[Tuesday, May 20] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Trump Administration & Executive Branch

1.1 Presidential Actions and Statements

President Trump has adopted a confrontational approach toward House Republicans opposing his budget bill, explicitly warning them: “Don’t f— around with Medicaid” [1][2]. His communication style has intensified, with hostile comments reported at a Kennedy Center Dinner [3] and unsubstantiated claims that former President Biden delayed sharing his cancer diagnosis [4]. During a press briefing, Trump claimed Biden has “Stage 9” cancer [5]. Following a two-hour conversation with Russian President Putin, Trump failed to secure a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire [6] and subsequently characterized the Ukraine conflict as “not my problem” [7].

[1] Trump warns House Republicans, ‘Don’t f— around with Medicaid’, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/20/trump-medicaid-congress-bill.html
[2] ‘Don’t f–k around with Medicaid’: Trump moves to steamroll megabill opposition, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/20/trump-megabill-opposition-medicaid-00358394
[3] Trump Spirals at Kennedy Center Dinner: “I’ll Shove It Up Their Ass”, https://newrepublic.com/post/195469/trump-crude-rant-kennedy-center-dinner-speech
[4] Trump suggests without evidence that Biden delayed sharing his cancer diagnosis, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/19/nx-s1-5403887/trump-biden-cancer
[5] Donald Trump Says Joe Biden Has ‘Stage 9’ Cancer During Press Briefing, https://people.com/donald-trump-says-joe-biden-has-stage-9-cancer-11738513
[6] Trump and Putin talk more than 2 hours, but there’s no Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/19/nx-s1-5403585/trump-calls-putin-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-war-talks
[7] Trump’s New Position on the War in Ukraine: Not My Problem, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/20/us/politics/trump-ukraine-russia.html

1.2 Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

Elon Musk, head of DOGE, stated the department’s success depends on cooperation from both Congress and the Executive Branch [1]. DOGE has attempted to expand influence beyond the executive branch, with some targets reportedly pushing back [2]. Musk announced he will reduce his political spending, stating “I think I’ve done enough” [3], a withdrawal affecting Republican funding expectations [4]. His government role appears to be impacting his business interests, with reports that “The Reputation Scores of Musk’s Tesla and SpaceX Are Nosediving” [5].

[1] The success of DOGE depends on Congress and the Executive Branch, Elon Musk says, https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-doge-congress-executive-branch-progress-2025-5
[2] DOGE has tried to embed beyond the executive branch. Some targets have pushed back, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/17/nx-s1-5401392/doge-federal-agency-nonprofits-cpb-usip-vera-institute
[3] Musk to step back from political spending: ‘I think I’ve done enough’, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/20/elon-musk-political-spending-00358398
[4] Scorned Elon Turns Off Republicans’ Cash Gusher for Midterms, https://www.thedailybeast.com/scorned-elon-turns-off-republicans-cash-gusher-for-midterms/
[5] The Reputation Scores of Musk’s Tesla and SpaceX Are Nosediving, https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-reputation-scores-of-musks-tesla-and-spacex-are-nosediving/

1.3 Administration Controversies

A controversy has emerged regarding a Qatari aircraft and President Trump. Initially characterized as a “gift,” Qatar defended the arrangement as a “normal transaction” [1]. Subsequent reporting revealed Trump’s administration approached Qatar about acquiring the jet for presidential use [2] rather than it being an unsolicited gift. The Qatari Prime Minister denied the arrangement constitutes bribery [3]. In a separate controversy, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem faced criticism for incorrectly defining habeas corpus as “the President’s right to deport people” during Senate testimony [4].

[1] Qatar Defends Jet Gift to US, Calls It Normal Transaction, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-20/jet-gift-uproar-in-us-down-to-arab-nation-stereotype-qatar-says
[2] The Inside Story of Trump’s Search for a New Air Force One, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/us/politics/trump-air-force-one-qatar-jet.html
[3] Qatari PM denies Trump plane gift is bribery, https://www.politico.eu/article/qatar-defends-jumbo-jet-trump-bribery-allegations-transperancy-air-force-one/
[4] Noem Incorrectly Defines Habeas Corpus as the President’s Right to Deport People, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/20/us/politics/kristi-noem-habeas-corpus-deportations.html

2. Foreign Policy & International Relations

2.1 Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Peace prospects in Ukraine have deteriorated following communications between President Trump and Russian President Putin. After their call, Trump reportedly backed away from ceasefire efforts [1]. During a call with European Union leaders, Ukrainian President Zelensky had to remind Trump that peace talks were already underway [2]. Trump’s apparent deference to Putin during these communications “stunned European leaders” [3] and “seriously freaked out European allies” [4].

[1] Trump backs off ceasefire after call with Putin, letting fighting continue, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/20/trump-putin-call-ukraine-europe/
[2] Zelensky had to remind Trump peace talks already underway during call with EU leaders, Axios reports, https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-had-to-remind-trump-peace-talks-already-underway-axios-reports/
[3] Trump’s deference to Putin stunned European leaders on call, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/trump-putin-call-european-leaders-zelensky
[4] Trump Seriously Freaked Out European Allies on Call About Putin, https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-seriously-freaked-out-european-allies-on-call-about-vladimir-putin/

2.2 National Security Initiatives

President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have unveiled plans for a $175 billion space-based missile defense system called the “Golden Dome” [1][2]. The administration has selected a design and appointed leadership for this project, with reports indicating potential initial funding of $25 billion [3]. Trump stated that Canada has requested to join the missile-defense program [4]. The Pentagon has also initiated a “comprehensive review” into the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan [5].

[1] Trump and Hegseth unveil $175 billion plans for Golden Dome missile shield, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/trump-golden-dome-missile-shield-guetlein
[2] Trump selects $175 billion Golden Dome defense shield design, appoints leader, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-make-golden-dome-announcement-tuesday-us-official-says-2025-05-20/
[3] Trump to announce $25B funding for Golden Dome project, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/20/golden-dome-cost-trump-announcement-00359404
[4] Trump: Canada has asked to join missile-defence program, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-us-missile-defence-canada-1.7539390
[5] Pentagon chief orders ‘comprehensive review’ into 2021 US Afghanistan withdrawal, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pentagon-chief-orders-comprehensive-review-into-2021-us-afghanistan-withdrawal-2025-05-20/

2.3 Other International Developments

The Trump administration has negotiated deals to sell AI chips to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, drawing criticism from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer [1]. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Iranian proxy terrorism has not been included in negotiations with Iran [2]. The United States is preparing for potential extended conflict with China [3], while despite a recent trade truce, China maintains strategic control over rare earth minerals crucial for technology and defense industries [4].

[1] Schumer slams Trump-led deals to sell AI chips to Saudi Arabia, UAE, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5302029-schumer-trump-saudi-ai-chip-deals/
[2] Rubio: Iranian proxy terrorism hasn’t been part of negotiations with Iran, https://jewishinsider.com/2025/05/rubio-iran-proxy-terrorism-nuclear-negotiations-hearing-capitol-hill-state-department/
[3] US prepares for long war with China that might hit its bases, homeland, https://www.reuters.com/world/us-prepares-long-war-with-china-that-might-hit-its-bases-homeland-peter-apps-2025-05-16/
[4] China isn’t getting rid of its controls over rare earths, despite trade truce with US, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/20/business/china-rare-earth-export-controls-analysis-intl-hnk

3. Immigration & Border Policy

3.1 Deportation Actions and Enforcement

Immigration enforcement has intensified under the administration. According to a senator, migrant detentions at Guantanamo Bay cost $100,000 per person daily [1]. U.S. immigration authorities have begun deporting migrants to South Sudan [2], with Asian migrants reportedly included on these flights [3]. The administration imposed a $1.8 million fine on a mother of three U.S. citizens for failing to leave the country [4] and is considering using foreign aid funds to deport nearly 200,000 Ukrainians [5].

[1] Trump migrant detentions at Guantanamo Bay cost $100,000 per person daily, senator says, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-migrant-detentions-guantanamo-bay-cost-100000-per-person-daily-senator-2025-05-20/
[2] US immigration authorities appear to have begun deporting migrants to South Sudan, attorneys say, https://apnews.com/article/deportation-immigration-south-sudan-department-of-homeland-security-300e8c704402e2cb3c920d251b7fa876
[3] U.S. put Asian migrants on deportation flight to South Sudan, lawyers allege, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-deported-asian-migrants-south-sudan-lawyers-say/
[4] Mother of three US citizens hit with $1.8m ICE fine over her failure to leave the country, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ice-deportation-immigration-fine-honduras-b2754340.html
[5] Trump administration considers deporting nearly 200,000 Ukrainians using foreign aid funds, WP reports, https://kyivindependent.com/trump-administration-considers-deporting-nearly-200-000-ukrainians-using-foreign-aid-funds-wp-reports/

3.2 Legal Challenges

The Supreme Court has allowed the administration to move toward ending temporary deportation protections for Venezuelans [1] and issued a ruling that throws 350,000 migrants into uncertainty [2]. A judge ordered officials to allow attorneys access to a Venezuelan man held in a Salvadoran prison [3], while reports indicate at least 50 migrants sent to El Salvador prisons had actually entered the United States legally [4]. The Department of Justice has charged Democratic Representative LaMonica McIver with assault following an incident at an ICE facility in Newark [5].

[1] Supreme Court lets Trump move toward ending temporary deportation protections for Venezuelans, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/19/politics/supreme-court-tps-venezuelans
[2] Surprise Supreme Court Ruling Throws 350,000 Migrants Into Uncertainty, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-20/two-paragraph-ruling-throws-350-000-migrants-into-uncertainty
[3] Judge orders Trump administration to allow attorneys access to Venezuelan man in Salvadoran prison, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/venezuelan-man-admitted-us-refugee-sent-salvadoran-prison-rcna207642
[4] At least 50 migrants sent to El Salvador prison entered US legally, report finds, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/19/el-salvador-prison-migrants-us-report
[5] Rep. LaMonica McIver to be charged in New Jersey ICE clash, Justice Dept. says, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/19/rep-lamonica-mciver-charged-doj-ice/

4. Economic & Fiscal Policy

4.1 Budget and Tax Concerns

President Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax bill has raised significant concerns about its impact on the national debt [1], which reportedly has reached $36 trillion [2]. Deutsche Bank analysts warned the U.S. economy is experiencing “death by a thousand cuts” [3]. Senior Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee were reportedly “caught off guard” by Medicaid provisions in their own bill [4], while negotiations on State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction limits remain challenging [5].

[1] What Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Would Do to the National Debt, https://time.com/7286837/what-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-would-do-to-the-national-debt/
[2] The US has $36 trillion in debt. What does that mean, and who owns it?, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/20/the-us-has-36-trillion-in-debt-what-does-that-mean-and-who-owns-it
[3] U.S. economy is experiencing ‘death by a thousand cuts’, says Deutsche Bank, https://fortune.com/2025/05/20/us-economy-experiencing-death-by-thousand-cuts-deutsche-bank/
[4] ‘First time we were hearing of them’: The GOP megabill is packed with surprises for some Republicans, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/14/first-time-we-were-hearing-of-them-the-gop-megabill-is-packed-with-surprises-for-some-republicans-00350398
[5] SALT Deal Remains Elusive for House GOP as Trump, Lawmakers Meet, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-20/salt-agreement-remains-elusive-for-house-gop-on-trump-tax-bill

4.2 Tariffs and Trade Impact

A majority of U.S. companies report they must raise prices due to Trump’s tariffs [1], with shoes, clothing, and toys expected to become more expensive this summer [2]. Northwest farmers report being pushed “to the brink” by low commodity prices and trade war pressures [3]. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has warned markets are “too complacent” about tariffs and predicts a significant collapse in S&P 500 earnings growth [4]. The United States faces increased borrowing costs following a credit rating downgrade, with mortgage rates climbing above 7% [5].

[1] Majority of US companies say they have to raise prices due to Trump tariffs, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/20/trump-tariffs-prices-allianz-report
[2] Tariffs trigger price hikes: Shoes, clothing and toys to get more expensive this summer, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/retail/2025/05/19/tariff-price-hikes-summer-clothing/83722706007/
[3] Low prices and Trump’s trade war are pushing these Northwest farmers to the brink, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/19/nx-s1-5388501/low-prices-and-trumps-trade-war-are-pushing-these-northwest-farmers-to-the-brink
[4] JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon says markets too complacent on tariffs, expects S&P 500 earnings growth to collapse, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/19/trump-tariffs-jpmorgan-chase-ceo-jamie-dimon.html
[5] Mortgage rates climb back above 7% after Moody’s U.S. debt downgrade, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mortgage-interest-rate-7-percent-moodys-downgrade-economy/

5. Healthcare & Public Health

5.1 COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

The Food and Drug Administration is implementing significant changes to COVID-19 vaccine policy. Officials have established new requirements for COVID vaccines in healthy adults and children [1], with the FDA outlining stricter approval standards for boosters in healthy individuals [2]. Under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., COVID shots will reportedly only be available to people 65 and older and other high-risk individuals [3], with indications that vaccines likely will not be available for healthy children and adults this fall [4].

[1] Trump officials set new requirements for COVID vaccines in healthy adults and children, https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-fda-kennedy-covid-shots-rfk-trump-bb4de15b6ff955d6cd0b406aaec3cdc5
[2] FDA outlines stricter Covid vaccine booster approval standards for healthy people, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/20/fda-stricter-covid-vaccine-approval.html
[3] Under RFK Jr., COVID shots will only be available to people 65+, high-risk groups, https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/05/under-anti-vaccine-advocate-rfk-jr-fda-to-limit-access-to-covid-19-shots/
[4] FDA says Covid vaccines likely not available for healthy kids and adults this fall, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/covid-vaccines-fda-trials-delay-kids-adults-fall-rcna207718

6. Legislative & Legal Developments

6.1 Congressional Action

In a rare show of unanimity, the Senate unexpectedly passed the “No Tax on Tips Act” [1], which reportedly only applies to cash tips rather than all gratuities [2]. The Senate has advanced a cryptocurrency regulation bill with bipartisan support [3], and President Trump signed legislation making “revenge porn” a federal crime [4]. The Senate will attempt to block California vehicle standards that would phase out gas-powered cars [5].

[1] Senate unexpectedly passes the ‘No Tax on Tips Act’ in a unanimous vote, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-unexpectedly-passes-no-tax-tips-act-unanimous-vote-rcna208093
[2] “No tax on tips”, passed by the senate and awaiting vote on the house floor, only applies to cash tips, https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/129
[3] Senate Advances Crypto Regulation Bill With Bipartisan Support, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/us/politics/senate-crypto-regulation-bill.html
[4] Trump signs a bill to make posting ‘revenge porn’ a federal crime, https://apnews.com/article/trump-melania-intimate-imagery-bill-sign-c7416b4935f8ccac9fd2909e494da9f1
[5] Senate will try to block California vehicle standards that would phase out gas-powered cars, https://apnews.com/article/senate-california-epa-vehicle-emission-standards-656614ff3248f970a7b9aa91182e1139

6.2 Supreme Court and Justice Department

The Supreme Court has ordered the Maine legislature to revoke its censure of Republican Representative Laurel Libby over posts about a transgender student athlete and restore her voting rights [1]. A Trump Justice Department lawyer has suggested the possibility of criminal charges against former First Lady Jill Biden [2]. The U.S. government has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to the family of January 6 Capitol rioter Ashli Babbitt [3]. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio made controversial statements during congressional testimony, claiming that “no judge has authority over him” [4].

[1] Supreme Court orders Maine House to restore vote of GOP lawmaker who ID-ed trans teen athlete online, https://apnews.com/article/transgender-athletes-maine-republican-trump-1b8b45a95f935ee8c106a0fc9b285173
[2] Trump Justice Department Lawyer Floats Criminal Charges for Jill Biden, https://newrepublic.com/post/195478/trump-justice-department-lawyer-criminal-charges-jill-biden
[3] U.S. to pay nearly $5 million to family of Jan. 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt, https://wapo.st/4jcwiUe
[4] Marco Rubio Says No Judge Has Authority Over Him in Alarming Testimony, https://newrepublic.com/post/195519/marco-rubio-judge-authority-testimony-senate