[Wednesday, April 16] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

1. Trump Administration and Federal Executive Actions

1.1 Executive Orders and Policy Initiatives

The Trump administration continues to implement significant policy changes during its first 100 days, with the President highlighting specific accomplishments as noteworthy [1]. On energy policy, the administration has halted a New York offshore wind project and ordered a review of all Biden-era wind permits [2], marking a clear shift in priorities. Healthcare costs have emerged as another focus area, with executive orders explicitly targeting prescription drug prices for Americans [3], with particular attention to Medicare recipients.

[1] President Trump reveals his proudest accomplishment of his historic first 100 days, https://www.foxnews.com/media/president-trump-reveals-his-proudest-accomplishment-his-historic-first-100-days;
[2] Trump Admin Halts New York Offshore Wind Project, Orders Review of All Existing Biden-Era Wind Permits, https://freebeacon.com/energy/trump-admin-halts-new-york-offshore-wind-project-orders-review-of-all-existing-biden-era-wind-permits/;
[3] Trump signs executive order to lower prescription drug prices for all Americans., https://www.wtnzfox43.com/news/national/trump-signs-order-aimed-at-lowering-drug-prices/article_b9076c34-dca3-5b75-8076-d19020d9a21c.html;

1.2 White House Communications and Media Relations

The White House has implemented significant restrictions to media access, with a new policy limiting wire services’ access to the president. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt now has final authority over determining which journalists can question President Trump [1]. This change has provoked strong criticism from major news agencies including the Associated Press and Reuters, who have condemned the decision to eliminate their dedicated press pool slot [2].

[1] White House starting a new media policy that restricts wire services’ access to the president—Karoline Leavitt to have final say over who gets to question Trump, https://apnews.com/article/ap-trump-press-speech-white-house-access-97a6f5532edd5eec09bd292ba5c9dbdb;
[2] Associated Press, Reuters rip Trump White House for cutting wire service slot in press pool, https://www.foxnews.com/media/associated-press-reuters-rip-trump-white-house-cutting-wire-service-slot-press-pool;

1.3 Government Efficiency and Personnel

EPA Chief Lee Zeldin is reportedly leading what Breitbart describes as the “largest deregulatory action” with potential cuts amounting to “trillions of dollars” [1], aligning with the administration’s efficiency focus through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Meanwhile, the Pentagon is investigating potential information leaks, with a second advisor to Secretary Hegseth placed on administrative leave [2].

[1] Exclusive–Breitbart Fight Club Roundtable: EPA Chief Lee Zeldin Leading ‘Largest Deregulatory Action’ with Trillions of Dollars in Cuts, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/04/15/exclusive-breitbart-fight-club-roundtable-epa-chief-lee-zeldin-leading-largest-deregulatory-action-with-trillions-of-dollars-in-cuts/;
[2] Second Hegseth advisor placed on administrative leave amid Pentagon leak probe, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pentagon-deputy-chief-staff-second-hegseth-advisor-removed-amid-dod-leak-probe;

2. Immigration and Border Security

2.1 Enforcement and Criminal Cases

A high-profile criminal case has concluded with the conviction of an illegal immigrant in the rape and murder of Rachel Morin, a mother of five, with the jury deliberating for less than an hour [1]. In Washington state, two Venezuelan illegal aliens have been charged with kidnapping, torturing, and attempting to kill a woman [2]. Administration official Tom Homan has pledged to prosecute anyone harboring illegal immigrants “to the full extent of the law” [3].

[1] Illegal immigrant convicted in mom of 5 Rachel Morin’s rape, murder after jury deliberates for less than an hour, https://nypost.com/2025/04/14/us-news/illegal-immigrant-convicted-in-murder-of-mom-of-5-rachel-morin-after-jury-deliberates-for-less-than-an-hour/?utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=nypost&utm_medium=social;
[2] Two Venezuelan illegal aliens charged with kidnapping, torturing, attempting to kill Washington state woman, https://www.foxnews.com/us/two-venezuelan-illegal-aliens-charged-kidnapping-torturing-attempting-kill-washington-state-woman;
[3] Tom Homan Vows to Prosecute Anyone Harboring Illegal Immigrants ‘To the Full Extent of the Law’, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/saraharnold/2025/04/15/tom-homan-says-us-will-prosecute-those-who-harbor-illegal-immigrants-to-the-full-extent-of-the-law-n2655577;

2.2 Deportation Policies and Political Responses

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national and alleged MS-13 gang member, has become central to deportation policy debates. The White House has firmly stated Abrego Garcia will “never live” in the US again [1], while a Democratic Senator from Maryland has planned a trip to El Salvador specifically to request his return [2]. President Trump has reaffirmed his intention to send “homegrown criminals” to El Salvador [3]. The White House held a surprise briefing with Patty Morin, whose daughter was reportedly killed by an illegal immigrant [4].

[1] White House says Kilmar Abrego Garcia will ’never live’ in US again, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/3382722/white-house-kilmar-abrego-garcia-will-never-live-us-again/;
[2] A Democratic Senator from Maryland is planning a trip to El Salvador to request the return of Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national and alleged MS-13 gang member, to the United States following his arrest and deportation for unlawful presence., https://www.fox5dc.com/news/maryland-senator-says-hell-travel-el-salvador-abrego-garcia-isnt-released;
[3] Trump Reaffirms Intention to Send ‘Homegrown Criminals’ to El Salvador, https://www.verity.news/story/2025/trump-proposes-sending-us-citizens-to-el-salvador-prisons?p=re3315;
[4] White House Calls Surprise Briefing With Patty Morin, Whose Daughter Was Killed By Illegal Alien, https://www.dailywire.com/news/white-house-calls-surprise-briefing-with-patty-morin-whose-daughter-was-killed-by-illegal-alien;

3. Law, Justice, and Courts

3.1 Legal Challenges to Administration Policies

The Trump administration faces significant legal challenges, with a federal judge finding probable cause to hold the administration in contempt for allegedly violating a deportation order [1]. Judge James Boasberg has given officials two weeks to prove they aren’t in contempt of court, with the directive to “cancel vacations” suggesting urgency [2]. Multiple sources confirm these contempt proceedings [3], with one report noting the judge acted after the Supreme Court “took away the case” [4]. California has announced plans to sue to prevent the administration from imposing sweeping tariffs [5].

[1] Judge finds probable cause to hold Trump administration in contempt for violating deportation order, https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportees-el-salvador-contempt-boasberg-da282511ac6f5c8dd19af620995ca440;
[2] ‘Cancel vacations’: Judge gives Trump admin two weeks to prove they aren’t in contempt of court, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/cancel-vacations-judge-gives-trump-admin-two-weeks-prove-arent-contempt-of-court;
[3] District Judge James Boasberg finds probable cause to hold Trump admin in contempt | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-judge-james-boasberg-finds-probable-cause-hold-trump-contempt-over-deportation-flights;
[4] Judge Boasberg moves to hold Trump officials in contempt after SCOTUS took away the case, https://justthenews.com/government/courts-law/boasberg-says-there-probable-cause-hold-trump-officials-contempt-over;
[5] California will sue to stop Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs, https://ktla.com/news/ap-us-news/ap-california-will-sue-to-stop-trump-from-imposing-sweeping-tariffs/;

3.2 Investigations and Criminal Cases

New York Attorney General Letitia James, who previously won a $454 million case against Trump, now faces her own legal scrutiny. The Trump administration has referred James for prosecution over allegations of mortgage fraud [1], with multiple reports confirming the criminal referral [2]. James has reportedly avoided questions about these allegations when approached outside her home [3].

In criminal news, an axe attack in Tucson, Arizona has left Jacob Couch in critical condition, reportedly “nearly decapitated” by an assailant identified as Daniel Michael [4]. Authorities are investigating the attempted firebombing of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home, with suspect Cody Balmer allegedly motivated by antisemitism and the governor’s perceived stance on “what he wants to do to Palestinian people” [5].

[1] Trump administration hits NY AG Letitia James with allegations of mortgage fraud | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-administration-refers-ny-ag-letitia-james-possible-prosecution-allegations-mortgage-fraud;
[2] New York AG Letitia James Gets Criminal Referral for Possible Mortgage Fraud, https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2025/04/15/new-york-ag-letitia-james-gets-criminal-referral-for-possible-mortgage-fraud-n3801834;
[3] Letitia James dodges questions about mortgage fraud scandal outside NYC home, pretends to be on the phone, https://nypost.com/2025/04/16/us-news/letitia-james-dodges-questions-about-mortgage-fraud-scandal-outside-nyc-home-pretends-to-be-on-the-phone/;
[4] Arizona Tuscon axe attack leaves Jacob Couch in critical condition nearly decapitated by Daniel Michael, https://nypost.com/2025/04/16/us-news/arizona-tuscon-axe-attack-leaves-jacob-couch-in-critical-condition-nearly-decapitated-by-daniel-michael/;
[5] Suspected arsonist Cody Balmer targeted Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home over what pol ‘wants to do to Palestinian people’: report, https://nypost.com/2025/04/15/us-news/suspected-arsonist-cody-balmer-targeted-pa-gov-josh-shapiros-home-over-what-pol-wants-to-do-to-palestinian-people/;

3.3 Judicial Rulings

The UK Supreme Court has issued a ruling establishing that the legal definition of “woman” is based on biological sex [1], with sources confirming this unanimous ruling explicitly excludes transgender women from the legal definition [2]. In the U.S., a federal judge has blocked high school parents from wearing “XX-chromosome wristbands” intended to protest males participating in girls’ sports [3].

[1] UK Supreme Court rules legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cvgq9ejql39t;
[2] British Supreme Court unanimously rules legal definition of a ‘woman’ excludes trаns women’s identities | CBC News, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/uk-supreme-court-equality-act-ruling-1.7511411;
[3] Federal judge BLOCKS high school parents from wearing XX-chromosome wristbands to protest males in girls’ sports, https://notthebee.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-parents-from-wearing-wristbands-to-protest-males-competing-in-girls-sports;

4. Economic Policy and Trade Relations

4.1 U.S.-China Economic Relations

U.S.-China economic tensions continue to escalate, with the White House announcing China now faces tariffs of up to 245% on imports to the United States, reportedly in response to Chinese “retaliatory actions” [1]. Trump allies are urging the Department of Justice to support a merger that would challenge China’s dominance in telecom equipment [2]. A report quotes a top Chinese official asserting that U.S. “peasants” will “wail in front of the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization” [3].

On the European front, the European Commission is advancing a proposal to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas imports [4]. A Musk-inspired initiative called “MOGE” (Mississippi Office of Government Efficiency, modeled after the federal DOGE) has reportedly uncovered $400 million in government waste in Mississippi [5], suggesting the efficiency approach championed by Elon Musk may be influencing state governance.

[1] “China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions.” — WhiteHouse.gov, https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-ensures-national-security-and-economic-resilience-through-section-232-actions-on-processed-critical-minerals-and-derivative-products/;
[2] Trump Allies Urge DOJ to Support Merger that Would Challenge China’s Dominance in Telecom Gear, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/04/15/trump-allies-urge-doj-to-support-merger-that-would-challenge-chinas-dominance-in-telecom-gear/;
[3] Top Chinese Official: U.S. ‘Peasants’ Will ‘Wail In Front Of The 5,000 Years Of Chinese Civilization’, https://www.dailywire.com/news/top-chinese-official-u-s-peasants-will-wail-in-front-of-the-5000-years-of-chinese-civilization?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Hank+Berrien&category=News&elementPosition=0&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Top+Chinese+Official%3A+U.S.+'Peasants'+Will+'Wail+In+Front+Of+The+5%2C000+Years+Of+Chinese+Civilization;
[4] European Commission advancing proposal to wean off on Russian oil and gas imports, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/european-commission-wean-off-russian-oil-gas-imports-after-trump-criticism;
[5] Musk-Inspired ‘MOGE’ in Mississippi Exposes Massive $400M Government Waste, https://www.lifezette.com/2025/04/musk-inspired-moge-in-mississippi-exposes-massive-government-waste-watch/;

5. Social Issues and Education

5.1 Academic Institutions and Education Policy

Harvard University’s institutional standing has become a subject of national debate, with reports characterizing the situation as “The Fall of Harvard” and describing America’s oldest university as “its most expensive liability” [1]. Another article claims Harvard is “jeopardizing $9B in federal funding to lead the radical left’s antiTrump agenda” [2], while a report states that over 99% of political donations from top Harvard officials went to Democrats [3]. In a separate education development, Oregon is reportedly “defying Trump on DEI in schools” while its “students are falling through the cracks” [4].

[1] The Fall of Harvard: How America’s Oldest University Became Its Most Expensive Liability, https://spectator.org/fall-harvard-america-oldest-university-liability/;
[2] Harvard is jeopardizing $9B in federal funding to lead the radical left’s antiTrump agenda – so much for the best and brightest, https://nypost.com/2025/04/15/opinion/michael-goodwin-harvards-9b-battle-with-trump-is-the-dems-newest-form-of-resistance/?utm_source=reddit.com;
[3] Over 99% of political donations from top Harvard officials went to Democrats, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3381457/political-donations-from-top-harvard-officials-democrats/;
[4] As Oregon Defies Trump On DEI In Schools, Its Students Are Falling Through The Cracks, https://www.dailywire.com/news/oregon-is-doubling-down-on-dei-in-the-classroom-it-should-focus-on-test-scores-instead?author=Mairead+Elordi&category=Analysis&elementPosition=2&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=As+Oregon+Defies+Trump+On+DEI+In+Schools%2C+Its+Students+Are+Falling+Through+The+Cracks;

5.2 Media, Free Speech, and Cultural Issues

Senator Marco Rubio has advocated for dismantling what he terms the “Censorship Complex” to protect free speech [1], while also explaining to commentator Ben Shapiro why he “nuked” a State Department censorship agency [2]. In a campus incident, a Washington State University student was reportedly “assaulted by university instructor for wearing Trump hat” [3].

In healthcare-related developments, Vanderbilt Hospital has reportedly ended all DEI programs “after being accused of cover-up” [4]. Corporate responses to cultural shifts are evidenced by Lego dropping “diversity terminology after slew of ‘inclusive’ characters” [5]. Former President Biden has generated controversy by reportedly “reminiscing about seeing ‘colored kids’ go to segregated schools” during his first post-presidency speech [6].

[1] Rubio: To Protect Free Speech, The Censorship Complex Must Die, https://thefederalist.com/2025/04/16/rubio-to-protect-free-speech-the-censorship-industrial-complex-must-be-dismantled/;
[2] Marco Rubio Tells Ben Shapiro Why He Nuked State Department’s Censorship Agency, https://www.dailywire.com/news/marco-rubio-tells-ben-shapiro-why-he-nuked-state-departments-censorship-agency?author=Kassy+Akiva&category=News&elementPosition=13&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=Marco+Rubio+Tells+Ben+Shapiro+Why+He+Nuked+State+Department%E2%80%99s+Censorship+Agency;
[3] WSU Student Assaulted by University Instructor for Wearing Trump Hat - TPUSA LIVE, https://www.tpusa.com/live/wsu-student-assaulted-by-university-instructor-for-wearing-trump-hat;
[4] Vanderbilt Hospital Ends All DEI Programs After Being Accused Of Cover-Up, https://www.dailywire.com/news/vanderbilt-hospital-ends-all-dei-programs-after-being-accused-of-cover-up?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Spencer+Lindquist&category=News&elementPosition=1&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Vanderbilt+Hospital+Ends+All+DEI+Programs+After+Being+Accused+Of+Cover-Up;
[5] Lego drops diversity terminology after slew of ‘inclusive’ characters, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/11/lego-drops-diversity-terminology-report/;
[6] Biden reminisces about seeing ‘colored kids’ go to segregated schools in first post-presidency speech, https://nypost.com/2025/04/15/us-news/biden-reminisces-about-seeing-colored-kids-go-to-segregated-schools-in-first-post-presidency-speech/;

6. Political Developments

6.1 Party Dynamics and Electoral Politics

Democratic Party internal dynamics display signs of tension and strategic repositioning. Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville has suggested a “split” with the left over politics [1], while new Democratic National Committee leadership takes shape, with David Hogg reportedly stating he’ll “push primaries against some in his own party” [2]. New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik is considering a bid for governor, with President Trump characterizing her as a “GREAT!!!” congresswoman [3], potentially challenging current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

Analysis suggests Democrats are developing a midterm strategy focused on immigration issues [4], while another report claims Trump’s governance tactics “could very easily be copied by Democrats” [5]. The Social Security Administration’s X account has reportedly “called out Joe Biden’s fear-mongering lies” with a “fact-filled thread” [6], showing how government agencies are engaging in political messaging.

[1] James Carville suggests ‘split’ with the left over politics, https://www.foxnews.com/media/james-carville-suggests-split-left-over-pronoun-politics;
[2] New DNC Leader David Hogg Says He’ll Push Primaries Against Some In His Own Party, https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-dnc-leader-david-hogg-says-hell-push-primaries-against-some-in-his-own-party?author=Mairead+Elordi&category=News&elementPosition=0&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=New+DNC+Leader+David+Hogg+Says+He%E2%80%99ll+Push+Primaries+Against+Some+In+His+Own+Party;
[3] Elise Stefanik considering NY governor bid — as Trump hails ‘GREAT!!!’ congresswoman, https://nypost.com/2025/04/16/us-news/elise-stefanik-considering-ny-governor-bid-as-trump-hails-great-congresswoman/;
[4] Democrat Midterm Strategy and Trump Derangement Syndrome: Bring Back Our Illegal Aliens, https://redstate.com/chase-jennings/2025/04/16/democrat-mid-term-strategy-and-trump-derangement-syndrome-bring-back-our-illegal-aliens-n2187933;
[5] Precedent Trump | Trump’s tactics could very easily be copied by Democrats, https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/gfile/trump-administration-democrats-presidency-president-2/;
[6] The Social Security X Account CALLS OUT Joe Biden’s Fear-Mongering Lies In Fact-Filled Thread, https://twitchy.com/amy-curtis/2025/04/16/social-security-account-calls-out-joe-bidens-lies-n2411454;