports), Chinese exports face steep declines to America, forcing producers to pivot toward other markets—particularly in South-East Asia, Latin America, and regions already grappling with Chinese import competition. While firms may attempt rerouting through countries like Mexico or Vietnam, heightened scrutiny and U.S. threats of retaliation against transshipment hubs limit evasion. Instead, China’s subsidized manufacturing surge—marked by a 20% drop in export prices since 2023—risks overwhelming global markets, exacerbating trade deficits for countries like Thailand (where industrial output has fallen 10% since 2019) and India, which filed a record 37 WTO complaints against China in 2024. Nations such as Bangladesh and Vietnam now face cut-price competition in textiles and toys, sectors previously shielded by U.S. “de minimis” duty exemptions, while regional leaders balance economic pressures against fears of antagonizing China.
Sports — What Does It Mean to “Listen to Your Body” During Workouts
Peloton
"Listening to your body" during exercise involves prioritizing internal cues—like pain, fatigue, breath, and muscle tension—over external pressures, allowing you to adjust intensity, modify movements, or rest as needed. This practice helps prevent overtraining (marked by burnout, declining performance, or injury) by balancing effort with recovery and respecting individual baselines rather than mimicking others. Key signals include persistent soreness, irritability, or weakened immunity, which indicate when to scale back, while mindfulness practices like breathwork or yoga enhance body awareness to distinguish productive exertion from harmful strain. Ultimately, it fosters a sustainable, injury-free relationship with fitness by aligning workouts with physical and emotional needs.
Chinese Pastry — 老婆饼 (Wife’s Cake)
These Wife Cakes, also called Sweetheart Cakes, are a beloved Chinese bakery staple featuring a flaky pastry encasing a sweet, chewy filling made from wintermelon and coconut. They pair perfectly with tea, making them an ideal treat for an afternoon snack.
Song Rec — Easy (Camila)
Quote of the Day
“Man stands face to face with the irrational. He feels within him his longing for happiness and for reason. The absurd is born of this confrontation between the human need and the unreasonable silence of the world.” ― Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays