[Monday, May 19] US News Headlines from r/politics

This is an experimental AI project. We are continuously improving it, but errors can still appear. Feel free to contact us if you spot an error.

1. Foreign Policy and International Relations

1.1 Russia-Ukraine Conflict and U.S.-Russia Diplomacy

President Trump has intensified diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, engaging in what The Hill described as a “critical phone call with Putin” [1]. Following these discussions, Bloomberg reports Trump announced Ukraine and Russia would “start ceasefire talks immediately” [2], though notably these talks will involve only the two warring nations without U.S. mediation. This development comes amid what The Times reports as “the biggest wave of drone strikes on Ukraine,” characterized as a direct taunt to President Trump [3]. The Guardian notes “Donald Trump is losing patience with Russia, says Finnish leader” [4], suggesting growing frustration within the administration over Putin’s continued aggression despite diplomatic outreach.

[1] Trump set for critical phone call with Putin, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5307199-trump-putin-phone-call-ukraine-war/
[2] Trump Says Ukraine, Russia to Start Ceasefire Talks Immediately, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-19/trump-call-with-putin-underway-as-us-seeks-ceasefire-in-ukraine
[3] Putin taunts Trump with biggest wave of drone strikes on Ukraine, https://www.thetimes.com/article/d4e67012-fa03-4af9-a23d-1f88ca0966e3
[4] Donald Trump is losing patience with Russia, says Finnish leader, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/18/donald-trump-is-losing-patience-with-russia-says-finnish-leader

1.2 Middle East Policy and Regional Dynamics

The administration is actively engaged in Middle East conflict resolution, with Axios reporting the “U.S. presses Israel and Hamas to accept updated offer for Gaza ceasefire” [1]. The New York Times reports that a Trump envoy stated “Iran Must Give Up Nuclear Enrichment Capability” [2], signaling a firm stance toward Tehran. Internal tensions have emerged, with Axios reporting Vice President J.D. Vance “skipped Israel visit over new Israeli operation in Gaza” [3], highlighting potential disagreements within the administration over Israel policy. The New York Times published an investigation about “Project Esther,” described by Democracy Now as “a right-wing plan to rebrand all critics of Israel as Hamas supporters” [4][5].

[1] U.S. presses Israel and Hamas to accept updated offer for Gaza ceasefire, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/18/gaza-ceasefire-hamas-trump
[2] Trump Envoy Says Iran Must Give Up Nuclear Enrichment Capability, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/18/us/politics/trump-witkoff-iran-nuclear.html
[3] Vance skipped Israel visit over new Israeli operation in Gaza, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/19/vance-skip-israel-visit-gaza-operation
[4] Inside the Heritage Foundation’s Plan to Crush the U.S. Palestinian Movement, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/18/us/project-esther-heritage-foundation-palestine.html
[5] Project Esther: NYT Details Right-Wing Plan to “Rebrand All Critics of Israel” as Hamas Supporters, https://www.democracynow.org/2025/5/19/project_esther

1.3 International Diplomacy and Controversies

The Guardian reports that “Trump’s acceptance of Qatar jet gift is ‘definition of corruption’, senator says” [1], with the BBC noting “Trump’s critics and supporters unite against Qatar plane deal” [2]. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is introducing legislation specifically designed to block this gift [3]. In European relations, The Guardian reports “alarm” over a defense agreement giving the United States “unhindered access” to Danish airbases [4], while the Washington Post reports Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the pope “in push to reset relations with Vatican” [5].

[1] Trump’s acceptance of Qatar jet gift is ‘definition of corruption’, senator says, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/18/trump-qatar-jet-gift-chris-murphy
[2] Trump’s critics and supporters unite against Qatar plane deal, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg4zk22n9wo
[3] Scoop: Schumer introducing legislation to block Qatar’s gift to Trump, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/19/schumer-legislation-qatar-trump-air-force-one
[4] Alarm over defence agreement giving US ‘unhindered access’ to Danish airbases, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/19/alarm-over-defence-agreement-giving-us-unhindered-access-to-danish-airbases
[5] Vance and Rubio meet with pope in push to reset relations with Vatican, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/19/pope-vance-rubio-trump/

2. Economic and Trade Policy

2.1 Tariff Implementation and Reactions

President Trump has publicly criticized companies warning about price increases resulting from his tariff policies [1], particularly confronting Walmart [2]. Multiple sources indicate administration officials have acknowledged that American consumers ultimately bear the cost of tariffs [3][4]. Robert Reich warns these tariffs could signal declining American influence globally [5], while Europeans are reportedly “ready to boycott iPhones” in response [6].

Questions about potential conflicts of interest have emerged, with ProPublica reporting Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sold stocks two days before Trump announced reciprocal tariffs [7], and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi sold more than $1 million in Trump Media stock on the day tariffs were announced [8].

[1] Trump Berates Companies for Warning About Tariff Price Increases, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/us/politics/trump-tariffs-walmart-mattel-prices.html?unlocked_article_code=1.IU8.NAE5.y25n7tWfW8lr&smid=url-share
[2] Trump takes on Walmart over tariff price hikes, setting up potential showdown with retail industry, https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/trump-takes-walmart-tariff-price-hikes-setting-potential-showdown-reta-rcna207641
[3] Trump-world admits it: America pays for tariffs, https://qz.com/trump-scott-bessent-tariffs-walmart-prices-inflation-1851781276
[4] The argument’s over: Americans pay for tariffs, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/19/trump-tariffs-who-pays
[5] Tariffs could signal decline of American influence in the world: Robert Reich, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/19/trump-tariffs-could-signal-decline-of-american-influence-robert-reich.html
[6] Europeans ‘ready to boycott iPhones’ in response to Trump’s tariffs, https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/europeans-ready-to-boycott-iphones-in-response-to-trumps-tariffs-866cddl6l
[7] Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Sold Stocks Two Days Before Trump Announced a Plan for Reciprocal Tariffs, https://www.propublica.org/article/sean-duffy-stock-sales-trump-tariffs
[8] 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

2.2 Tax Legislation and Fiscal Impact

Republican tax legislation faces critical economic assessments from multiple sources. The New York Times reports that “G.O.P. Tax Bill May Hurt the Lowest Earners and Help the Richest” [1], while The Wall Street Journal presents “The Stark Math on the GOP Tax Plan: It Doesn’t Cut the Deficit” [2]. Analysis characterizes the House tax plan as “highly regressive,” claiming two-thirds of 2027 tax cuts would go to the top 20% of families [3]. Economic experts warn that a Republican-backed bill could add “trillions” to the U.S. deficit [4], raising questions about the fiscal sustainability of the proposed changes.

[1] G.O.P. Tax Bill May Hurt the Lowest Earners and Help the Richest, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/us/politics/republican-tax-bill-trump.html
[2] The Stark Math on the GOP Tax Plan: It Doesn’t Cut the Deficit, https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/tax-plan-budget-national-debt-analysis-e9822072?st=FWdDhN
[3] Unpacking the House’s Highly Regressive Tax Plan: Two-thirds of the tax cuts offered in 2027 would go to the top 20% of families, and 41% would flow to just the top 5% of families., https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/house-tax-plan-regressive
[4] GOP bill could add trillions to the U.S. deficit, some experts say. Here’s what to know., https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gop-tax-bill-reconcilation-deficit-moodys-debt-spending/

3. Legal Developments and Immigration

3.1 Supreme Court Rulings on Immigration

The Supreme Court has delivered a significant ruling allowing President Trump to end deportation protections for Venezuelan immigrants [1], potentially affecting up to 350,000 Venezuelans who previously had protected status [2]. Reuters reports “US Supreme Court lets Trump end deportation protection for Venezuelans” [3], while CBS News notes “Supreme Court will allow Trump administration to end TPS program for Venezuelans” [4]. This decision represents a major victory for the administration’s immigration policy agenda.

[1] Supreme Court allows Trump to cancel protected status for Venezuelans, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/19/venezuelans-temporary-protected-status-supreme-court/
[2] Supreme Court lets Trump end deportation protections for up to 350,000 Venezuelans, https://nypost.com/2025/05/19/us-news/supreme-court-allows-trump-to-strip-protections-from-some-venezuelans-deportations-could-follow/
[3] US Supreme Court lets Trump end deportation protection for Venezuelans, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-lets-trump-end-deportation-protection-venezuelans-2025-05-19/
[4] Supreme Court will allow Trump administration to end TPS program for Venezuelans, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-trump-administration-tps-program-venezuelans/

3.2 DOGE Legal Challenges

A federal judge has forcefully ruled against the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) attempted takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace, deeming the action “null and void” [1] and “unlawful” [2]. The ruling specifically blocks efforts to “take over and cripple” the organization [3] and involves DOGE’s attempt to seize a $500 million building [4]. Wired reports “DOGE Loses Battle to Take Over USIP—and Its $500 Million Headquarters” [5], representing a judicial check on the department headed by Elon Musk. The department’s cost-cutting measures have also come under scrutiny, with Latin Times reporting DOGE cut several Kentucky weather forecasters just weeks before a tornado struck the region [6].

[1] Judge deems DOGE takeover of US Institute of Peace ’null and void’, https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5307665-judge-nullifies-doge-takeover-usip/
[2] Judge rules Trump and DOGE’s gutting of nonprofit was “unlawful”, https://www.newsweek.com/judge-rules-trump-doge-us-institute-peace-illegal-2074252
[3] Federal judge overturns Trump’s efforts to take over and cripple US Institute of Peace, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/19/politics/us-institute-of-peace-judge-overturn
[4] DOGE Loses Shady Battle to Take Over $500 Million Nonprofit Building. A federal judge just struck down DOGE’s attempt to seize the U.S. Institute of Peace., https://newrepublic.com/post/195455/judge-doge-usip-500-million-nonprofit-building
[5] DOGE Loses Battle to Take Over USIP—and Its $500 Million Headquarters, https://www.wired.com/story/usip-doge-headquarters-building-ruling/
[6] DOGE Cut Several Kentucky Weather Forecasters Just Weeks Before Tornado Came Barreling Through, https://www.latintimes.com/doge-cut-several-kentucky-weather-forecasters-just-weeks-before-tornado-came-barreling-through-583330

3.3 Other Legal Decisions

The Trump administration has decided to pay $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, who died during the January 6, 2021, Capitol events [1]. An appeals court has “cleared the way” for President Trump’s anti-union order affecting federal workers [2], while a Texas judge has reportedly overruled a Supreme Court decision related to transgender rights [3], potentially setting up further legal challenges over judicial authority and precedent.

[1] Trump administration to pay $5 million to family of Jan. 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-5-million-ashli-babbitt-jan-6-rioter-who-was-killed/
[2] Appeals court clears the way for Trump’s anti-union order, https://apnews.com/article/trump-union-executive-order-federal-workers-2cfa6f5fc317f020c02fcf26164041ce
[3] Wingnut Texas Judge Overrules SCOTUS Trans Decision Because YOLO | It’s fine if you have a sincere religious belief that precedent is optional., https://abovethelaw.com/2025/05/wingnut-texas-judge-overrules-scotus-trans-decision-because-yolo/

4. Executive Branch Initiatives

4.1 “Big Beautiful Bill” Legislative Package

President Trump’s signature legislative package, referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” is advancing through Congress with significant procedural developments. The Associated Press reports that “Trump’s big bill advances in rare weekend vote as conservative holdouts secure changes” [1], while NBC News notes that a “Key House committee advances Trump agenda bill after appeasing conservatives” [2]. According to The Hill, “Republicans advance Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ in unusual Sunday late-night vote” [3].

House Speaker Mike Johnson is racing to advance this legislation through the House by Thursday despite “major sticking points” remaining unresolved [4]. Senate Republicans have proposed modifications, with The Hill reporting they “want to break up House’s Trump bill into bite-sized pieces” [5], suggesting differences in approach between the chambers.

[1] Trump’s big bill advances in rare weekend vote as conservative holdouts secure changes, https://apnews.com/article/republicans-tax-cuts-house-trump-johnson-border-f03b7e9cc3015ef9a0ece37b76bc5f66
[2] Key House committee advances Trump agenda bill after appeasing conservatives, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/key-house-committee-advances-trump-agenda-bill-conservatives-rcna207555
[3] Republicans advance Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ in unusual Sunday late-night vote, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5306895-republicans-budget-committee-vote-trump-bill/
[4] Major sticking points unresolved as Johnson races to push Trump’s massive policy bill through House by Thursday, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/19/politics/house-trump-policy-bill-sticking-points-johnson
[5] Senate Republicans want to break up House’s Trump bill into bite-sized pieces, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5304984-trump-agenda-stalled-senate-considering-split/

4.2 Immigration Enforcement Actions

According to the Cato Institute, at least 50 Venezuelan migrants who were deported to El Salvador prisons had entered the United States legally and never violated immigration law [1]. The lawyer representing these deported Venezuelans has reportedly been arrested [2]. The Nation raises concerns by asking “Is Donald Trump About to Launch a Denaturalization Purge?” [3], while The Hill notes “Miami Republicans fight Trump policies threatening deportations for their community” [4], revealing tensions within the Republican Party over immigration enforcement priorities.

[1] 50+ Venezuelans Imprisoned in El Salvador Came to US Legally, Never Violated Immigration Law, https://www.cato.org/blog/50-venezuelans-imprisoned-el-salvador-came-us-legally-never-violated-immigration-law
[2] Lawyer for Venezuelans deported to El Salvador prison arrested, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/19/el-salvador-lawyer-arrested-deported-venezuelans
[3] Is Donald Trump About to Launch a Denaturalization Purge?, https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/donald-trump-denaturalization/
[4] Miami Republicans fight Trump policies threatening deportations for their community, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5304805-miami-republicans-trump-deportations-dhs-tps-noem-cuba-haiti-venezuela/

5. Political and Media Dynamics

5.1 Former President Biden’s Health

Former President Biden’s cancer diagnosis has prompted renewed questions about his time in office. The Hill reports “Trump wishes Biden ‘fast and successful recovery’ after cancer diagnosis” [1], while The New Republic cites a doctor who worked with Biden claiming he “had cancer for years” [2]. Vice President J.D. Vance has commented there was a “need to be honest” about Biden’s health during his presidency [3]. CNN presents “Rep. James Clyburn defends backing Biden’s re-election: ‘Yes’ he could have served another term” [4], while Fox News offers a contrasting view [5].

[1] Trump wishes Biden ‘fast and successful recovery’ after cancer diagnosis, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5306739-trump-biden-prostate-cancer-diagnosis/
[2] Doctor Who Worked With Biden Says He Had Cancer for Years, https://newrepublic.com/post/195398/morning-joe-oncologist-biden-cancer-years
[3] JD Vance questions Joe Biden’s health as president: “need to be honest”, https://www.newsweek.com/jd-vance-joe-biden-health-president-cancer-2074114
[4] Rep. James Clyburn defends backing Biden’s re-election: ‘Yes’ he could have served another term, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/18/politics/video/rep-clyburn-defends-bidens-2024-reelection-bid
[5] Biden could have served until 2029, Clyburn says, despite revelations of cognitive decline, https://www.foxnews.com/media/biden-could-have-served-until-2029-clyburn-says-despite-revelations-cognitive-decline

5.2 Media Relations and Elon Musk

The chief executive of CBS News is stepping down amid what is described as a “tense Trump legal battle” [1], with the Associated Press specifically indicating CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon quit “amid potential Trump lawsuit settlement” [2]. Senator Bernie Sanders has warned CBS executive Shari Redstone “not to capitulate” to Trump following this resignation [3].

Signs of a significant rift between Elon Musk and the Trump administration have emerged. The Daily Beast reports “Trump World is slamming the door on Elon Musk” with sources claiming “people hate him” [4]. The Independent adds that Trump has removed Musk’s name from Truth Social as GOP insiders described him as “finished, done gone” [5]. Politico reports “Elon Musk fades into the background” [6], suggesting a reduced public profile for the head of DOGE.

[1] Chief executive of CBS News stepping down amid tense Trump legal battle, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/19/wendy-mcmahon-cbs-news-steps-down-trump-lawsuit
[2] CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon quits amid potential Trump lawsuit settlement, https://apnews.com/article/cbs-news-mcmahon-donald-trump-60-minutes-1af2ae7fabcb259e3e6dc1c20cabe00b
[3] Bernie Sanders warns Shari Redstone ’not to capitulate’ to Trump after the head of CBS News resigned, https://www.businessinsider.com/bernie-sanders-shari-redstone-cbs-news-paramount-merger-2025-5
[4] Trump World Is Slamming the Door on Elon Musk: ‘People Hate Him’, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-world-is-slamming-the-door-on-elon-musk-people-hate-him/
[5] Trump has wiped Elon Musk’s name from Truth Social as GOP insiders admit he’s ‘finished, done gone’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-elon-musk-truth-social-mentions-b2753786.html
[6] Elon Musk fades into the background, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/19/elon-musk-disappears-trump-world-00355313

6. Healthcare and Social Policy

6.1 Healthcare Regulation and Civil Rights

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is implementing significant changes to the U.S. vaccine system despite earlier pledges not to substantially alter it [1]. The Independent reports “RFK Jr’s FDA limits use of Covid vaccine” [2], while The Associated Press notes “FDA approves Novavax COVID-19 shot but with unusual restrictions” [3].

The Advocate reports “Federal judge in Texas rules LGBTQ+ people can be discriminated against at work” [4], indicating a legal setback for workplace protections. Conversely, the Texas House has voted to repeal the state’s ban on gay sex in what is described as a “historic, unlikely vote” [5]. President Trump has signed the Take It Down Act into law, addressing nonconsensual sexual content including deepfakes and intimate images [6].

FCC Chair Brendan Carr is approving mergers of Internet Service Providers with the specific condition that these companies end their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs [7], representing a significant shift in regulatory priorities. House Republicans are pushing for legislation that would prevent states from regulating AI, a move that has drawn opposition from more than 100 organizations [8].

[1] RFK Jr. pledged not to upend US vaccine system, but big changes are underway, https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-rfk-kennedy-trump-covid-fda-novavax-b50f4d6fbcca378eb89b059bc8a91477
[2] RFK Jr’s FDA limits use of Covid vaccine, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/rfk-jr-fda-covid-vaccine-b2753381.html
[3] FDA approves Novavax COVID-19 shot but with unusual restrictions, https://apnews.com/article/novavax-covid19-vaccine-fda-a477c1aa612ceb293e70d904b46611b0
[4] Federal judge in Texas rules LGBTQ+ people can be discriminated against at work, https://www.advocate.com/news/judge-texas-lgbtq-discriminated-work
[5] Texas House repeals gay sex ban in historic, unlikely vote, https://www.chron.com/culture/article/texas-gay-sex-ban-repealed-20330850.php
[6] Trump signs the Take It Down Act into law | The bill sailed through Congress with a focus on deepfakes and other nonconsensual intimate images., https://www.theverge.com/news/661230/trump-signs-take-it-down-act-ai-deepfakes
[7] FCC Chair Brendan Carr is letting ISPs merge—as long as they end DEI programs, https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/05/fcc-chair-brendan-carr-is-letting-isps-merge-as-long-as-they-end-dei-programs/
[8] House Republicans want to stop states from regulating AI. More than 100 organizations are pushing back, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/19/tech/house-spending-bill-ai-provision-organizations-raise-alarm