[Thursday, April 17] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

1. Immigration and Border Security

1.1 High-Profile Deportation Cases

The deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador has become a major political flashpoint. A Democratic senator traveled to El Salvador to visit him in prison but was denied access [1], yet pledged to continue “fighting for the return” of the deportee [2]. DHS has released what it calls “hard evidence” supporting Garcia’s alleged MS-13 ties [3], while police records characterize him as a “violent” repeat domestic abuser [4]. Media coverage has been criticized, with police records reportedly undermining characterizations of him as being “wrongly deported” [5]. Garcia was previously detained during a 2022 traffic stop on suspicion of human trafficking [6]. The White House has questioned Senator Van Hollen’s advocacy for Garcia [7].

References:
[1] Dem senator flies to El Salvador to visit deported migrant in prison, only to be denied | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/blue-state-senator-flies-el-salvador-visit-deported-migrant-prison-only-denied
[2] Dem senator says he will continue ‘fighting for the return’ of deported El Salvadoran man: ‘won’t rest’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dem-senator-continue-fighting-return-deported-el-salvadoran-man-wont-rest
[3] DHS reveals hard evidence supporting Abrego Garcia’s MS-13 ties, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3382729/dhs-reveals-evidence-abrego-garcia-ms-13-ties/
[4] Kilmar Abrego Garcia exposed in police records as ‘violent’ repeat wife beater, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/maryland-man-kilmar-abrego-garcia-exposed-police-records-violent-repeat-wife-beater
[5] Police records destroy media narrative about ‘wrongly deported’ Maryland migrant | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/police-records-destroy-media-narrative-about-wrongly-deported-maryland-migrant
[6] BREAKING: Biden’s FBI ordered TN Highway Patrol to release “Maryland Man” recently deported to El Salvador after a 2022 traffic stop on suspicion of human trafficking, https://tennesseestar.com/justice/bidens-fbi-ordered-tn-highway-patrol-to-release-maryland-man-recently-deported-to-el-salvador-after-he-was-detained-in-2022-traffic-stop-on-suspicion-of-human-trafficking/tpappert/2025/04/16/
[7] Where’s Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Concern for Americans Brutalized by Illegal Immigrant Crime?, https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/04/wheres-chris-van-hollens-concern-for-americans-brutalized-by-illegal-immigrant-crime/

1.2 Border Enforcement Actions

The Trump administration has designated land along the U.S.-Mexico border as a military installation, allowing soldiers to directly apprehend migrants crossing the border [1]. President Trump has signed a directive aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from receiving Social Security payments [2]. In a separate case, a Columbia University activist in ICE custody who allegedly endorsed the October 7 attack has received fundraising support from Ilhan Omar’s daughter [3]. An El Salvadoran immigrant has been identified as Rachel Morin’s killer, described as a “mom of 5” [4], with major networks CNN and MSNBC criticized for not covering an appearance by Morin’s mother at the White House [5].

References:
[1] Trump makes land along border into military installation thus allowing solders to make apprehensions against crossings by migrants., https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1912687530492780686?s=46
[2] Trump signs directive to prevent illegal aliens from drawing Social Security payments (what a radical), https://notthebee.com/article/duh-a-new-trump-order-aims-to-prevent-illegal-aliens-from-drawing-social-security-payments
[3] Ilhan Omar’s Daughter Fundraises For Columbia Activist in ICE Custody Who Endorsed Oct. 7 Attack, https://freebeacon.com/campus/ilhan-omars-daughter-fundraises-for-columbia-activist-in-ice-custody-who-endorsed-oct-7-attack/
[4] Rachel Morin’s ‘bum’ killer (an illegal immigrant from El Salvador) mooched off locals before murdering mom of 5: lawyer, https://www.foxnews.com/us/rachel-morins-bum-killer-mooched-off-locals-before-murdering-mom-5-lawyer
[5] CNN, MSNBC Pass on Covering Rachel Morin’s Mother at the White House, https://twitchy.com/brettt/2025/04/16/cnn-msnbc-pass-on-covering-rachel-morins-mother-at-the-white-house-n2411494

2. Trump Administration Policies

2.1 Economic and Trade Initiatives

A new study about the IRS has revealed significant tax savings from Trump tax cuts, particularly benefiting Americans earning less than $75,000 [1]. The administration’s tariff policies have drawn both criticism and support, with defenders arguing they are necessary to protect American interests against globalism [2]. President Trump has stated he is in “no rush” to end tariffs during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Meloni [3]. In response to these policies, Nissan has announced plans to maximize its U.S. production [4], while Chinese small businesses have reportedly put U.S. orders on hold [5]. Trump has also met with a Japanese trade delegation and reported “big progress” [6].

References:
[1] New study about IRS reveals just how much Trump tax cuts saved you - Trump tax cuts particularly benefited those who earned less than $75,000, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/new-study-about-irs-reveals-just-how-much-trump-tax-cuts-saved-you
[2] Trump’s Tariff Critics Won’t Grapple With Where Globalism Got Us - The onus is on those whose favored policies have left us imperiled to present a better plan than Trump’s to defend America’s interests., https://thefederalist.com/2025/04/16/tariff-critics-have-no-answer-to-trumps-national-security-arguments-about-chinese-manufacturing/
[3] Trump says he’s in ’no rush’ to end tariffs as he meets with Italy’s Meloni, https://apnews.com/article/trump-meloni-white-house-meeting-eu-us-tariffs-a524f386ad4fa628c17949043ecd91e0
[4] Nissan plans to maximize US production in response to tariffs, https://www.cbtnews.com/nissan-plans-to-maximize-production-in-response-to-tariffs/
[5] Trump tariffs: US orders from Chinese small businesses on hold, /r/Conservative/comments/1k1q01x/trump_tariffs_us_orders_from_chinese_small/
[6] Trump: Met Japanese Trade Delegation, ‘Big Progress’, https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/donald-trump-japan-trade-delegation/2025/04/16/id/1207190/

2.2 Federal Agency Reforms

Significant changes are underway in federal agencies. Reports indicate one in five IRS employees are resigning [1]. Secretary of State Rubio has announced the closure of the State Department’s Global Engagement Center (GEC), described as a “censorship program” that the Biden administration had previously claimed was ended [2][3]. Some conservatives have expressed alarm over the administration’s implementation of REAL ID, characterizing it as “mass surveillance” [4]. The administration has appointed to lead the IRS an agent who allegedly exposed federal efforts to cover up investigations related to the Biden family [5] and reportedly “outmaneuvered” Senate Majority Leader Schumer on the selection of a top federal prosecutor [6].

References:
[1] 1 in 5 IRS Employees to Resign | Frontpage Mag, https://www.frontpagemag.com/1-in-5-irs-employees-to-resign/
[2] Sec. of State Rubio announces closure of State Department effort | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rubio-announces-closure-state-department-effort-was-supposed-dead-already
[3] “GEC is Dead”: Rubio Shuts Down Censorship Program that the Biden Administration Claimed was Ended, https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/17/gec-is-dead-secretary-rubio-shuts-down-censorship-program-that-the-biden-administration-claimed-was-ended/
[4] ‘Mass surveillance’: Conservatives sound alarm over Trump admin’s REAL ID rollout, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mass-surveillance-conservatives-sound-alarm-over-trump-admins-real-id-rollout
[5] Agent Who Exposed Feds’ Biden Family Cover-Up To Lead IRS, https://thefederalist.com/2025/04/16/report-trump-taps-whistleblower-who-exposed-feds-hunter-biden-cover-up-as-acting-irs-chief/
[6] Trump Outmaneuvers Schumer On Pick For Top Federal Prosecutor, https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-outmaneuvers-schumer-on-pick-for-top-federal-prosecutor?author=Daniel+Chaitin&category=News&elementPosition=0&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=Trump+Outmaneuvers+Schumer+On+Pick+For+Top+Federal+Prosecutor

2.3 Budget Reallocation

Republicans are moving to reallocate $2 billion from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) toward housing for veterans [1], indicating a shift in funding priorities from international aid to domestic veterans’ services. President Trump has announced that a minerals deal with Ukraine will be signed next Thursday [2].

References:
[1] Republicans Move To Use $2 Billion From USAID For Veteran Housing - The American Tribune.com, https://theamericantribune.com/republicans-move-to-use-2-billion-from-usaid-for-veteran-housing/
[2] Trump says minerals deal with Ukraine to be signed next Thursday, https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-world/trump-says-minerals-deal-ukraine-signed-next-thursday

3. Legal and Justice System

3.1 Federal Court Cases

The Supreme Court is set to hear a case concerning Trump’s birthright citizenship policies, focusing on nationwide injunctions [1]. The Trump DOJ has asked an appeals court to review Judge Boasberg’s contempt threat [2]. In the Garcia case, an appeals court denied a DOJ bid to block his return from El Salvador [3], with the Fourth Circuit Court criticized for “wearing emotion on the sleeves of their robes” in rejecting a motion to stay [4]. In an antitrust ruling, a judge determined Google operates illegal ad monopolies that “substantially harmed” customers [5].

References:
[1] Supreme Court to hear Trump birthright citizenship case with focus on nationwide injunctions, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/supreme-court/3383694/supreme-court-trump-birthright-citizenship-may-15/
[2] Trump DOJ asks appeals court to review Boasberg’s contempt threat, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3383153/trump-doj-appeals-court-review-boasberg-contempt/
[3] Appeals court denies DOJ bid to block return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador prison, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/appeals-court-denies-doj-bid-block-return-kilmar-abrego-garcia-el-salvador-prison
[4] Wearing Emotion on the Sleeves of Their Robes, 4th Circuit Denies Motion to Stay in Abrego Garcia Case, https://redstate.com/smoosieq/2025/04/17/wearing-emotion-on-the-sleeves-of-their-robes-4th-circuit-denies-motion-to-stay-in-abrego-garcia-case-n2187988
[5] Google operates illegal ad monopolies that ‘substantially harmed’ customers, judge rules, https://nypost.com/2025/04/17/business/google-operates-illegal-ad-monopolies-that-substantially-harmed-customers-judge-rules/

3.2 Criminal Incidents

An active shooter situation at Florida State University left four people hospitalized [1]. The FSU shooter was identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, who allegedly used a weapon belonging to his mother, a sheriff’s deputy [2]. In a separate case, child killer Thomas Sanders, whose sentence was previously commuted by President Biden, now faces the death penalty in Louisiana [3]. Political violence was reported with the Albany Republican Headquarters being vandalized with swastikas [4], and police are investigating a suspected arson attempt in Pennsylvania potentially motivated by the war in Gaza [5].

References:
[1] Active shooter reported at Florida State University; four hospitalized, https://nypost.com/2025/04/17/us-news/shooter-at-florida-state-university-tallahassee/
[2] FSU shooter IDed, used sheriff deputy mom’s weapon in killing: police, https://www.foxnews.com/us/fsu-shooter-ided-used-sheriff-deputy-moms-weapon-killing-police
[3] Child killer Thomas Sanders whose sentence was commuted by Biden faces death penalty in Louisiana, https://nypost.com/2025/04/17/us-news/child-killer-thomas-sanders-whose-sentence-was-commuted-by-biden-faces-death-penalty-in-louisiana/
[4] Albany Republican Headquarters vandalized with swastikas, https://www.news10.com/news/ny-news/albany-republican-headquarters-vandalised-with-swastikas/
[5] Suspected Pennsylvania arsonist may have been motivated by war in Gaza: police, https://www.foxnews.com/us/pennsylvania-governors-mansion-arson-suspect-may-have-been-motivated-war-gaza

4. International Relations and Security

4.1 Foreign Threats

U.S. officials have stated that a Chinese firm is helping Houthi rebels target American warships [1]. A former FAA contractor has pleaded guilty to spying for Iran and sharing private information about U.S. airports and the energy industry [2]. Officials have accused Mexico of “perpetuating chemical warfare” through Tijuana River sewage that threatens U.S. military training operations [3]. Details have emerged about the Chinese Communist Party’s “united front work” activities in Minnesota [4].

References:
[1] US says Chinese firm is helping Houthis target American warships, https://www.ft.com/content/628b404b-2a24-4853-8f3c-9caad408ef8f
[2] Former FAA contractor pleads guilty to spying for Iran, sharing private info on US airports, energy industry, https://www.foxnews.com/us/former-faa-contractor-pleads-guilty-spying-iran-sharing-private-info-us-airports-energy-industry
[3] Mexico is ‘perpetuating chemical warfare’ with Tijuana River sewage, threatening military training | Fox News Video, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6371584129112
[4] Details revealed: Inside the CCP’s united front work in Minnesota, https://alphanews.org/details-revealed-inside-the-ccps-united-front-work-in-minnesota/

4.2 Foreign Influence Legislation

Seventeen states—reportedly all Republican-led—have introduced bills banning foreign funding for influencing ballot measures [1]. Congress has launched an investigation into the Biden administration allegedly using a CCP-linked nonprofit to manage land near military bases [2].

References:
[1] 17 States Have Bills Banning Foreign Funding For Influencing Ballot Measures. All Of Them Are Red., https://www.dailywire.com/news/17-states-have-bills-banning-foreign-funding-for-influencing-ballot-measures-all-of-them-are-red?author=Hank+Berrien&category=News&elementPosition=2&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=17+States+Have+Bills+Banning+Foreign+Funding+For+Influencing+Ballot+Measures.+All+Of+Them+Are+Red.
[2] Congress launches investigation into Biden administration using CCP-linked nonprofit to manage land near military bases, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/investigations/3382281/congress-launches-investigation-biden-administration-ccp-linked-nonprofit-land-military-bases/

5. Higher Education Controversies

5.1 Harvard Funding and Tax Status

Harvard University faces multiple governmental actions affecting its funding and tax status. The Department of Homeland Security has cut $2.7 million in grants to Harvard and is demanding visa records [1]. The Trump administration has asked the IRS to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status [2], with reports indicating the IRS is making plans to do so [3]. These actions have prompted speculation about Harvard potentially adopting a funding model similar to Hillsdale College, which operates without federal funding [4].

References:
[1] Harvard under fire as DHS secretary cuts $2.7M in grants, demands visa records: ‘America demands more’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/harvard-under-fire-dhs-secretary-cuts-grants-demands-visa-records
[2] Trump admin asks IRS to revoke tax-exempt status from Harvard University, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-asks-irs-revoke-harvards-tax-exempt-status
[3] IRS making plans to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status, https://kion546.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2025/04/16/irs-making-plans-to-rescind-harvards-tax-exempt-status/
[4] Will Harvard Go Full Hillsdale?, https://amgreatness.com/2025/04/17/will-harvard-go-full-hillsdale/

5.2 Campus Disciplinary Processes

Universities are facing criticism for their handling of campus disciplinary processes, with critics arguing institutions are “hiding behind ‘due process’” [1] and labeling campus disciplinary proceedings as “kangaroo courts” that should lose federal funding [2].

References:
[1] Universities Are Hiding Behind “Due Process”, https://www.city-journal.org/article/trump-columbia-university-anti-semitism-princeton-christopher-eisgruber-due-process
[2] Prosecutor, Judge, And Jury’: Why Campus Kangaroo Courts Should Lose Federal Funding, https://www.dailywire.com/news/prosecutor-judge-and-jury-why-campus-kangaroo-courts-should-lose-federal-funding

6. Political Figure Controversies

6.1 State-Federal Tensions

The Trump administration and New York Governor Hochul are in a “war of words” over claims she threatened the president with her power over New York appeal judges [1]. New York Attorney General Letitia James faces mortgage fraud allegations after reportedly listing a Virginia house as her primary residence where neighbors claim they’ve never seen her [2].

References:
[1] Trump admin and Gov. Hochul in war of words over explosive claims she threatened president with her power over NY appeal judges, https://nypost.com/2025/04/16/opinion/trump-admin-and-gov-hochul-in-war-of-words-over-explosive-claims-she-threatened-president-with-her-power-over-ny-appeal-judges/
[2] Letitia James listed this Virginia house as her ‘primary residence’ — but neighbors say they’ve never seen her as NY AG faces mortgage fraud probe, https://nypost.com/2025/04/16/us-news/letitia-james-listed-this-virginia-house-as-her-primary-residence-but-neighbors-say-theyve-never-seen-her-as-ny-ag-faces-mortgage-fraud-probe/

6.2 Democratic Party Figures

Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been criticized as “‘champagne socialists’” after reportedly boarding a private jet during their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour [1], with Sanders allegedly spending $221,000 on private jets during the tour [2]. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has reportedly called for “Americans of conscience” to stand against Abrego Garcia’s deportation [3]. According to one headline, “several Democrats can’t answer why they want ’non-citizens to vote in US elections’” [4].

References:
[1] ‘Champagne socialists’ Sanders and AOC spotted boarding private jet on ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/champagne-socialists-sanders-aoc-spotted-boarding-private-jet-fighting-oligarchy-tour
[2] Bernie Sanders Spent $221K on Private Jets Amid ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Tour, https://freebeacon.com/politics/bernie-spent-221k-on-private-jets-while-railing-against-trump-during-fighting-oligarchy-tour/
[3] Hillary Clinton calls for ‘Americans of conscience’ to stand against Abrego Garcia’s deportation, https://www.aol.com/clinton-calls-americans-conscience-stand-154904293.html
[4] Several Democrats Can’t Answer Why They Want ‘Non-Citizens To Vote In US Elections’, https://dailycaller.com/2025/04/17/democrats-non-citizens-vote-us-elections/

6.3 Media Coverage

Media outlets are facing criticism for their coverage of high-profile stories. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has called for apologies from journalists who called the deported alleged gang member a “Maryland man” [1].

References:
[1] Pam Bondi: Every liberal journalist who called deported alleged gang member a ‘Maryland man’ should be apologizing | Fox News Video, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6371581676112