[Wednesday, May 21] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-05-21 2206 words 11 minutes

Contents

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1. Trump Administration Policies and Diplomacy

1.1 National Security Initiatives

President Trump has initiated the “Golden Dome” missile defense program with a $175 billion budget allocation [1]. The administration has appointed a Space Force general to lead this major security initiative [2], and Trump has recently disclosed additional details about the system designed to protect the United States [3]. The program has generated international tension, with China expressing strong opposition, specifically accusing the U.S. of “turning space into a warzone” with the project [4].

[1] Trump taps Space Force general to lead $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense program, https://spacenews.com/trump-taps-space-force-general-to-lead-175-billion-golden-dome-missile-defense-program/

[2] Trump Reveals New Details About ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defense System To Protect U.S., https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-reveals-new-details-about-golden-dome-missile-defense-system-to-protect-u-s

[3] Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense plan draws sharp criticism from China | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/china-accuses-us-turning-space-warzone-trumps-golden-dome-missile-defense-project

[4] China accuses US of ’turning space into a warzone’ with Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense project, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/china-accuses-us-turning-space-warzone-trumps-golden-dome-missile-defense-project.amp

1.2 International Diplomacy

Multiple sources report a significant diplomatic confrontation during South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s White House visit. Trump confronted Ramaphosa with “white genocide claims” according to the New York Post [1]. Reports indicate Trump presented “video evidence” related to alleged threats against white South Africans [2], with one source claiming Ramaphosa “refused to watch a video compilation of South African politicians calling for the slaughter of white Afrikaners” while maintaining such threats are “a lie” [3].

In another diplomatic development, the Pentagon has “formally accepted a Qatar jet for Air Force One” according to Newsmax [4].

[1] Trump confronts South African president Cyril Ramaphosa with white genocide claims, https://nypost.com/2025/05/21/us-news/trump-confronts-south-african-president-cyril-ramaphosa-with-white-genocide-claims/

[2] President Trump Confronts South African President on Live TV with Video evidence of the Genocide of White Afrikaners., https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1925245681247432962?s=46

[3] The South African president, who says it is a lie that the white SA minority faces threats of mass violence, refused to watch a video compilation of South African politicians calling for the slaughter of white Afrikaners and stealing their property, https://v.redd.it/rcp3atho862f1

[4] Pentagon Formally Accepts Qatar Jet for Air Force One, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/trump-qatar-air-force-one-gift-plane/2025/05/21/id/1211841/

1.3 Domestic Policy Priorities

The Trump administration has approved a significant offshore wind project in New York state, but has made this approval conditional on the construction of two natural gas pipelines [1]. This decision illustrates the administration’s approach to energy development that balances renewable energy projects with traditional fossil fuel infrastructure.

President Trump has made strong statements regarding healthcare policy, emphasizing protection for Medicaid in what he describes as a “Big, Beautiful Bill” [2].

[1] Trump Green-Lights New York Offshore Wind Project in Exchange for Two Natural Gas Pipelines, https://freebeacon.com/energy/trump-green-lights-new-york-offshore-wind-project-in-exchange-for-two-natural-gas-pipelines/

[2] Trump Talks ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’: Don’t F*ck with Medicaid, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/05/20/dont-fck-around-with-medicaid-trump-talks-big-beautiful-bill-with-house-gop/

2. Economic and Legislative Developments

2.1 Budget and Economic Indicators

The United States has achieved a historic $258 billion budget surplus in the month of April 2025, primarily attributed to increased tax deposits and revenue from tariffs [1]. This fiscal development coincides with shifting public perceptions of economic conditions. Polling data indicates that the majority of voters now view the economy as strong under the Trump administration, marking the first time in several years that economic sentiment has been predominantly positive [2]. A Harvard/Harris poll confirms this trend, showing that for the first time since 2021, Americans believe the U.S. economy is “strong” [3].

Gas prices are reportedly declining ahead of the Memorial Day holiday, with one headline stating gas prices will reach their “cheapest price in 4 years” [4], while another claims prices “Could Hit Lowest Level In More Than Two Decades” [5].

[1] Historic $258 Billion U.S. Budget Surplus Driven by Tax Deposits and Tariff Revenues, https://stubx.info/historic-258-billion-u-s-budget-surplus-driven-by-tax-deposits-and-tariff-revenues/

[2] Most Voters See Economy As Strong Under Trump For The First Time In Years, Poll Says, https://dailycaller.com/2025/05/20/majority-americans-economy-strong-under-trump-first-time-years/

[3] Harvard/Harris Poll: For the first time since 2021, Americans believe US economy is “strong.”, https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1924533831899468057

[4] Gas set to reach cheapest price in 4 years in time for Memorial Day, https://www.kbtx.com/2025/05/20/gas-set-reach-cheapest-price-4-years-time-memorial-day/

[5] Memorial Day Gas Prices Could Hit Lowest Level In More Than Two Decades, https://www.dailywire.com/news/memorial-day-gas-prices-could-hit-lowest-level-in-more-than-two-decades

2.2 Tax Policy Reforms

Fox Business reports that President Trump’s “No Tax on Tips” proposal has passed through the Senate with bipartisan support, with a “Democrat helps pass” this legislation [1]. The Republican-controlled Senate has unanimously approved a substantial $25,000 tax break specifically for tipped workers [2]. In the House, Republican leaders have agreed to a $40,000 SALT cap, a notable shift in tax policy that could have substantial implications for taxpayers in high-tax states [3].

[1] Democrat helps pass Trump’s ‘No Tax on Tips’ promise through Senate, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trumps-no-tax-tips-plan-gets-unexpected-win-thanks-dem-senator

[2] Republican-led Senate unanimously approves $25,000 tax break for tipped workers, https://nypost.com/2025/05/21/us-news/senate-unanimously-approves-25000-tax-break-for-tipped-workers/

[3] House GOP Leaders Agree to $40K SALT Cap, https://www.newsmax.com/us/mike-johnson-house-salt/2025/05/21/id/1211776/

2.3 Federal Program Changes

Nebraska has become the first state in the nation to implement restrictions on what can be purchased with food stamps, specifically banning the use of these benefits for purchasing soda and energy drinks [1]. This state-level policy change could potentially influence similar reforms in other states or at the federal level.

[1] Nebraska becomes first state to ban food stamps for soda, energy drinks, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/health/nebraska-becomes-first-state-ban-food-stamps-soda-energy-drinks

3. Judicial System and Law Enforcement

3.1 Supreme Court and Judicial Tensions

A Supreme Court ruling related to Venezuelan gangs has prompted sharp criticism from a Trump-appointed judge who reportedly “obliterates” the Court’s decision [1]. In a separate development, another judge has criticized the Supreme Court for showing “disrespect” to former President Trump [2]. These judicial conflicts highlight tensions within the federal judiciary over immigration enforcement policies and treatment of the former president.

A judicial assignment controversy has emerged involving Judge Dugan, who has been assigned to work alongside a judge previously reprimanded for making political comments [3].

[1] Trump-appointed judge obliterates SCOTUS over Venezuelan gangs ruling, https://x.com/KaelanDC/status/1925030046256750733

[2] Judge slams Supreme Court for ‘disrespect’ to Trump, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/20/judge-slams-supreme-court-disrespect-trump/?utm_source=smartnews.com&utm_medium=smartnews&utm_campaign=smartnews%20

[3] A Judge of Her Peers? Judge Dugan Assigned a Judge Previously Rebuked for Political Comments, https://jonathanturley.org/2025/05/21/a-judge-of-her-peers-judge-dugan-assigned-a-judge-previously-rebuked-for-political-bias/

3.2 DOJ Actions and Investigations

The Justice Department is moving to cancel police reform settlements previously established with Minneapolis and Louisville [1]. The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into Cuomo concerning his COVID-related testimony to Congress [2]. Banks and Grassley are pressing the Pentagon Inspector General to provide answers regarding alleged misconduct by Mark Milley [3].

A U.S. attorney has established a new task force targeting sanctuary policies by “flooding the system with warrants” to address jurisdictions with policies limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement [4].

[1] Justice Department moves to cancel police reform settlements reached with Minneapolis and Louisville, https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-police-reform-george-floyd-9d7cf00be8477e3dcb2fe1a658d73667

[2] DOJ opens criminal investigation into Cuomo over COVID testimony to Congress | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doj-investigating-andrew-cuomo-allegedly-lying-about-covid-decisions

[3] Banks, Grassley Press Pentagon IG For Answers On Mark Milley’s ‘Alleged Misconduct’, https://thefederalist.com/2025/05/20/banks-grassley-press-pentagon-ig-for-answers-on-mark-milleys-alleged-misconduct/

[4] ‘Flood the system with warrants’: US attorney unleashes new task force to crack down on blue state’s sanctuary policies, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/flood-system-us-attorney-unleashes-new-task-force-crack-down-blue-states-sanctuary-policies

4. Biden Administration Legacy and Scrutiny

4.1 Health and Capacity Concerns

Former President Biden’s cognitive health remains under intense scrutiny. Commentator Michael Goodwin claims that Biden’s cognitive decline was more severe than previously acknowledged [1], while a book titled “Original Sin” reportedly details Biden’s health issues and alleges a systematic cover-up by his closest advisers [2]. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy has called for Democratic leaders to resign over what he characterizes as a “cover-up of Biden’s decline” [3]. A new book claims that “Jill Biden, ‘cabal’ of handlers ran the country” during the Biden presidency [4].

Jake Tapper has reportedly confirmed concerning details about who was “controlling” President Biden [5].

[1] Michael Goodwin: The cognitive decline of Joe Biden was worse than we thought, https://nypost.com/2025/05/20/opinion/michael-goodwin-the-cognitive-decline-of-joe-biden-was-worse-than-we-thought/

[2] Review: Original Sin details Biden’s declining health and a cover-up by closest advisers, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/reviews/article-biden-book-original-sin-jake-tapper-alex-thompson/

[3] Kevin McCarthy calls on Democratic leaders to resign over cover-up of Biden’s decline, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6372912983112

[4] Jill Biden, ‘cabal’ of handlers ran the country, new book claims | Fox News, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-09F0kBsl88

[5] Jake Tapper Confirms Who Was Controlling Joe Biden, and It’s Absolutely Scandalous, https://redstate.com/bonchie/2025/05/21/jake-tapper-reveals-who-was-controlling-the-biden-family-and-its-scandalous-n2189377

4.2 Policy Reviews and Investigations

Hegseth has established a special task force to investigate what is characterized as a “chaotic” U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan during Biden’s presidency [1]. Congressional Republicans are conducting an inquiry into Biden’s use of an autopen for official signatures, with preliminary findings apparently emerging [2].

Biden’s student loan forgiveness program has reportedly led to an increase in student loan defaults, undermining one of its stated goals [3]. In COVID-19 related matters, a report alleges the Biden administration concealed information about adverse reactions to COVID vaccines, including myocarditis [4]. The FDA has reportedly announced it will not approve COVID-19 vaccines for wide use until manufacturers conduct additional clinical trials [5].

[1] Hegseth Launches Special Task Force To Investigate Biden’s ‘Chaotic’ Afghanistan Withdrawal, https://thefederalist.com/2025/05/20/hegseth-launches-special-task-force-to-investigate-bidens-chaotic-afghanistan-withdrawal/

[2] What Republicans have found in their investigation of Biden’s autopen so far, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/3417527/republican-findings-biden-autopen-investigation/

[3] Biden forgives student loans and, behold, defaults skyrocket, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/may/20/biden-forgives-student-loans-behold-defaults-skyrocket/?utm_source=smartnews.com&utm_medium=smartnews&utm_campaign=smartnews%20

[4] BOMBSHELL: Report Lays Out How Biden Covered Up Deadly Side-Effects Of COVID Vaccine, https://www.dailywire.com/news/bombshell-biden-admin-covered-up-adverse-covid-vaccine-reactions-including-myocarditis

[5] FDA announces it will NOT approve COVID-19 vaccine for wide use until makers conduct major new clinical trials., https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1924999491888836749?s=46

5. International Relations and Security

5.1 Iran Nuclear Negotiations

Tensions are escalating in U.S.-Iran relations over uranium enrichment. Iran has rejected what is described as a U.S. “red line” on enrichment activities, increasing pressure on the Trump administration’s diplomatic strategy [1]. Commentary suggests that despite Iran’s defiant rhetoric, a credible deal would require Iran to completely halt uranium enrichment [2].

[1] Iran Rejects U.S. Red Line on Enrichment, Raising Stakes for Trump, https://www.meforum.org/mef-observer/iran-rejects-u-s-red-line-on-enrichment-raising-stakes-for-trump

[2] Ignore Iran’s tough talk — a serous deal means no more uranium enrichment, https://nypost.com/2025/05/20/opinion/ignore-irans-tough-talk-a-serous-deal-means-no-more-uranium-enrichment/

5.2 China Relations and Global Strategy

Analysis suggests China has strategically influenced global environmental movements to serve its national interests, allegedly promoting economic development policies for itself while encouraging economic constraints (“degrowth”) for Western nations [1]. This critique points to potential disparities in how environmental policies are applied internationally.

In global crime news, questions have emerged regarding potential terrorist connections in the attack on author Salman Rushdie, with speculation about whether his assailant received training from Hezbollah [2].

[1] How China co-opted the green movement — Development for Beijing, degrowth for us, https://unherd.com/2025/05/how-china-co-opted-the-green-movement/

[2] Was Rushdie’s Attacker Trained by Hezbollah?, https://www.thefp.com/p/was-rushdies-attacker-trained-by

6. Immigration and Border Security

6.1 Enforcement Actions and Judicial Challenges

Immigration enforcement activities have yielded mixed outcomes. In Denver, homicide rates have reportedly decreased by 58% following implementation of stronger immigration enforcement measures [1]. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly detained a U.S. citizen by mistake, though the headline suggests the citizen’s response contradicted prevailing media narratives about such incidents [2].

Vice President JD Vance has criticized what he terms “activist judges who keep stopping deportations,” indicating administration frustration with judicial interference in immigration enforcement [3]. In a specific case, a headline claims that a local judge is attempting to force the U.S. to bring back individuals who were deported to South Sudan [4].

[1] Imagine that: Homicides in Denver drop 58% after immigration crackdown, https://notthebee.com/article/imagine-that-homicides-in-denver-drop-58-after-immigration-crackdown

[2] ICE accidentally nabbed a US citizen. His response showed why the media’s narrative isn’t working., https://notthebee.com/article/ice-accidentally-grabs-a-us-citizen-for-deportation-his-response-demonstrates-why-the-medias-narrative-isnt-working

[3] Watch JD Vance spit fire about the activist judges who keep stopping deportations, https://notthebee.com/article/watch-jd-vance-spit-fire-about-the-activist-judges-who-keep-stopping-deportations

[4] A Local Judge is attempting to force the U.S. to BRING BACK literal CHILD RAPlSTS AND MURDERERS who were deported to South Sudan, per DHS’s @TriciaOhio, https://x.com/nicksortor/status/1925197730223145088

Law enforcement in New York City has arrested a 15-year-old migrant allegedly connected to a gang identified as “Little Devil” for robbing an autistic American teenager [1]. The headline specifies this is not the first such incident, suggesting a pattern of criminal activity involving young migrants affiliated with this particular gang in the city.

A report states that a “Tennessee Democrat brags about stalking and ‘bullying’ ICE agents with her ‘girl squad’” [2], though the specific Democrat is not identified in the headline.

[1] Another 15-year-old migrant tied to baby-faced ‘Little Devil’ gang busted in NYC robbery of autistic American teen, https://nypost.com/2025/05/20/us-news/another-15yo-tied-to-baby-faced-little-devil-gang-busted-in-nyc-robbery-of-autistic-teen-sources/

[2] Tennessee Democrat brags about stalking and “bullying” ICE agents with her “girl squad”, https://notthebee.com/article/tennessee-democrat-records-herself-bragging-about-harassing-and-bullying-ice-agents-with-her-girl-squad

7.1 Healthcare Ethics and Education Issues

Delaware has enacted legislation legalizing assisted suicide, becoming the eleventh state in the nation to establish such a statute [1]. This development represents a significant expansion of end-of-life options in the state.

Kennedy has publicly criticized what he describes as “shadow partners” of the World Health Organization, alleging these entities prioritize financial profits over patient wellbeing [2]. At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), employees have reportedly protested against Dr. Bhattacharya [3], though the headline doesn’t specify his position or the nature of the dispute.

The New York Post reports significant disruption at “Columbia University commencement” including “arrests, diploma-burning, mayhem and chaos” [4], though the causes of the disturbances are not specified in the headline.

[1] Delaware’s assisted suicide bill signed into law, making it the 11th state with such a statute | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/delawares-assisted-suicide-bill-signed-law-making-11th-state-statute

[2] Profits Before Patients: Kennedy’s Call-Out of WHO’s Shadow Partners, https://pjmedia.com/david-manney/2025/05/20/profits-before-patients-kennedys-call-out-of-whos-shadow-partners-n4940003

[3] NIH Employees Protest Dr. Bhattacharya Telling Them the Truth, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2025/05/21/nih-employees-protest-dr-bhattacharya-telling-them-the-truth-n3802982

[4] Columbia University commencement results in arrests, diploma-burning, mayhem and chaos, https://nypost.com/2025/05/21/us-news/columbia-university-commencement-results-in-arrests-diploma-burning-mayhem-and-chaos/