[Saturday, May 17] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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1. Presidential Administration & Leadership

1.1 Biden Administration & Controversies

Audio recordings from Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 2023 interviews with Biden have been leaked to Axios, which posted excerpts online, while the Trump administration said it intends to publish the full audio soon [1]. The recordings reveal Biden struggling with words and memories [2], including a four-minute response to a simple question about where he kept papers for his book [3]. A tense moment occurred when an attorney intervened as Biden was questioned about a classified memo [4]. Jonathan Turley suggests multiple figures are negatively impacted by these recordings [5], though specifics of this broader impact are not detailed in the headline.

The release appears to be part of a broader transparency push by the Trump administration regarding the prior administration’s handling of classified information. President Trump has also highlighted a growing “autopen scandal” involving Biden [6], which refers to questions about Biden’s use of signature technology for official documents. This matter is now under formal investigation by the House [7], indicating escalating congressional scrutiny of Biden’s administrative practices.

[1] Hur Interview Audio, Set for Release by Trump Admin, Exposes Biden’s Memory Lapses, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/hur-audio-biden/2025/05/16/id/1211294/

[2] Biden struggles with words, key memories in leaked audio from Special Counsel Hur interview, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-struggles-words-key-memories-leaked-audio-from-special-counsel-hur-interview

[3] Axios obtained the audio of Robert Hur’s 2023 interviews of Biden… listen to his 4 minute answer to “Where did you keep your papers for your book?”, https://x.com/AlexThomp/status/1923507928822108520

[4] New: Tense Moment in Hur Interview When Attorney Intervenes After Biden Was Asked About Classified Memo, https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2025/05/16/another-tense-moment-in-the-hur-interview-where-bidens-attorney-has-to-help-him-n2189202

[5] JONATHAN TURLEY: Biden not the only loser revealed by shocking Hur audio, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/jonathan-turley-biden-not-only-loser-revealed-shocking-hur-audio

[6] President Trump: Joe Biden’s Autopen ‘Scandal’ Growing Bigger, https://www.breitbart.com/2020-election/2025/05/17/president-trump-joe-bidens-autopen-scandal-growing-bigger-by-the-moment/

[7] James Comer says House investigating Biden’s autopen use, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3414106/james-comer-autopen-house-investigation-biden/

1.2 Trump Administration & Initiatives

President Trump has unveiled an updated “America First National Security 2.0” framework during his visit to the Arabian Gulf [1]. This policy update appears to represent a significant evolution in the administration’s foreign policy approach, though specific details of the framework are not elaborated in the available headlines.

The administration is pursuing what some characterize as a “knock-down-drag-out counterrevolution” addressing long-standing issues [2] across multiple policy areas. The Middle East trip reportedly resulted in economic agreements valued in the trillions of dollars [3], with business executives praising the outcomes. The New York Post also published a personal assessment of Trump, describing him as “simply a good guy, a nice guy with a big heart” [4].

On the domestic front, the administration faces challenges implementing its agenda, with reports of GOP infighting stalling a major legislative package [5]. This internal party discord threatens to delay implementation of key administration priorities, even with Republican control of both chambers of Congress.

[1] Trump Unveils “America First National Security 2.0” During Visit to the Arabian Gulf › American Greatness, https://amgreatness.com/2025/05/16/trump-unveils-america-first-national-security-2-0-during-visit-to-the-arabian-gulf/

[2] Trump is taking on long-festering ills no one else would via his ‘knock-down-drag-out counterrevolution’, https://nypost.com/2025/05/16/opinion/trump-is-taking-on-long-festering-ills-no-one-else-would-via-his-knock-down-drag-out-counterrevolution/

[3] Executives Laud Trump After Middle East Trip Where Trillions in Deals Were Made, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/05/17/executives-laud-trump-after-middle-east-trip-trillions-deals-made/

[4] Trump is simply a good guy, a nice guy with a big heart., https://nypost.com/2025/05/16/us-news/trump-surprises-104-year-old-wwii-veteran-with-birthday-message-after-viral-tiktok/

[5] GOP Infighting Stalls Trump’s Agenda Megabill in House, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/gop-megabill-house/2025/05/17/id/1211324/

2. Foreign Policy & International Relations

2.1 Global Governance & Security

Pope Leo XIV has pledged to make “every effort to work for peace” in regions where Christians face persecution and forced displacement [1]. This commitment reflects ongoing concerns about religious freedom in various global regions, though specific areas of focus are not identified in the headline.

Meanwhile, a report on Germany suggests the country faces significant structural challenges despite protective measures, described as “the firewall is up, but the foundation is crumbling” [2]. This assessment of Europe’s largest economy comes at a time of broader geopolitical shifts in the transatlantic partnership, signaling potential instability in a key allied nation.

[1] Pope vows every effort to work for peace in regions where Christians persecuted, forced to flee, https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-eastern-rite-christians-persecuted-protect-a06c75258299e585c7eb8ea2006dc22f

[2] German Decline: A Warning From Across the Atlantic — The firewall is up, but the foundation is crumbling., https://spectator.org/german-decline-a-warning-from-across-the-atlantic/

2.2 Middle East Affairs

President Trump has reportedly been developing a plan to relocate approximately one million Palestinians to Africa, according to the Telegraph [1]. This reported plan appears to be part of what one source describes as a “retro-futurist vision” for the Middle East [2]. The specifics of this vision, including implementation timelines, participating nations, and diplomatic support, are not detailed in the available headlines.

The administration’s Middle East strategy has generated significant economic activity, with business executives praising Trump following a trip that reportedly secured trillions in commercial agreements [3]. The diplomatic and economic components appear to be intertwined in the administration’s regional approach, though the relationship between the reported resettlement plan and economic deals is not explicitly established in the headlines.

[1] Trump ‘making plan to move a million Palestinians to Africa’, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/17/trump-making-plan-to-move-a-million-palestinians-to-africa/

[2] Trump’s Retro-Futurist Vision for the Middle East, https://freebeacon.com/columns/trumps-retro-futurist-vision-for-the-middle-east/

[3] Executives Laud Trump After Middle East Trip Where Trillions in Deals Were Made, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/05/17/executives-laud-trump-after-middle-east-trip-trillions-deals-made/

2.3 China Relations

President Trump has claimed that a recently negotiated trade truce with China prevented the Chinese economy from collapsing [1]. The headline does not provide details about the terms of this agreement, the metrics for evaluating its impact, or the timeframe for implementation.

Simultaneously, China has reportedly issued threats concerning Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s economic rebalancing initiatives [2]. The nature of these threats and specific points of contention in Bessent’s economic approach remain unspecified in the available information, but suggest ongoing tensions in U.S.-China economic relations despite the reported trade truce.

[1] Trump: China Trade Truce Saved Them From Collapse, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/china-trade-truce/2025/05/17/id/1211337/

[2] China threatens Scott Bessent’s economic rebalancing act, https://unherd.com/newsroom/china-threatens-scott-bessents-economic-rebalancing-act/

3. Congress & Political Dynamics

3.1 Legislative Activities & Oversight

Mike Johnson is considering censure measures against three Democratic representatives who allegedly breached a Newark Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility [1]. The circumstances and timing of this incident are not specified in the headline, nor are the identities of the three representatives in question.

A GOP congressman has accused Merrick Garland of breaching his oath of office by allegedly “shielding Biden audio” [2], presumably referring to the Robert Hur interview recordings that have now been released. This accusation suggests tension between Congress and the Department of Justice regarding access to potential evidence in investigations of the Biden administration.

Josh Hawley conducted aggressive questioning of Allstate executives during a hearing [3], characterized as going “Full Beast Mode,” though the subject matter and context of this interrogation are not detailed in the headline. Democrats have introduced legislation proposing reparations that would reportedly cost “trillions” of dollars [4], but specific provisions, beneficiaries, and funding mechanisms are not elaborated.

[1] Mike Johnson considers censure for 3 Dems who breached Newark ICE facility, https://x.com/TPostMillennial/status/1922706037133455392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1922706037133455392%7Ctwgr%5E589ce167676b38e97d00f7186da7511cd9f1f65f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthepostmillennial.com%2Fmike-johnson-considers-censure-for-3-dems-who-breached-newark-ice-facility/

[2] GOP congressman: Merrick Garland displayed ‘a breach of the oath’ by shielding Biden audio, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/17/gop-congressman-merrick-garland-displayed-breach-oath-shielding-biden/

[3] Josh Hawley Goes Full Beast Mode Grilling Allstate Execs, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/05/13/josh-hawley-goes-full-beast-mode-grilling-allstate-execs-n2189051

[4] Democrats introduce reparations bill that will cost trillions. Again., https://notthebee.com/article/democrats-introduce-reparations-bill-that-will-cost-trillions-again

3.2 Party Politics

Internal disagreements among Republican members of Congress have stalled progress on President Trump’s “agenda megabill” in the House of Representatives [1]. The specific content of this legislation and the nature of the disagreements are not detailed in the headline, but the blockage represents a significant impediment to the administration’s legislative agenda despite the party’s majority control of Congress.

The New York Post suggests these divisions threaten party effectiveness, employing a variant of Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote to emphasize unity: “GOPers in Congress need to stomp on the prima donnas and hang together — or they’ll soon hang separately” [2]. This commentary reflects growing concern about factional disputes undermining the Republican legislative agenda.

The Democratic Party faces its own challenges, with reported backlash against figures including Shri Thaneder and David Hogg [3]. The headline suggests this controversy relates to perceived inconsistencies between stated Democratic principles and actions, noting that “Daring Democrats to live up to their professed beliefs is the quickest way to put a target on your back.”

Commentary from Real Clear Politics suggests President Trump is exploiting Democratic political vulnerabilities, using the metaphor “Democrats Are Digging Their Political Graves – and Trump Is Selling Them the Shovel” [4]. This assessment indicates perception of strategic advantage for the administration in current political dynamics.

[1] GOP Infighting Stalls Trump’s Agenda Megabill in House, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/gop-megabill-house/2025/05/17/id/1211324/

[2] GOPers in Congress need to stomp on the prima donnas and hang together — or they’ll soon hang separately, https://nypost.com/2025/05/17/opinion/gop-needs-to-kill-its-darlings-and-pass-the-budget-bill-asap/

[3] Dems’ fury at Shri Thaneder and David Hogg proves they don’t believe what they say. Daring Democrats to live up to their professed beliefs is the quickest way to put a target on your back., https://nypost.com/2025/05/17/opinion/dems-fury-at-shri-thaneder-and-david-hogg-proves-they-dont-believe-what-they-say/

[4] Democrats Are Digging Their Political Graves – and Trump Is Selling Them the Shovel, https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/05/15/democrats_are_digging_their_political_graves_--_and_trump_is_selling_them_the_shovel_152796.html

4. Immigration & Border Security

4.1 Enforcement & State Policies

Homan reports that border crossings have decreased while arrests have increased [1]. The same source claims that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is successfully locating several thousand missing children of the roughly 290,000 migrant children whose whereabouts were unknown. This represents one of the few available data points on current border security performance.

State-level responses to immigration issues show significant variation and apparent political contradictions. Multiple Democratic governors are reportedly discontinuing Medicaid coverage for “illegals” while simultaneously criticizing Trump [2], though the specific nature of their criticism is not detailed in the truncated headline. In contrast, Minnesota Democrats advocate maintaining free healthcare for illegal immigrants despite “soaring costs” and public backlash [3].

In a concerning criminal case, a woman described as an “illegal alien” has reportedly pleaded guilty to sex trafficking her 12-year-old daughter [4]. The headline does not provide details about when or where this case occurred, the specific charges, or sentencing information.

[1] Homan: Border crossings down, arrests up, ICE finding missing children, https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/homan-border-crossings-down-arrests-ice-finding-missing-children

[2] Democrat Governors Are Dropping Medicaid for Illegals While Criticizing Trump for…, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2025/05/16/democrat-governors-are-dropping-medicaid-for-illegals-while-criticizing-trump-for-n3802834

[3] Minnesota Dems Fight to Keep Free Health Care for Illegal Immigrants Despite Soaring Costs, Backlash, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/saraharnold/2025/05/17/minnesota-democrats-fight-to-keep-free-health-care-for-illegal-immigrants-despite-soaring-costs-backlash-n2657209/

[4] Illegal Alien Mom Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking Her 12 Year-Old Daughter, https://mrctv.org/blog/craig-bannister/illegal-alien-mom-pleads-guilty-sex-trafficking-her-12-year-old-daughter

5. Domestic Issues & Governance

5.1 Economic Policy & Public Safety

The Federal Reserve has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 10% [1], a significant staffing reduction at the nation’s central bank. The headline does not specify the timeline for these cuts, the total number of positions affected, which departments or functions will be impacted, or the rationale behind this decision.

In public safety news, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional district has reportedly experienced a 70% increase in crime, more than double the average increase across New York City [2]. Residents of the district express frustration, claiming she has been unresponsive to their concerns [3], with one headline quoting a constituent saying “She doesn’t care.” The timeframe for this crime increase and specific types of offenses are not detailed in the headlines.

Separately, California authorities are investigating a “massive car explosion” near a hospital in downtown Palm Springs [4], described as a breaking news event. Details regarding casualties, damage assessment, or suspected causes are not provided in the headline.

[1] Federal Reserve to cut its workforce by 10%, https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/federal-reserve-cut-its-workforce-10-coming-years

[2] AOC’s district sees 70% crime surge – more than double NYC average: ‘She doesn’t care’, https://nypost.com/2025/05/17/us-news/major-crimes-rose-by-more-than-double-citywide-average-in-aocs-district/

[3] AOC’s District Sees 70% Crime Surge — Furious Residents Say She’s Abandoned Them, https://dailycaller.com/2025/05/17/aocs-district-70-crime-surge-residents-say-shes-abandoned-them/

[4] Breaking: CA Authorities Investigating Massive Car Explosion Near Hospital in Downtown Palm Springs, https://redstate.com/beccalower/2025/05/17/breaking-ca-authorities-investigating-explosion-of-car-near-hospital-in-palm-springs-n2189222

5.2 State Politics & Social Issues

Ramaswamy is reportedly “cruising toward” the Ohio GOP governor nomination after the Ohio AG dropped out of the race [1]. The headline does not specify when this gubernatorial election will take place or identify other candidates who may still be in contention.

In cultural developments, the New York Times published a video featuring someone from Yale who studies fascism and has decided to leave the United States [2], with the quoted partial statement “We Study Fascism…We’re Leaving the U.S.” The full context of this statement and the individual’s specific concerns about American governance are not elaborated in the truncated headline.

In a separate social controversy, a Virginia real estate agent faces backlash over a Bible-related social media post [3]. The specific content of the post and the nature of the backlash are not detailed in the headline, but the incident appears to represent ongoing tensions regarding religious expression in professional contexts.

[1] Ramaswamy cruising toward Ohio GOP governor nomination after Ohio AG drops out, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/elections/ramaswamy-cruising-toward-ohio-gop-governor-nomination-after-ohio-ag

[2] “We Study Fascism…We’re Leaving the U.S.”: The NY Times Runs Video of Yale Pr, https://jonathanturley.org/2025/05/16/we-study-fascism-and-were-leaving-the-u-s-the-new-york-times-runs-alarmist-video-of-yale-professors-fleeing-to-canada/

[3] Virginia Realtor Faces Backlash for Bible Post, https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/05/16/when-culture-war-becomes-culture-jihad/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MorningBell&mkt_tok=ODI0LU1IVC0zMDQAAAGafLfbh_UvFuWZ0T66QRutn_ejlg2h3cczaKU9A1zQWntBbJj7-AO3AEu9ML7_FzVGzPugY2QYddz06tKeAYXxQ1YrWnb08y_LgeHzda5ANECjm6A

6. Media & Public Discourse

6.1 Public Opinion & Media Coverage

Polling data indicates President Trump’s approval ratings are increasing [1], with one source suggesting the margin is significant enough to cause concern among Democrats, using the phrasing “Wait, Trump Is Up By How Much Now? Dems Are Going to Implode” [2]. The first report claims CNN is “baffled” by this trend, though specific numbers, polling organizations, methodologies, or exact timeframes are not provided in either headline.

Former FBI Director James Comey has met with Secret Service officials following a controversial post containing the phrase “86 47” [3]. The headline does not elaborate on the interpretation of this numerical reference or the nature of the Secret Service’s concerns about the post.

Media critic Mark Halperin criticized CNN’s Brian Stelter regarding coverage of a Jake Tapper book, characterizing Stelter’s approach as “Journalistic Corruption” [4]. On “The View,” a co-host reportedly blamed colleagues for Trump being in power during a discussion about alleged Biden-related cover-ups, stating “you guys screwed this up” [5].

Political commentator Scott Jennings apparently made arguments supporting “the Trump Doctrine” on Bill Maher’s program, described as “Red Pilling Bill Maher’s Audience” [6]. Various commentators have criticized mainstream media coverage of Biden [7, 8] and climate issues [9], with one source claiming CNN expressed surprise at its own previous reporting about Biden [8].

[1] Polls show that President Trump’s approval ratings are continuing to climb, baffling CNN, https://notthebee.com/article/polls-show-that-president-trumps-approval-ratings-are-continuing-to-climb-baffling-cnn

[2] Wait, Trump Is Up By How Much Now? Dems Are Going to Implode., https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2025/05/17/you-know-cnns-control-room-was-in-agony-over-this-segment-about-trump-n2657171

[3] Former FBI Director James Comey meets with Secret Service after controversial ‘86 47’ post, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/former-fbi-director-james-comey-meets-secret-service-after-controversial-86-47-post

[4] ‘Journalistic Corruption’: Mark Halperin Gloriously Roasts CNN’s Brian Stelter Over Tapper Book Coverage, https://redstate.com/sister-toldjah/2025/05/16/mark-halperin-commentary-on-brian-stelter-about-jake-tappers-biden-book-n2189198

[5] ‘View’ co-host tells others Trump is in power ‘because you guys screwed this up’ in clash over Biden cover-up, https://www.foxnews.com/media/view-co-host-tells-trump-power-you-guys-screwed-up-clash-biden-cover-up.amp

[6] Here’s a Minute Worth of Scott Jennings ‘Red Pilling Bill Maher’s Audience’ About the Trump Doctrine, https://twitchy.com/dougp/2025/05/17/heres-a-minute-worth-of-scott-jennings-red-pilling-bill-mahers-audience-about-trump-n2412940

[7] It’s Not a Coverup, It’s a Gaslighting Campaign: Nolte Torches Tapper, Media for Biden Lies, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/05/17/its-not-a-coverup-its-a-gaslighting-campaign-nolte-torches-tapper-media-for-biden-lies/

[8] CNN Shocked To Learn CNN Lied To Us About Joe Biden, https://notthebee.com/article/cnn-shocked-to-learn-cnn-lied-to-us-about-joe-biden

[9] Hottest Year Ever? Not Even Close, https://hotair.com/headlines/2025/05/16/hottest-year-ever-not-even-close-n3802843