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

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1. Executive Branch and Presidential Authority

1.1 Presidential Actions and Executive Power

President Trump has significantly expanded executive authority, declaring “I own the store” while seeking direct economic intervention in markets [1]. The administration is implementing policy through executive directives, with Trump ordering agencies to cease enforcing rules he considers unfavorable [2]. A federal court approved Trump’s plan to suspend collective bargaining for portions of the federal workforce [3].

References:
[1] I own the store’: Trump seeks a direct role in the economy, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/18/trump-economy-tariffs-taxes-trade/
[2] Trump orders the government to stop enforcing rules he doesn’t like, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/05/18/trump-enforcement-halt-regulations-laws/
[3] Court gives go-ahead to Trump’s plan to halt union bargaining for many federal workers, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/17/court-gives-go-ahead-to-trumps-plan-to-halt-union-bargaining-for-many-federal-workers.html

1.2 Presidential Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Qatar’s gift of a jet to President Trump has drawn scrutiny, with CNN noting past presidents couldn’t keep similar gifts [1] and former Vice President Mike Pence calling it a “bad idea” with “profound issues” [2]. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the acceptance by comparing it to France’s gift of the Statue of Liberty [3]. AP News reports Trump could leave fewer official records than any previous U.S. president [4].

References:
[1] Past presidents couldn’t keep gifts of lions or horses. How could Trump accept a jet from Qatar?, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/12/politics/jet-qatar-trump-air-force-one-what-matters
[2] ‘Profound issues’: Mike Pence says it’s a ‘bad idea’ for Donald Trump to accept Qatari jet, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/18/mike-pence-trump-qatar-jet/83708837007/
[3] Scott Bessent Compares Trump’s Qatari Jet Gift to the Statue of Liberty, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/bessent-trump-qatar-statue-of-liberty-1235342112/
[4] The future of history: Trump could leave less documentation behind than any previous US president, https://apnews.com/article/trump-presidential-records-retention-documents-archivist-b0b98560eb8b273085500876037fc0a1

1.3 Cabinet and Department Activities

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) faces criticism, with its activities characterized as “reckless destruction” motivated by “a determination to crush workers” [1]. The USDA was forced through litigation to restore previously removed climate data web pages after farmers sued [2]. Secretary of State Marco Rubio directly contradicted intelligence community assessments, explicitly stating analysts are “wrong” regarding their assessment of Tren de Aragua [3].

References:
[1] Behind Trump and DOGE’s Reckless Destruction Is a Determination to Crush Workers, https://truthout.org/articles/behind-trump-and-doges-reckless-destruction-is-a-determination-to-crush-workers/?utm_source=Truthout&utm_campaign=78f8b8c549-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_05_17_07_08_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bbb541a1db-ade1d1a501-650963661
[2] Trump’s USDA tried to erase climate data. This lawsuit forced it back online. The agency quietly removed web pages on rural energy, climate-smart agriculture, and federal loans — until farmers sued., https://grist.org/food-and-agriculture/trump-usda-climate-data-information-website-lawsuit-farmers-settlement/
[3] Rubio says intelligence community is incorrect in assessment of Tren de Aragua: “They’re wrong”, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marco-rubio-intelligence-community-tren-de-aragua/

2. Justice System and Constitutional Issues

2.1 Supreme Court-Executive Branch Tensions

President Trump’s administration is heading toward a constitutional confrontation with the judiciary over separation of powers [1]. The flashpoint centers on the Supreme Court’s ruling blocking deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, which Trump has endorsed the idea is “illegal” [2]. The president described the ruling as a “Bad and dangerous day for America!” marking an extraordinary challenge to judicial authority [3].

References:
[1] Trump’s clash with the courts raises prospect of showdown over separation of powers, https://apnews.com/article/trump-courts-rule-law-justice-contempt-congress-d588119540b8338e7b32e41fc8039dd0
[2] Trump endorses idea that Supreme Court ruling blocking his deportations under Alien Enemies Act is ‘illegal’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-supreme-court-deportation-truth-social-b2753057.html
[3] ‘Bad and dangerous day for America!’: Trump erupts over latest SCOTUS loss in Alien Enemies Act deportations case, shares post blasting the order as ‘illegal’, https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/bad-and-dangerous-day-for-america-trump-erupts-over-latest-scotus-loss-in-alien-enemies-act-deportations-case-shares-post-blasting-the-order-as-illegal/

2.2 Justice Department Policies and Enforcement

The Trump Justice Department is considering removing a key check on lawmaker prosecutions, potentially altering the relationship between the executive branch and Congress [1]. The department has reached a deal ending a ban on an aftermarket trigger for firearms, a decision that gun control advocates characterize as alarming [2]. Rolling Stone reports the DOJ is considering policy changes that would lower barriers to indicting members of Congress [3].

References:
[1] Trump Justice Dept. considers removing key check on lawmaker prosecutions, https://wapo.st/3YS8Kwx
[2] Justice Department deal ends a ban on an aftermarket trigger. Gun control advocates are alarmed, https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-guns-forced-reset-triggers-c7e5e6ee65171c50c10d4384dd181fec
[3] Trump DOJ Considers Making it Easier to Indict Members of Congress, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-doj-easier-indict-members-congress-1235342138/

2.3 Immigration Enforcement Actions

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has implemented a significant shift in enforcement strategy by adopting a new tactic of deporting people facing criminal charges before their court appearances [1]. This approach represents a departure from previous practices where individuals typically remained in the country through completion of criminal proceedings. ICE officials have confirmed that arrests will continue in Washington, DC [2].

References:
[1] ICE adopts new tactic: Deport before court, removing people facing criminal charges, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/05/18/ice-tactic-deport-before-court-immigration/83515061007/
[2] ICE arrests will continue in DC, immigration officials say, https://www.fox5dc.com/news/ice-arrests-dc-will-continue-dc-officials-say

3. Foreign Affairs and International Relations

3.1 Middle East Diplomacy and Agreements

Fox News reports Trump secured $2 trillion in deals with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar during his Gulf tour [1], while the New York Times indicates he “shrugged off” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during the same trip [2]. Iran’s supreme leader has directly accused Trump of lying about bringing peace to the Middle East [3].

References:
[1] Trump secures $2 trillion in Middle East deals with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-secures-deals-3-middle-eastern-nations-first-major-trip-second-term
[2] Trump Shrugs Off Netanyahu on Gulf Tour, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/18/world/middleeast/trump-israel-netanyahu-gulf.html
[3] Iran’s supreme leader says Trump ’lied’ about bringing peace in Mideast, https://www.politico.eu/article/iran-supreme-leader-khamenei-us-donald-trump-lied-peace-mideast/

3.2 Russia and Ukraine Diplomacy

President Trump is scheduled to speak with Russian President Putin on Monday about a Ukraine ceasefire proposal and trade matters [1]. A Republican congressman has confirmed that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a pause in cyber operations against Russia, contradicting Pentagon denials [2].

References:
[1] Trump to talk to Putin on Monday about Ukraine ceasefire proposal and trade, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/17/trump-putin-zelenskyy-social-media-clintons-walmart
[2] GOP congressman confirms Hegseth ordered pause in cyber operations against Russia, despite Pentagon denial, https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/gop-congressman-don-bacon-hegseth-ordered-pause-cyber-operations-against-russia/

3.3 International Reactions and Challenges

International opinion of the United States has declined during the early months of Trump’s second term, with U.S. News reporting that “global perception of the U.S. plummets” [1]. A crucial river treaty between the United States and Canada has become entangled in broader diplomatic tensions, with the agreement “tangled in Trump’s feud with Canada” [2].

References:
[1] Global Perception of the U.S. Plummets Amid Trump’s Second Term, https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-05-12/global-perception-of-the-u-s-plummets-amid-trumps-second-term
[2] A Crucial River Treaty Is Tangled in Trump’s Feud With Canada, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/technology/trump-canada-columbia-river-treaty.html?unlocked_article_code=1.IE8.dSUm.1Z6jyTIKSjGx&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

4. Economic Policy and Trade

4.1 Tariffs and Trade Policy

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated tariff rates would revert to “reciprocal” levels if countries reach trade deals with the U.S [1]. Consumers are reporting significant price impacts, with one person sharing an $890 tariff charge on a $524 product [2]. In a direct confrontation with retail giant Walmart, Trump told the company to “eat the tariffs” after it warned of price increases [3]. Former Vice President Mike Pence described Trump’s tariffs as the “largest peacetime tax hike” in American history [4].

References:
[1] Scott Bessent says tariff rates will return to ‘reciprocal’ levels if countries don’t reach trade deals with US, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/18/business/scott-bessent-trump-tariffs-china
[2] ‘It’s Real Y’all’: People Are Sharing Their Tariff Receipts, And My Wallet Is Not Ready For What’s Coming - “The product cost is $524 and the tariff charge is $890.”, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tariff-receipts-sharing_n_682764fae4b0f10918e340fa
[3] Trump tells Walmart to ’eat the tariffs’ after retailer warned it will raise prices, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/17/trump-tells-walmart-to-eat-the-tariffs.html
[4] Mike Pence calls Trump tariffs ’largest peacetime tax hike’ on Americans, https://www.newsweek.com/pence-calls-trump-tariffs-largest-peacetime-hike-americans-2073854

4.2 Federal Finance and Market Reactions

Moody’s has downgraded the United States government’s credit rating, citing the “failure to rein in debt” as justification [1]. This downgrade has intensified investor concerns about U.S. fiscal policy [2]. Recent economic data presents a mixed picture, with Reuters reporting U.S. producer prices unexpectedly fell in April [3].

References:
[1] Moody’s strips U.S. government of top credit rating over failure to rein in debt, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/moodys-strips-u-s-government-of-top-credit-rating-over-failure-to-rein-in-debt
[2] Moody’s downgrade intensifies investor worry about US fiscal path, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/moodys-downgrade-intensifies-investor-worry-about-us-fiscal-path-2025-05-18/?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link&ICID=ref_fark
[3] US producer prices unexpectedly fall in April, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-producer-prices-unexpectedly-fall-april-2025-05-15/

5. Congressional Affairs and Governance

5.1 Legislative Initiatives and Party Dynamics

Congressional Republicans are advancing multiple legislative priorities aligned with the Trump administration. House Republicans will vote again on what’s being called Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” [1], while Congress is making another attempt at Trump’s tax cuts despite credit downgrade concerns [2]. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has criticized fellow Republicans over delays in advancing the budget legislation, calling it “a real misstep” [3].

References:
[1] House Republicans Will Vote Again on Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/18/us/politics/house-republicans-budget-vote-trump-agenda.html
[2] Republican US Congress to try again on Trump tax cuts, Bessent dismisses credit downgrade, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-treasury-chief-dismisses-moodys-downgrade-amid-trump-tax-cut-debate-2025-05-18/
[3] McCarthy tears into Republicans over Trump budget bill delay: ‘A real misstep’, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5305909-mccarthy-tears-into-republicans-over-trump-budget-bill-delay-a-real-misstep/

5.2 Federal Workforce and Public Resources

Thousands of federal employees are experiencing a cycle of being fired and rehired, highlighting significant workforce instability [1]. A Republican push to sell public lands in the West is “reigniting a political fight” [2], while Military.com warns that military families could face food insecurity due to assistance cuts in proposed legislation [3].

References:
[1] Thousands of federal employees are on a roller coaster of being fired, rehired, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/05/18/federal-employees-fired-rehired-await-court-decision/83600693007/
[2] A Republican Push to Sell Public Lands in the West Is Reigniting a Political Fight, https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana/articles/2025-05-11/a-republican-push-to-sell-public-lands-in-the-west-is-reigniting-a-political-fight
[3] Military Families Could Go Hungry Due to Food Assistance Cuts in GOP’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/05/16/military-families-could-go-hungry-due-food-assistance-cuts-gops-big-beautiful-bill.html

6. Social Programs and Public Health

6.1 Healthcare Policy Changes

Proposed Medicaid cuts have generated fear among some Americans about losing healthcare coverage, with one person quoted saying “I feel very scared” [1]. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a plan to ban fluoride supplements that dentists warn will “hurt rural America” [2]. Under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, the FDA has “severely restricted” COVID vaccine use, limiting availability only to those at high risk [3].

References:
[1] ‘I feel very scared’: Some Americans fear losing coverage due to proposed Medicaid cuts, https://abcnews.go.com/Health/feel-scared-americans-fear-losing-coverage-due-proposed/story?id=121793330
[2] RFK Jr’s plan to ban fluoride supplements will “hurt rural America,” dentists say, https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/05/rfk-jr-wants-to-ban-fluoride-supplements-based-on-nonsense/
[3] RFK Jr.’s FDA Severely Restricts COVID Vaccine Use. The vaccine will only be available to those at high risk from Covid—excluding those who may need it to protect a relative or friend., https://www.thedailybeast.com/rfk-jrs-fda-severely-restricts-covid-vaccine-use/

6.2 Education and DEI Policies

The Associated Press reports Oklahoma has implemented new high school standards that promote misinformation about the 2020 election [1]. While President Trump has claimed to have eliminated Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, USA Today reports such initiatives persist, noting “cracks emerge in war on ‘woke’” [2].

References:
[1] New standards for Oklahoma high school students promote misinformation about the 2020 election, https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-curriculum-2020-election-misinformation-bbc05b14c3d7a858014f6acefc326ec6
[2] Trump says he killed DEI. So why isn’t it dead yet? Cracks emerge in war on ‘woke’, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/05/18/why-trump-is-trying-to-kill-dei/83647800007/

7. State Politics and Governance

7.1 State-Level Policy Developments

The Texas House passed legislation to ban child marriage, closing loopholes that currently allow minors as young as 16 to marry if legally emancipated [1]. Wisconsin Republican convention delegates have supported a resolution to enforce the state’s strict 1849 abortion law [2], while Georgia’s Attorney General has stated that the state’s “heartbeat” law isn’t behind a case involving a brain-dead mother [3].

References:
[1] Houston lawmaker’s bill to ban child marriage passes Texas House. Current state law allows children as young as 16 to marry if they are legally emancipated from their parents, a situation critics say has given rise to widespread abuses., https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2025/05/14/521302/texas-house-passes-bill-to-ban-child-marriage/
[2] Wisconsin Republican convention delegates back resolution to enforce strict 1849 abortion law, https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/17/wisconsin-republican-convention-backs-strict-1849-abortion-law/83699198007/
[3] Attorney General: ‘Heartbeat’ law isn’t behind brain-dead mother’s case, https://www.11alive.com/mobile/article/news/politics/ag-heartbeat-law-misapplied-case-pregnant-georgia-mom-kept-alive/85-0eabfb9f-24cd-4222-8c50-2f6806aa4822

7.2 Party Politics at State Level

Utah GOP Senator John Curtis has vowed to be an “independent voice” as he breaks with Trump on key issues [1]. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has vetoed a slavery reparations study, citing the need for “the work itself” rather than further study [2].

References:
[1] Utah GOP Sen. John Curtis vows to be independent voice as he breaks with Trump over key issues, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/18/politics/john-curtis-utah-trump
[2] Maryland Gov. Wes Moore vetoes slavery reparations study, citing need for ’the work itself’, https://apnews.com/article/slavery-reparations-wes-moore-veto-maryland-806af2d5d13f32eb77719935dcb43c78