[Monday, May 26] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Presidential Actions and Rhetoric

1.1 Executive Orders and Policy Decisions

President Trump’s “blitz” of executive orders is rapidly transforming multiple areas of federal policy. Immigration enforcement has intensified, with previously protected groups like Cuban exiles now facing uncertainty and potential deportation [1][2].

[1] Trump’s blitz of executive orders is reshaping America. See the full list, https://www.courant.com/2025/05/26/trumps-blitz-of-executive-orders-is-reshaping-america-see-the-full-list/
[2] Trump’s immigration crackdown unnerves Cuban exiles long shielded from deportation, https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/05/26/us/cubans-us-trump-immigration

1.2 Presidential Statements and Appearances

President Trump has issued strong statements condemning Russian President Putin following escalation of attacks on Ukraine, calling him “absolutely crazy” [1] and warning about the “downfall of Russia” if attacks continue [2]. Russian sources characterized Trump’s reaction as stemming from “emotional overload” [3].

The President delivered a West Point commencement speech where he reportedly warned about “the perils of trophy wives” [4] and announced plans for a military parade celebrating his birthday that he claims will exceed the Olympics and World Cup in significance [5]. His Memorial Day activities mixed ceremonial duties with partisan rhetoric, visiting Arlington National Cemetery after criticizing opponents [6].

In economic statements, the President articulated that the U.S. “wants to make tanks, not T-shirts” [7] and made contested claims about autism being “artificially induced” [8].

[1] Trump Rebukes Putin, Calling Escalation of Attacks ‘Absolutely Crazy’, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/25/us/politics/trump-putin-ukraine-attacks.html
[2] Trump warns ‘crazy’ Putin of the ‘downfall of Russia’ after airstrikes, https://www.thetimes.com/article/145e63c1-0ec8-45f6-9ba7-ab952fc08842
[3] Putin Accuses Trump of ‘Emotional Overload’ After His Wild Rant. The president had posted a social media tirade against “CRAZY” Putin after Russia launched new attacks on Kyiv., https://www.thedailybeast.com/kremlin-accuses-trump-of-emotional-overload-after-he-called-putin-crazy/
[4] Trump Warns Of The Perils Of ‘Trophy Wives’ During West Point Commencement Speech, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-west-point-trophy-wives_n_683200dee4b0b9b9367dab40
[5] Trump Says His Birthday Military Parade Will Top Olympics and World Cup, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-says-his-birthday-military-parade-will-top-olympics-and-world-cup/
[6] Trump peppers Memorial Day speech with personal boasting and partisan attacks, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/26/trump-memorial-day-speech
[7] Trump says US wants to make tanks, not T-shirts, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-us-wants-make-tanks-not-t-shirts-2025-05-25/
[8] Trump says autism ‘has to be artificially induced’, https://thehill.com/video/trump-says-autism-%e2%80%98has-to-be-artificially-induced%e2%80%99/10742024/

1.3 Institutional Conflicts

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell faces continuing presidential criticism while maintaining his professional stance on integrity during a Princeton speech [1][2]. Harvard University has become a focal point of presidential criticism, with Trump threatening the institution in a “fiery Memorial Day tirade” demanding information on international students [3] and threatening to revoke $3 billion in grants to redirect to trade schools [4].

[1] Fed Chair Powell praises integrity and public service amid unrelenting Trump attacks, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/25/business/jerome-powell-fed-attacks-trump
[2] Powell defends Federal Reserve in Princeton speech amid onslaught of attacks from Trump, https://apnews.com/article/princeton-speech-jerome-powell-a4a5e1604af0c4670374e4682844f66e
[3] Trump Threatens Harvard in Fiery Memorial Day Tirade - The president pressured the university to release information on its international students., https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-threatens-harvard-over-international-students-in-memorial-day-rant/
[4] Trump threatens to revoke $3B in Harvard grants to give to trade schools, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-threatens-revoke-3b-harvard-grants-give-trade-schools-2077085

2. International Relations and Security

2.1 Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has intensified with Russia launching its “third consecutive attack on Ukraine” [1] including a record number of drone strikes [4]. A significant shift in Western military support has occurred with the United States, United Kingdom, and allies removing all range restrictions on weapons provided to Ukraine [3]. President Trump has strongly condemned Putin’s actions, stating “I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin” [1] and indicating he’s “absolutely” considering sanctions against Russia [2].

Trump’s criticism of Putin has reportedly created divisions within his supporter base [5] while prompting Russian officials to accuse Trump of “emotional overload” [3].

[1] ‘I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin,’ says Trump as Russia unleashes 3rd consecutive attack on Ukraine, https://kyivindependent.com/i-dont-know-what-the-hell-happened-to-putin-says-trump-as-russia-unleashes-3rd-consecutive-attack-on-ukraine/
[2] Trump Says He’s ‘Absolutely’ Weighing Sanctions Against Russia, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-25/trump-says-he-s-absolutely-weighing-sanctions-against-russia
[3] US, UK and allies to lift all range restrictions on weapons in Ukraine, https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/ukraine-weapons-long-range-fire-us-uk-mvx2m0vvh?region=global%2Cglobal
[4] Russia fires record number of drones into Ukraine amid Trump criticism, https://thehill.com/policy/international/5318617-russia-ukraine-drone-missile-attack/
[5] MAGA divided as Trump turns on Putin, https://www.newsweek.com/maga-divided-trump-turns-putin-2077211

2.2 Middle East and Iran Diplomacy

President Trump has indicated that a significant announcement regarding Iran nuclear talks is imminent, suggesting it will come in the “next two days” [1]. The President framed a potential Iran deal as necessary to avoid “a lot of people dead,” suggesting urgent security concerns are driving the negotiations [2].

U.S. military operations against Houthi targets in Yemen have reached extreme intensity characterized as leaving “nothing left to bomb,” with Yemeni civilians bearing significant consequences [3].

[1] President Donald Trump hints at an announcement in the ’next two days’ on Iran nuclear talks, https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-white-house-iran-nuclear-program-d5bbd6659ef62eaf9a57bd8b7a9b7952
[2] Trump Says Iran Deal Close to Avoid “A Lot of People Dead”, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-iran-deal-nuclear-russia-putin-ukraine-2076961
[3] ‘Nothing left to bomb’: Yemen’s civilians bear brunt of US airstrikes on Houthis, https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/may/26/yemen-us-israeli-airstrikes-houthi-famine-humanitarian-crisis-civilians

2.3 Trade Negotiations and Tariffs

President Trump has postponed the implementation of threatened 50% tariffs on the European Union until July 9 [1][2]. The delay reportedly followed a “very nice call” with an EU chief [3]. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian nations are seeking to negotiate with the Trump administration on tariffs as a unified bloc, according to Malaysia’s Prime Minister [4]. The European Union is reportedly accelerating trade negotiations with the United States amid the “tariff fight” [5].

[1] Trump says he’ll delay a threatened 50% tariff on the European Union until July, https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-trade-tariffs-european-union-f335ba9aa9d0b36cfe483f6f045c9b01
[2] Trump delays 50% tariffs on EU to July 9, https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/05/25/trump-50percent-tariffs-eu-july-9.html
[3] EU president secures tariffs delay after talk with Trump, https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/25/german-finance-minister-joins-call-for-us-eu-talks-after-trump-tariff-threat
[4] Southeast Asian nations want to discuss tariffs with Trump as a unified bloc, Malaysia PM says, https://apnews.com/article/malaysia-asean-tariffs-myanmar-trump-trade-73fcfea4374873da1591ae5aba68656b
[5] EU Plans to ‘Fast Track’ Trade Talks With US Amid Tariff Fight, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-26/eu-plans-to-fast-track-trade-talks-with-us-amid-tariff-fight

3. Legal System and Federal Investigations

3.1 Judicial Independence and Security

U.S. federal judges are considering establishing their own armed security force as threats against them reportedly increase [1]. According to reports, the proposal would move security under judges’ direct control, with one article noting that the Department of Justice “has vowed loyalty to Trump” [1]. A federal judge has ruled that President Trump “improperly added plaintiffs to Iowa pollster lawsuit” in an apparent attempt to “keep case local and ‘destroy’ court’s jurisdiction” [3].

[1] US federal judges consider creating own armed security force as threats mount • Proposal would move security under judges’ control as justice department has vowed loyalty to Trump, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/25/federal-judges-armed-security-doj-trump-attacks
[2] Who Will Protect Judges from Trump’s Incitement?, https://www.thenation.com/article/society/protect-judges-trump-incitement/
[3] ‘No legitimate rationale’: Trump improperly added plaintiffs to Iowa pollster lawsuit to keep case local and ‘destroy’ court’s jurisdiction, judge rules, https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/no-legitimate-rationale-trump-improperly-added-plaintiffs-to-iowa-pollster-lawsuit-to-keep-case-local-and-destroy-courts-jurisdiction-judge-rules/

3.2 Federal Investigations and Pardons

The FBI has launched new investigations into two politically significant matters: the leak of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision and a White House cocaine incident [1]. President Trump has pardoned a Virginia sheriff previously convicted on federal bribery charges [2]. Former Representative George Santos has publicly stated he has abandoned hope for a presidential pardon and accepted he will serve prison time [3].

[1] FBI announces new probes into Dobbs Supreme Court leak, White House cocaine incident, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fbi-announces-new-probes-into-dobbs-supreme-court-leak-white-house-cocaine-2025-05-26/
[2] Trump pardons Virginia sheriff convicted of federal bribery charges, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-pardons-virginia-sheriff-convicted-federal-bribery-charges/story?id=122206606
[3] George Santos Says He Has Given Up On Seeking a Pardon From Trump And Will Go To Prison: ‘I’ve Accepted My Fate’, https://www.latintimes.com/george-santos-says-he-has-given-seeking-pardon-trump-will-go-prison-ive-accepted-my-fate-583784

4. Domestic Policy Implementation

4.1 Economic and Fiscal Policy

Economic concerns are mounting with analysis warning that “the debt is about to matter again” particularly “when interest rates outpace growth,” suggesting fiscal challenges ahead [1]. President Trump’s tax cut plan has been characterized as “cripplingly expensive for most Americans” [2]. Federal budget cuts are impacting disaster recovery efforts, with Los Angeles wildfire recovery work reportedly “coming tumbling down” due to funding reductions [3].

[1] The Debt Is About to Matter Again When interest rates outpace growth, very bad things can happen., https://www.theatlantic.com/economy/archive/2025/05/trump-tax-cut-debt/682922/?gift=TGgP34XZPBAppowZPOH7pxaH1k3R4beQ0WTXl3bWLq0
[2] Trump’s tax cut plan will be cripplingly expensive for most Americans, https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-tax-cuts-will-cost-americans-rcna208852
[3] Trump’s mass federal cuts disrupt LA wildfire recovery: ‘It’s coming tumbling down’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/26/trump-doge-la-wildfire-recovery

4.2 Healthcare and Federal Employment

Medicaid funding has become a focal point of partisan debate, with Democratic Representative Torres accusing Republicans of “robbing millions of Americans” through proposed cuts [1]. The FDA chief under the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) agenda has suggested that diabetics should take cooking classes, with some reports implying this would be instead of insulin [2].

Federal workers are reportedly facing significant challenges after what’s described as “Trump’s layoff chaos,” including canceled health insurance and “bungled benefits.” One worker quoted in the headline called the situation “devastating” [3].

[1] Ritchie Torres Says Republicans Robbing Millions Of Americans With Medicaid Cuts, https://thehill.com/video/ritchie-torres-says-republicans-robbing-millions-of-americans-with-medicaid-cuts-rising/10736466/
[2] RFK Jr.’s FDA Head Wants Diabetics to Get Cooking Classes Over Insulin, https://www.thedailybeast.com/robert-f-kennedy-jrs-fda-commissioner-marty-makarty-suggests-diabetics-get-cooking-classes-over-insulin/
[3] ‘It’s just devastating’: Federal workers grapple with canceled health insurance, bungled benefits after Trump’s layoff chaos, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/26/politics/federal-workers-benefits-health-insurance?utm_medium=social&utm_source=igCNN&utm_content=2025-05-26T12%3A21%3A08

5. Congress and Legislation

5.1 Budget Legislation and Dynamics

Senator Rand Paul has criticized what’s being called a “big, beautiful bill,” describing the cuts in the legislation as “wimpy,” “anemic,” and warning that they would “explode the debt” [1]. Republican senators have publicly rebuked what they described as an “immoral” Trump-backed bill, with one quoted as saying “Emperor has no clothes” [2].

House Speaker Mike Johnson has defended Medicaid work requirements in the bill, arguing they contain a “moral component” [4] and claimed it “will only cut Medicaid for undeserving people” who “were never supposed to have had Medicaid” [3].

[1] Rand Paul: Cuts in ‘big, beautiful bill’ are ‘wimpy,’ ‘anemic’ and would ’explode the debt’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5317949-rand-paul-big-beautiful-bill-would-explode-the-debt/
[2] Republican senators rebuke “immoral” Trump bill—“Emperor has no clothes”, https://www.newsweek.com/ron-johnson-rand-paul-rebuke-immoral-trump-bill-2076866
[3] Mike Johnson Claims ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Only Cut Medicaid For Undeserving People - The speaker of the House said the cuts will only affect people who were never supposed to have had Medicaid., https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mike-johnson-claims-big-beautiful-bill-will-only-cut-medicaid-undeserving-people_n_683391fae4b0a4eee805dd8c
[4] House Speaker Mike Johnson says Medicaid work requirements in Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” have a “moral component”, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mike-johnson-house-speaker-trump-bill-medicaid-work-requirements/?linkId=824903305

5.2 Congressional Statements and Activities

Senator John Fetterman has reportedly been “often absent” from the Senate but “has been shamed into returning” [1], and separately stated that “mental illness” is being “weaponized against him” [2]. Democratic lawmakers have voiced opposition to budget decisions, with Representative Latimer characterizing the Republican budget as “America’s worst budget ever” [3].

[1] 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?unlocked_article_code=1.Jk8.4BVS.iN9OK6FpMW9f&smid=nytcore-android-share
[2] Fetterman says mental illness being ‘weaponized’ against him, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5317755-fetterman-says-mental-illness-being-weaponized-against-him/
[3] Rep. Latimer on Republican Budget: “This is America’s worst budget ever. No matter how you spin it, everyday Americans will suffer”, https://latimer.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-latimer-republican-budget-americas-worst-budget-ever-no-matter-how-you

6. Social and Cultural Issues

6.1 Civil Rights and LGBTQ+ Issues

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson (D) has signed legislation prohibiting schools from disclosing students’ LGBTQ+ status to parents, a move opposed by Republicans as undermining parental rights [1]. An Ohio bill to celebrate “natural family month” reportedly “excludes LGBTQ+, single parents” [2]. President Trump’s “push for Lumbee recognition” is reportedly causing “concern among other Native tribes” [3].

In military policy, dermatologists have warned that the Marines’ “tightened shaving waiver could hurt Black members’ careers,” suggesting that service regulations may have disproportionate impacts on certain racial groups [4].

[1] Governor signs bill to stop schools from outing LGBTQ+ students to their parents. Republicans are angry that the bill tramples on so-called parents’ rights., https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/governor-signs-bill-to-stop-schools-from-outing-lgbtq-students-to-their-parents/
[2] Ohio bill to celebrate ’natural family’ month excludes LGBTQ+, single parents, https://www.nbc4i.com/news/politics/ohio-bill-to-celebrate-natural-family-month-excludes-lgbtq-single-parents/
[3] Trump’s push for Lumbee recognition causes concern among other Native tribes, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trumps-push-lumbee-recognition-causes-concern-native-tribes-rcna208174
[4] Dermatologists say Marines’ tightened shaving waiver could hurt Black members’ careers, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/dermatologists-say-marines-tightened-shaving-waiver-hurt-black-members-rcna208090

7. Political Strategy and Future Elections

7.1 2028 Election Positioning

Kamala Harris is being described as “the early frontrunner for the 2028 election” [1]. The Democratic Party appears to be reconsidering its messaging and organizational strategies, with reports indicating “Democrats are on the hunt for their own Joe Rogan” [2] and that “the 2028 podcast primary is underway” [3]. Democrats are reportedly investing resources to adjust their communication strategies, including spending “millions to learn how to speak to ‘American Men’” [4].

[1] The early frontrunner for the 2028 election? Kamala Harris, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/kamala-harris-california-governor-2028-presidential-election-democrats-vlqtbndlw
[2] Democrats are on the hunt for their own Joe Rogan, https://theweek.com/politics/democrats-donors-rogan-new-media-liberal-podcast
[3] The 2028 podcast primary is underway as Democrats try to reshape their image, https://apnews.com/article/podcasts-democrats-newsom-beshear-buttigieg-c20ac32a80b1f74523f8f2a7918689d8
[4] Democrats spending millions to learn how to speak to ‘American Men’ and win back the working class, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/democrats-spend-millions-studying-working-class-men-b2757957.html