[Wednesday, May 14] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Executive Branch Leadership

1.1 Presidential Actions and Ethics

President Trump’s Middle East visit coincides with expanding Trump family business and cryptocurrency interests in the region [1]. The administration has declared victory over Houthi militants [2] while announcing plans to lift sanctions on Syria [3]. Trump has praised Syria’s leader Ahmed al-Sharaa as “young, attractive,” despite former terrorist associations [4]. Trump has defended Qatar’s gift of a luxury aircraft by comparing it to the Statue of Liberty [5], though experts estimate converting the jet to Air Force One standards could cost up to $1 billion [6]. CNN reports that “Trump’s crypto conflicts keep piling up. He’s not even trying to hide them” [7], while a Chinese-connected company reportedly plans to purchase $300 million in Trump’s cryptocurrency [8].

[1] Trump’s Middle East visit comes as his family deepens its business, crypto ties in the region, https://apnews.com/article/trump-business-interests-family-middle-east-cryptocurrency-cbb7d2354304ce0308800819944cf3f8
[2] Why Trump Suddenly Declared Victory Over the Houthi Militia, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/12/us/politics/trump-houthis-bombing.html
[3] Trump says he’ll lift sanctions on Syria, restore ties with country’s new president, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/29/middleeast/ahmad-al-sharaa-named-syria-transitional-president-intl-latam
[4] Trump praises ‘young, attractive’ ex-terrorist Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/donald-trump-ahmed-alsharaa-syria-sanctions-israel-b2751151.html
[5] Donald Trump compares Qatar gift to Statue of Liberty, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-compares-qatar-plane-gift-statue-liberty-2071915
[6] Turning Qatari 747 into Air Force One could cost $1 billion and take years, experts say, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/turning-qatari-747-air-force-one-cost-1-billion-take-years-experts-say-rcna206582
[7] Trump’s crypto conflicts keep piling up. He’s not even trying to hide them, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/14/business/trump-family-crypto-nightcap
[8] A tiny TikTok creator company with no revenue and ties to China plans to buy $300million in Trump’s memecoin, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/tiktok-china-trump-memecoin-gd-culture-group-b2750838.html

1.2 Cabinet and Personnel Decisions

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has fired top intelligence officials who produced assessments on Venezuela that contradicted the administration’s position [1]. Attorney General Pam Bondi faces scrutiny after reportedly selling over $1 million in Trump Media stock on the same day Trump announced sweeping tariffs [2]. Reports claim that Stephen Miller is effectively running the DOJ while Bondi remains a figurehead [3].

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is preparing for his first Senate hearing [4], where he acknowledged that “I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me” [5]. In a notable incident, Kennedy immersed himself in a creek containing high bacteria levels, including E. coli [6].

[1] Gabbard fires leaders of intelligence group that wrote Venezuela assessment, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/14/gabbard-intelligence-venezuela-tren-de-aragua/
[2] U.S. AG Pam Bondi Sold More than $1 Million in Trump Media Stock the Day Trump Announced Sweeping Tariffs, https://www.propublica.org/article/pam-bondi-trump-media-stock-tariffs
[3] Stephen Miller is running the DOJ, and Pam Bondi is just a figurehead, report claims: ‘She is like an actor’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-pam-bondi-stephen-miller-doj-b2750436.html
[4] What to expect at RFK Jr.’s first Senate hearing as health secretary, https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-hhs-senate-vaccines-layoffs-measles-8c99853031507ecb5408b4132329cdea
[5] Kennedy sidesteps vaccine questions: ‘I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me’, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/rfk-jr-measles-vaccine-outbreak-congressional-hearing-rcna206776
[6] Robert F. Kennedy Jr. submerges in creek with high bacteria levels, including E. coli, https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/robert-kennedy-jr-swimming-park-water-high-bacteria/story?id=121734979

1.3 Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

Six months after its establishment, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) faces critical evaluation. Financial analysis shows the department has “yet to find a fraction of the hoped for savings” [1], with reports that it is “falling spectacularly short” of targets [2]. A Musk adviser “may make as much as $1 million a year while helping to dismantle” agencies that regulate Musk’s own companies [3]. Members of DOGE’s Treasury team have disclosed bank stock holdings that critics characterize as a “glaring red flag” for potential conflicts of interest [4]. Federal employees affected by DOGE-initiated reductions continue organized resistance, gathering “in Capitol for 10th time” to urge Congress to reverse the cuts [5].

[1] What has Elon Musk’s Doge actually achieved? Six months after the so-called Department of Government Efficiency was unveiled, it yet has to find a fraction of the hoped for savings, https://on.ft.com/4dgNQgz
[2] Musk’s DOGE Is Falling Spectacularly Short of His Target, https://www.thedailybeast.com/musks-doge-is-falling-spectacularly-short-of-his-target/
[3] Musk Adviser May Make as Much as $1 Million a Year While Helping to Dismantle Agency that Regulates Tesla and X, https://www.propublica.org/article/doge-elon-musk-chris-young-cfpb-tesla-x
[4] ‘Glaring red flag’: Treasury DOGE team discloses bank stock holdings, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/14/treasury-doge-disclosures-bank-stocks-00347972
[5] Fired U.S. workers, gathering in Capitol for 10th time, urge Congress to reverse DOGE cuts, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/05/13/doge-cuts-workers-gather/6311747169080/

2. International Relations and Trade

2.1 Middle East Policy

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have signed a $142 billion arms deal, coinciding with plans for Trump to meet Syria’s leader [1]. Israel intensified its Gaza bombardment during Trump’s regional visit [2], with Israeli operations causing dozens of civilian casualties, “including at least 22 children” [3]. President Trump has reportedly bypassed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu repeatedly, causing concern among Israeli officials [4]. Trump has told Gulf leaders that Iran must cease support for proxy groups before any nuclear deal can proceed [5].

[1] US and Saudi Arabia sign $142bn arms deal as Trump to meet Syrian leader, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/us-saudi-arabia-arms-deal-trump-meeting-syria
[2] Israel intensifies Gaza bombardment as Trump visits region, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/05/14/israel-intensifies-gaza-bombardment-trump-visits-middle-east/83618271007/
[3] Israeli bombing wave kills dozens in Gaza including at least 22 children, say reports, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/14/israel-hits-gaza-hospitals-in-deadly-strikes-after-pause-to-allow-release-of-edan-alexander
[4] Trump repeatedly bypasses Netanyahu, stoking Israeli dismay, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/12/trump-netanyahu-middle-east-trip/
[5] Trump tells Gulf leaders Iran must cease support of proxy groups as part of any nuclear deal, https://apnews.com/article/trump-middle-east-syria-qatar-saudi-arabia-8bd63b3f9fc1856532a00adf1795e38f

2.2 Trade and Bilateral Relationships

Honda is relocating SUV production from Canada to the United States in response to Trump’s tariff policies [1]. The White House has eased tariffs on Chinese imports following warnings that maintaining them could harm “Trump’s people” [2]. Trump’s tariffs have reportedly had “little impact on prices so far, defying grim forecasts” [3]. Nvidia has successfully lobbied for “reversal of AI chip limits” while supporting restrictions on Chinese competitor Huawei [4].

Diplomatic tensions are evident as the Canadian Prime Minister criticized the UK’s invitation for Trump’s state visit [5], and former Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged European leaders to “stand up” to Trump—asserting that he views them as weak [6].

[1] Trump hurts allies: Tariffs Drive Honda to move SUV production from Canada to US, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/world/americas/honda-trump-tariffs-us-canada.html
[2] White House eased China tariffs after warnings of harm to ‘Trump’s people’, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/14/trump-tariffs-china-trade/
[3] Trump tariffs have little impact on prices so far, defying grim forecasts, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/13/trump-tariffs-inflation-trade-economy-fed-powell-00344184
[4] Nvidia’s flattery of Trump wins reversal of AI chip limits and a Huawei clampdown | Obstacles threatening Nvidia’s AI chip dominance are being tactically removed., https://www.theverge.com/news/666605/nvidias-flattery-of-trump-wins-reversal-of-ai-chip-limits-and-a-huawei-clampdown
[5] Canadian PM criticises UK’s invite to Trump for state visit, https://www.reuters.com/world/canadian-pm-criticises-uks-invite-trump-state-visit-2025-05-14/
[6] Antony Blinken tells Europe: Trump thinks you’re weak. Stand up, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/antony-blinken-europe-trump-weak-9dp9sfzmr

3. Immigration and Border Security

3.1 Enforcement and Legal Framework

A federal judge has upheld the Trump administration’s authority to use the Alien Enemies Act for deportations—specifically for Venezuelans labeled as gang members—while mandating due process protections [1]. Immigration enforcement has intensified nationwide: ICE reported more than 500 deportations in the Houston area [2]. The FBI has been “ordered to prioritize immigration, as DOJ scales back white collar cases” [3].

Mexico’s security chief has confirmed that 17 family members of the son of a former cartel leader entered the United States as part of a deal with the Trump administration [4]. A drummer for the band Lord Buffalo, a legal U.S. resident, was reportedly “forcibly removed” from a plane and detained by Border Protection [5]. Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan has been indicted for allegedly “helping illegal alien evade ICE” [6].

[1] Federal judge OKs use of Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans who are labeled gang members, https://apnews.com/article/tren-de-aragua-trump-deportation-venezuela-672357dfa38a581be6502a3f1acb7839
[2] ICE says it deported more than 500 people in Houston area, https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/13/texas-houston-ice-deportations/
[3] FBI ordered to prioritize immigration, as DOJ scales back white collar cases, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fbi-ordered-prioritize-immigration-cases-over-white-collar-crime-people-familiar-2025-05-12/
[4] Mexican Security Chief Confirms Cartel Family Members Entered US in a Deal With Trump Administration: ‘Mexico’s government has confirmed reports that 17 family members of the son of a former cartel leader crossed into the United States’, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/mexican-security-chief-confirms-cartel-family-members-entered-121774693
[5] Lord Buffalo Drummer ‘Forcibly Removed’ From Plane and Detained by Border Patrol; Band Cancels European Tour, https://variety.com/2025/music/news/lord-buffalo-drummer-detained-by-border-patrol-1236397990/
[6] Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan indicted after allegedly helping illegal alien evade ICE, https://www.foxnews.com/us/milwaukee-county-judge-hannah-dugan-indicted-federal-grand-jury

3.2 Refugee and Detention Policies

The Trump administration has been criticized for allegedly “prioritizing white South African refugees” in its enforcement efforts [1], with the Episcopal Church stating it “won’t help Trump resettle White South Africans” [2]. South African President Ramaphosa has characterized “Afrikaners granted asylum in US” as “cowards” [3]. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has drawn criticism for suggesting that Afghan refugees can safely return to their Taliban-ruled homeland, a claim that advocacy groups have characterized as “just absurd” [4]. A Trump administration official has acknowledged nine detainee deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody [5].

[1] Trump administration faces criticism for prioritizing white South African refugees, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-administration-faces-criticism-prioritizing-white-south-african/story?id=121755687
[2] Episcopal Church says it won’t help Trump resettle White South Africans, https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/05/13/episcopal-church-white-afrikaners-resettlement/
[3] Afrikaners granted asylum in US are cowards, says Ramaphosa, https://www.thetimes.com/world/africa/article/afrikaners-granted-asylum-in-us-are-cowards-says-ramaphosa-jf50mpsw8
[4] Noem’s claim that Afghan refugees can safely return to their Taliban-ruled homeland is ‘just absurd,’ advocates say, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/noems-claim-afghan-refugees-can-safely-return-taliban-ruled-homeland-j-rcna206665
[5] Trump official acknowledges 9 detainee deaths in ICE custody, disputes overspending, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/14/ice-detainee-deaths-custody-spending/83619379007/

4. Congressional Activity and Political Dynamics

4.1 Healthcare and Welfare Legislation

Republican Medicaid reform proposals have sparked intense debate. According to the CBO, the GOP plans would leave 7.6 million people uninsured [1] and cut nearly $1 trillion from the program [2]. Such proposals have led to Capitol protests with dozens of arrests [3], and even Republican Senator Josh Hawley has warned that the cuts are “morally wrong and politically suicidal” [4].

House Republicans have also proposed “major reforms to SNAP” [5], while the EPA is moving to weaken the rule curbing “forever chemicals” in drinking water [6]. The FDA has moved to take fluoride supplements for children off the market [7].

[1] CBO: GOP Medicaid plan would make 7.6 million people uninsured, https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5298593-cbo-gop-medicaid-plan-would-make-7-6-million-people-uninsured/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR57krzYau7NNCXBIPcr6JO2bXd_SmY911DHZfwkFKFYlPX0KZVTvRB-fk2I1g_aem_Hatbw50GDY3tZJ_M9rK3-g
[2] Dozens of Protesters Arrested on Capitol Hill as House Republicans Push Bill To Cut Nearly $1 Trillion From Medicaid, https://www.nysun.com/article/dozens-of-protesters-arrested-on-capitol-hill-as-house-republicans-push-bill-to-cut-nearly-1-trillion-from-medicaid?member_gift=CUZ5qwd3crq4pmz-xrd
[3] ‘You Will Kill Me’: Dozens Arrested Protesting GOP Medicaid Cuts at US Capitol, https://www.commondreams.org/news/republican-bill-to-cut-medicaid
[4] Hawley warns GOP Medicaid cuts are ‘morally wrong and politically suicidal’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5295538-josh-hawley-medicaid-cuts/
[5] House Republicans propose major reforms to SNAP, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5297278-house-republicans-agriculture-snap/
[6] EPA plans to weaken rule curbing forever chemicals in drinking water, https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/05/13/epa-pfas-drinking-water-rule/
[7] FDA Moves to Take Fluoride Supplements for Children Off the Market, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/14/well/fluoride-products-fda-children.html

4.2 Opposition Responses and Political Positioning

Divisions have emerged among Democrats regarding efforts to impeach President Trump. At least one Democratic congressman has introduced articles of impeachment [1], though the initiative has faced significant resistance within the party, with some members reportedly calling it “idiotic” during a House Democratic meeting [2]. The DNC is moving toward nullifying the election of David Hogg and Malcolm Kenyatta as vice chairs [3], following Hogg’s claim that the party isn’t standing up to Trump.

Early signs of positioning for 2028 are emerging. Pete Buttigieg has “hammered Trump at Iowa town hall amid 2028 presidential speculation” [4]. Democrats secured a victory in Nebraska when John Ewing Jr. defeated Republican incumbent Jean Stothert to become Omaha’s first Black mayor [5]. AP-NORC polling shows Democrats are “deeply pessimistic about the future of their party” [6], while Reuters reports that “Trump’s approval rating rises to 44%” [7].

[1] Trump Articles of Impeachment PDF, https://thanedar.house.gov/
[2] Scoop: Trump impeachment called “idiotic” in House Dem meeting, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/14/trump-impeachment-pelosi-thanedar-nadler
[3] DNC moves toward nullifying election of David Hogg, Malcolm Kenyatta as vice chairs, https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5297387-dnc-vice-chair-election-david-hogg-malcolm-kenyatta/
[4] Pete Buttigieg hammers Trump at Iowa town hall amid 2028 presidential speculation, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/pete-buttigieg-hammers-trump-iowa-town-hall-2028-presidential-speculat-rcna182754#webview=1
[5] John Ewing ousts Jean Stothert in Omaha mayoral election, https://www.klkntv.com/john-ewing-ousts-jean-stothert-in-omaha-mayoral-election/
[6] Democrats are deeply pessimistic about the future of their party, an AP-NORC poll finds, https://apnews.com/article/poll-democrats-pessimism-sanders-ocasio-cortez-schumer-8dcde90d9666721fb376db90140f8e23
[7] Trump’s approval rating rises to 44%; Americans worry less about recession, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-approval-rating-rises-44-americans-worry-less-about-recession-2025-05-13/

5. Legal and Constitutional Issues

Federal courts are addressing several significant legal challenges with far-reaching implications. A federal appeals court has issued a ruling that significantly weakens the Voting Rights Act [1]. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has suggested that certain conditions could justify the suspension of habeas corpus [2], while The Wall Street Journal has raised alarms about “Trump’s Habeas Corpus Threat” [3]. Minneapolis and state leaders in Minnesota are actively preparing for the possibility that former police officer Derek Chauvin, convicted in the killing of George Floyd, may receive a presidential pardon [4].

[1] Federal appeals court deals major blow to Voting Rights Act, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/14/politics/voting-rights-act-gets-major-blow-from-appeals-court?cid=ios_app
[2] Noem says conditions could back suspension of habeas corpus, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5300366-noem-habeas-corpus-immigration-crank/
[3] Trump’s Habeas Corpus Threat, https://www.wsj.com/opinion/trumps-habeas-corpus-threat-due-process-law-policy-history-f3a58b21
[4] Minneapolis and state leaders prepare for possible Derek Chauvin pardon, https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-and-state-leaders-prepare-for-possible-derek-chauvin-pardon/