[Friday, April 18] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-04-18 1648 words 8 minutes

Contents

1. Executive Branch & Political Landscape

1.1 Trump Administration Policies

The Trump administration has proposed significant cuts to the State Department’s budget along with reductions in funding for international organizations including the United Nations and NATO [1]. This appears to represent a shift in U.S. financial commitments to multinational institutions.

[1] White House proposes drastic cuts to State Department and funding for UN, NATO and other groups, https://apnews.com/article/state-department-funding-cuts-trump-diplomacy-8305713dc6da1b95811486b62bf46582;

1.2 Political Party Dynamics

Recent voter demographic shifts show young voters aged 18-21 have moved strongly toward Republican affiliation [1], while polling from California suggests residents favor cooperation with the Trump administration over Governor Newsom’s approach [2]. In Congress, a senior Republican senator has raised concerns about organizations allegedly disseminating Chinese Communist Party propaganda within the United States [3]. Meanwhile, former President Biden has reportedly set his speaking fee at $300,000, with additional requirements for private jet travel and staff expenses [4], though reports suggest he is struggling to secure engagements at this price [4]. Public statements from President Trump and a Democratic senator highlight continuing partisan differences in priorities [5].

[1] Yale Study shows Young people ages 18-21 are now overwhelmingly Republican, https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/04/yale-study-shows-young-people-ages-18-21-are-now-overwhelmingly-republican/;
[2] New Poll: Californians Want Cooperation with Trump, Not Newsom’s Political Stunts, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/saraharnold/2025/04/17/new-poll-contradicts-what-newsom-says-how-californias-really-feel-about-trump-n2655690;
[3] Top GOP senator calls out Code Pink, The People’s Forum allegedly pushing CCP propaganda in US, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/top-gop-senator-calls-out-code-pink-peoples-forum-allegedly-pushing-ccp-propaganda-us;
[4] Biden having trouble booking gigs’ with $300K per speech asking price. And if travel is required, a private jet and expenses for five staffers also is expected, https://nypost.com/2025/04/17/us-news/joe-biden-having-trouble-booking-gigs-with-300k-per-speech-asking-price/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news_alert&utm_content=20250417?&utm_source=sailthru&lctg=607d91df4adeb921db19b3b8&utm_term=NYP%20-%20News%20Alerts;
[5] ‘We are not the same’: Trump, Democratic senator make the difference between their priorities abundantly clear, https://www.theblaze.com/news/we-are-not-the-same-trump-democratic-senator-make-the-difference-between-their-priorities-abundantly-clear;

1.3 White House Operations

During Holy Week, White House staff participated in a religious observance by singing “Amazing Grace” [1]. In a separate incident, a press conference with President Trump ended abruptly when someone apparently became ill, prompting immediate clearing of the press corps [2].

[1] Trump White House Staff Sings Amazing Grace in Celebration Of Holy Week, https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1913342169395372442?s=46;
[2] Trump press conference abruptly ends, looks like someone possibly got sick “Press, out, out”, https://v.redd.it/icfs59a2omve1;

1.4 Federal Agency Reforms

Reports indicate that IRS work-from-home policies have changed under the Trump administration, with the previous standard allegedly requiring in-person attendance just once weekly [1]. In a separate development, the administration has released the RFK assassination files [2], with former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard providing analysis of the documents [3].

[1] IRS workers only had to show up to work once a week in person, before President Trump took over, https://nypost.com/2025/04/18/us-news/irs-workers-only-had-to-show-up-to-work-once-a-week-in-person-before-president-trump-took-over/;
[2] RFK files have been released, https://www.archives.gov/rfk;
[3] EXCLUSIVE: Tulsi Gabbard Takes The Daily Wire Inside The RFK Assassination File Drop, https://www.dailywire.com/news/exclusive-tulsi-gabbard-rfk-assassination-files?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Mary+Margaret+Olohan&category=Exclusive&elementPosition=0&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=EXCLUSIVE%3A+Tulsi+Gabbard+Takes+The+Daily+Wire+Inside+The+RFK+Assassination+File+Drop;

2. Immigration & Border Security

2.1 Deportation Cases & Enforcement

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has gained significant attention after his deportation to El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele confirmed he would remain in custody [1]. Democratic Senator Van Hollen met with Garcia in El Salvador [2], with reports suggesting the meeting produced photographs that undermined certain political narratives [3]. In judicial developments, a liberal Supreme Court Justice declined to intervene in the deportation of migrants claiming to flee cartel violence [4]. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations have continued with varied outcomes: agents in Miami arrested a member of Cuba’s Communist Party [5], while in New Jersey, an enforcement action resulted in an ICE officer suffering a broken nose, with the suspect now facing up to 20 years imprisonment [6].

[1] Nayib Bukele on Kilmar: Now that he’s been confirmed healthy, he gets the honor of staying in El Salvador’s custody, https://x.com/nayibbukele/status/1913035243918864742;
[2] Kilmar Abrego Garcia meets with Democrat Sen. Van Hollen, https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1k1st1s;
[3] 4D Chess: Bukele Lets Van Hollen Meet With Abrego Garcia for Damning Pics That Blow Up Dem Narrative, https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2025/04/17/van-hollen-gets-to-meet-with-abrego-garcia-n2188005;
[4] Liberal Justice declines to block removal of migrants who claim fleeing cartel, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/justice-kagan-denies-emergency-appeal-halt-deportation-mexican-nationals-claiming-asylum-from-cartel;
[5] A member of Cuba’s Communist Party and an agent of Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior arrested by ICE agents in Miami, https://www.foxnews.com/us/alleged-member-cubas-ministry-interior-arrested-ice-agents-miami;
[6] Illegal alien breaks ICE officer’s nose during New Jersey deportation arrest – faces 20 years behind bars, https://nypost.com/2025/04/17/us-news/illegal-immigrant-breaks-ice-officers-nose-during-new-jersey-deportation-arrest-faces-20-years-behind-bars/;

Federal reports identify Kilmar Abrego Garcia as a suspected human and labor trafficker [1, 2], while additional documents allegedly confirm his membership in MS-13, including details about his rank within the organization [3]. Photographs emerged showing Garcia “sipping margaritas” with Senator Van Hollen during their meeting in El Salvador, amid ongoing disputes over his deportation [4].

[1] Kilmar Abrego Garcia suspected of human, labor trafficking in official report | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/us/kilmar-abrego-garcia-suspected-human-trafficking-report-obtained-fox-news;
[2] Alleged MS-13 gangbanger Kilmar Abrego Garcia suspected of human trafficking, feds say, https://nypost.com/2025/04/18/us-news/alleged-ms-13-gangbanger-kilmar-abrego-garcia-suspected-of-human-trafficking-feds-say/;
[3] Alleged MS-13 gangbanger Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s rank, street name revealed as fight over deportation to El Salvador megaprison rages: docs, https://nypost.com/2025/04/16/us-news/alleged-ms-13-gangbanger-kilmar-abrego-garcias-rank-street-name-revealed-as-fight-over-deportation-to-el-salvador-mega-prison-rages-docs/;
[4] Alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia seen ‘sipping margaritas’ with Sen. Van Hollen amid El Salvador deportation battle, new photos reveal, https://nypost.com/2025/04/17/us-news/alleged-ms-13-gang-member-kilmar-abrego-garcia-seen-sipping-margaritas-with-sen-van-hollen-amid-el-salvador-deportation-battle-new-photos-reveal/;

3. Justice System & Legal Affairs

3.1 Supreme Court Developments

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge on birthright citizenship [1]. While the exact details of the challenge remain unspecified in the available reporting, this represents a significant development in how the Court may interpret citizenship provisions.

[1] Hmmm: SCOTUS Agrees to Hear Challenge on Birthright Citizenship, https://hotair.com/ed-morrissey/2025/04/17/hmmm-scotus-agrees-to-hear-challenge-on-birthright-citizenship-n3801898;

3.2 High-Profile Legal Cases

Luigi Mangione, accused of assassinating a CEO, has been indicted on federal charges [1]. Meanwhile, New York State Attorney General Letitia James has dismissed allegations of mortgage fraud from the Trump administration as “baseless” [2].

[1] Accused CEO assassin Luigi Mangione indicted on federal charges, https://www.foxnews.com/us/accused-ceo-assassin-luigi-mangione-indicted-federal-charges;
[2] NY AG Letitia James calls Trump admin allegations of mortgage fraud ‘baseless’: interview, https://nypost.com/2025/04/17/us-news/ag-letitia-james-calls-trump-admin-allegations-of-mortgage-fraud-baseless-interview/;

4. Crime & Public Safety

4.1 Violent Crime Incidents

The murder case of student athlete Austin Metcalf has generated intense public attention. During a press conference held by the parents of Karmelo Anthony, who stands accused of the murder, Metcalf’s father was escorted out by police [1, 2]. The controversy has been complicated by allegations that the accused’s mother misused donations, claims she has denied [2].

[1] Dad of slain teen Austin Metcalf escorted out of press conference held by accused killer Karmelo Anthony’s parents, https://nypost.com/2025/04/17/us-news/dad-of-slain-teen-austin-metcalf-escorted-out-of-press-conference-held-by-accused-killer-karmelo-anthonys-parents/;
[2] Mom of Teen Charged in Stabbing Murder of Student Athlete Denies Spending Donations on House: Family Feud Intensifies as Victim’s Father Escorted from Presser by Police, https://www.nysun.com/article/mom-teen-charged-stabbing-student-athlete-spending-donations-house-family-feud-intensifies-victims-father-escorted-presser-police;

4.2 Public Safety Concerns

The family of Austin Metcalf has faced additional trauma through targeted harassment. Frisco police reported that the family was the target of a “swatting” call on Thursday [1], occurring just minutes after Austin’s father was removed from the Karmelo Anthony family’s news conference [2].

[1] Austin Metcalf’s family targeted in ‘swatting’ call Thursday, Frisco police say, https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2025/04/17/austin-metcalfs-family-swatted-thursday-frisco-police-say/;
[2] Father of Austin Metcalf swatted just minutes after he was kicked out of Karmelo Anthony family news conference, https://www.theblaze.com/news/swatting-austin-metcalf-conference-karmelo;

5. Economic & Business Developments

5.1 Trade & Economic Policy

Analysis of the Trump administration’s tariff policies is drawing historical comparisons to the “Nixon shock” economic measures [1]. Economic expert John Cochrane has provided analysis of potential economic developments during President Trump’s second term, discussing both challenges and opportunities facing the administration [2].

[1] What will Trump tariffs do? Look at what the Nixon shock did - CNBC TV18, https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/trump-tariff-war-richard-nixon-shock-gold-standard-impact-on-us-and-global-economy-19588537.htm;
[2] John Cochrane: Economic Pitfalls and Opportunities in Trump’s Second Term | Ep. 47 – Independent Institute, https://www.independent.org/multimedia/2025/04/17/john-cochran-economic-pitfalls-and-opportunities-in-trumps-second-term-ep-47/?media=video;

5.2 Business & Manufacturing

Honda has announced plans to relocate production of its Civic Hybrid vehicles from Japan to the United States [1]. This move coincides with broader developments characterized as a “surge of investment” driving facility construction and expansion throughout the country [2].

[1] Honda to shift Civic Hybrid production to U.S. from Japan, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/honda-civic-hybrid-hatchback-japan-us/;
[2] Surge of Investment Fuels Wave of Facility Construction, Expansion Across U.S., https://legalinsurrection.com/2025/04/surge-of-investment-fuels-wave-of-facility-construction-expansion-across-u-s/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=surge-of-investment-fuels-wave-of-facility-construction-expansion-across-u-s;

6. International Affairs & National Security

6.1 Foreign Threats

A report alleges that a satellite company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party is providing assistance to Houthi terrorists that enables them to target American ships [1]. The report indicates potential international coordination in actions threatening American maritime security.

[1] CCP-Linked Satellite Company Is Helping Houthi Terrorists Target American Ships: Report, https://freebeacon.com/latest-news/ccp-linked-satellite-company-is-helping-houthi-terrorists-target-american-ships-report/;

7. Public Health & Environmental Policy

7.1 Environmental Regulations

The Trump administration is planning to roll back regulations under the Endangered Species Act [1]. While specific components of this change are not detailed, this represents a potential shift in environmental policy with implications for wildlife conservation.

[1] Trump administration plans Endangered Species Act rollback, https://www.hcn.org/articles/trump-administration-plans-endangered-species-act-rollback/;

7.2 COVID-19 Developments

The White House has taken a position on the origins of COVID-19, supporting the lab leak theory. A statement published on the White House website addresses “The True Origins of Covid-19,” pointing to a laboratory leak [1]. This position has been reinforced through updates to the official White House COVID-19 website, which now references the virus’s “escape from the Wuhan lab” [2].

[1] Lab Leak: The True Origins of Covid-19, https://www.whitehouse.gov/lab-leak-true-origins-of-covid-19/;
[2] White House updates Covid website to reflect the virus’s escape from the Wuhan lab, https://notthebee.com/article/white-house-updates-covid-website-to-show-how-the-virus-escaped-from-the-wuhan-lab/;

A PhD student at George Mason University has reportedly written or spoken about “when must we kill” President Trump and members of his administration [1]. In unrelated social policy debates, Maine’s Attorney General has stated that the participation of male athletes in women’s sports presents no safety concerns [2].

[1] George Mason PhD student asks ‘when must we kill’ Trump, his administration, https://www.thecollegefix.com/george-mason-phd-student-asks-when-must-we-kill-trump-his-administration/;
[2] Maine AG Claims No Safety Concern With Men In Women’s Sports, https://thefederalist.com/2025/04/17/maine-ag-wildly-claims-no-concerns-of-safety-with-men-in-womens-sports/;

8.2 Media Coverage & Bias

Major networks ABC, CBS, and NBC have been criticized for allocating no airtime to Rachel Morin’s killer’s trial while providing 64 minutes of coverage to a “mistakenly” deported man [1]. These criticisms reflect ongoing debates about media emphasis and perceived political leanings.

[1] ABC/CBS/NBC Spend 0 Seconds on Rachel Morin Killer’s Trial, 64 Minutes on ‘Mistakenly’ Deported Man, https://newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/geoffrey-dickens/2025/04/15/abccbsnbc-spend-0-seconds-rachel-morin-killers-trial-64;