Politics: 5 stories from this week

May 3, 2025

Here are some stories you might have missed this week, curated by Times editors and personalized for you.

Charles Koch stands and smiles. He is wearing a dark sport coat and a light blue shirt.

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Charles Koch Says Many in the Country Are ‘Abandoning’ Its Principles

In a rare appearance on Thursday to receive an award from the Cato Institute, Mr. Koch made oblique references to President Trump and his tariffs, without mentioning his name.

By Theodore Schleifer

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, left, preparing to shake the hand of President Trump, who is wearing a red baseball cap, as he arrives in Michigan on Tuesday.

Haiyun Jiang for The New York Times

After an Awkward Photo, Whitmer Coaxes a Win for Michigan Out of Trump

Weeks after she hid from the cameras in the Oval Office, Gretchen Whitmer welcomed the president to her state as he delivered the federal funding she had sought for an air base.

By Reid J. Epstein and Dave Philipps

Sophie Park for The New York Times

Harvard’s President Is Fighting Trump. He Also Agrees With Him.

Alan Garber became a hero to liberals after Harvard resisted the federal government. At the same time, he is trying to remake campus culture in ways the Trump administration might appreciate.

By Gina Kolata and Jeremy W. Peters

JB Pritzker speaking into a microphone and gesturing with his right hand.

John Tully for The New York Times

Pritzker Thunders Against ‘Do Nothing’ Democrats as He Stokes 2028 Talk

In a fiery speech in New Hampshire, the Illinois governor railed against both President Trump and what he called the “simpering timidity” among some Democrats.

By Lisa Lerer and Reid J. Epstein

Bill Gates from the shoulders up, wearing teal crew-neck sweater and smiling under a blue sky.

Alex Welsh for The New York Times

Gates Foundation Is Rattled by Trump’s Threat to Its Mission

As the Trump administration dismantles foreign aid, Bill Gates, whose philanthropy is devoted to global health, is trying to talk to anyone with the president’s ear.

By Theodore Schleifer and Stephanie Nolen

MORE ON THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

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Charles Koch Says Many in the Country Are ‘Abandoning’ Its Principles

After an Awkward Photo, Whitmer Coaxes a Win for Michigan Out of Trump

Harvard’s President Is Fighting Trump. He Also Agrees With Him.

Pritzker Thunders Against ‘Do Nothing’ Democrats as He Stokes 2028 Talk

Gates Foundation Is Rattled by Trump’s Threat to Its Mission

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