[Wednesday, May 21] 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. Immigration and Border Security

1.1 South Sudan Deportation Crisis and Court Challenges

The Trump administration faces serious legal repercussions over deportations to South Sudan. A judge has ruled the administration “violated court order(s)” [1] [2] and officials potentially face “criminal contempt” charges [3]. Reports indicate Vietnamese and Burmese migrants were “illegally deported” to South Sudan [4], with a judge mandating U.S. officials “keep custody of migrants flown to South Sudan” [5].

In other enforcement actions, reports claim “Trump sent 50 Venezuelans to prison in El Salvador” despite allegedly being “in the US legally” [6]. Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil’s detention has gained attention, with ICE reportedly denying his request “to hold his newborn baby” [7] despite video allegedly showing him “cooperating with ICE agents before he was detained” [8].

[1] Judge rules Trump administration violated court order by attempting to deport migrants to South Sudan, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/21/trump-deportations-south-sudan
[2] Judge says Trump administration ‘unquestionably’ violated court order with deportations to South Sudan, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/trump-deportations-south-sudan-rcna208318
[3] Trump officials could face criminal contempt over South Sudan deportations, judge says, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-contempt-court-south-sudan-b2755543.html
[4] Trump officials ‘illegally deported’ Vietnamese and Burmese migrants to South Sudan, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/20/trump-administration-deported-migrants-south-sudan
[5] Judge orders US officials to keep custody of migrants flown to South Sudan, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/20/judge-migrants-south-sudan?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
[6] Trump sent 50 Venezuelans to prison in El Salvador. They were in the US legally., https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/05/20/trump-sent-legal-venezuelans-el-salvador-prison/83744579007/
[7] ICE denied request for Mahmoud Khalil to hold his newborn baby, wife and ACLU say, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mahmoud-khalil-hold-newborn-baby-ice-denied-request-aclu/
[8] Video appears to show Mahmoud Khalil cooperating with ICE agents before he was detained | The federal government had argued the Columbia University activist was a flight risk and could be apprehended without a warrant., https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/video-appears-show-mahmoud-khalil-cooperating-ice-agents-was-detained-rcna207849

1.2 Immigration Enforcement Initiatives

The Department of Homeland Security has requested 20,000 National Guard troops for immigration enforcement operations [1] while expanding deportation targets to include new demographic groups [2]. Secretary Noem has claimed that habeas corpus gives her authority to “remove people from this country” [3], drawing criticism from those who say she “appears not to know what ‘habeas corpus’ means” [4] and warnings that “suspending habeas corpus is a hand grenade on America’s heart” [5].

[1] DHS asks for 20,000 National Guard troops for immigration roundups, Pentagon reviewing request, https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-troops-immigration-dhs-raids-8cbec5b0872a57b594fd75dce57f4dd0
[2] How Trump Has Targeted New Groups for Deportation, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/05/21/us/trump-immigration-policy.html
[3] Trump’s Homeland Security secretary says habeas corpus lets him ‘remove people from this country’, https://apnews.com/article/noem-homeland-security-habeas-corpus-trump-338604206f40fed32c2790608d3e5da6
[4] Kristi Noem appears not to know what ‘habeas corpus’ means, https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/05/20/kristi-noem-habeas-corpus-meaning/
[5] Suspending Habeas Corpus Is a Hand Grenade on America’s Heart | Opinion, https://www.newsweek.com/talk-suspending-habeas-corpus-hand-grenade-americas-heart-opinion-2074845

2. National Security and Defense

2.1 Golden Dome Missile Defense System

President Trump has unveiled plans for a missile defense initiative called the “Golden Dome” [1], with reported costs ranging from $25 billion [2] to $175 billion over three years [3] to as high as “$500 billion” [4]. The project has sparked controversy over Elon Musk’s involvement, with reports of “fury” over his bid to build the system [5] and Democratic lawmakers calling for investigations [4].

Internationally, Canada is reportedly discussing joining the program [6] while China has expressed being “gravely concerned” by the plan [7] and accused the US of “turning space into a warzone” [8]. Details about the system’s capabilities and timeline remain unclear, though it appears designed to counter both ballistic and hypersonic missile threats from adversaries.

[1] Trump says U.S. has chosen plan for ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/20/trump-golden-dome-missile-defense/
[2] Trump announces $25 billion and architectural design for “Golden Dome” missile defense system, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-golden-dome-25-billion-dollar-missile-defense/
[3] Trump unveils $175B, 3-year price tag for Golden Dome, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/20/trump-golden-dome-price-tag-00360876
[4] Furious Democrats call for investigation into Musk’s bid to help build Trump’s ‘$500 billion’ Golden Dome project, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/elon-musk-golden-dome-trump-democrats-b2755109.html
[5] Fury Over Musk Bid to Build Trump’s $175 Billion Golden Dome, https://www.thedailybeast.com/fury-over-musk-bid-to-build-trumps-175-billion-golden-dome/
[6] Canada discusses joining US Golden Dome missile defence programme, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4ee9jmk17o
[7] China ‘gravely concerned’ by Trump Golden Dome plan, https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5311271-china-gravely-concerned-by-trump-golden-dome-plan/
[8] 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

2.2 Defense Department Developments

The Department of Defense has formally accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar as a gift intended for President Trump [1] [2]. The “super-luxury 747” will require significant modifications by the US Air Force, potentially costing “up to $1 billion to upgrade” [3]. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated monthly Christian prayer services within the Pentagon [4] and ordered a “comprehensive review” into the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan [5].

[1] U.S. Formally Accepts Luxury Jet From Qatar for Trump, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/21/us/politics/qatar-plane-trump-air-force-one.html
[2] Pentagon accepts luxury jet from Qatar to use as Air Force One, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pentagon-accepts-luxury-jet-qatar-air-force/story?id=122038664
[3] The US Air Force Has Been Tasked With Modifying the Qatari Jet Gifted to Trump. It Could Cost $1 Billion to Upgrade, https://www.businessinsider.com/us-air-force-tasked-modifying-qatar-boeing-jet-gifted-trump-2025-5
[4] Hegseth hosts first meeting of what he says will be a monthly Christian prayer service at Pentagon, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/21/politics/hegseth-pentagon-christian-prayer-service
[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/

3. Trump Administration and Executive Actions

3.1 Presidential Diplomacy

President Trump’s meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sparked controversy when Trump confronted Ramaphosa with claims described by multiple media outlets as “false” [1] and “baseless” [2] regarding systematic killings of white farmers in South Africa. During what was characterized as a “tense” meeting [3], Trump reportedly made Ramaphosa watch videos supporting these claims [4] and displayed visuals from the Democratic Republic of Congo as purported evidence of South African “genocide” [5]. Ramaphosa responded with a pointed reference to Trump’s acceptance of a Qatari jet, saying: “I’m Sorry I Don’t Have a Plane to Give You” [6].

The meeting was reportedly orchestrated by White House staff [7] and comes amid tensions over U.S. plans to resettle white Afrikaners [8]. Despite the confrontational nature of the exchange, Ramaphosa attempted to pivot the conversation toward trade opportunities between the two nations.

[1] Trump confronts South Africa’s Ramaphosa with false claims of white genocide, https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/under-attack-by-trump-south-africas-ramaphosa-responds-with-trade-deal-offer-2025-05-21/
[2] Trump confronts South African leader with baseless claims of the systematic killing of white farmers, https://apnews.com/article/trump-ramaphosa-south-africa-9ce43dd5a9cd58e912653c99a8ab1944
[3] Trump Ambushes South African President With False ‘White Genocide’ Claims in Tense Oval Office Meeting, https://time.com/7287527/trump-south-africa-ramaphosa-oval-office/
[4] In a tense meeting, Trump makes the South African president watch videos promoting false claims of ‘white genocide’, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/criticizing-south-africa-months-trump-will-meet-president-rcna207684
[5] Trump Displays DRC Visual As Proof Of South African ‘Genocide’, https://www.barrons.com/news/trump-displays-drc-visual-as-proof-of-south-african-genocide-91b7a7b3
[6] South African President Calls Out Trump: ‘I’m Sorry I Don’t Have a Plane to Give You’, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-ramaphosa-south-africa-white-farmer-genocide-1235345116/
[7] How the White House orchestrated Trump’s Oval Office ambush of South African president, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/21/politics/trump-ramaphosa-oval-office-ambush
[8] Trump to host South Africa’s president amid tensions over US resettlement of white Afrikaners, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-host-south-africas-president-amid-tensions-us/story?id=122002870

3.2 DOGE Operations and Transparency Issues

The Department of Government Efficiency faces mounting scrutiny over transparency and potential conflicts of interest. The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to block watchdog access to DOGE documents [1] and to keep DOGE records secret [2]. A significant policy decision included NIH grants being “killed on orders from Elon Musk’s DOGE,” with court documents suggesting “the cost-cutting force has broad control over the world’s largest public biomedical funder” [3].

Elon Musk’s standing within the administration appears to be deteriorating according to reports titled “The Decline and Fall of Elon Musk” [4] and claiming the “Entire Trump Team Hated Elon Musk” [5]. Reports also mention an altercation between Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with the exchange occurring in earshot of President Trump [6]. The DOGE department is also facing staffing challenges with “top nuke officials” acknowledging problems resulting from “DOGE layoffs” [7].

[1] Trump administration asks Supreme Court to block watchdog access to DOGE documents, https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-doge-freedom-information-records-trump-14a1773b42ddad1e3367a39750a84bef
[2] Trump administration asks Supreme Court to keep DOGE records secret, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/21/supreme-court-doge-foia-appeal-00362263
[3] NIH killed grants on orders from Elon Musk’s DOGE. Court documents and internal correspondence show the cost-cutting force has broad control over the world’s largest public biomedical funder., https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-01617-8
[4] The Decline and Fall of Elon Musk, https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/05/elon-musk-doge-opponents-dc/682866/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_content=edit-promo
[5] “Fk You”: Entire Trump Team Hated Elon Musk, Damning Report Reveals. Elon Musk has left the White House an utter failure., https://newrepublic.com/post/195599/donald-trump-team-hated-elon-musk-new-report
[6] Elon Musk Suffered Humiliating West Wing Tongue-Lashing: ‘F* You! F*** You!’ - Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had a screaming match in April, with President Donald Trump in earshot., https://www.thedailybeast.com/elon-musk-suffered-humiliating-west-wing-tongue-lashing-by-scott-bessent-f-you-f-you/
[7] Top nuke officials admit staffing challenges after DOGE layoffs, hiring freeze, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/21/nuclear-weapons-leaders-describe-workforce-woes-doge/83770727007/

4. Economic and Fiscal Policy

4.1 “Big Beautiful Bill” Tax and Budget Legislation

A major Republican tax and budget bill is facing scrutiny following a Congressional Budget Office analysis, which found the legislation primarily benefits wealthy Americans [1] while adding $3.8 trillion to the national debt [2], with Axios referring to the situation as “Trump’s $4 trillion deficit bomb” [3]. Critics have described the package as an “unparalleled wealth transfer from poor to rich” [4].

House Republican lawmakers are proposing approximately $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and food stamps [5], with reporting indicating Republicans are “uniting around sweeping Medicaid cuts” [6]. However, President Trump has reportedly warned House Republicans against making these changes, stating: “Don’t f— around with Medicaid” [7]. The bill faces resistance, with Speaker Johnson summoned for negotiations with holdout lawmakers [8] and facing an “11th-hour conservative revolt” [9] just before a critical vote.

[1] Wealthy gain, low-income people lose from GOP megabill, analysis finds - The report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office is already fueling Democratic accusations that the legislation is a giveaway to the rich., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/21/cbo-wealthy-gain-low-income-people-lose-from-gop-megabill-00361987
[2] Trump tax cuts would add $3.8 trillion to debt: CBO, https://thehill.com/business/5309473-trump-tax-policies-national-debt/
[3] Trump’s $4 trillion deficit bomb, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/21/trump-tax-cuts-budget-deficit-debt
[4] CBO Report Shows Trump-GOP Bill Would Spur Unparalleled Wealth Transfer From Poor to Rich, https://www.commondreams.org/news/republican-wealth-transfer
[5] House GOP lawmakers are proposing nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and food stamps. Here’s who could be impacted, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/21/politics/medicaid-food-stamps-gop-proposed-cuts
[6] House Republicans Unite Around Sweeping Medicaid Cuts, https://prospect.org/health/2025-05-21-house-republicans-unite-sweeping-medicaid-cuts/
[7] Trump warns House Republicans, ‘Don’t f— around with Medicaid’, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/20/trump-medicaid-congress-bill.html?__source=reddit%7Cmain
[8] Speaker Johnson and Republicans head to the White House as Trump’s tax breaks bill hits trouble, https://apnews.com/article/congress-republicans-tax-cuts-bill-deficit-trump-2baff1acf9bdf6060fd584c93c97a88b
[9] Mike Johnson faces 11th-hour conservative revolt on Trump’s big bill, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/21/mike-johnson-budget-bill-trump-salt-taxes

4.2 Economic Impacts and Market Reactions

Financial markets are experiencing significant volatility in response to Republican fiscal policies. The Republican spending bill is reportedly “sending yields soaring and creating a major market headache” [1], while a substantial market decline has occurred with the “Dow closes down 800 points as bond sell-off rattles markets” [2]. The U.S. debt is reportedly on pace to reach historically unprecedented levels, “going all the way back to 1790” [3].

In energy policy, the U.S. government has redirected Puerto Rico solar power funds to oil plants [4], reversing previous renewable energy initiatives. Tourism is also affected, with reports that “Tourists are cancelling trips to the US” with travel spending projected to “fall 7 per cent this year” [5].

[1] The Republican spending bill is sending yields soaring and creating a major market headache, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/21/republican-spending-bill-driving-up-yields-and-creating-a-major-headache.html
[2] Dow closes down 800 points as bond sell-off rattles markets, https://abcnews.go.com/Business/dow-closes-800-points-bond-sell-off-rattles/story?id=122047944
[3] U.S. Debt Is on Pace to Set a Record High, Going All the Way Back to 1790, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/20/upshot/record-debt-republicans-bill.html?smid=url-share
[4] US redirects Puerto Rico solar power funds to oil plants, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-redirects-365-million-biden-had-set-puerto-rico-solar-power-2025-05-21/
[5] Tourists are cancelling trips to the US - travel spending will fall 7 per cent this year, experts say, https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/tourists-cancelling-holidays-us-america-b2754295.html

5. Healthcare and Social Policy

5.1 Healthcare and Civil Rights Initiatives

The Department of Justice has taken dramatic steps to roll back police reform measures first established during the George Floyd era. Multiple reports indicate that the DOJ is abandoning previously settled reform agreements reached with Minneapolis and Louisville following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor [1] [2] and has halted several investigations into major police departments [3]. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump—who represented Floyd’s family—has warned that achieving justice now appears “more daunting than ever” [4].

On the healthcare front, disability rights activists warn that Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” “Is Going to Kill People” [5] while the Food and Drug Administration is reportedly planning to restrict COVID-19 vaccine access to only those over age 65 or possessing high-risk health conditions [6]. The U.S. Army has reversed its previous practice by changing transgender soldiers’ records to reflect their birth sex rather than their stated gender identity [7].

[1] DOJ abandons police reform settlements over deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/21/police-reforms-george-floyd-breonna-taylor/83766904007/
[2] Justice Department to ax Biden-era police reform agreements with Minneapolis and Louisville, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/21/doj-biden-police-reform-agreements-00362247
[3] Justice Department ends police reform agreements and halts investigations into major departments, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/21/politics/justice-department-consent-decree-police-department
[4] Ben Crump represented George Floyd’s family. Justice is ‘more daunting than ever.’, https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2025/0521/george-floyd-ben-crump-black-lives-matter-police
[5] “It Is Going to Kill People”: Disability Rights Activist Speaks Out on Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill”, https://www.democracynow.org/2025/5/21/disability_rights_activists_budget_bill
[6] FDA plans to limit COVID shots to those over 65 or with high-risk conditions, https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Health/fda-plans-limit-covid-shots-65-high-risk/story?id=122030887
[7] US Army to change transgender soldiers’ records to birth sex, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-army-change-transgender-soldiers-records-birth-sex-2025-05-21/

6. Foreign Policy

U.S. intelligence suggests Israel is preparing for a possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities [1] [2], a development that has triggered oil price surges [3]. Analysis suggests a potential “rift” between Trump and Netanyahu centered on Gaza and Iran policies [4].

In Ukraine policy, President Trump’s “new position” on the Russia-Ukraine war is characterized as “Not My Problem” [5]. Secretary of State Marco Rubio “Dodges Question If Putin Is a ‘War Criminal’” [6] while the European Union has stepped in with a €5.5 million lifeline to support Radio Free Europe following Trump’s spending cuts [7]. Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn criticism, with some analyses suggesting that their so-called “bromance” has not produced substantive policy results [8].

[1] New intelligence suggests Israel is preparing possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, US officials say, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/20/politics/intelligence-israel-possible-strike-iran-nuclear-facilities?cid=ios_app
[2] US intel suggests Israel preparing strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, CNN reports, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-intel-suggests-israel-preparing-strike-irans-nuclear-facilities-cnn-reports-2025-05-20/
[3] Oil Surges on Report That Israel Is Preparing to Strike Iran, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-20/latest-oil-market-news-and-analysis-for-may-21
[4] The Trump–Netanyahu ‘Rift’ Hinges on Gaza and Iran | For the administration to achieve its goals in the Middle East, more daylight between the U.S. and Israel is necessary., https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-trump-netanyahu-rift-hinges-on-gaza-and-iran/
[5] 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
[6] Marco Rubio Dodges Question If Putin Is a ‘War Criminal’: ‘It’s Not a Simple Answer’, https://www.latintimes.com/marco-rubio-dodges-question-if-putin-war-criminal-its-not-simple-answer-583590
[7] EU throws Radio Free Europe a €5.5 million lifeline after Trump’s cuts, https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/eu-throws-radio-free-europe-a-e5-5-million-lifeline-after-trumps-cuts/
[8] Friends without benefits: How the long-running Trump-Putin bromance is still not delivering, https://www.nbcnews.com/world/russia/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-war-ceasefire-talks-zelenskyy-turkey-rcna207903

7. Congressional and Political Developments

Democratic Representative Gerry Connolly of Virginia has died at age 75 [1], reportedly the third sitting member of Congress to die within three months [2]. Elon Musk, described as the “Republican Party’s biggest donor,” has stated he will cut political spending [3], with reports indicating his pullback comes “after his last big investment was a flop” [4].

In state politics, Florida’s GOP has flipped Miami-Dade County in voter registration “for the first time in history” [5], while Democrats won a New York state Senate race in what’s described as a “Trump-friendly district” [6]. Donald Trump Jr. has discussed running for president, stating that “that calling is there” [7], while a Newsweek headline reports that “Donald Trump’s approval rating underwater on nearly all key issues” [8].

[1] Democratic Virginia congressman Gerry Connolly dies aged 75, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/21/gerry-connolly-death-virginia-democrat
[2] Democratic Congressman Is the Third to Die in Office in Three Months, https://www.thedailybeast.com/democratic-congressman-gerry-connolly-is-the-third-to-die-in-office-in-three-months/
[3] Musk, Republican Party’s biggest donor, says he will cut political spending, https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/elon-musk-says-he-is-still-committed-being-tesla-ceo-5-years-time-2025-05-20/
[4] Elon Musk’s pullback from politics comes after his last big investment was a flop, https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-wisconsin-campaign-donations-2aabeb33e70915c88bcc9ba2df3327c6
[5] Florida GOP flips Miami-Dade in voter registration for first time in history, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5307407-florida-republicans-flip-miami-dade/
[6] Democrats win New York state Senate race in Trump-friendly district, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5310726-democrat-sam-sutton-wins-new-york-seat/amp/
[7] Donald Trump Jr on running for president: “that calling is there”, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/donald-trump-jr-running-president-that-calling-is-there-2025-05-21/
[8] Donald Trump’s approval rating underwater on nearly all key issues, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-approval-rating-polls-2075092