[Monday, April 21] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-04-21 1924 words 10 minutes

Contents

1. U.S. Politics & Government

1.1 Trump Administration & Executive Actions

President Trump has publicly criticized Federal Reserve Chair Powell over economic concerns, raising questions about presidential authority to remove the Fed Chair [1]. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces scrutiny for allegedly sharing Yemen strike details in a second Signal chat [2], prompting the White House to criticize the “shattered egos” of Pentagon leakers while dismissing these reports [3]. Hegseth has directly responded by condemning what he calls “leakers” and “hoaxsters” [4]. In a separate security incident, a Department of Homeland Security chief reportedly had a purse containing thousands of dollars stolen [5].

[1] Can Trump fire the fed chair? President lashes out at Powell for economic outlook, https://www.livenowfox.com/news/can-trump-fire-powell-fed-chair;
[2] Hegseth posted Yemen strike details in second Signal chat: Report, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense/3385688/hegseth-posted-yemen-strike-details-second-signal-chat-report/;
[3] White House rips alleged Pentagon leakers’ ‘shattered egos,’ brushes off Hegseth second Signal chat report, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-rips-alleged-pentagon-leakers-shattered-egos-brushes-off-hegseth-second-signal-chat-report;
[4] Hegseth Hits Back at ‘Leakers,’ ‘Hoaxsters’, https://www.newsmax.com/us/petehegseth-pentagon-defensedepartment/2025/04/21/id/1207693/?ns_mail_uid=fd327749-6369-446a-a5eb-ed0baad7a79a&ns_mail_job=DM779991_04212025&s=acs&dkt_nbr=01050282tfrf;
[5] DHS chief has purse stolen with thousands of dollars | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dhs-chief-kristi-noems-purse-stolen-thousands-dollars-dc-restaurant;

1.2 Democratic Party Affairs & Strategy

Analysts question whether Democrats can pivot to the center amid current political pressures [1]. Internal party tensions have emerged after activist David Hogg donated $100K to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee [2] following his controversial plan to primary “ineffective” Democrats, which reportedly sparked what some characterize as a “civil war” within the party [2]. Multiple Democratic representatives have traveled to El Salvador advocating for Abrego Garcia’s return to the United States [3], with Rep. Maxine Dexter declaring she will not leave El Salvador until Garcia returns [4]. Rep. Jamie Raskin has generated controversy with statements promising “retaliation” against those who allegedly unleash “fascist chaos” on America when Democrats return to power [5].

[1] Can Democrats Pivot to the Center?, https://www.city-journal.org/article/democratic-party-activist-identity-politics;
[2] David Hogg donates $100K to DCCC after plan to primary ‘ineffective’ Democrats ignited civil war in party, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/david-hogg-donates-100k-dccc-after-plan-primary-ineffective-democrats-ignited-civil-war-party;
[3] 4 more Dems travel to El Salvador to push for Abrego Garcia’s return to US, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/4-more-dems-travel-el-salvador-push-abrego-garcias-return-us;
[4] Democrat Rep. Maxine Dexter says she will not leave El Salvador until Kilmar Abrego Garcia returns to the United States., https://x.com/IanJaeger29/status/1914396018034041186;
[5] Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin Promises Retaliation For Those Unleashing ‘Fascist Chaos’ on America When Democrats Return to Power (VIDEO), /r/Conservative/comments/1k4b1nc/democratic_rep_jamie_raskin_promises_retaliation/;

1.3 State & Local Politics

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu faces allegations of receiving $300K in campaign funds from a Chinese Communist Party operative [1]. A California mayor has sparked controversy by suggesting giving homeless people “all the fentanyl they want” and stating a need to “purge these people” [2]. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has been criticized for allegedly “dodging” questions about the motive for an arson attack [3]. In Tennessee, pro-gun legislation has advanced to the governor’s desk [4]. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem reportedly had her purse containing $3K and her passport stolen during an outing at a Washington, D.C. restaurant [5].

[1] Report: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Received $300K in Campaign Funds from CCP Operative, https://washingtonstand.com/news/report-boston-mayor-michelle-wu-received-300k-in-campaign-funds-from-ccp-operative;
[2] California mayor wants to give homeless people ‘all the fentanyl they want’: ‘Need to purge these people’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/california-mayor-wants-give-homeless-people-all-fentanyl-want-need-purge-people;
[3] Gov. Josh Shapiro Keeps Dodging Motive for Arson Attack, https://www.frontpagemag.com/gov-josh-shapiro-keeps-dodging-motive-for-arson-attack/;
[4] NRA-ILA | Tennessee: Pro-Gun Bills Advance to Governor’s Desk, https://www.nraila.org/articles/20250421/tennessee-pro-gun-bills-advance-to-governors-desk;
[5] Kristi Noem’s purse, with $3K cash and her passport inside, snatched by thief during outing at DC restaurant, https://nypost.com/2025/04/21/us-news/kristi-noems-purse-with-3k-cash-inside-snatched-by-thief-during-outing-at-dc-restaurant/;

2. Legal & Judicial Affairs

2.1 Supreme Court Decisions & Controversies

The Supreme Court appears poised for a potential crackdown on nationwide injunctions [1], which would significantly impact how presidential policies can be legally challenged [1]. Justice Alito has voiced strong disagreement with the Court’s decision to halt Trump’s Venezuelan deportations, calling the move “unprecedented” and “legally questionable” [2]. His dissent has drawn attention for highlighting broader concerns about SCOTUS shortcuts in decision-making [3]. The Court is also considering cases related to parental rights regarding storybooks in educational settings [4].

[1] Supreme Court sets stage for possible crackdown on nationwide injunctions, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/supreme-court/3385092/supreme-court-sets-stage-nationwide-injunctions/;
[2] Alito blasts ‘unprecedented’ SCOTUS move to halt Trump’s Venezuelan deportations: ‘Legally questionable’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/alito-blasts-unprecedented-scotus-move-halt-trumps-venezuelan-deportations-legally-questionable;
[3] Alito’s dissent highlights concern over SCOTUS shortcuts, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3386240/supreme-court-alito-dissent-highlights-concern-over-scotus-shortcuts/;
[4] Will SCOTUS Back Parents When It Comes To Storybooks?, https://www.dailywire.com/news/will-scotus-back-parents-when-it-comes-to-lgbtq-storybooks?author=Terry+Schilling&category=Opinion&elementPosition=9&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=Will+SCOTUS+Back+Parents+When+It+Comes+To+LGBTQ+Storybooks%3F;

2.2 Legal Challenges to Government Actions

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration alleging “unlawful” multibillion-dollar budget cuts to the institution [1]. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has referred former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to the Department of Justice for potential criminal prosecution [2], with the referral centering on allegations that Cuomo lied about what Republican lawmakers characterize as a “calculated cover-up” of nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic [3]. New York Attorney General Letitia James faces scrutiny over allegations regarding mortgage misclassification [4].

[1] Harvard sues Trump administration over ‘unlawful’ multibillion dollar budget cuts, https://www.foxnews.com/us/harvard-sues-trump-administration-over-unlawful-multibillion-dollar-budget-cuts;
[2] Comer Refers Cuomo to DOJ for Criminal Prosecution, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/james-comer-criminal-referral-andrew-cuomo/2025/04/21/id/1207746/;
[3] House Republicans ask DOJ to charge Andrew Cuomo for lying about ‘calculated cover-up’ of NY nursing home deaths, https://nypost.com/2025/04/21/us-news/house-republicans-ask-doj-to-charge-andrew-cuomo-for-lying-about-calculated-cover-up-of-ny-nursing-home-deaths/;
[4] Letitia James’ Mortgage Misclassification Just Got Worse, https://whitecollarfraud.com/2025/04/19/letitia-james-mortgage-misclassification-just-got-worse/;

2.3 Ethics Complaints & Criminal Justice

Senator Raphael Warnock faces an ethics complaint for allegedly living in a free $1 million luxury home [1]. A Democratic judge has resigned after allegedly harboring a member of the Tren De Aragua gang [2]. A Washington State University instructor has been arrested for an alleged assault on a student wearing a Trump hat [3].

[1] Raphael Warnock Slapped With Ethics Complaint for Living in Free $1 Million Luxury Home, https://freebeacon.com/democrats/raphael-warnock-slapped-with-ethics-complaint-for-living-in-free-1-million-luxury-home/;
[2] Dem Judge Resigns After Harboring Alleged Tren De Aragua Gang Member, https://www.dailywire.com/news/dem-judge-resigns-after-harboring-alleged-tren-de-aragua-gang-member?author=Hank+Berrien&category=News&elementPosition=0&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=Dem+Judge+Resigns+After+Harboring+Alleged+Tren+De+Aragua+Gang+Member;
[3] WSU instructor arrested for alleged assault of student with Trump hat, https://www.foxnews.com/us/washington-state-university-instructor-arrested-alleged-assault-student-trump-hat;

3. International Relations & Trade

3.1 U.S.-China Relations & Global Leadership

An investigation reveals Amazon is allowing Chinese military companies to profit through sales on its online marketplace, raising national security concerns [1]. China has publicly vowed to “punish countries” that enter into trade agreements with the Trump administration [2], signaling potential economic retaliation against U.S. allies. Meanwhile, Klaus Schwab has officially stepped down as chair of the World Economic Forum (WEF) [3].

[1] Amazon allows Chinese military companies to profit off its online marketplace, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/investigations/3384795/amazon-chinese-military-companies-profit/;
[2] China Vows To Punish Countries That Agree To Trump Trade Deals, https://www.dailywire.com/news/china-vows-to-punish-countries-that-agree-to-trump-trade-deals?author=Zach+Jewell&category=News&elementPosition=4&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=China+Vows+To+Punish+Countries+That+Agree+To+Trump+Trade+Deals;
[3] Klaus Schwab has officially stepped down as WEF chair, https://x.com/leadingreport/status/1914328819667800284?s=46;

3.2 Trade Policies & International Partnerships

Analyst Rebeccah Heinrichs suggests India will become a “key partner” for trade following the implementation of tariffs on China [1]. This potential shift indicates that the administration is actively seeking alternative trade partners as tensions with China intensify.

[1] India will be a ‘key partner’ for trade following tariffs on China, says Rebeccah Heinrichs, https://v.redd.it/d5o43jl497we1;

4.1 Higher Education & Cultural Politics

The Trump administration has taken strong action against universities, described by one source as “taking a hammer to the universities” [1]. Harvard University faces criticism for what some claim are self-defeating arguments in its legal response to administration policies [2]. Campus activism continues, with protesters again chaining themselves to Columbia University’s gates [3]. Other cultural debates include discussions of a “Dark Woke” phenomenon [4] and harsh criticism of a newly unveiled Obama monument in Chicago for its aesthetic qualities [5].

[1] Trump takes a hammer to the universities, https://thespectator.com/topic/donald-trump-takes-hammer-universities/;
[2] Crimson Chide: Harvard Makes the Case Against Itself, https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/21/crimson-chide-harvard-makes-the-case-against-itself/;
[3] Protesters Chain Themselves to Columbia’s Gates…Again, https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2025/04/21/protesters-chain-themselves-to-columbias-gatesagain-n3801993;
[4] Have You Heard of This ‘Dark Woke’ Phenomenon?, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/jeff-charles/2025/04/21/have-you-heard-of-this-dark-woke-phenomenon-n2655844;
[5] Egads, it’s ugly! Photo of Chicago’s Obama shrine gets BRUTAL reviews, https://www.bizpacreview.com/2025/04/18/egads-its-ugly-photo-of-chicagos-obama-shrine-gets-brutal-reviews-1537438/;

One state has reported a significant decline in abortion procedures, dropping by 12,000 in 2024 [1], described as “the sharpest abortion decline” nationally [1], though the specific state is not identified. Media criticism continues, with one source highlighting what it calls the “dysfunctional media” [2]. Social media conflicts among conservative commentators have intensified, as evidenced by Dana Loesch’s reported confrontation with Laura Loomer over alleged false claims [3].

[1] This state saw the sharpest abortion decline in 2024… dropping by 12,000, https://www.liveaction.org/news/abortions-sharpest-decline-2024/;
[2] Worst News Outlet of the Week - a Look at the Latest Deliveries From the Dysfunctional Media, https://redstate.com/bradslager/2025/04/19/worst-news-outlet-of-the-week-a-look-at-the-latest-deliveries-from-the-dysfunctional-media-n2188052;
[3] WOWZA: Dana Loesch Takes Laura Loomer APART In HEATED Back and Forth for Pushing Vile, Repugnant LIE, https://twitchy.com/samj/2025/04/21/dana-loesch-pearl-davis-n2411675;

5. Economic & Financial Policy

5.1 Taxation & Financial Regulations

Calls have emerged to “strip tax exemptions from all woke nonprofits, not just Harvard” [1], suggesting potential broader changes to nonprofit taxation policies. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has announced that “student loans in default to be referred to debt collection” [2], signaling a shift in student loan enforcement. Elon Musk has publicly supported a “Latin Company leaving Delaware” [3], potentially reflecting changing corporate preferences regarding state incorporation.

[1] Strip Tax Exemptions From All Woke Nonprofits, Not Just Harvard, https://thefederalist.com/2025/04/21/congress-should-strip-tax-exemptions-from-all-woke-nonprofits-not-just-harvard/;
[2] ‘Student loans in default to be referred to debt collection’: US education secretary Linda McMahon, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/120497600.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst;
[3] Elon Musk applauds Latin Company leaving Delaware, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/elon-musk-applauds-mercado-libre/2025/04/21/id/1207691/;

5.2 Personal Finance & Disclosures

A watchdog organization reports that Dr. Anthony Fauci’s fortune “doubled to $15 million between early 2019 and 2023” [1], with the source emphasizing this occurred “during worst of COVID lockdowns” [1].

[1] Fauci’s fortune doubled to $15 million between early 2019 and 2023, watchdog finds: ‘During worst of COVID lockdowns’, https://nypost.com/2025/04/21/us-news/faucis-fortune-doubled-to-15-million-over-pandemic-assets-soared/;

6. Religious Affairs & Vatican

6.1 Pope Francis Death & Succession

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, according to Vatican announcements [1]. The Pope reportedly died of a stroke followed by irreversible heart failure [2]. World leaders including former President Trump have issued responses [3], and Trump is expected to attend the funeral later this week [4]. Media outlets are identifying potential cardinal successors who could replace Pope Francis after the conclave [5]. Some social media users have made controversial claims linking JD Vance to the Pope’s death, which one source describes as coming from “absolute ghouls” [6].

[1] Pope Francis dies aged 88, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/21/pope-francis-death-latest-updates-catholic-church-vatican/;
[2] The Pope Francis died of a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failur, https://x.com/az_intel_/status/1914380411347624197?s=46;
[3] Trump, World Leaders Respond To Death Of Pope Francis, https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-world-leaders-to-respond-to-death-of-pope-francis?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Leif+Le+Mahieu&category=News&elementPosition=1&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Trump%2C+World+Leaders+Respond+To+Death+Of+Pope+Francis;
[4] Trump is expected to attend Pope Francis funeral later this week, https://x.com/az_intel_/status/1914362702144721004?s=46;
[5] Here are the top cardinals who could replace Pope Francis after the conclave, https://www.dw.com/en/who-will-be-the-next-pope-after-francis/a-72302123;
[6] Absolute Ghouls Flood X With Claims JD Vance Killed Pope Francis, https://www.dailywire.com/news/absolute-ghouls-flood-x-with-claims-jd-vance-killed-pope-francis?author=Virginia+Kruta&category=News+and+Commentary&elementPosition=5&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=Absolute+Ghouls+Flood+X+With+Claims+JD+Vance+Killed+Pope+Francis;

6.2 Religious Influence & Historical Sites

In Plano, Texas, allegations have emerged that the mayor has given a “radical mosque special access to school board to enforce Islamic values” [1]. In archaeological news, Austrian and Israeli researchers working at the traditional site of the Last Supper have uncovered “unique graffiti” [2].

[1] EXPOSED: Plano Mayor Gives Radical Mosque Special Access to School Board to Enforce Islamic Values—Revealing the Power EPIC Masjid Wields in Texas, https://rairfoundation.com/exposed-plano-mayor-gives-radical-mosque-special-access/;
[2] Austrian, Israeli archaeologists at Last Supper site unveil unique graffiti, https://www.foxnews.com/travel/archaeologists-reveal-strange-inscriptions-room-last-supper-jerusalem;

7. Immigration & Border Security

7.1 Deportation & Border Management

A report claims that “the truth” has emerged about an American citizen detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) [1], asserting this revelation invalidates previous narratives [1]. The Supreme Court’s involvement in immigration policy is highlighted by Justice Alito’s dissent criticizing the decision to halt Trump’s Venezuelan deportations [2]. Border security concerns are expressed through historical allusions [3], reflecting ongoing debates about immigration enforcement.

[1] The Truth About That American Citizen Detained by ICE Comes Out, and Narratives Burn to the Ground, https://redstate.com/bonchie/2025/04/21/the-truth-about-that-american-citizen-detained-by-ice-comes-out-and-narratives-are-burned-to-the-ground-n2188110;
[2] Alito blasts ‘unprecedented’ SCOTUS move to halt Trump’s Venezuelan deportations: ‘Legally questionable’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/alito-blasts-unprecedented-scotus-move-halt-trumps-venezuelan-deportations-legally-questionable;
[3] Someone Forgot to Lock the Gates of Vienna Behind Them, https://hotair.com/tree-hugging-sister/2025/04/21/someone-forgot-to-lock-the-gates-of-vienna-behind-them-n3801995;