[Saturday, May 24] 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. Trump Administration & Executive Actions

1.1 Government Restructuring

The Trump administration is implementing substantial changes across multiple agencies. The National Security Council (NSC) is undergoing major restructuring with over 100 staffers placed on administrative leave [1] and officials confirming “drastic cuts” [2] in what’s described as a “major foreign policy shakeup” [3].

The Environmental Protection Agency faces significant budget cuts, which became a flashpoint at a congressional hearing where Democrats warned these reductions “may kill people” [4]. At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has implemented new restrictions on press access, requiring journalists to sign a pledge [5], a move characterized as a “direct attack on freedom of the press” [6].

[1] More than 100 National Security Council staffers put on administrative leave, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/23/politics/national-security-council-administrative-leave-trump?cid=ios_app
[2] Trump reportedly to make drastic cuts to US National Security Council, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/23/trump-national-security-council
[3] Trump shrinks National Security Council in major foreign policy shakeup, http://npr.org/2025/05/23/nx-s1-5409610/trump-national-security-council
[4] Budget cuts at Trump EPA become flashpoint at a heated hearing — and, Democrats say, may kill people, https://apnews.com/article/zeldin-schiff-epa-pollution-cancer-environment-3d61818ecc3ca951dc7df3420cbe1e71
[5] Hegseth Restricts Press Access at Pentagon, Says Journalists Will Be Required to Sign Pledge, https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/05/23/hegseth-restricts-press-access-pentagon-says-journalists-will-be-required-sign-pledge.html
[6] ‘Direct Attack on Freedom of the Press’: Hegseth Cracks Down on Journalists Covering Pentagon, https://www.commondreams.org/news/hegseth-press-freedom

1.2 Presidential Actions & Statements

President Trump’s West Point commencement speech has garnered extensive media attention. Trump told graduates his election “mandate” “gives us the right to do what we want” [1] while claiming credit for U.S. military strength [2]. Media outlets characterized the speech variously as “MAGAfies West Point” [3], with references to “drag shows” [4].

The president has signed executive orders aimed at strengthening the nuclear energy sector [5] and approved a “partnership” between U.S. Steel and Japan-based Nippon Steel [6]. Several of Trump’s federal prosecutor nominees face Senate opposition, with critics arguing these “loyalty-first picks” prioritize allegiance over qualifications [7].

[1] Trump Brags to West Point Grads He Can Do Whatever He Wants Now - The president delivered a campaign-style speech to West Point cadets, touting his election “mandate” and how it “gives us the right to do what we want”, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-west-point-speech-cadets-do-what-he-wants-1235347793/
[2] Trump hails West Point cadets for their accomplishments and takes credit for US military might, https://apnews.com/article/trump-commencement-army-west-point-graduates-ecbc20a0ce46350618dabae573e40556
[3] Trump MAGAfies West Point, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/24/donald-trump-west-point-speech-00368997
[4] Trump Hijacks West Point Graduation to Rant About ‘Drag Shows’, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-hijacks-west-point-graduation-to-rant-about-drag-shows/
[5] Trump signs executive orders that White House says will boost nuclear energy, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/23/politics/trump-nuclear-energy-executive-orders
[6] Trump announces “partnership” between U.S. Steel and Japan-based Nippon Steel, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-us-steel-nippon-steel/
[7] Some of Trump’s loyalty-first picks for prosecutors draw opposition from senators who can block them, https://apnews.com/article/trump-us-attorneys-habba-chattah-martin-senate-8f73fda50b3072b7f03779f4303b9c6b

2. National Security & Foreign Policy

2.1 Foreign Aid and International Relations

President Trump has characterized his administration’s cuts to USAID as “devastating” [1], while the U.S. Treasury Department has announced “immediate sanctions relief for Syria” [2], easing restrictions that have been in place for decades [3].

President Trump’s efforts to broker peace in the Russia–Ukraine conflict face significant obstacles, with reports stating the talks are “failing” [4]. As Russia’s military position has deteriorated, Trump has reportedly “softened” his stance toward Putin [5] and shown “unusual patience” as the Russian leader appears to stall on Ukraine [6].

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that preventing an invasion of Armenia is a “top U.S. priority” [7], while a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine has resigned, claiming U.S. policy is “playing into Russia’s hands” [8].

[1] Trump calls his own foreign aid cuts at USAID ‘devastating’, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-calls-his-own-foreign-aid-cuts-usaid-devastating-2025-05-21/
[2] Treasury Issues Immediate Sanctions Relief for Syria, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0148
[3] Trump administration begins to lift Syria sanctions in place for decades, https://www.nbcnews.com/world/syria/syria-sanctions-trump-administration-lifting-begin-rcna208875
[4] Why Trump’s Ukraine peace talks are failing, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/05/23/trump-putin-ukraine-russia-peace-talks/
[5] Trump softens on Putin as Russia’s military edge weakens, officials say, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/24/trump-putin-battlefield-ceasefire-ukraine/
[6] Trump shows unusual patience as Putin stalls on Ukraine, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/24/trump-putin-call-stall-ukraine-talks
[7] Secretary of State Rubio: Preventing an Invasion of Armenia ‘Top U.S. Priority’, Vows to Counter Azerbaijani Aggression, https://armenianweekly.com/2025/05/22/secretary-rubio-u-s-working-to-stop-azerbaijani-invasion-of-armenia/
[8] ‘We’re playing into Russia’s hands’: Ex-U.S. ambassador to Ukraine on why she resigned, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/were-playing-into-russias-hands-ex-u-s-ambassador-to-ukraine-on-why-she-resigned

3. Economic & Trade Policy

3.1 Tariffs & Trade Tensions

Trade tensions with the European Union have escalated dramatically with President Trump threatening 50% tariffs on EU goods [1] and 25% tariffs on smartphones [2]. The president has specifically targeted Apple, threatening tariffs to force iPhone manufacturing into the United States [3], while stating he’s “not looking for a deal” with the EU [4].

Analysts note that while the Trump administration views tariff talks as leverage for concessions, EU officials approach discussions as though dealing with a traditional ally [5]. The EU has responded that any trade agreement must be based on “respect not threats” [6].

[1] Trump threatens 50% tariffs on EU and 25 penalties on smart phones as his trade war intensifies, https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariff-apple-iphone-tax-170021e8fad22878d0183b5d48971087
[2] Trump threatens Apple with 25% tariff to force iPhone manufacturing into US, https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/05/trump-threatens-apple-with-25-tariff-to-force-iphone-manufacturing-into-us/
[3] Trump says he’s ’not looking for a deal’ with the EU after threatening a 50% tariff, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/23/economy/trump-eu-tariffs
[4] Europe’s Been Negotiating by the Book, but Trump’s Tearing It Up. The Trump administration sees tariff talks as a chance to pressure a rival into concessions. E.U. officials have acted as though they were dealing with an ally., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/24/world/europe/europe-trade-trump-50-percent-threat.html
[5] Any trade deal with US must be based on ‘respect not threats’, says EU commissioner, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/24/trade-deal-us-respect-not-threats-says-eu-commissioner-maros-sefcovic-trump-tariff

3.2 Fiscal & Tax Policy

A Republican tax bill is generating significant debate. Analyses suggest it disproportionately benefits wealthy Americans [1], with CNN characterizing President Trump’s “megabill” as effectively transferring wealth within the United States [2]. Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden has claimed Democrats are “lying” about the bill’s effects on Medicaid and food benefits, despite what is described as a “$1 trillion” reduction in “federal health and food programs” [3].

The U.S. Treasury has confirmed plans to discontinue the penny [4], while the administration has proposed privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac through a public offering [5].

[1] House Republican tax bill favors the rich — how much they stand to gain, and why, https://www.nbcnews.com/business/personal-finance/house-republican-tax-bill-favors-rich-much-stand-gain-rcna208829
[2] How Trump’s megabill transfers wealth in the US, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/24/politics/house-tax-spending-cuts-bill-explained?cid=ios_app
[3] GOP Congressman Says Trump’s Tax Bill Doesn’t Cut Any Medicaid, Food Benefits - Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) said Democrats are “lying” about the sweeping GOP plan to cut $1 trillion from federal health and food programs., https://www.huffpost.com/entry/derrick-van-orden-gop-tax-bill-medicaid-cuts_n_6830b139e4b0ca4a5f567e0a
[4] US Treasury confirms the end of the penny, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2j07858lno?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKd3ztleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpzd4Pd1qT3hnxrqiuPBOzU6rxwD04Fb_kn2SbHAMeq9CWpuIJOg6SjVe8MZp_aem_gX6yErdm85AQ5ouleV1-gA
[5] Trump floats bringing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public. Here’s what it could mean to homebuyers and investors., https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-what-to-know/

4. Immigration & Border Control

4.1 Enforcement Actions & Controversies

Multiple incidents involving U.S. citizens have raised concerns: an individual with a REAL ID was handcuffed during an immigration raid before authorities released him after claiming his ID was fake [1], and an Alabama worker reports being forcibly removed from his workplace by ICE despite his U.S. citizenship [2].

A U.S. judge has ordered the administration to facilitate the return of a Guatemalan deportee [3], while the administration is reportedly attempting to dismiss charges against an MS-13 leader to expedite his deportation [4]. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem told migrants to “suck it” following the cancellation of a lawsuit filed by detainees alleging unlawful transfers to Guantánamo Bay [5].

[1] U.S. citizen with REAL ID handcuffed and held in immigration raid before being released: The man told Noticias Telemundo that authorities took his ID from his wallet and told him it was fake before handcuffing him., https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/us-citizen-immigration-raid-real-id-handcuffed-alabama-rcna208794
[2] Alabama worker says ICE dragged him from job despite being US citizen: ‘Color of our skin has become a crime’, https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2025/05/alabama-worker-says-ice-dragged-him-from-job-despite-being-us-citizen-color-of-our-skin-has-become-a-crime.html
[3] US judge orders Trump administration to facilitate return of Guatemalan deportee, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-judge-orders-trump-administration-facilitate-return-guatemalan-deportee-2025-05-24/
[4] Trump administration trying to dismiss MS-13 leader’s charges to deport him, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/23/trump-administration-ms-13-leaders-criminal-charges-deportation?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
[5] Kristi Noem Tells Migrants to ‘Suck It’ After Lawsuit Canceled Over Most of Group Being Deported - Several detainees had filed a federal lawsuit, alleging they were being unlawfully transferred to Guantánamo Bay, https://www.latintimes.com/kristi-noem-tells-migrants-suck-it-after-lawsuit-canceled-over-most-group-being-deported-583685

5. Social Programs & Healthcare

5.1 Medicaid & Healthcare Changes

Proposed federal cuts to Medicaid could terminate Medicaid expansion programs and impact hospitals across nearly all states [1]. The Republican tax bill includes a provision that eliminates all Medicaid coverage for gender transition care, with the Washington Post reporting this prohibition was expanded to include adults just hours before the House passed the bill [2].

The Trump administration’s budget proposal specifically blocks Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care [3]. A trans activist states that this move “goes against the most basic values that this country was founded on” and accuses the president of “working to erase us” [4].

[1] Federal Cuts to Medicaid Could End Medicaid Expansion and Affect Hospitals in Nearly Every State, https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/may/federal-cuts-medicaid-could-end-medicaid-expansion-affect-hospitals
[2] All Medicaid gender transition care is cut in late addition to GOP tax bill || The prohibition abruptly expanded to include adults hours before the House passed the bill, escalating the crackdown on transgender care once focused on children, https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/05/23/medicaid-transgender-transition-care-bill/
[3] Trump agenda bill would block Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care, https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/5316334-trump-big-beautiful-gop-budget-bill-medicaid-gender-affirming-care-transgender-americans/
[4] ‘He Is Working to Erase Us’: A Trans Activist on the Real Reason Trump’s Budget Bans Trans Care. “Denying trans people access to medically necessary care goes against the most basic values that this country was founded on,” says Ash Lazarus Orr of Advocates for Trans Equality, https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-commentary/trans-care-trump-budget-bill-1235346880/

5.2 Food Assistance

Advocacy groups have warned that Republican cuts to food and health benefits “will kill” [1], while federal budget proposals could shift substantial costs to states, with Wisconsin potentially facing up to $300 million in additional expenses for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits [2].

[1] Republican cuts to food and health benefits ‘will kill’, advocacy groups warn, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/23/trump-republican-bill-food-health-cuts
[2] Federal budget could shift as much as $300 million in costs to Wisconsin for SNAP benefits, https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/23/republican-budget-could-shift-300-million-in-snap-costs-to-wisconsin/83766132007/

6. Civil Rights & Education Policy

6.1 Diversity & Educational Initiatives

Officials have warned that the Trump administration is “minimizing” the threat posed by white supremacists [1]. CNN reports that “Black Lives Matter Plaza” has experienced a “spectacular rise and swift erasure” [2]. Public schools that do not comply with President Trump’s directive regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are reportedly “in the crosshairs” [3].

Policies directed at Harvard University have raised broader concerns, with college officials fearing the administration might leverage international student enrollment to demand institutional changes far beyond Harvard’s campus [4]. A judge has blocked the administration’s ban on Harvard enrolling foreign students [5].

[1] Trump administration is minimizing white supremacist threat, officials warn, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/24/trump-threat-far-right-white-supremacist
[2] The spectacular rise and swift erasure of Black Lives Matter Plaza, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/24/us/blm-plaza-george-floyd-washington-dc
[3] Public schools that refuse to follow Trump’s DEI directive are now in the crosshairs, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/23/trump-k-12-public-school-funding-dei-order/83458073007/
[4] Universities See Trump’s Harvard Move as a Threat to Them, Too • College officials fear that President Trump may use international enrollment as leverage to demand changes on campuses elsewhere., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/24/us/harvard-trump-international-students-impact.html
[5] Judge blocks Trump’s ban on Harvard enrolling foreign students, https://www.thetimes.com/article/cb572401-9044-4531-9ce9-5c3b8af8e9c9

7. Legal Affairs & Government Operations

7.1 Court Rulings & Congressional Developments

The Supreme Court has issued a ruling allowing President Trump to fire members of independent agencies, though NPR notes the phrase “for now” suggests this may be temporary [1]. A court has ruled that a Trump executive order targeting the Jenner law firm is unconstitutional [2], while in a victory for the administration, a judge ruled that Trump acted lawfully in imposing Chinese tariffs [3].

Democrats have alleged that Republicans are refusing to install a plaque honoring law enforcement officers who responded to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot [4]. Senator John Fetterman has acknowledged frequent absences from the Senate, indicating that public criticism has motivated his return [5] and expressing frustration that his mental health has been “weaponized” [6].

Elon Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has drawn criticism, with reports indicating he is shifting focus back to his private ventures [7]. The Department canceled a contract to upload Navy personnel data to cloud storage, leaving all Navy pay and promotion information on a single server [8].

[1] Supreme Court allows Trump to fire members of independent agencies — for now, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/23/nx-s1-5408001/supreme-court-allows-trump-to-fire-members-of-independent-agencies-for-now
[2] Trump executive order targeting Jenner law firm unconstitutional, judge rules, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/trump-executive-order-targeting-jenner-law-firm-unconstitutional-judge-rcna205230
[3] Judge rules Trump acted lawfully in Chinese tariffs, in court win for White House, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/judge-rules-trump-acted-lawfully-chinese-tariffs-court-win-white-house
[4] GOP won’t install Jan. 6 plaque honoring law enforcement, Democrats say, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/05/23/capitol-police-plaque-january-6-trump/
[5] Fetterman, Often Absent From Senate, Says He Has Been Shamed Into Returning, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/24/us/politics/fetterman-senate-absence-mental-health-interview.html
[6] Fetterman Doesn’t Want To Show Up For Work, Says His Mental Health Has Been ‘Weaponized’, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/john-fetterman-mental-health-weaponized_n_6831e808e4b0b20a268aaf44
[7] Tired of political attacks, Musk turns back to Mars and autonomous cars, https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/05/24/elon-musk-politics-tesla-spacex-doge/
[8] A Single Server Holds All Navy Pay and Promotion Data. DOGE Canceled a Contract to Upload It to the Cloud., https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/05/22/single-server-holds-all-navy-pay-and-promotion-data-doge-canceled-contract-upload-it-cloud.html