Senator Reed and Representative Amo sound the alarm
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A sold-out crowd listens to a live recording of the Rhode Island Report podcast with US Senator Jack Reed, US Representative Gabe Amo, and hosts Jim Hummel, host of "A Lively Experiment" on Rhode Island PBS, and Globe Rhode Island political reporter Edward Fitzpatrick on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Rhode Island PBS studios in Providence, R.I.
Carlos Muñoz
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Here are a few highlights.
A looming constitutional crisis
At several points, Reed made it clear he has concerns about Trump's willingness to defy the US Supreme Court, and what it would mean for the country. He said he hopes that Republicans in Congress will realize that they have to intervene, but he acknowledged that Trump knows it's highly unlikely he will be impeached, and he is 'playing on that now.' The case of Abrego Garcia is the
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Harsh words for Hegseth
Reed pulled no punches about his feelings on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose nomination he attempted to block. He said the latest reports that Hegseth shared sensitive information about forthcoming strikes in Yemen on March 15 with family members proves he is not qualified for the job, and should resign. Reed said Hegseth's tendency to work 'in this circle of very close cronies' is especially concerning.
Following a live recording of the Rhode Island Report podcast at Rhode Island PBS studios, US Senator Jack Reed chats with guests.
Carlos Muñoz
Concerns about higher education
Amo pointed out that the Trump administration's attempts to cut and freeze funding to colleges and universities could have a much larger negative impact on the economy – especially in Rhode Island. Amo said the state's attempt to become a player in the life sciences space will be at risk if Brown University has to pause construction or hiring. Reed said that rather than attempting to build a knowledge economy, Trump's 'trying to build an ignorance economy' by cutting research grants.
USAID cuts are devastating
Amo is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, which has been digging into the gutting of USAID, said the 'heartlessness we've seen from President Trump, the weakness from Secretary [Marco] Rubio, the arbitrary cuts from Elon Musk, leave us in a position where around the world where our allies are saying, 'don't trust the US.'' He said Trump wants to force countries to come to the US and beg for help, 'and that's not OK.'
Following a live recording of the Rhode Island Report podcast at Rhode Island PBS studios, Congressman Gabe Amo chats with guests.
Carlos Muñoz
'We're abandoning the Ukrainians'
Reacting to reports that Secretary Rubio plans to skip the next stage of the Ukrainian cease-fire talks, Reed said he fears that it's another sign that 'we're abandoning the Ukrainians.' Reed warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be satisfied until he can pursue more former territories that were once controlled by Russia, and those countries are concerned that America won't be there to offer support. He also warned that China is watching the situation closely because it could become more aggressive with its neighbors if the US isn't in the picture.
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Other quick hitters
Reed does plan to seek reelection next year and is still backing Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer: When it comes to Democratic infighting, Reed said, 'the worst thing we can do as Democrats is spend the next year and a half fighting with each other.' Amo said he would be supportive of Congress passing legislation to offer more student visas to help the innovation economy continue to flow.
This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you'd like to receive it via email Monday through Friday,
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Dan McGowan can be reached at
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