The Excerpt: A Deep Dive into News and Culture – May 2, 2025

Introduction

Welcome to the Friday, May 2nd, 2025 edition of The Excerpt, your daily dose of news and cultural analysis from USA TODAY. Today’s episode, hosted by Taylor Wilson, delves into a range of critical topics, from nationwide protests against the Trump administration to the controversial release of the film "Rust" following a tragic on-set accident. We will explore the political landscape, legal battles, and the intersection of art and reality in this comprehensive overview.

May Day Protests Against the Trump Administration

The episode begins with a report on the widespread May Day protests that took place across the United States and internationally. These demonstrations, also known as International Workers’ Day, saw thousands of people taking to the streets to voice their opposition to the Trump administration, its policies, and the perceived influence of billionaires on the government.

Organizers framed the protests as a response to what they characterized as a war on working people, accusing the Trump administration and its wealthy backers, particularly Elon Musk, of attempting to erode labor rights, dismantle unions, and silence the voices of immigrants. The protests highlighted a growing discontent with the administration’s economic and social policies, particularly those impacting the working class. Demonstrators chanted slogans expressing their disapproval of President Trump and his agenda, emphasizing the need for greater worker protections and social justice. The report underscores the significance of May Day as a platform for labor activism and a symbol of solidarity among workers worldwide.

White House Shakeup: Waltz Out, Rubio In

The focus shifts to a significant development within the Trump administration: a shakeup of the national security team. Taylor Wilson speaks with USA TODAY White House correspondent Joey Garrison to dissect the details of this move. The key event centers around Mike Waltz, who had been serving as National Security Advisor since Trump took office. Weeks prior, a security breach dubbed "Signalgate" occurred, in which Waltz inadvertently included a journalist from The Atlantic in a secure chat among top Trump officials. During the chat, sensitive military information was revealed, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosing plans for attacks in Yemen.

The controversy surrounding Signalgate fueled speculation that Waltz would be removed from his position. Trump confirmed Waltz’s departure as National Security Advisor through a social media post, but in a surprising twist, he nominated Waltz to become the UN ambassador, indicating he would remain within the administration. The move caught many within the administration off guard, including State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.

Adding to the complexity, Secretary of State Marco Rubio would now serve as National Security Advisor on an interim basis. This unusual arrangement raises questions about Rubio’s ability to effectively manage multiple high-level positions, as he is also the acting administrator for USAID and the acting archivist of the United States. Garrison draws a parallel to Henry Kissinger, who held both the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor roles in the Nixon administration, and speculates that Rubio’s dual role may be a temporary measure until a permanent National Security Advisor is appointed.

Legal Battles Over Immigration Policies

The Excerpt then turns to the legal challenges facing the Trump administration’s immigration policies. A federal judge in Texas ruled that the administration exceeded the scope of the Alien Enemies Act by attempting to use it to deport Venezuelan migrants. The judge found that the law, intended for wartime situations, could not be used to detain or deport alleged members of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua.

Simultaneously, the administration has petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene in its effort to strip temporary protected status (TPS) for over 300,000 Venezuelan migrants, potentially paving the way for their deportation. This move follows a federal judge’s order halting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s attempt to end TPS for Venezuelans. The Justice Department argues that the Supreme Court should put a hold on the lower court’s order, while a Federal Appeals Court previously denied the administration’s request to pause the judge’s ruling.

Trump’s Executive Order Targeting NPR and PBS Funding

The episode further highlights President Trump’s ongoing battle with media organizations perceived as biased. He has signed an executive order aimed at cutting funding to NPR and PBS by instructing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease direct funding to them. Both NPR and PBS have cautioned that such funding cuts would disrupt essential media services and disproportionately impact Americans who rely on them for credible news. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused various institutions, academics, and the media of being biased and "woke," raising concerns about free speech and academic freedom. The CPB recently sued the White House after Trump sought to fire three of its board members.

"Rust" Release and the Shadow of Tragedy

Finally, The Excerpt shifts its focus to the world of cinema, specifically the release of the film "Rust." The release comes three and a half years after the tragic on-set death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was killed in an accidental shooting. Taylor Wilson speaks with USA TODAY movie critic Brian Truitt to discuss the film and its complicated legacy.

Truitt recounts the events of the 2021 tragedy, in which a live bullet was discharged from a prop revolver being handled by Alec Baldwin, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. The incident sparked years of legal battles, lawsuits, and criminal charges. Truitt acknowledges that it’s difficult to separate the film from the tragedy that occurred during its production. While he attempted to judge the film on its own merits, he notes that the presence of gunshots and violence is particularly unsettling given the real-life circumstances. He also points out the eerie coincidence that the plot of "Rust" involves an accidental shooting death.

Despite the tragedy, Truitt praises the film’s visual beauty, crediting both Hutchins and Bianca Klein, who completed the cinematography after Hutchins’ death. He highlights the use of widescreen vistas, shadows, and color to create a visually stunning Western landscape. Truitt expresses surprise that the film was even released, given the circumstances. He explains that Hutchins’ family wanted her work to be seen and approved of the project. The money made will go to them.

Conclusion

The May 2nd, 2025 episode of The Excerpt offers a comprehensive overview of key news events and cultural moments. From the political protests and White House shakeup to the legal battles over immigration and the release of "Rust," the episode underscores the complexities and challenges facing the United States in 2025. The Excerpt provides listeners with a valuable perspective on the issues shaping society and encourages critical thinking about the world around them.

The episode concludes with a reminder that today is National Space Day and suggests taking a moment to look up and wonder.