[Monday, May 12] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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1. Trump Administration and Executive Actions

1.1 Healthcare and Drug Pricing Reforms

President Trump has signed what he described as “one of the most consequential executive orders in US history” targeting pharmaceutical pricing [1]. The order aims to slash drug prices by 30-80% [2] by implementing a “Favored Nations” requirement [3] that would match U.S. drug prices with those paid in other countries. The administration has established a 30-day deadline for pharmaceutical companies to comply [4]. Trump has directly challenged the pharmaceutical industry with this action, with some characterizing it as “going to war with Pharma” to ensure the country is “treated fairly” [5]. The Washington Post reportedly praised a Trump HHS report on pediatric surgeries, acknowledging it makes “a strong case for caution” regarding certain procedures [6].

[1] Breaking: Trump Announces One of ‘Most Consequential Executive Orders’ in US History to Tackle Big Pharma, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2025/05/11/breaking-trump-announces-most-consequential-executive-order-in-us-history-to-tackle-big-pharma-n2188956
[2] Trump to sign executive order he says will slash drug prices by up to 80%, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-sign-executive-order-he-says-slash-drug-prices-up-80
[3] Trump to issue EO introducing “Favored Nations” requirement for prescription drug pricing, https://x.com/whitehouse/status/1921695676032856313?s=46&t=TjgoWHNojClEDLnNOupCyg
[4] Trump sets 30-day deadline for drugmakers to lower drug costs, https://nationalpost.com/news/world/trump-sets-30-day-deadline-for-drugmakers-to-lower-drug-costs?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=NP_social
[5] Trump Goes to War With Pharma: ‘Our Country Will Finally Be Treated Fairly’, https://hotair.com/ed-morrissey/2025/05/12/trump-goes-to-war-with-pharma-over-drug-prices-our-country-will-finally-be-treated-fairly-n3802685
[6] Washington Post praises Trump HHS report on surgery for children, says it makes strong case for caution, https://www.foxnews.com/media/washington-post-praises-trump-hhs-report-trans-surgery-children-says-makes-strong-case-caution

1.2 White House Operations and Personnel

The Trump administration has made personnel changes in federal cultural institutions, firing “the top US copyright official” shortly after terminating the Librarian of Congress [1]. The White House has added a “’new media’ seat” at briefings, characterized as shaking up the “establishment” by providing an “alternative to ‘archaic’ press” [2]. In a confrontational exchange, President Trump publicly criticized an ABC reporter who questioned him about accepting a jet from Qatar, saying she “should be ’embarrassed’” [3].

[1] Trump admin fires top US copyright official days after terminating Librarian of Congress, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-fires-top-us-copyright-official-days-after-terminating-librarian-congress
[2] ‘New media’ seat at White House briefings shakes up establishment with alternative to ‘archaic’ press, https://www.foxnews.com/media/new-media-seat-white-house-press-briefings-shakes-up-establishment
[3] Trump rips ABC reporter for asking about accepting jet from Qatar, says she should be ’embarrassed’, https://www.foxnews.com/media/trump-rips-abc-reporter-asking-about-accepting-jet-from-qatar-says-she-should-embarrassed

2. Immigration and Border Security

2.1 Border Enforcement and Statistics

Recent data from Customs and Border Protection indicates a dramatic reduction in southern border apprehensions, with numbers falling “more than 90% from year ago in April” [1]. In a separate border security measure, the U.S. has temporarily closed the southern border to livestock imports to prevent the spread of “deadly flies” [2]. The Mayor of Nashville has signed an executive order establishing an “early warning system for immigration enforcement operations” [3].

[1] Southern border apprehensions plunge more than 90% from year ago in April, CBP says, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/southern-border-apprehensions-plunge-more-than-90-from-year-ago-april-cbp-says
[2] US shuts southern border to livestock imports to stop spread of deadly flies, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/us-shuts-southern-border-livestock-imports-stop-spread-deadly-flies
[3] Nashville Mayor Signs Executive Order to Create Early Warning System for Immigration Enforcement Operations - Tennessee Star, https://tennesseestar.com/news/nashville-mayor-signs-executive-order-to-create-early-warning-system-for-immigration-enforcement-operations/tpappert/2025/05/12/

2.2 ICE Operations and Deportations

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has conducted several significant enforcement operations. A major sweep in Houston resulted in the arrest of 422 illegal migrants, including individuals reportedly wanted for serious crimes including murder and arson [1]. DHS accused a Massachusetts city council member of having “incited chaos” during ICE’s arrest of what the agency described as a “violent criminal alien” [2]. ICE also apprehended an MS-13 gang member with visible gang tattoos who had reportedly been deported nearly two decades ago and subsequently reentered the United States illegally [3].

[1] ICE arrests 422 illegal migrants in Houston sweep, including suspects wanted for murder, arson, https://www.foxnews.com/us/ice-arrests-422-illegal-migrants-houston-sweep-including-suspects-wanted-murder-arson
[2] DHS says Massachusetts city council member ‘incited chaos’ as ICE arrested ‘violent criminal alien’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dhs-says-massachusetts-city-council-member-incited-chaos-ice-arrested-violent-criminal-alien
[3] MS-13 goon covered in gang tats nabbed by ICE after he was deported almost 20 years ago, snuck back into US, https://nypost.com/2025/05/11/us-news/ms-13-goon-covered-in-gang-tats-nabbed-by-ice-after-he-was-deported-snuck-back-into-us/

2.3 Refugee and Legal Challenges

A “first group of 49 white South Africans” has departed for the United States following President Trump’s decision to offer them refugee status [1]. The Department of Homeland Security has issued subpoenas to California, investigating “possible cash benefits to illegals” [2]. A legal expert has highlighted a “centuries-old law” described as “crucial” for the administration’s immigration enforcement position [3]. The Episcopal Church has reportedly ended its “federal refugee partnership because of ‘moral opposition’ to Trump resettling white South Africans” [4], citing its “racial justice commitment” as the basis for this decision.

[1] First group of 49 white South Africans leaves for the US after Trump offered them refugee status, https://fox59.com/news/national-world/ap-international/ap-first-group-of-49-white-south-africans-leaves-for-the-us-after-trump-offered-them-refugee-status/
[2] Homeland Security subpoenas California for possible cash benefits to illegals, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/homeland-security-subpoenas-california-possible-cash-benefits-illegals
[3] Legal expert reveals why centuries-old law is crucial for Trump admin in immigration fight, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/legal-expert-reveals-why-centuries-old-law-crucial-trump-admin-immigration-fight
[4] Episcopal Church Refuses To Resettle White South African Refugees, Citing ‘Racial Justice’ Commitment, https://www.dailywire.com/news/episcopal-church-refuses-to-resettle-white-south-african-refugees-citing-racial-justice-commitment

3. Foreign Policy and International Relations

3.1 Middle East Diplomacy and Hostage Situations

A significant diplomatic breakthrough occurred with the release of Edan Alexander, described as “the last living American hostage” held by Hamas, after more than 580 days in captivity [1]. President Trump had previously announced Alexander would be “coming home” [2]. This development comes amid broader shifts in U.S. Middle East policy, including the conclusion of a “4th round of US-Iran talks” as Trump prepares for what’s characterized as a “historic Middle East tour” [3]. These diplomatic initiatives appear to be creating tension with traditional allies, with reports indicating Trump is “straining relationship with Netanyahu” as his policies “increasingly isolate Israel” [4]. Qatar has reportedly offered Trump a “jumbo jet to serve as Air Force One” [5], described elsewhere as a “$400M Luxury Jet ‘gift’” [6], which has prompted a House Democrat to call for an “immediate ethics probe” [7].

[1] American hostage Edan Alexander released by Hamas after more than 580 days in captivity, https://www.foxnews.com/world/american-hostage-edan-alexander-released-hamas-after-more-than-580-days-captivity
[2] Trump says last living American hostage Edan Alexander will be released by Hamas: ‘Coming home’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-says-last-living-american-hostage-edan-alexander-released-hamas-coming-home
[3] 4th round of US-Iran talks ends as Trump set to embark on historic Middle East tour, https://www.foxnews.com/world/4th-round-us-iran-talks-ends-trump-set-embark-historic-middle-east-tour
[4] Trump strains relationship with Netanyahu as Middle East policy increasingly isolates Israel, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trumps-saudi-talks-houthi-ceasefire-strain-ties-netanyahu-ahead-middle-east-trip
[5] Qatar offers Trump jumbo jet to serve as Air Force One, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/qatar-offers-trump-jumbo-jet-serve-air-force-one
[6] Trump Defends $400M Luxury Jet ‘gift’ From Qatar’s Royal Family, https://insidenewshub.com/trump-defends-400m-luxury-jet-gift-from-qatars-royal-family/
[7] House Democrat calls for ‘immediate’ ethics probe of Qatari plane gift to Trump, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-democrat-calls-immediate-ethics-probe-qatari-plane-gift-trump

3.2 Global Relations and Security

President Trump has announced that China has agreed to “fully open” its markets to U.S. businesses [1]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey [2]. Poland has ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Krakow, blaming the Kremlin for an arson incident that allegedly occurred in 2024 [3]. U.S. intelligence agencies have reportedly been directed to increase surveillance activities focused on Greenland, as “Trump mulls takeover” of the autonomous Danish territory [4]. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced plans to “disband after four-decade insurgency against Turkey” [5].

[1] Trump says China agrees to ‘fully’ open country’s markets to US businesses, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-says-china-agrees-fully-open-countrys-markets-us-businesses
[2] Zelensky says he’s ready to meet with Putin in Turkey, https://justthenews.com/world/zelensky-says-hes-ready-meet-putin-turkey
[3] Poland orders Russian consulate in Krakow closed after blaming Kremlin for 2024 arson, https://www.foxnews.com/world/poland-orders-russian-consulate-krakow-closed-after-blaming-kremlin-2024-arson
[4] U.S. Intelligence Agencies Directed To Spy On Greenland As Trump Mulls Takeover, https://www.dailywire.com/news/u-s-intelligence-agencies-directed-to-spy-on-greenland-as-trump-mulls-takeover
[5] Kurdish militant group PKK to disband after four-decade insurgency against Turkey, https://www.foxnews.com/world/kurdish-militant-group-pkk-disband-after-four-decade-insurgency-against-turkey

4. Economic Policy and Government Efficiency

4.1 Trade and Budget

The United States and China have reached a temporary agreement to reduce tariffs for a 90-day period following trade negotiations [1]. This development has had a positive effect on financial markets, with the “Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq” all jumping in response [2]. Both countries have released specifics of the arrangement to “dramatically slash tariffs” [3]. The Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal reportedly “pulls the plug on Biden’s Green Energy Scams” [4] and has reportedly “slowed national debt growth by 92%” [5]. Addressing long-term financial sustainability concerns, the Social Security commissioner has outlined a plan to “save agency from insolvency” [6].

[1] US, China announce reduced tariffs for 90 days after trade talks, https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/us-china-announce-reduced-tariffs-90-days-after-trade-talks
[2] Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq jump on China-US trade talks, Trump to lower drug prices ahead of Middle East visit | May 12, 2025, https://www.foxbusiness.com/live-news/stocks-climb-on-china-us-trade-progress-trump-s-drug-price-push-live-updates
[3] U.S., China Release Details Of Agreement To Dramatically Slash Tariffs, https://www.dailywire.com/news/u-s-china-release-details-of-agreement-to-dramatically-slash-tariffs
[4] Trump’s 2026 Budget Pulls Plug on Biden’s Green Energy Scams, https://legalinsurrection.com/2025/05/trumps-2026-budget-pulls-plug-on-bidens-green-energy-scams/
[5] Trump has slowed national debt growth by 92%, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/3403927/trump-slowed-national-debt-growth-92-percent/
[6] Social Security commissioner breaks down plan to save agency from insolvency, https://www.foxnews.com/media/social-security-commissioner-breaks-down-plan-save-agency-from-insolvency

4.2 Financial and Technology Regulation

Goldman Sachs has issued a warning about potential “economic repercussions” from “undermining central bank independence” [1]. Technology regulation appears to be increasing, with the U.S. enacting legislation to “force geo-tracking tech for high-end gaming and AI GPUs” [2]. A government accountability expert interviewed on “60 Minutes” has expressed optimism about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), stating that fraud “is not a political issue” [3].

[1] Goldman Sachs says undermining central bank independence has economic repercussions, https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/goldman-sachs-says-undermining-central-bank-independence-has-economic-repercussions
[2] U.S. inks bill to force geo-tracking tech for high-end gaming and AI GPUs | Tom’s Hardware, https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/u-s-inks-bill-to-force-geo-tracking-tech-for-gpus-and-servers-high-end-gaming-gpus-also-subject-to-tracking
[3] Government accountability expert tells ‘60 Minutes’ fraud ‘is not a political issue,’ optimistic on DOGE, https://www.foxnews.com/media/government-accountability-expert-tells-60-minutes-fraud-is-not-political-issue-optimistic-doge

5. Legal System and Congressional Activity

5.1 Judicial Rulings and Administration Policies

The Trump administration is engaged in several legal battles over its policies. A federal judge’s order requiring the administration to “return [a] deported migrant” has been “temporarily halted on appeal” [1]. Some media coverage has characterized certain judges as “‘activist’ judges” who are attempting to “curb Trump’s agenda” [2]. In a favorable outcome for the administration, one report states that a “court rules in favor of Trump admin in DHS, IRS case” [3].

[1] Federal judge’s order for Trump to return deported migrant temporarily halted on appeal, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-judges-order-trump-return-deported-migrant-temporarily-halted-appeal
[2] ‘Activist’ judges keep trying to curb Trump’s agenda – here’s how he could push back, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/activist-judges-keep-trying-curb-trumps-agenda-heres-how-he-could-push-back
[3] Court rules in favor of Trump admin in DHS, IRS case, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-judge-allows-irs-share-illegal-alien-data-dhs-court-win-trump

5.2 Congressional Response

Congress is actively responding to various administration initiatives. The administration’s legislative package, referred to as Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” includes “Medicaid work requirements” [1] and will have “no millionaire tax hike” [2]. On immigration, Trump’s “$1,000 self-deportation plan” has reportedly drawn “mixed reaction from House GOP” with some members stating “I don’t love it” [3]. A “GOP senator” has introduced a bill with “severe consequences for harming police,” saying “enough is enough” [4].

[1] House GOP unveils Medicaid work requirements in Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-gop-unveils-medicaid-work-requirements-trumps-big-beautiful-bill
[2] No millionaire tax hike in Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/no-millionaire-tax-hike-trumps-big-beautiful-bill
[3] ‘I don’t love it’: Trump’s $1,000 self-deportation plan draws mixed reaction from House GOP, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/i-dont-love-it-trumps-1000-self-deportation-plan-draws-mixed-reaction-from-house-gop
[4] ‘Enough is enough’: GOP senator unleashes bill with severe consequences for harming police, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/enough-is-enough-gop-senator-unleashes-bill-with-severe-consequences-harming-police

6. Transportation and Political Opposition

6.1 Newark Airport Crisis

Transportation infrastructure issues have emerged at Newark Airport, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calling on “Secretary Duffy to ‘immediately fix’ Newark Airport situation” [1]. An aviation CEO discussed the “Newark airport chaos” and recommended “less flights and more recruitment” [2] to address the problems. Transportation Secretary Duffy has reportedly called for an “investigation after latest Newark airport ground delay” and “blames Biden admin for failures” [3].

[1] Schumer calls on Secretary Duffy to ‘immediately fix’ Newark Airport situation, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/schumer-calls-transportation-secretary-duffy-immediately-fix-newark-airport-situation
[2] Aviation CEO explains Newark airport chaos, urges less flights and more recruitment, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/aviation-ceo-explains-newark-airport-chaos-urges-less-flights-more-recruitment
[3] Duffy calls for investigation after latest Newark airport ground delay, blames Biden admin for failures, https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-travel/duffy-calls-investigation-after-latest-newark-airport-ground-delay-blames-biden-admin-failures

6.2 Democratic Party Challenges

Multiple reports highlight challenges facing the Democratic Party. Democratic Senate candidates in competitive “toss-up” states are reportedly co-sponsoring legislation that critics characterize as seeking to “eliminate women’s sports” [1]. Economic credibility concerns have emerged with one report claiming the “Labor Department admits hundreds of thousands of Biden jobs were fake” [2]. Regarding the 2028 election, Representative Jasmine Crockett has reportedly suggested that Democrats are considering running the “safest White boy” as their candidate [3]. Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki reportedly conducted a “mock press briefing trashing ‘MAGA spin’” on White House questions [4].

[1] Dem Senate Candidates Running In ‘Toss-Up’ States Co-Sponsor Bill To Eliminate Women’s Sports, https://dailycaller.com/2025/05/10/dem-senate-candidates-running-in-toss-up-states-co-sponsor-bill-to-eliminate-womens-sports/
[2] Labor Department Admits Hundreds of Thousands of Biden Jobs Were Fake, https://townhall.com/columnists/ej-antoni/2025/05/12/labor-department-admits-hundreds-of-thousands-of-biden-jobs-were-fake-n2656813
[3] Crockett suggests Democrats looking to run ‘safest White boy’ in 2028, hints at specific candidate, https://www.foxnews.com/media/crockett-suggests-democrats-looking-run-safest-white-boy-2028-hints-specific-candidate
[4] Jen Psaki holds mock press briefing trashing ‘MAGA spin’ on White House questions, https://www.foxnews.com/media/jen-psaki-holds-mock-press-briefing-trashing-maga-spin-white-house-questions

7. Social and Cultural Issues

7.1 Education and Religious Issues

The Oklahoma Legislature has “easily” passed legislation to “prohibit DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] in public higher education” [1]. At the elite university level, one analysis suggests “Harvard, you’ve got a problem,” while simultaneously arguing that “Donald Trump’s war will backfire” [2]. “Clergy members” have reportedly “descend[ed] on Newark ICE facility” and stated “they won’t move until they are arrested” [3].

[1] Oklahoma Legislature easily passes bill to prohibit DEI in public higher education, https://www.campusreform.org/article/oklahoma-legislature-easily-passes-bill-prohibit-dei-public-higher-education/27924
[2] Harvard, you’ve got a problem — but Donald Trump’s war will backfire, https://www.thetimes.com/comment/columnists/article/harvard-youve-got-a-problem-but-donald-trumps-war-will-backfire-x6nckd8wm
[3] Clergy members descend on Newark ICE facility, say they won’t move until they are arrested, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/clergy-members-descend-newark-ice-facility-say-wont-move-until-arrested

7.2 Crime and Law Enforcement

An MS-13 gang member with the nickname “Antichrist” has received a 55-year sentence for what’s described as a “savage quadruple machete massacre in Long Island park” [1]. Urban crime has reached congressional staff, with reports of a “House staffer” becoming a “victim of armed carjacking in popular Washington neighborhood” [2]. A “viral Coast Guard video” has captured public attention by showing a “dramatic arrest of suspected drug smugglers in open ocean” [3].

[1] MS-13 gangbanger ‘Antichrist’ to be locked up for 55 years for savage quadruple machete massacre in Long Island park, https://nypost.com/2025/05/07/us-news/ms-13-member-antichrist-sentenced-for-savage-quadruple-machete-massacre-in-long-island-park/
[2] House staffer victim of armed carjacking in popular Washington neighborhood, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-staffer-victim-armed-carjacking-popular-washington-neighborhood
[3] Viral Coast Guard video shows dramatic arrest of suspected drug smugglers in open ocean, https://www.foxnews.com/us/viral-coast-guard-video-shows-dramatic-open-ocean-drug-interdiction