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

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1. Executive Branch and Presidential Affairs

1.1 Presidential Character and Controversies

Reports highlight ongoing controversies surrounding President Trump’s conduct and communications. The Guardian characterizes Trump’s receipt of overseas gifts as “unprecedented” and “very disturbing” according to experts [1]. The President publicly accused former FBI Director James Comey of calling for his assassination through a coded social media post [2], with CNN later reporting Comey was interviewed by the Secret Service regarding this matter [3]. Trump has also publicly criticized multiple cultural figures and institutions, including Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and Supreme Court rulings [4].

[1] ‘Very disturbing’: Trump receipt of overseas gifts unprecedented, experts warn, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/17/trump-foreign-gifts-plane-gulf-states
[2] Trump accuses former FBI director of calling for his killing through coded picture, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/16/james-comey-investigation-8647-trump
[3] Former FBI Director James Comey interviewed by the US Secret Service, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/16/politics/comey-interviewed-secret-service
[4] A Trump trifecta as he slams Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and Supreme Court on same day, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/16/trump-slams-taylor-swift-bruce-springsteen-supreme-court/83680151007/

1.2 Federal Restructuring and DOGE Operations

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s plan to reform Social Security is reportedly experiencing significant difficulties, according to a Washington Post analysis that characterizes these efforts as “backfiring” [1]. FBI Director Kash Patel announced plans to relocate the FBI headquarters from Washington D.C., transferring 1,500 agents [2]. Stephen Miller has reportedly re-emerged as an “untouchable force” in Trump’s White House, described as the “president’s id” influencing both domestic and foreign policy [3]. The administration has turned to the Supreme Court to “pursue mass federal layoffs” [4].

[1] How DOGE’s grand plan to remake Social Security is backfiring, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/16/doge-social-security-musk-trump-cuts/
[2] Kash Patel announces FBI ditching DC headquarters, transferring 1,500 agents, https://nypost.com/2025/05/16/us-news/kash-patel-announces-fbi-ditching-dc-headquarters-transferring-1500-agents/
[3] Stephen Miller re-emerges as an ‘untouchable’ force in Trump’s White House, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/stephen-miller-untouchable-force-trump-white-house-rcna206180
[4] Trump turns to US Supreme Court to pursue mass federal layoffs, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-turns-us-supreme-court-pursue-government-restructuring-2025-05-16/

1.3 Biden Administration Legacy

Recently released audio recordings from a 2023 special counsel interview with Joe Biden have revealed instances of memory lapses during questioning [1]. Trump administration officials have announced plans to release additional audio from Biden’s special counsel interview [2]. Former congressman Beto O’Rourke has stated that Biden “failed this country” amid revelations of his “decline in office” [3].

[1] Prosecutor’s audio shows Biden’s memory lapses, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/16/biden-hur-tape-special-counsel-audio
[2] Trump Officials Plan to Release Audio of Biden Special Counsel Interview, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/us/politics/trump-hur-biden-special-counsel-audio-age.html
[3] Beto O’Rourke says Joe Biden ‘failed this country’ amid revelations of former president’s decline in office, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/beto-orourke-joe-biden-2024-b2752967.html

2. Economic and Fiscal Policy

2.1 National Debt and Credit Rating

In a significant financial development, Moody’s has downgraded the United States’ credit rating [1], removing the country from the top triple-A rating club due to rising national debt concerns [2]. This historic shift marks the end of the U.S. holding the treasured Aaa credit rating. The downgrade coincided with congressional Republicans rejecting a Trump-backed tax bill, reportedly due to spending worries related to the growing national debt [3].

[1] Moody’s pushes US out of top triple-A rating club, citing rising debt, https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/moodys-downgrades-us-aa1-rating-2025-05-16/
[2] With Moody’s downgrade, US loses treasured Aaa credit rating, https://www.reuters.com/business/view-with-moodys-downgrade-us-loses-treasured-aaa-credit-rating-2025-05-16/
[3] Republicans spike Trump tax bill over spending worries, Moody’s cuts US rating, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-tax-bill-faces-political-test-republican-infighting-2025-05-16/

2.2 Tariffs and Trade Impact

President Trump has publicly confronted retailers over price increases related to his tariff policies, telling Walmart to “eat the tariffs” instead of raising consumer prices [1][2]. The Daily Beast reports a confrontational message from the President warning, “I’ll be watching, and so will your customers!!!” [3]. Reports indicate Trump’s tariff policies, characterized as a “liberation day” tariff assault, have reportedly “unraveled” within approximately 40 days of implementation [4].

[1] Trump tells Walmart to “eat the tariffs” instead of raising prices, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-tells-walmart-eat-tariffs-instead-raising-prices-2025-05-17/
[2] Trump warns Walmart: Don’t raise prices due to my tariffs but do eat the costs from those taxes, https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-walmart-inflation-import-taxes-e2012e0d9e242b0be0b9474aa58d41fd
[3] Panicked Trump Lashes Walmart for Telling Truth on Tariffs, https://www.thedailybeast.com/panicked-trump-orders-walmart-to-eat-the-tariffs-after-price-hikes/
[4] Gone in 40 days: how Trump’s ’liberation day’ tariff assault unraveled, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/17/trump-liberation-day-tariff-walk-back

2.3 Federal Reserve and Tax Policy

Tensions between the administration and the Federal Reserve are evident as President Trump is reportedly pressuring the Fed to cut interest rates while criticizing Chair Jerome Powell [1]. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve plans to reduce its staff by 10% [2]. On tax policy, Trump’s proposed legislation faces significant hurdles with resistance emerging from within Republican ranks [3]. The bill is being crafted to align with Trump’s priorities, including the creation of “MAGA accounts” [4].

[1] Trump pushes US Federal Reserve for rate cuts, criticizes Powell, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-pushes-us-federal-reserve-rate-cuts-2025-05-17/
[2] Federal Reserve Plans to Reduce Staff by 10%, https://www.wsj.com/articles/federal-reserve-plans-to-reduce-staff-by-10-68256fd2
[3] Four obstacles for Republican rebels in Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ tax bill, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2jxn8m88ro.amp
[4] Republicans forge their tax bill in Trump’s image, with ‘MAGA accounts’ and more, https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-beautiful-bill-tax-cuts-medicaid-42f594eb6f1b99373ed1093515088076

3. Immigration and Border Policy

3.1 Deportation and Judicial Challenges

The Supreme Court has blocked “Trump’s Alien Enemies deportations” and “demands more due process,” according to the Washington Times [1], a decision that reportedly provoked a strong reaction from President Trump, who characterized it as “a bad and dangerous day for America” [2]. Reports indicate Trump wants to reassign officers from ports and borders to intensify immigration raids [3]. A Latin Times article describes a Cuban woman who voted for Trump believing deportations would target only criminals has had her husband deported while he was seeking asylum [4].

[1] Supreme Court blocks Trump’s Alien Enemies deportations, demands more due process, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/16/supreme-court-blocks-trumps-alien-enemies-deportations-demands-due/
[2] Raging Trump Goes Off On Supreme Court for Blocking Deportation Plan: ‘A Bad and Dangerous Day for America’, https://www.thedailybeast.com/raging-trump-goes-off-on-supreme-court-for-blocking-deportation-plan-a-bad-and-dangerous-day-for-america/
[3] Trump Wants To Pull Officers From Ports And Borders To Boost Immigration Raids, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-customs-border-officers-immigration-raids_n_682774b4e4b01633824e97b1
[4] Cuban Woman Voted for Trump Thinking He Would ‘Only Deport Criminals.’ Now Her Husband Was Deported While Seeking Asylum, https://www.latintimes.com/cuban-woman-voted-trump-thinking-he-would-only-deport-criminals-now-her-husband-was-deported-582921

3.2 Immigration Reform Proposals

Republican lawmakers are advancing multiple proposals to reshape immigration policy, including efforts to end immigrant benefits in Democratic-led states [1] and introducing legislation that would impose fees on immigrants to fund expanded enforcement operations [2]. In an unusual development, conflicting reports have emerged about a potential reality TV show involving immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed it is in the “beginning stages” of a “vetting process” for a potential reality television show where immigrants would compete for U.S. citizenship [3].

[1] Republicans Push to End Immigrant Benefits in Democratic States, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/us/immigrant-trump-states-california.html
[2] US House Republicans propose fees on immigrants to fund Trump’s crackdown, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/17/us-house-republicans-fees-immigrants
[3] A Reality Show Where Immigrants Compete for U.S. Citizenship? D.H.S. Is Considering It, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/us/politics/homeland-security-immigration-reality-show.html

4. International Relations

4.1 Russia-Ukraine Conflict

President Trump has scheduled calls with both Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky for Monday to discuss the ongoing Ukraine war [1][2]. Trump has characterized his objective as stopping what he calls a “bloodbath” in Ukraine [3], with discussions expected to include ceasefire possibilities. However, Sky News reports a “chilling moment” during Russia-Ukraine peace talks suggesting Putin may be undermining Trump’s peace efforts [4].

[1] Trump says he will speak to Putin, Zelensky about Ukraine war on Monday to stop ‘bloodbath’, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/17/trump-says-he-will-speak-putin-zelensky-about-ukraine-war-monday/
[2] Trump says he will call Putin to discuss stopping Ukraine war, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70nwr7zg7lo
[3] Trump says he will call Putin, Zelenskyy, and NATO members on Monday to talk ceasefire, trade, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/17/trump-to-call-putin-zelenskyy-nato-members-monday-to-talk-ceasefire.html
[4] The chilling moment in Russia-Ukraine peace talks - as Putin makes mockery of Trump’s efforts to end war, https://news.sky.com/story/how-putin-has-made-a-mockery-of-trumps-efforts-to-end-ukraine-war-13369376

4.2 Middle East and Foreign Aid

Reports indicate the administration is developing a plan to relocate approximately one million Palestinians to Libya [1][2]. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed concern about the Gaza aid crisis and indicated openness to alternative humanitarian plans [3]. According to The Jerusalem Post, over 65 released hostages have urged both Netanyahu and Trump to pursue a “comprehensive deal” to resolve the ongoing conflict [4].

Humanitarian aid cuts are causing severe global consequences. Associated Press reports children dying as “USAID aid cuts snap a lifeline for the world’s most malnourished” [5], while food intended for “desperate millions” is reportedly “rotting in storage” due to cuts in humanitarian assistance [6].

[1] U.S. developing plan to move 1 million Palestinians to Libya, NBC News reports, https://www.reuters.com/world/us-developing-plan-move-1-million-palestinians-libya-nbc-news-reports-2025-05-16/
[2] Up to a million Palestinians could be ‘permanently relocated’ to war-torn Libya under US plans, https://news.sky.com/story/up-to-a-million-palestinians-could-be-permanently-relocated-to-war-torn-libya-under-us-plans-13369235
[3] US ’troubled’ by Gaza aid crisis, open to alternative plans, says Rubio, https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20250516-us-troubled-by-gaza-aid-crisis-open-to-alternative-plans-says-rubio
[4] Over 65 released hostages urge Netanyahu, Trump to close a ‘comprehensive deal’, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-853982
[5] Children die as USAID aid cuts snap a lifeline for the world’s most malnourished, https://apnews.com/article/usaid-funding-cuts-humanitarian-children-trump-4447e210c4b5543b8ebb9a6b9e01aa53
[6] Trump Cuts to Foreign Aid Leave Food Destined for Desperate Millions Rotting in Storage, https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-usaid-foreign-aid-cuts-2672030938

5. Legal and Constitutional Developments

5.1 Judicial Rulings and Weapons Policies

The administration has implemented a controversial decision to permit the sale of devices that allow standard firearms to function similar to machine guns [1]. A federal judge has lifted a block on Trump’s order to strip federal workers of union rights [2], while another federal judge has struck down workplace protections for transgender workers [3]. According to The Guardian, U.S. judges ruling against Trump are being “barraged with abuse and threats” [4].

[1] Trump admin permits sale of device that allows standard firearms to fire like machine guns, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/trump-admin-permits-sale-device-allows-standard-firearms-fire-machine-rcna207395
[2] Court lifts block on Trump order to strip federal workers of union rights, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/17/trump-executive-order-unions-block-lifted/
[3] Federal judge strikes down workplace protections for transgender workers, https://apnews.com/article/transgender-workers-eeoc-trump-texas-lgbtq-harassment-ab89a52aca37c3b0319ed665852d6252
[4] US judges ruling against Trump barraged with abuse and threats, experts warn, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/17/trump-judges-courts-threats

6. Domestic Governance and Public Health

6.1 Public Health Challenges

Multiple public health challenges are emerging simultaneously. A document indicates the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is “not ready” for the current hurricane season [1]. CDC data shows U.S. measles cases have surpassed 1,000 amid an ongoing outbreak [2], while a traveler with measles was at Newark Airport “while infectious,” according to health officials [3].

[1] FEMA ’not ready’ for hurricane season: document, https://thehill.com/newsletters/energy-environment/5305045-fema-not-ready-for-hurricane-season-document/
[2] US measles cases surpass 1K amid outbreak, CDC data shows, https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5305174-measles-cases-us-cdc-1000/
[3] Traveler with measles was at Newark Airport while infectious, health officials say, https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/newark-airport-measles-exposure-may-2025/

6.2 Healthcare Funding and State Policies

As Congress debates cutting Medicaid, a major study has emerged showing the program “saves lives” [1]. Common Dreams reports on GOP cuts to Medicaid with a warning from advocates that these cuts “will kill people” [2]. States are taking divergent approaches to LGBTQ+ policies: Texas has voted to repeal its long-unenforced ban on “homosexual conduct” [3], while Ohio Republicans have introduced a “Natural Family Month” bill that excludes LGBTQ families [4].

[1] As Congress Debates Cutting Medicaid, a Major Study Shows It Saves Lives, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/health/medicaid-cuts-congress.html
[2] GOP Cuts to Medicaid ‘Will Kill People,’ Advocate Warns and New Research Bolsters, https://www.commondreams.org/news/medicaid-cuts-nebr-research
[3] Texas House votes to repeal ban on “homosexual conduct”, https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/15/texas-homosexual-misconduct-ban-gay/
[4] Ohio Republicans introduce ‘Natural Family Month’ bill, excluding LGBTQ families, https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/ohio-republicans-introduce-natural-family-month-bill-lgbtq-families-rcna207354