[Sunday, April 13] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-04-13 1873 words 9 minutes

Contents

1. Trump Administration & Presidency

1.1 Presidential Activities & Appearances

President Trump attended UFC 314 in Miami, receiving a standing ovation [1] and crowd chants of “U-S-A!” [2]. Trump characterized the audience reaction as “legendary” and interpreted it as showing “the administration is doing a good job” [3]. UFC President Dana White shared details about a visit with Trump that included media personality Bill Maher and musician Kid Rock [4].

[1] Trump receives a standing ovation as he enters a UFC event in Miami, https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-miami-fight-sports-6461901bb3d5f2eec477674d02333a7f;
[2] Trump walks out at UFC 314 to roaring crowd chanting ‘U-S-A!’, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/trump-confirms-ufc-314-attendance-reveals-pick-biggest-winner;
[3] Trump says ’legendary’ crowd reaction at UFC 314 shows the administration is ‘doing a good job’, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/trump-says-legendary-crowd-reaction-ufc-314-shows-administration-doing-good-job;
[4] Dana White dishes on visit with Trump, Bill Maher and Kid Rock | Fox News Video, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6371421744112;

1.2 White House Affairs & Administration

The White House released President Trump’s physical examination results [1] and announced plans for an “extraordinary” Holy Week, with Trump stating his intention to honor Easter “with the observance it deserves” [2]. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) established a new public input portal for “the airing of grievances” [3]. In media coverage, Trump discussed his faith, directly stating “I was saved” [4].

[1] Results of President Trump’s physical released, here’s what they say, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/results-president-trumps-physical-released-what-they-say;
[2] White House plans ’extraordinary’ Holy Week as Trump honors Easter with ’the observance it deserves’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-hold-extraordinary-holy-week-events-trump-honors-easter-the-observance-deserves;
[3] DOGE Has a New Portal For the Airing of Grievances, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/04/13/doge-has-a-new-portal-for-the-airing-of-grievances-n2187816;
[4] Inside Donald Trump’s relationship with God, in his own words: ‘I was saved’, https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/inside-donald-trumps-relationship-god-his-own-words;

2. International Relations & Security

2.1 China Relations & Diplomatic Initiatives

China has acknowledged conducting cyberattacks against the United States [1]. The Trump administration has engaged in direct nuclear negotiations with Iran, with face-to-face talks characterized as “constructive” and scheduled to continue the following weekend [2]. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has assumed the role of ambassador to Israel, publicly committing to work for the “peace of Jerusalem” [3].

[1] China Admits Conducting Cyberattacks Against US | Newsmax.com, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/china-cyberattacks-admission/2025/04/10/id/1206474/;
[2] Trump team holds ‘constructive’ face-to-face nuclear talks with Iran, will meet again next weekend, https://www.foxnews.com/world/trump-team-holds-constructive-nuclear-talks-iran-meet-again-next-weekend;
[3] Huckabee, now ambassador to Israel, vows to work for ‘peace of Jerusalem’, https://afn.net/israel-middle-east/2025/04/11/huckabee-now-ambassador-to-israel-vows-to-work-for-peace-of-jerusalem/;

2.2 Global Economic Competition & Security Matters

The European Union faces decisions transcending simple economic positioning between the United States and China [1]. Beijing has initiated efforts to address its $100 billion trade deficit with India [2], while the United Kingdom Parliament has debated measures to prevent Chinese owners from closing a British steel factory [3]. An investigation into a drone attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan revealed “complacency and incompetence at all levels” [4]. In Ukraine, reports emerged of an attack on civilians in Sumy, described as a “barbaric brutal murder” occurring during a Christian holiday with allegations that “Russians did it intentionally” [5]. The State Department has recognized El Salvador as safer to visit than many European nations [6].

[1] EU faces a choice deeper than America vs China, https://unherd.com/newsroom/eu-faces-a-choice-deeper-than-america-vs-china/;
[2] Beijing moves to soothe India over $100 billion trade deficit, https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/beijing-moves-to-soothe-india-over-100-billion-trade-deficit-101744433382373.html;
[3] UK Lawmakers Debate Measures to Prevent Chinese Owners from Closing British Steel Factory, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/04/12/uk-lawmakers-debate-measures-to-prevent-chinese-owners-from-closing-british-steel/;
[4] Investigation of Drone Attack on US Base in Jordan Reveals Complacency and Incompetence at All Levels, https://redstate.com/streiff/2025/04/12/investigation-of-drone-attack-on-us-base-in-jordan-reveals-complacency-and-incompetence-at-all-levels-n2187803;
[5] Sunday. Christian holiday before Easter. Barbaric brutal murder of civilians in Sumy. Russians did it intentionally., https://x.com/sternenko/status/1911331730511774136;
[6] State Department Recognizes El Salvador As Being Safer to Visit Than Many European Nations, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2025/04/13/el-salvador-level-1-travel-advisory-n2655239;

3. Immigration & Border Enforcement

3.1 Border Security & Immigration Incidents

President Trump has ordered the military to take control of federal land at the southern border [1]. Two criminal incidents involving individuals described as “illegal aliens” have received media attention: a California soccer coach charged with sexually abusing and murdering a 13-year-old boy [2], and a Florida police officer injured after an “illegal alien” crashed into a marked patrol car [3].

[1] Trump orders military to take control of federal land at southern border, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-orders-military-control-federal-lands-southern-border;
[2] Soccer coach in California charged with sexually abusing, murdering 13-year-old boy turns out to be an illegal alien, https://notthebee.com/article/soccer-coach-in-california-charged-for-sexually-abusing-murdering-13-year-old-boy-found-to-be-an-illegal-alien;
[3] Florida police officer injured after illegal alien crashes into marked patrol car, https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-police-officer-injured-after-illegal-alien-crashes-marked-patrol-car;

3.2 Deportation & Immigration Policy Changes

Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Chinese national convicted of acting as a spy for China [1] and highlighted the arrests of five “illegal aliens” convicted of violent crimes, including offenses against children [2]. A federal judge has allowed advancement of a requirement mandating that everyone in the U.S. illegally must register with authorities [3]. Arizona has begun removing up to 50,000 noncitizens from voter rolls following a lawsuit [4], while the Trump administration has proposed offering a legal pathway for undocumented farm workers [5].

[1] Chinese National Convicted of Acting as Spy for China Arrested by ICE Agents, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2025/04/12/chinese-national-convicted-of-acting-as-spy-for-china-arrested-by-ice-agents/;
[2] ICE highlights arrests of 5 illegal aliens convicted of violent crimes, including against children, https://www.foxnews.com/us/ice-highlights-arrests-5-illegal-aliens-convicted-violent-crimes-against-children;
[3] Judge allows requirement that everyone in the US illegally must register to move forward, https://apnews.com/article/illegal-immigration-immigrant-registry-trump-homeland-security-329d9b1523792aaf5940f72948d8b48b;
[4] SCOOP: Arizona to begin removing as many as 50K noncitizens from voter rolls following lawsuit, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/scoop-arizona-begin-removing-many-50k-non-citizens-from-voter-rolls-following-lawsuit;
[5] Trump offers legal path for illegal farm workers, https://www.agdaily.com/news/trump-proposes-legal-path-for-undocumented-farmworkers/;

4. Economic & Fiscal Policy

4.1 Government Spending & Tariffs

A newly appointed U.S. attorney has launched an investigation into Los Angeles County’s homeless spending practices, with $2.3 billion in homeless funding reportedly unaccounted for [1]. Reports indicate 130 countries are seeking trade deals with the United States following tariff policies [2] [3]. American consumers are seeing tariff surcharges appearing explicitly on retail receipts [4], while the administration has exempted smartphones and other electronics from additional tariffs on Chinese imports [5].

[1] LA County homeless spending under the microscope of newly appointed US attorney; $2.3B in homeless funding is unaccounted for in LA County alone, https://www.foxnews.com/us/la-county-homeless-spending-under-microscope-newly-appointed-us-attorney;
[2] From Tariffs To Talks: Trump Adviser Reports 130 Countries Now Seek A Deal, https://www.dailywire.com/news/from-tariffs-to-talks-trump-adviser-reports-130-countries-now-seek-a-deal?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Daniel+Chaitin&category=News&elementPosition=1&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=From+Tariffs+To+Talks%3A+Trump+Adviser+Reports+130+Countries+Now+Seek+A+Deal;
[3] Hassett: Trump Administration Is Negotiating with 130 Countries on Tariffs, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/04/13/hassett-trump-administration-is-negotiating-with-130-countries-on-tariffs/;
[4] American consumers see tariff surcharges on their receipts amid trade war, https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/american-consumers-see-tariff-surcharges-receipts-amid-trade-war;
[5] Trump Exempts Smartphones, Other Electronics From Additional Tariff On China, https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-exempts-smartphones-other-electronics-from-additional-tariff-on-china?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Zach+Jewell&category=News&elementPosition=1&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Trump+Exempts+Smartphones%2C+Other+Electronics+From+Additional+Tariff+On+China;

4.2 Economic Impact & Taxation

American automobile manufacturers face significant market barriers in Europe [1]. U.S. tariff policies are reportedly causing disruption to Chinese manufacturing operations, with some factories closing and selling equipment in a downturn characterized as “worse than the pandemic” [2]. On the domestic front, House Speaker Mike Johnson stated he’s “no ‘big fan’” of rumored proposals to raise the top tax rate [3].

[1] Sticker shock: Why US cars are frozen out of the European market, https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-world/sticker-shock-why-us-cars-frozen-out-european-market;
[2] U.S. Tariffs Hit Hard, Chinese Factories Collapse, Selling Equipment, Worse Than the Pandemic | China Observer, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHDNb2WsZao;
[3] Speaker Mike Johnson says he’s no ‘big fan’ of rumored idea to raise top tax rate, https://www.foxnews.com/media/speaker-mike-johnson-says-hes-no-big-fan-rumored-idea-raise-top-tax-rate;

5. Legal Affairs & Justice System

5.1 Law Enforcement & Crime

An arson attack occurred at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence while the governor and his family were sleeping inside [1]. Authorities subsequently arrested a suspect in connection with the attack [2]. In separate incidents, a pro-life journalist reported being physically assaulted on the street, attributing the attack to rhetoric from Democratic politicians [3], and a Florida assistant principal was arrested after allegedly forcing a 13-year-old student to rub her feet “like he loved her,” according to police reports [4].

[1] Fire at Josh Shapiro’s residence caused by arson: PA police, https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/04/pennsylvania-governor-mansion-arson-attack-shapiro-evacuation/;
[2] Suspect arrested after arson attack on PA governor’s mansion, https://www.foxnews.com/us/pennsylvania-police-arrest-suspect-after-governors-mansion-set-fire-while-gov-josh-shapiro-family-slept;
[3] Pro-life journalist assaulted on street assigns blame to Democratic rhetoric, https://www.foxnews.com/media/pro-life-journo-links-violent-democratic-rhetoric-pro-abortion-woman-violently-assaulting;
[4] Florida assistant principal arrested after making 13-year-old student rub her feet ’like he loved her’: police, https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-assistant-principal-arrested-making-teen-student-rub-feet-like-he-loved-her-police?dicbo=v2-O9ZLkMA;

Harvard professors have sued to block the Trump administration’s review of nearly $9 billion in federal funds [1]. New York Attorney General Letitia James has initiated another legal action against Donald Trump [2]. Senator Cory Booker has called for investigations into potential insider trading related to Trump’s tariff policy changes, claiming there’s “enough smoke” to warrant formal inquiry [3]. In other legal actions, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced an investigation into USA Fencing for alleged violations of state law [4]. A federal judge upheld a Trump administration policy allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement to conduct enforcement operations at churches and places of worship [5]. A Boston City Councilor has agreed to plead guilty to federal public corruption charges [6].

[1] Harvard Professors Sue Trump Administration to Block Review of Nearly $9 Billion in Federal Funds, https://fortune.com/2025/04/12/harvard-professors-lawsuit-trump-9-billion-federal-funding-review/;
[2] Letitia James is suing Donald Trump. Again., https://notthebee.com/article/letitia-james-is-suing-donald-trump-again;
[3] Cory Booker insists there’s ’enough smoke’ to investigate Trump on insider trading with tariff reversal, https://www.foxnews.com/media/cory-booker-insists-theres-enough-smoke-investigate-trump-insider-trading-tariff-reversal;
[4] Attorney General Ken Paxton Announces Investigation into USA Fencing for Violating State Law, https://www.oag.state.tx.us/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-announces-investigation-usa-fencing-violating-state-law;
[5] Federal Judge Upholds Trump Policy Allowing ICE to Conduct Enforcement Operations at Churches and Places of Worship, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-win-judge-ice-enforcement-churches-places-worship;
[6] Boston City Councilor Agrees to Plead Guilty to Federal Public Corruption Charges, https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/boston-city-councilor-agrees-plead-guilty-federal-public-corruption-charges;

6.1 Political Developments & Opposition

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released findings indicating three Democratic-led states account for the majority of unemployment fraud since 2020 [1]. Senator Bernie Sanders organized his largest “Fighting Oligarchy” rally with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, claiming it was making President Trump and Elon Musk “very nervous” [2]. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries faced criticism after comments reportedly referring to opponents as “dumb effing individuals” [3]. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer received media attention following an Oval Office photo, with outlets reporting she appeared to be hiding her face from cameras [4] [5].

[1] DOGE Review Finds Three Dem States Account For Most Unemployment Fraud Since 2020, https://www.dailywire.com/news/doge-review-finds-three-dem-states-account-for-most-unemployment-fraud-since-2020;
[2] Bernie Sanders says largest ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ rally with AOC is making Trump, Musk ‘very nervous’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bernie-sanders-largest-fighting-oligarchy-rally-aoc-making-trump-musk-very-nervous;
[3] Pete Hegseth says Hakeem Jeffries’ ‘dumb effing individuals’ jab is evidence of how far Dems ‘have fallen’, https://www.foxnews.com/media/pete-hegseth-hakeem-jeffries-dumb-effing-individuals-jab-evidence-far-dems-fallen;
[4] Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer hides in shame in viral Oval Office photo, https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-hide-35046028;
[5] Gretchen Whitmer Mocked For Trying To Hide Her Face From Cameras In Oval Office, https://www.dailywire.com/news/gretchen-whitmer-mocked-for-trying-to-hide-her-face-from-cameras-in-oval-office?author=Virginia+Kruta&category=News&elementPosition=7&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=Gretchen+Whitmer+Mocked+For+Trying+To+Hide+Her+Face+From+Cameras+In+Oval+Office;

Harvard University has instituted remedial mathematics courses [1]. Challenges to race-based admissions have expanded beyond Harvard to the U.S. Naval Academy [2]. Princeton’s president made statements refusing to “cave to Trump” while acknowledging antisemitism concerns on campus [3]. “Saturday Night Live” aired an Easter-themed sketch portraying Trump as Jesus addressing economic issues and faith matters [4]. Disney’s upcoming “Fantastic Four” production has incorporated what reports describe as “gender politics” into character development [5]. An Australian father was granted custody of his 12-year-old son in a case where the mother sought to place the child on puberty blockers [6].

[1] America’s Math Collapse: Harvard Institutes Remedial Math, https://spectator.org/america-math-collapse-harvard-remedial-math/;
[2] After Harvard: The Fight Against Race-Based Admissions at the US Naval Academy, https://zachgoldberg.substack.com/p/after-harvard-the-fight-against-race;
[3] Princeton president vows not to cave to Trump, yet acknowledges antisemitism on campus, https://www.foxnews.com/media/princeton-president-vows-not-cave-trump-acknowledges-antisemitism-campus;
[4] SNL mocks Trump as Jesus in Easter sketch targeting economy and faith, https://www.foxnews.com/media/snl-compares-trump-jesus-easter-sketch-mocking-economy-faith;
[5] Disney-Marvel ‘Fantastic Four’ Wades into ‘Gender Politics’ – Leading Lady Sue Storm Won’t Be a ‘Doormat’, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/04/13/disney-marvel-fantastic-four-wades-into-gender-politics-leading-lady-sue-storm-wont-be-a-doormat/;
[6] Australian Dad Gets Custody of 12-year-old Son Whose Mom Wanted Him on Puberty Blockers, https://thenewamerican.com/world-news/australian-dad-gets-custody-of-12-year-old-son-whose-mom-wanted-him-on-puberty-blockers/;