[Wednesday, April 23] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

1. Trump Administration And Executive Actions

1.1 DOGE And Administrative Reform

Elon Musk will “significantly” reduce his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) starting next month [1]. This scaling back coincides with reports of declining Tesla profits, potentially impacting the administration’s government streamlining agenda. No information has emerged about potential replacements to lead DOGE initiatives or how this might affect ongoing reform projects.

[1] Elon Musk says his time working for Donald Trump’s administration will ‘drop significantly’ next month - as Tesla profits sink, https://news.sky.com/story/elon-musk-says-his-time-working-for-donald-trumps-administration-will-drop-significantly-next-month-as-tesla-profits-sink-13354003;

1.2 Legal Challenges And Presidential Actions

The administration faces substantial legal obstacles to implementing its agenda, with court challenges stalling numerous initiatives [1]. President Trump has criticized courts for impeding his deportation agenda [2], highlighting tensions between executive authority and judicial review. Trump has also provided an update on the release of Epstein-related files, though the specific timeline and content remain undisclosed [3]. Additionally, a female Army commander has been suspended after her base failed to display official photographs of President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Secretary Hegseth [4].

[1] Trump’s executive power struggles: A list of what’s stalled and what’s advancing in courts, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/magazine-special-section/3375157/trump-executive-power-struggle-lawsuits-wins-supreme-court/;
[2] President Trump blasts courts for getting in the way of deportation agenda, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/president-trump-blasts-courts-getting-way-deportation-agenda;
[3] Trump Gives Update On Epstein File Release, https://dailycaller.com/2025/04/22/donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-files-release/;
[4] Female Army Commander Suspended After Base Failed to Post Photos of Trump, Vance, and Hegseth, https://pjmedia.com/rick-moran/2025/04/23/female-army-commander-suspended-after-base-failed-to-post-photos-of-trump-vance-and-hegseth-n4939166;

1.3 Presidential Policies And Directives

The administration has implemented several significant policy shifts. The U.S. Space Force has defined strategic pathways to “space superiority” in its first Warfighting framework [1]. The administration has eliminated a Biden-era climate office previously led by John Kerry [2], and the Navy has scrapped a “Biden-era ‘Climate Action’ Plan” [3], demonstrating a consistent rollback of predecessor climate initiatives. On economic matters, President Trump has stated he has “no plans” to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell [4], and he is considering a $5,000 “baby bonus” payment for new births amid declining birth rates [5].

[1] U.S. Space Force defines path to space superiority in first Warfighting framework, https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4156245/us-space-force-defines-path-to-space-superiority-in-first-warfighting-framework/;
[2] Trump Admin Axes Biden-Era Climate Office John Kerry Used, https://freebeacon.com/energy/trump-admin-axes-biden-era-climate-office-john-kerry-used-to-assault-fossil-fuels/;
[3] Navy Scraps Biden-Era ‘Climate Action’ Plan, https://thefederalist.com/2025/04/23/navy-scraps-biden-era-climate-action-plan-returns-focus-to-warfighting/;
[4] Trump Has No Plans to Fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell: ‘The Press Runs Away with Things’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/04/22/trump-has-no-plans-to-fire-fed-chair-jerome-powell-the-press-runs-away-with-things/;
[5] Trump considers $5,000 payments for new babies to combat declining birth rates, https://nypost.com/2025/04/22/us-news/trump-mulls-5k-baby-bonuses-in-bid-to-reverse-declining-birth-rates/;

2. Immigration And Border Security

2.1 Military And Deportation Policies

The U.S. military has been authorized to detain undocumented immigrants along the southern border—a substantial shift in border security operations [1]. The administration faces logistical challenges implementing mass deportations. President Trump has stated that undocumented immigrants who entered during the Biden administration should not receive trials before deportation [2], and a recent botched deportation underscores difficulties in execution [3].

[1] US military can now detain illegal immigrants along southern border, https://americanmilitarynews.com/2025/04/us-military-can-now-detain-illegal-immigrants-along-southern-border-strip/;
[2] Trump: Illegal Migrants Let In By Biden Should Not Get Trials Before Deportation, https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-illegal-migrants-let-in-by-biden-should-not-get-trials-before-deportation?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Leif+Le+Mahieu&category=News&elementPosition=1&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Trump%3A+Illegal+Migrants+Let+In+By+Biden+Should+Not+Get+Trials+Before+Deportation;
[3] Trump hit the ground running – but a botched deportation and several other missteps will test his leadership, https://nypost.com/2025/04/22/opinion/trump-hit-the-ground-running-but-a-botched-deportation-and-several-other-missteps-will-test-his-leadership/;

2.2 Legal Battles And Criminal Cases

Recent developments show several high-profile criminal cases involving immigrants. Maryland officials have arrested undocumented immigrants in connection with a murder case [1]. In a separate case, an illegal immigrant convicted of killing teens in a high-speed crash is slated for early release—a decision critics slam as “disgusting” [2]. Additionally, immigration enforcement officials have vowed to deport individuals released early from state prisons [3], including a twice-deported drunk driver nearly freed by California before intervention was reported [4].

[1] Maryland illegal immigrants arrested after woman found murdered in woods: officials, https://www.foxnews.com/us/maryland-illegal-immigrants-arrested-after-woman-found-murdered-woods-officials;
[2] Illegal immigrant convicted of killing teens in high-speed crash to be released early: ‘It’s disgusting’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/illegal-immigrant-convicted-killing-teens-high-speed-crash-released-early;
[3] Tom Homan vows to deport illegal immigrant granted early prison release by California, https://www.foxnews.com/media/tom-homan-vows-action-california-set-release-illegal-immigrant-who-killed-two-teens;
[4] California Nearly Freed A Twice-Deported Illegal Alien Drunk Driver — Now Newsom Is Backtracking, https://www.dailywire.com/news/california-nearly-freed-a-twice-deported-illegal-alien-drunk-driver-now-newsom-is-backtracking;

3. Foreign Policy And International Relations

3.1 Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Peace negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war have reached a critical juncture. London talks have been pared down as Vice President Vance declares it is “decision time” on a peace deal [1]. President Trump warned Zelensky to accept peace terms or risk “losing the whole country” [2], and he slammed Zelenskyy for refusing to cede Crimea [3]. Zelensky has rejected a reported Trump peace plan, prompting warnings that the U.S. may “walk away” from negotiations [4].

[1] London Talks on Ending Russia-Ukraine War Pared Down as Vance Says It’s Decision Time on Peace Deal, https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/russia-ukraine-wa/2025/04/23/id/1207975/;
[2] Trump gives Zelensky dire warning on Russia-Ukraine war — accept peace or risk ’losing the whole country’, https://nypost.com/2025/04/23/us-news/trump-gives-zelensky-dire-warning-on-russia-ukraine-war-accept-peace-or-risk-losing-the-whole-country/;
[3] Get it done: Trump slams Zelenskyy for refusing to cede Crimea, https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/get-it-done-trump-slams-zelenskyy-for-refusing-to-cede-crimea-glbs-2713692-2025-04-23;
[4] Zelensky Shuts Down Reported Trump Peace Plan, Vance Warns U.S. Will ‘Walk Away’ if No Agreement, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/04/23/zelensky-shuts-down-reported-trump-peace-plan-vance-warns-u-s-will-walk-away-if-no-agreement/;

3.2 Middle East And Global Security

President Trump has ordered U.S. troops to the Middle East to counter Houthi attacks, marking a direct military response to ongoing threats [1]. His administration claims that recent strikes have killed 74 terrorist leaders plotting attacks on U.S. soil [2]. Additionally, the administration has imposed sanctions on an Iranian petroleum magnate allegedly trying to move oil from Texas [3]. Questions persist over Trump’s broader Iran strategy [4]. In other international developments, the World Economic Forum board has authorized a probe into Klaus Schwab [5], while Vice President Vance is negotiating a trade deal with India as Secretary of State Rubio implements State Department cuts [6].

[1] Trump Orders Troops To Middle East To Counter Houthi Attacks, https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-orders-troops-to-middle-east-to-counter-houthi-attacks?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Hank+Berrien&category=News&elementPosition=2&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Trump+Orders+Troops+To+Middle+East+To+Counter+Houthi+Attacks;
[2] Trump Strikes Have Killed 74 Terrorist Leaders Planning Attacks On U.S. Soil: Mike Waltz, https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-strikes-have-killed-74-terrorist-leaders-planning-attacks-on-u-s-soil-mike-waltz?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Zach+Jewell&category=News&elementPosition=2&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Trump+Strikes+Have+Killed+74+Terrorist+Leaders+Planning+Attacks+On+U.S.+Soil%3A+Mike+Waltz;
[3] Trump Sanctions Iranian Petroleum Magnate Caught Trying To Move Oil From Texas, https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-sanctions-iranian-petroleum-magnate-caught-trying-to-move-oil-from-texas?author=Kassy+Akiva+and+Mary+Margaret+Olohan&category=News&elementPosition=5&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=Trump+Sanctions+Iranian+Petroleum+Magnate+Caught+Trying+To+Move+Oil+From+Texas;
[4] Trump Tore Up Obama’s Iran Deal. Is He Now Negotiating Something Worse?, https://www.thefp.com/p/trump-obama-iran-deal;
[5] World Economic Forum board backs launch of probe into Klaus Schwab, https://nationalpost.com/news/world/world-economic-forum-klaus-schwab?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=NP_social;
[6] Morning Brief: Vance Negotiates India Trade Deal, Rubio Cuts State Dept & Easter Egg Prices, https://www.dailywire.com/news/morning-brief-vance-negotiates-india-trade-deal-rubio-cuts-state-dept-easter-egg-prices?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Morning+Wire&category=News&elementPosition=3&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Morning+Brief%3A+Vance+Negotiates+India+Trade+Deal%2C+Rubio+Cuts+State+Dept+%26+Easter+Egg+Prices;

4. Legal Affairs And Economic Policy

4.1 Supreme Court And Judicial Matters

The Supreme Court is hearing a major parental rights case over school readings, a matter that has sparked heightened tensions between Justices Sotomayor and Alito [1]. Observers believe the Court may side with parents seeking to opt out of certain educational materials [2]. Teachers’ union president Randi Weingarten characterized the situation as “a failure of all of us” [3]. In related developments, a Democratic New Mexico judge resigned after being found harboring an alleged gang member [4], and a jury recently ruled that the New York Times did not libel Sarah Palin in a defamation suit [5].

[1] ‘Growing heat’: Sotomayor spars with Alito during classroom books case, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/growing-heat-sotomayor-spars-alito-during-lgbtq-classroom-books-case;
[2] SCOTUS Hints It Will Side With Parents Who Want Opt-Out For Kids Exposed To Materials, https://www.dailywire.com/news/scotus-hints-it-will-side-with-parents-who-want-opt-out-for-kids-exposed-to-lgbt-materials?author=Hank+Berrien&category=News&elementPosition=0&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=SCOTUS+Hints+It+Will+Side+With+Parents+Who+Want+Opt-Out+For+Kids+Exposed+To+LGBT+Materials;
[3] It’s a ‘failure of all of us’ books case is at the Supreme Court, Randi Weingarten says | Fox News Video, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6371804019112;
[4] Democratic New Mexico judge resigns after being found harboring illegal Tren De Aragua gangbanger., https://abc3340.com/news/nation-world/democratic-new-mexico-judge-resigns-after-being-found-harboring-illegal-tda-member;
[5] Jury rules New York Times did not libel Sarah Palin in defamation case, https://www.foxnews.com/media/jury-rules-new-york-times-did-not-libel-sarah-palin-defamation-case;

4.2 Economic And Trade Policies

The Trump administration secured a legal victory when the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled in its favor in a tariff case [1]. President Trump has also stated that tariffs on Chinese goods will drop “substantially” though not disappear altogether [2], and his administration is implementing aggressive measures to collect defaulted student loan debt [3]. Meanwhile, the Education Department has announced that federal student loans “must be paid back” [4], and Small Business Administration head Linda McMahon has criticized what she calls “worthless” college degrees [5].

[1] US Court of International Trade sides with Trump in tariff case, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/court-international-trade-sides-trump-tariff-case;
[2] Trump Says China Tariffs Will Drop ‘Substantially’ But Not Disappear, https://insidenewshub.com/trump-says-china-tariffs-will-drop-substantially-but-not-disappear/;
[3] Trump admin to seize wages, pensions of those in default on student loan debt, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-seize-wages-pensions-tax-refunds-repay-student-loans-debt-cannot-wiped-away;
[4] Federal Student Loans ‘Must Be Paid Back’: Education Department Makes Big Announcement About Collections, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2025/04/23/federal-student-loans-must-be-paid-back-education-department-makes-big-announcement-about-collections-n2655971;
[5] McMahon Pans ‘Worthless’ College Degrees Amid Repayment Push, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/linda-mcmahon-student-loans-joe-biden/2025/04/22/id/1207925/;

5. Partisan Politics And Public Health

5.1 Democratic Party And Media Developments

Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin has announced his retirement after three decades in office [1]. Polls indicate that congressional Democrats’ approval is plunging among younger Americans [2], and recent polling data appears to confirm “the Democrats’ worst fears” [3]. Meanwhile, MSNBC host Jen Psaki has made a “stunning admission” regarding her network’s Trump coverage [4], and an actor from “The Office” has publicly pushed back against claims that Trump and Elon Musk are responsible for widespread media distrust [5].

[1] Senate Democratic whip Dick Durbin announces retirement after 3 decades | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dick-durbin-no-2-senate-democrat-wont-seek-re-election;
[2] Congressional Democrats approval among younger Americans plunges: poll | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/young-americans-sour-congressional-democrats-new-poll-finds;
[3] New Poll Data Confirms the Democrats’ Worst Fears, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/04/23/new-poll-data-confirms-the-democrats-worst-fears-n4939151;
[4] MSNBC host Jen Psaki makes stunning admission about liberal network’s coverage of Trump, https://nypost.com/2025/04/22/media/msnbc-host-jen-psaki-makes-stunning-admission-about-liberal-networks-coverage-of-trump/;
[5] ‘The Office’ star pushes back on MSNBC host blaming Trump, Musk for distrust in media, https://www.foxnews.com/media/the-office-star-pushes-back-msnbc-host-blaming-trump-musk-distrust-media;

5.2 Public Health And Environmental Policy

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering removing the COVID-19 vaccine from the CDC-recommended childhood vaccination schedule [1] and has pledged to ensure children receive “real food” rather than “poison” following recent food dye concerns [2]. Meanwhile, climate activists recently vandalized a Tesla dealership in New York City on Earth Day [3], and the U.K. is preparing to conduct experiments to “dim sunlight” as a measure to combat climate change after similar proposals were banned in some U.S. states [4].

[1] Secretary Kennedy considers taking Covid vaccine off CDC-recommended child vaccination list: report, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/health/rfk-jr-considering-removing-cdcs-covid-19-vaccination-recommendation-kids;
[2] RFK Jr vows to make sure kids get ‘real food,’ not ‘poison’ after artificial food dye announcement, https://www.foxnews.com/media/hhs-secretary-rfk-jr-pledges-make-sure-kids-get-real-food-not-poison-after-artificial-food-dye-ban;
[3] Climate vandals target NYC Tesla dealership on Earth Day, https://www.foxnews.com/us/climate-vandals-spray-paint-nyc-tesla-dealership-earth-day-protest-clean-off-when-police-arrive;
[4] U.K. Set To Conduct Experiments To Dim Sunlight To Combat Climate Change After U.S. States Ban Similar Proposals, https://www.nysun.com/article/u-k-set-to-greenlight-experiments-to-dim-sunlight-to-combat-climate-change-after-u-s-states-ban-similar-proposals;