[Friday, May 23] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Trump Administration Executive Authority and Governance

1.1 Presidential Powers and Court Rulings

The Supreme Court has dramatically expanded presidential authority by granting President Trump’s request to fire independent agency members, while explicitly exempting the Federal Reserve and Chairman Jerome Powell [1]. Justice Kagan issued a dissent condemning the elevation of “President over our precedent” [2]. This ruling is described by critics as “killing the independent agency” [3]. Chief Justice Roberts has separately stayed a lower court order that would have required DOGE to surrender documents to a watchdog organization [4].

References – 1.1:
[1] Supreme Court grants Trump request to fire independent agency members but says Federal Reserve is different | The court indicated its decision doesn’t necessarily apply to the central bank and Chairman Jerome Powell — a frequent target of Trump’s criticism on economic matters., https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-trump-request-fire-independent-agency-members-rcna201152
[2] ‘President over our precedent’: Kagan roasts Trump and his ‘subservient’ administration in fiery dissent after SCOTUS gives him green light to purge Biden-appointed agency heads, https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/president-over-our-precedent-kagan-roasts-trump-and-his-subservient-administration-in-fiery-dissent-after-scotus-gives-him-green-light-to-purge-biden-appointed-agency-heads/
[3] Supreme Court Kills The Independent Agency. Trump Is King, https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/supreme-court-trump-independent-agency
[4] Chief Justice Roberts stays order requiring DOGE to hand over documents to watchdog group, https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/politics/federal-fallout/chief-justice-roberts-stays-order-requiring-doge-to-hand-over-documents-to-watchdog-group-scotus-crew-government-efficiency-elon-musk/65-0faadc3d-c30b-4072-9695-43e46b521c31

1.2 Presidential Actions and DOGE Operations

President Trump is set to sign orders to boost nuclear power as early as Friday [1]. The administration hosted a “memecoin contest” dinner that drew bipartisan criticism for allegedly selling access to the president [2], generating $148 million amid distribution of $100,000 gem-encrusted watches [3]. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is expanding his Grok AI system throughout government operations, raising conflict of interest concerns [4]. Officials are implementing polygraph tests to identify even minor information leaks [5].

References – 1.2:
[1] Trump to sign orders to boost nuclear power as soon as Friday, sources say, https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/trump-sign-orders-boost-nuclear-power-soon-friday-sources-say-2025-05-22/
[2] Winners of Trump’s Memecoin Contest Begin to Gather for Dinner • The sale of access to the president to investors in his digital coin has been assailed by Democrats and even some Republicans as unethical., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/22/us/politics/trump-memecoin-dinner.html
[3] Presidential seals, ’light vetting,’ $100,000 gem-encrusted watches, and a Marriott afterparty | Inside the $TRUMP coin dinner, https://www.theverge.com/politics/673870/trump-meme-coin-dinner-justin-sun-watch-presidential-seal
[4] Musk’s DOGE expanding his Grok AI in US government, raising conflict concerns, https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/musks-doge-expanding-his-grok-ai-us-government-raising-conflict-concerns-2025-05-23/
[5] Trump officials are using polygraph tests to flush out even minor leaks, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/with-polygraphs-probes-trump-administration-chases-even-minor-leaks-2025-05-23/

1.3 Agency Restructuring

DHS staff are being inserted into FEMA before hurricane season begins [1], while FEMA denied North Carolina’s Hurricane Helene disaster aid request [2]. The newly appointed head of Social Security—recruited from Wall Street—reportedly told staff he had to Google the job when offered the position [3]. Internal documents reveal operational dysfunction at the Department of Veterans Affairs that is actively jeopardizing patient care [4].

References – 1.3:
[1] DHS inserts staffers at FEMA in major shakeup before hurricane season, https://lite.cnn.com/2025/05/22/politics/fema-staff-shakeup-homeland-security-dhs
[2] Trump’s FEMA Denies North Carolina’s Request for Hurricane Helene Aid, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/fema-denies-north-carolina-request-hurricane-helene-aid-1235347521/
[3] New head of Social Security, hired from Wall Street, tells staff he had to Google the job when he was offered it, https://abcnews.go.com/US/new-head-social-security-hired-wall-street-tells/story?id=122075152
[4] Disarray at Department of Veterans Affairs imperils patient care, internal documents reveal, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/23/veterans-affairs-doge-musk

2. Economic and Trade Policy

2.1 Tariffs and International Trade

President Trump has threatened sweeping new tariffs, including 50% duties on European Union imports [1] and 25% penalties on Apple products not manufactured in the United States [2]. He justified the EU tariff decision by claiming trade talks were “going nowhere” [3]. These actions triggered significant market disruptions, described by analysts as a “scorched earth trade war” [4]. Puerto Rico is actively pursuing manufacturing facilities displaced by escalating trade tensions [5].

References – 2.1:
[1] Trump threatens 50% tariffs on EU and 25% penalties on Apple as his trade war intensifies, https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariff-apple-iphone-tax-170021e8fad22878d0183b5d48971087
[2] Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs on Apple if iPhones Not Made in US, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-23/trump-threatens-25-tariffs-on-apple-if-iphones-not-made-in-us
[3] Trump says he is hitting EU with 50% tariff as trade talks are ‘going nowhere’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/23/trump-eu-tariff-us-trade-talks
[4] Trump Hammers the Markets with New Scorched Earth Trade War on Apple and Europe, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-brings-back-his-scorched-earth-tariff-war-with-fresh-threats-to-apple-and-europe/
[5] Puerto Rico seeks to lure manufacturing to boost its economy as Trump’s tariff war deepens, https://apnews.com/article/puerto-rico-us-tariffs-manufacturing-pharmaceuticals-529be76078147a4e31f3a69686d801a2

2.2 Domestic Economic Impact

The Trump administration has cut scientific research funding to its lowest level in decades [1]. States have been forced to cancel millions in rural broadband investments following the administration’s termination of the Digital Equity Act, reportedly because the legislation contained the word “equity” [2]. Moody’s downgrade has intensified investor concerns about the U.S. fiscal trajectory [3].

References – 2.2:
[1] Trump Has Cut Science Funding to Its Lowest Level in Decades, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/05/22/upshot/nsf-grants-trump-cuts.html
[2] States Forced to Kill Millions in Rural Broadband Investment After Trump Illegally Kills the Digital Equity Act… Simply for Having the Word ‘Equity’ in it., https://www.techdirt.com/2025/05/22/states-forced-to-kill-millions-in-rural-broadband-investment-after-trump-illegally-kills-the-digital-equity-act-simply-for-having-the-word-equity-in-it/
[3] 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/

3. Immigration and Border Security

3.1 Harvard International Student Ban

The Trump administration blocked Harvard University from enrolling international students [1], impacting nearly 7,000 students [2]. Harvard promptly filed a lawsuit [3], and a federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration’s action [4]. International responses have been swift, with Chinese educational institutions offering “unconditional offers” to affected students [5] and Germany reportedly offering Harvard an “exile campus” [6].

References – 3.1:
[1] Trump administration ends Harvard’s ability to enrol international students, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05768jmm11o
[2] Harvard University leaders send support to nearly 7,000 international students in the face of Noem’s threat, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/harvard-university-international-students-noem-trump-b2756490.html
[3] Harvard Says It Sues US Over Trump Foreign Student Ban, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-23/harvard-says-it-sues-us-over-trump-foreign-student-ban
[4] Judge blocks Trump administration from revoking Harvard enrollment of foreign students, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/harvard-sues-trump-administration-blocking-enrollment-foreign-students-2025-05-23/
[5] Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Gives Harvard International Students ‘Unconditional Offers’, https://www.newsweek.com/harvard-hkust-china-college-international-students-offer-2076257
[6] Germany Offers Harvard `Exile Campus’ After Trump Escalation, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-23/germany-offers-harvard-exile-campus-after-trump-escalation

3.2 Border Enforcement

The Pentagon is deploying more than 1,100 additional troops to the southern border [1]. The Trump administration is seeking to end basic rights and protections for immigrant children in government custody [2]. ICE has launched a nationwide initiative to arrest undocumented immigrants when they appear for scheduled immigration hearings [3]. Border czar Tom Homan’s security detail reportedly costs approximately $1 million per month [4].

References – 3.2:
[1] Pentagon is sending more than 1,100 extra troops to the southern border, report says, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/pentagon-troops-mexico-border-trump-b2756590.html
[2] Trump administration seeks to end basic rights and protections for child immigrants in its custody, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/22/trump-children-flores-settlement-agreement
[3] ICE begins new, nationwide effort to arrest illegal aliens at immigration hearings, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ice-begins-new-nationwide-effort-arrest-illegal-aliens-immigration-hearings
[4] Border czar Tom Homan’s security detail costs around $1 million a month, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-border-czar-tom-homan-security-detail-costs/

4. Congressional Legislation and Politics

4.1 “Big Beautiful Bill” Controversy

President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” passed by just one vote [1] but has encountered significant Republican resistance in the Senate [2]. At least seven specific aspects of the House megabill have drawn Senate GOP opposition [3]. Congressional Budget Office analysis indicates the bill could result in millions losing food assistance [4]. The White House stated that President Trump wants to support primary challenges against Republicans who voted against his supported legislation [5].

References – 4.1:
[1] 1-vote victory for Trump’s big bill inflames Democratic clash over aging leaders, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/1-vote-victory-trumps-big-bill-inflames-democratic-clash-aging-leaders-rcna208613
[2] Republican Senators Sound Alarm on Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful’ Bill., https://www.newsweek.com/republican-senators-sound-alarm-trump-big-beautiful-bill-2076122
[3] 7 things Senate Republicans hate about the House megabill, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/22/megabill-senate-republican-changes-00366407
[4] Millions could lose food assistance under GOP’s ‘big, beautiful bill,’ CBO says, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/23/politics/food-assistance-gop-big-beautiful-bill-cbo
[5] White House Says Trump Wants to Primary Republicans Who Voted Against Bill, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-primary-republicans-voted-against-bill-2076192

4.2 State Governance Issues

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong accidentally vetoed $35 million for the state’s housing budget when intending to veto only a $150,000 grant line item [1]. Oklahoma has reportedly implemented requirements for schools to teach Trump’s 2020 election conspiracy theories [2]. The Texas House approved legislation allowing daily prayer time in public schools [3].

References – 4.2:
[1] North Dakota governor vetoes the housing budget – by mistake, https://apnews.com/article/kelly-armstrong-north-dakota-mistaken-veto-fe24dd540893b89238a16a3a8529fe84
[2] Oklahoma to require schools to teach Trump’s 2020 election conspiracy theories, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/22/oklahoma-schools-teach-2020-election-big-lie-trump/83731606007/
[3] Texas House approves bill allowing daily prayer time in public schools, https://www.chron.com/politics/article/texas-public-school-prayer-20341539.php

5. Health and Environmental Policy

5.1 Healthcare Changes

The administration’s budget legislation includes substantial cuts to Medicare and Medicaid programs, with critics claiming these reductions fund tax cuts elsewhere [1]. Trump administration officials announced that yearly COVID-19 vaccinations will no longer be approved for healthy adults and children [2]. Policy analysts warn provisions within the “Big Beautiful Bill” will effectively eliminate healthcare access for transgender Americans by removing specific protections [3].

References – 5.1:
[1] “Theft from On High”: Trump’s Budget Bill Guts Medicaid, Medicare & More to Pay for Tax Cuts, https://www.democracynow.org/2025/5/23/trump_big_beautiful_budget_bill
[2] Trump officials say yearly COVID shots will no longer be approved for healthy adults and children, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/trump-officials-say-yearly-covid-shots-will-no-longer-be-approved-for-healthy-adults-and-children
[3] Why experts say Trump’s budget bill strips health care from nearly all transgender people, https://www.advocate.com/news/gop-bill-transgender-care-warning

5.2 Environmental Regulations

Republicans are accused of flouting law and precedent in efforts to revoke California’s authority over clean air regulations [1]. Congress is advancing legislation to loosen toxic air pollution rules [2]. Environmental groups have filed legal challenges against Louisiana’s ban on community air monitoring [3].

References – 5.2:
[1] Republicans Flout Law and Precedent to Kill California’s Right to Clean Air, https://insideclimatenews.org/news/22052025/republican-led-senate-blocks-california-right-to-clean-air/
[2] Congress moves to loosen toxic air pollution rules, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/22/nx-s1-5405619/air-pollution-rollback-congress
[3] Environmental groups sue over Louisiana’s ban on community air monitoring | Meanwhile, a state task force’s call for beefed up air monitoring in areas affected by industrial pollution appears to be falling on deaf ears., https://lailluminator.com/2025/05/23/community-air/

6. International Relations

6.1 Diplomatic Incidents

President Trump has condemned the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, D.C.—an act denounced by U.S. and global lawmakers as “antisemitic violence” [1]. Reports of potential American troop reductions have triggered alarm in South Korea [2]. During a meeting with South African President Ramaphosa, Trump presented a video purportedly showing mass burials in South Africa that was actually footage from the Democratic Republic of Congo [3].

References – 6.1:
[1] Trump Condemns Killing of Two Israeli Embassy Staff in D.C. as U.S. and Global Lawmakers Denounce ‘Antisemitic Violence, https://time.com/7287783/trump-israeli-embassy-staff-dc-shooting-politicians-react/
[2] Report of a U.S. troop drawdown stirs alarm in South Korea, https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-05-23/reports-of-a-u-s-troop-drawdown-stirs-alarm-in-south-korea
[3] Trump’s evidence of South Africa ‘white genocide’ contains images from Democratic Republic of Congo, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/23/trumps-evidence-of-south-africa-white-genocide-contains-images-from-democratic-republic-of-congo

7. Judicial Challenges to Administration

7.1 Legal Setbacks

A Republican-appointed judge has warned President Trump regarding alleged constitutional violations [1]. Judges have blocked the administration’s mass layoffs across multiple federal agencies [2], attempts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education [3], and policies toward Harvard [4]. A separate ruling found a presidential order targeting law firm Jenner & Block unlawful [5].

References – 7.1:
[1] Republican-Appointed Judge Warns Trump Over ‘Doubly’ Violating Constitution, https://www.newsweek.com/republican-appointed-judge-warns-trump-doubly-violating-constitution-2076634
[2] Judge extends block on Trump’s mass layoffs at several agencies, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/23/politics/judge-extends-block-on-trumps-mass-layoffs
[3] Court order blocks Trump from eliminating U.S. Education Department, https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/05/22/repub/court-order-blocks-trump-from-eliminating-u-s-education-department/
[4] Judge deals blow to Trump admin’s latest move against Harvard, https://www.newsweek.com/judge-deals-blow-trump-admins-latest-move-against-harvard-2076490
[5] Judge finds Trump order targeting law firm Jenner & Block unlawful, https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5316800-judge-finds-trump-order-targeting-law-firm-jenner-block-unlawful/