[Sunday, May 18] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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1. Trump Administration Policies & Actions

1.1 Domestic Policy & Executive Orders

The Trump administration has moved aggressively on domestic policy initiatives, targeting higher education funding by terminating hundreds of federal grants at Harvard University in what Boston Globe describes as “a bloodbath” [1]. Simultaneously, President Trump has strengthened his religious liberty agenda by naming new Advisory Board Members to the Religious Liberty Commission [2]. Legislative priorities remain on schedule, with Speaker Johnson expressing confidence about a major Trump-backed bill, stating “We Cannot Fail and We’ll Get It Done” and assuring the legislation is still “on track” [3].

References:
[1] ‘A bloodbath’: Trump administration moves to terminate hundreds of federal grants at Harvard, https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/05/16/metro/harvard-trump-administration-grant-terminations/
[2] President Donald Trump Names Advisory Board Members to the Religious Liberty Commission, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/05/president-donald-trump-names-advisory-board-members-to-the-religious-liverty-commission/
[3] ‘We Cannot Fail and We’ll Get It Done’ — Speaker Johnson Says Trump ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Still ‘on Track’, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/05/18/we-cannot-fail-and-well-get-it-done-speaker-johnson-says-trump-big-beautiful-bill-still-on-track/

1.2 Middle East Initiatives

Recently revealed documents indicate Hamas intended to derail a potential Israel-Saudi agreement through their October 7 attacks [1]. Trump’s approach to Middle East diplomacy has been characterized as “the most extraordinary diplomacy seen in over a generation” [2], though voices emphasize Israel must not be excluded from these regional agreements [3]. Reports describe Trump’s visit to Riyadh as both “a rejection of the globalist gospel” [4] and “a different approach to Arab Hitlerism” [5].

References:
[1] Hamas Wanted to Torpedo Israel-Saudi Deal With Oct. 7 Attacks, Documents Reveal, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-wanted-to-torpedo-israel-saudi-deal-with-oct-7-attacks-documents-reveal-a70ec560?
[2] Trump’s Middle East deals are the ‘most extraordinary diplomacy’ seen in ‘over a generation’, https://www.skynews.com.au/opinion/outsiders/trumps-middle-east-deals-are-the-most-extraordinary-diplomacy-seen-in-over-a-generation/video/c455fa241975402dda210ab5cd416267
[3] Trump must not leave Israel out of his Middle East deals, https://nypost.com/2025/05/17/opinion/trump-must-not-leave-israel-out-of-his-middle-east-deals/
[4] Trump in Riyadh: A Rejection of the Globalist Gospel › American Greatness, https://amgreatness.com/2025/05/18/trump-in-riyadh-a-rejection-of-the-globalist-gospel/
[5] Trump Tries a Different Approach to Arab Hitlerism, https://spectator.org/trump-tries-a-different-approach-to-arab-hitlerism/

1.3 Economic Policy & Tariffs

As U.S. stock markets show signs of recovery, retailers are preparing to provide their perspective on the administration’s tariff policies [1]. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly addressed concerns about debt, tariffs, and inflation, with supporters characterizing his comments as setting “Jake Tapper straight” on these issues [2]. In what appears to be related to ongoing economic discussions, Bessent has reportedly made forceful statements about not compromising negotiation positions [3].

References:
[1] Retailers Set to Give Tariff View as US Stock Market Roars Back, https://www.newsmax.com/finance/streettalk/stocks-tariffs/2025/05/18/id/1211390/
[2] Scott Bessent Sets Jake Tapper Straight on Debt, Tariffs, Inflation, and How the Trump Admin Is Winning, https://redstate.com/smoosieq/2025/05/18/bessent-on-sotu-n2189238
[3] Bessent Just SLAMMED Her ‘We DON’T Want To Compromise Our Negotation’, https://youtube.com/watch?v=KMrVEDr9kcM&si=LF83YtCCNFUn0rhR

2. National Security & Domestic Incidents

2.1 Domestic Terrorism & Security Threats

The FBI has identified the perpetrator of an IVF clinic bombing as someone who described himself as a “pro-mortalist” who opposed birth without consent [1]. The attack targeted a California fertility clinic, with the suspect’s ideology apparently centered around opposition to bringing children into the world without their consent [2]. While details remain limited, this incident highlights security concerns related to ideologically motivated attacks against healthcare facilities.

References:
[1] FBI identifies IVF clinic bomber as ‘pro-mortalist’ who opposed birth without consent, https://www.foxnews.com/us/palm-springs-bombing-suspect-identified#&_intcmp=fnhpbt1,hp1bt
[2] Bomber of California fertility clinic identified, described himself as pro-mortalist, https://bnonews.com/index.php/2025/05/bomber-of-california-fertility-clinic-described-as-pro-mortalist/

2.2 Infrastructure & Safety Incidents

A serious maritime accident has occurred in New York City, where a Mexican navy tall ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The incident led to the death of two crew members as the ship’s masts snapped upon impact with the bridge structure [1] and injured 23 people [2]. The incident has raised questions about whether it was caused by deliberate action or sheer incompetence, though available headlines do not provide definitive information about the cause.

References:
[1] Mexican tall ship strikes Brooklyn Bridge, snapping masts and killing 2 crew members - Was this deliberate or sheer incompetence?, https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-bridge-collision-mexican-navy-ship-ca335dc85ebfbf981bc38516985461c8
[2] Mexican navy tall ship slams into Brooklyn Bridge, 23 hurt, https://nypost.com/2025/05/17/us-news/ship-carrying-200-people-hits-the-brooklyn-bridge-as-search-and-rescue-operation-underway/

2.3 Technology & National Security

Concerns have been raised regarding the intersection of technology companies and national security, with specific allegations directed at Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. According to one report, Zuckerberg has allegedly “endangered U.S. security in pursuit of profit” [1]. The limited information available does not specify the exact nature of these security concerns or precisely how Meta’s business practices may have impacted national security.

References:
[1] How Mark Zuckerberg Endangered U.S. Security in Pursuit of Profit, https://prospect.org/power/2025-05-15-how-mark-zuckerberg-endangered-us-security-meta-facebook-china/

3. Legal & Judicial Developments

3.1 Second Amendment & Justice Department Actions

A development related to Second Amendment rights has apparently resulted in what supporters are characterizing as a victory, with the Department of Justice website announcing “Another 2A win!” [1]. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel has launched significant criticism against his predecessors at the bureau, particularly former FBI Director James Comey, stating that “our predecessors intentionally failed the American public” while promising that “accountability is coming” [2][3]. Patel reportedly “obliterates former FBI leadership” and suggests that previously hidden documents will be released in the coming week [4]. Both Patel and commentator Dan Bongino have indicated that new evidence related to “Russiagate” has been uncovered, with assertions that “justice is coming” [5].

References:
[1] Another 2A win!, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-announces-settlement-litigation-between-federal-government-and-rare-breed
[2] Patel: ‘Our Predecessors Intentionally Failed the American Public’…but Accountability Is Coming, https://redstate.com/smoosieq/2025/05/18/patel-our-predecessors-intentionally-failed-the-american-public-n2189242
[3] Kash Patel: Accountability Is Coming for Those Who Politicized the FBI, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/05/18/kash-patel-accountability-is-coming-for-those-who-politicized-the-fbi-n4939916
[4] “FBI Director Kash Patel obliterates former FBI leadership including James Comey, suggests hidden documents will be released in the next week.” (X/@CollinRugg), https://x.com/CollinRugg/status/1924123017988473194
[5] Kash Patel And Dan Bongino Say New Russiagate Evidence Uncovered: ‘Justice Is Coming’, https://dailycaller.com/2025/05/18/kash-patel-dan-bongino-new-russiagate-evidence-uncovered-justice-coming/

3.2 Executive-Judicial Power Balance

A federal judge has lifted a block on President Trump’s Executive Order that barred federal employee union bargaining, described as “a blow to Dem coffers” [1]. This legal victory for the administration comes amid broader discussions about the proper balance of power between the judiciary and the executive branch, with some commentators arguing that “every federal judge should not have more power than the President” [2]. Critics of the legal actions against Trump have described them as part of an “evil scheme,” suggesting coordinated political motivations behind various lawsuits targeting the president [3].

References:
[1] In a Blow to Dem Coffers, Fed. Judge Lifts Block on Trump’s EO Barring Federal Employee Union Bargaining, https://redstate.com/jenniferoo/2025/05/17/federal-judge-lifts-block-on-trumps-executive-order-barring-federal-employee-unions-n2189218
[2] Every Federal Judge Should Not Have More Power Than the President, https://www.frontpagemag.com/every-federal-judge-should-not-have-more-power-than-the-president/
[3] The Evil Scheme Behind the Spate of AntiTrump Lawsuits, https://hotair.com/betsy-mccaughey/2025/05/18/the-evil-scheme-behind-the-spate-of-anti-trump-lawsuits-n3802857

4. Former Administration Updates

4.1 Biden’s Health Condition

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with what reports describe as an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone [1][2][3]. News of the diagnosis has prompted responses from current administration officials, with President Trump wishing Biden “a fast and successful recovery” after learning of the health development [4]. The serious nature of the former president’s condition has generated significant media attention, though detailed information about his treatment plan or prognosis is not provided in the available headlines.

References:
[1] Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive form’ of prostate cancer with metastasis to the bone, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/joe-biden-diagnosed-aggressive-form-prostate-cancer-metastasis-bone
[2] Joe Biden Diagnosed With ‘Aggressive’ Prostate Cancer., https://dailycaller.com/2025/05/18/joe-biden-diagnosed-with-aggressive-prostate-cancer/
[3] Former President Biden battling ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer, spokesperson says | amNewYork, https://www.amny.com/news/former-president-biden-prostate-cancer/
[4] Trump wishes Biden ‘fast and successful recovery’ after prostate cancer diagnosis, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-wishes-biden-fast-successful-recovery-after-prostate-cancer-diagnosis

4.2 Coverage of Biden’s Mental Capacity

Media coverage of former President Biden’s cognitive capacity during his presidency continues to generate controversy. CNN anchor Jake Tapper has reportedly faced criticism for what some characterize as his “high-profile role in covering up then-President Joe Biden’s mental collapse,” with his response described as “sweaty, desperate, and dishonest” [1]. These allegations appear connected to what are being called “the Biden tapes,” which have created substantial “PR fallout” according to commentators who suggest that “more than the President’s brain has melted” [2].

References:
[1] Jake Tapper’s latest response to the backlash over his high-profile role in covering up then-President Joe Biden’s mental collapse is as sweaty, desperate, and dishonest as anything you will ever see., https://www.breitbart.com/2024-election/2025/05/16/nolte-jake-tappers-humble-response-to-book-backlash-is-more-desperate-liesse-to-book-backlash-is-more-desperate-lies/
[2] PR Fallout of the Biden Tapes: More Than the President’s Brain Has Melted, https://pjmedia.com/scott-pinsker/2025/05/18/pr-fallout-of-the-biden-tapes-more-than-the-presidents-brain-has-melted-n4939907

5. Immigration & Environmental Policy

5.1 Immigration Challenges & Statements

State-level fiscal challenges related to immigration are reportedly creating budgetary pressures in Democratic-led states. California Governor Gavin Newsom has “busted Cali’s budget on migrants,” with predictions that New York and New Jersey will soon experience similar financial strains [1]. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly stated that “There’s nothing compassionate about mass migration” ahead of a Papal Mass [2], while an unnamed Democratic gubernatorial candidate has reportedly been “blasted for meltdown over ‘shocking’ ICE arrest of 2 criminal illegal aliens” [3].

References:
[1] Blue-state blues: Gavin Newsom busted Cali’s budget on migrants — and NY, NJ will soon follow, https://nypost.com/2025/05/18/opinion/how-gavin-newsom-busted-calis-budget-on-illegal-immigrants/
[2] Rubio Ahead of Pope’s Mass: ‘There’s Nothing Compassionate About Mass Migration’, https://pjmedia.com/sarah-anderson/2025/05/17/rubio-ahead-of-popes-mass-theres-nothing-compassionate-about-mass-migration-n4939894
[3] Dem gubernatorial candidate blasted for meltdown over ‘shocking’ ICE arrest of 2 criminal illegal aliens, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dem-gubernatorial-candidate-blasted-meltdown-shocking-ice-arrest-two-criminal-illegal-aliens?dicbo=v2-ThJLSDv

5.2 Climate Policy Debates

Climate and energy policy debates continue with criticism of environmental initiatives from some quarters. One commentary suggests that “the US won’t follow Europe off a ‘green’ cliff,” arguing that “future historians will struggle to make sense of how a sophisticated Western culture could be undone by the absurd end-of-the-world hokum” [1]. Another article frames environmental policies using the phrase “grinding down the great green grift” [2], implying skepticism toward climate initiatives.

References:
[1] The US Won’t Follow Europe Off a ‘Green’ Cliff — Future historians will struggle to make sense of how a sophisticated Western culture could be undone by the absurd end-of-the-world hokum., https://spectator.org/the-us-wont-follow-europe-off-a-green-cliff/
[2] Grinding Down The Great Green Grift, https://issuesinsights.com/2025/05/16/grinding-down-the-great-green-grift/

6. Media & Political Developments

6.1 Media Coverage & Political Party Issues

Claims of media bias continue to feature prominently in political discourse, with one report alleging that media outlets covered “Hillary attack on Qatar gift to Trump” while remaining “silent on Clinton gifts” [1]. The Democratic National Committee is reportedly experiencing potential turmoil, described as being on the “brink of ‘chaos’” regarding the “potential ouster of Vice Chair David Hogg” [2]. Meanwhile, Oklahoma has adopted new curriculum standards that will have students “study 2020 election discrepancies” [3], indicating that election integrity topics have become part of educational policy in at least one state.

References:
[1] Media Covers Hillary Attack on Qatar Gift to Trump: Silent on Clinton Gifts, https://newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/jeffrey-lord/2025/05/17/media-covers-hillary-attack-qatar-gift-trump-silent-clinton-gifts
[2] Report: DNC on Brink of ‘Chaos’ over Potential Ouster of Vice Chair David Hogg, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/05/17/report-dnc-on-brink-of-chaos-over-potential-ouster-of-david-hogg-as-vice-chair/
[3] Oklahoma Students To Study 2020 Election Discrepancies After State Adopts New Curriculum Standards, https://www.nysun.com/article/oklahoma-students-to-study-2020-election-discrepancies-after-state-adopts-new-curriculum-standards

6.2 Political Commentary

Political commentary reflects sharp partisan divisions, with CNN’s Jake Tapper labeled by critics as “the Benedict Arnold of Broadcast Journalism” [1]. Following the Mexican tall ship collision with the Brooklyn Bridge, Schumer has reportedly blamed Trump for the incident, with critics characterizing this as evidence that “Trump Derangement Syndrome is very real” [2]. The Guardian newspaper has also faced criticism for suggesting that “the problem with the Biden decline scandal is media didn’t call Trump Hitler enough” [3], highlighting ongoing tensions in political media coverage.

References:
[1] Et Tu, Tapper? The Benedict Arnold of Broadcast Journalism, https://pjmedia.com/david-manney/2025/05/18/et-tu-tapper-the-benedict-arnold-of-broadcast-journalism-n4939909
[2] Schumer blames Trump for bridge crash. TDS is very real., https://nypost.com/2025/05/18/us-news/schumer-bizarrely-claims-doge-could-have-been-partly-to-blame-for-mexican-ships-deadly-brooklyn-bridge-mishap/
[3] The Guardian Decided the Problem With the Biden Decline Scandal Is Media Didn’t Call Trump Hitler Enough, https://twitchy.com/amy-curtis/2025/05/18/guardian-talking-about-biden-coverup-distracts-us-from-trump-n2412960/