[Tuesday, May 27] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Executive Branch Actions

1.1 Presidential Directives and Federal Funding

The Trump administration continues reshaping federal policy through executive orders [1] while targeting specific institutions for funding cuts. The administration is moving to cancel approximately $100 million in federal contracts with Harvard University [2], with Trump describing the school as “very antisemitic” [3]. President Trump has also threatened to redirect $3 billion in federal grants from Harvard to trade schools [4] and to withhold California’s federal funding over a transgender athlete issue [5].

NPR and Colorado public radio stations have filed legal action against the Trump White House over an executive order cutting federal funding [6]. The Government Accountability Office has ruled that the Transportation Department cannot withhold funds from the electric vehicle infrastructure program [7], and New York has won a bid to stop the U.S. from freezing funds in a congestion pricing dispute [8].

[1] Trump’s blitz of executive orders is reshaping America. See the full list, https://www.cleveland.com/news/2025/05/trumps-blitz-of-executive-orders-is-reshaping-america-see-the-full-list.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor
[2] Trump administration moves to cut $100 million in federal contracts for Harvard, https://apnews.com/article/trump-harvard-federal-contracts-51d2d2618e1f0f5de39cb649644e1dae
[3] Trump to yank all remaining federal funds to Harvard in latest blow to ‘very antisemitic’ Ivy League school, https://nypost.com/2025/05/27/us-news/trump-to-yank-all-federal-funds-to-harvard-over-schools-mishandling-of-campus-antisemitism/
[4] Trump threatens to move $3B in federal grants from Harvard to trade schools, https://www.axios.com/2025/05/27/trump-harvard-trade-schools
[5] Trump threatens to withhold California’s federal funding over transgender athlete, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/27/trump-california-funding-trans-newsom.html
[6] NPR sues Trump administration over executive order to cut federal funding to public media, https://apnews.com/article/npr-trump-lawsuit-public-radio-f320314b30df6934238a5b6af47c5067
[7] GAO: Transportation Department can’t withhold electric vehicle infrastructure program funds, https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2025/05/gao-transportation-department-cant-withhold-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-program-funds/405534/
[8] NY Wins Bid to Stop US From Freezing Funds in Congestion Fight, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-27/ny-wins-bid-to-stop-us-from-withholding-funds-over-congestion

1.2 Presidential Pardons

President Trump has issued several controversial pardons. He pardoned former Virginia sheriff Scott Jenkins, who was convicted of fraud and bribery [1] and sentenced to 10 years for what one report describes as a “cash-for-badges scheme” [2]. The New York Times reports that Trump pardoned tax cheat Paul Walczak after his mother attended a $1 million dinner at Mar-a-Lago [3]. Trump has also pardoned reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, previously convicted of bank fraud and tax crimes [4]. Additionally, Trump’s new pardon attorney personally reviewed an application for Jan. 6 ringleader Stewart Rhodes [5].

[1] Trump pardons former sheriff convicted of bribery, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-pardons-former-sheriff-convicted-bribery-2025-05-26/
[2] Trump pardons former Culpeper Co. sheriff sentenced to 10 years in cash-for-badges scheme, https://wtop.com/virginia/2025/05/trump-pardons-former-culpeper-co-sheriff-sentenced-to-10-years-in-cash-for-badges-scheme/
[3] Trump Pardoned Tax Cheat After Mother Attended $1 Million Dinner, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/27/us/politics/trump-pardon-paul-walczak-tax-crimes.html
[4] Trump pardons reality show couple convicted of bank fraud and tax crimes, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/27/politics/trump-pardon-chrisley-knows-best
[5] Trump’s new pardon attorney personally reviewed application for Jan. 6 ringleader Stewart Rhodes, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/27/ed-martin-stewart-rhodes-jan-6-pardon-00371222

1.3 Department and Agency Activities

The Trump EPA is reportedly drafting a rule that would “undo decades of progress on limiting pollution from power plants” [1]. At the Department of Health and Human Services, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has revoked COVID-19 shot recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women [2] and has proposed barring government scientists from publishing in leading medical journals [3].

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is facing challenges with the Bureau of Land Management reportedly ousting an official for “resisting DOGE” [4], while reports indicate DOGE’s “5 things emails are dying a slow, quiet death” [5]. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces internal challenges and legal allegations including reports of illegal wiretapping [6].

[1] Trump EPA drafting a rule that would undo decades of progress on limiting pollution from power plants, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/26/climate/trump-epa-power-plant-rule?utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit
[2] COVID-19 shots no longer recommended for healthy children, pregnant women: RFK Jr., https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/covid-19-coronavirus-shots-no-longer-recommended-for-healthy-children-pregnant-women-health-and-human-services-secretary-robert-f-kennedy-jr-make-american-healthy-again-maha-nih-fda-gold-standard-science-booster-clinical-data
[3] RFK Jr. threatens to bar government scientists from publishing in leading medical journals, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/27/rfk-jr-nih-scientists-medical-journals-jama-lancet-nejm-00371349
[4] Bureau of Land Management ousts official who reportedly resisted DOGE, https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/05/27/bureau-land-management-doge-nedd/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com
[5] DOGE’s ‘5 things’ emails are dying a slow, quiet death, https://www.businessinsider.com/doge-elon-musk-5-things-weekly-emails-disappearing-2025-5?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=insider-politics-sub-post
[6] Pete Hegseth Hit With Stunning Illegal Wiretap Allegations, https://newrepublic.com/post/195718/donald-trump-pete-hegseth-illegal-wiretap-leaks

2. Foreign Relations

2.1 Russia-Ukraine Relations

Russia has announced a prisoner exchange agreement with President Trump [1], while the administration is considering imposing new sanctions against Russia according to Wall Street Journal reporting [2]. Military tensions with Russia are intensifying as the U.S. reinforces Europe’s northern front amid fears of a wider conflict [3].

President Trump has presented contradictory messages: admitting he has “no way to make Putin stop” as bombs fall on Kyiv [4], while also warning Putin he is “playing with fire” [5] and claiming he has protected Russia from “really bad things” [6]. These remarks have drawn criticism from Russian media [7], and Republicans are reportedly putting pressure on Trump over Russia, with one quoted saying “Putin has been jerking us around” [8].

[1] Putin and Trump agree to prisoner exchange, Russia says, http://nbcnews.com/world/russia/putin-trump-agree-prisoner-exchange-russia-says-rcna209155
[2] Trump considers imposing sanctions on Russia in coming days, WSJ reports, https://kyivindependent.com/trump-considers-imposing-sanctions-on-russia-in-coming-days-wsj-reports/
[3] The U.S. Reinforces Europe’s Northern Front, Fearing War With Russia, https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/the-u-s-reinforces-europes-northern-front-fearing-war-with-russia-b499ef50
[4] Trump Admits He’s Got No Way to Make Putin Stop as Bombs Fall on Kyiv: Russian state media is already making fun of Trump’s response to Putin’s massive attack on Ukraine., https://newrepublic.com/post/195743/trump-putin-russia-attack-ukraine
[5] Trump warns ‘playing with fire’ Putin that Russia has avoided ‘really bad things’ — thanks to him | Trump accused of ‘shielding’ Putin as he dials up public criticism, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-warning-b2758804.html
[6] Trump admits to protecting Russia from ‘really bad things’, https://kyivindependent.com/trump-admits-to-protecting-russia-from-really-bad-things/
[7] Russian media roasts Trump after dragging ‘playing with fire’ Putin, https://www.nj.com/politics/2025/05/russian-media-roasts-trump-after-dragging-playing-with-fire-putin.html
[8] ‘Putin has been jerking us around’: Republicans pile pressure on Trump over Russia, https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/putin-has-been-jerking-us-around-republicans-pile-pressure-on-trump-over-russia-20250527-p5m2fn.html

2.2 International Trade and Diplomacy

U.S. trade relations have deteriorated, with the U.S. and EU locked in a “showdown over trade” [1]. The EU is reportedly “counting on Trump to blink first in trade spat” [2]. Tourists from countries hit by Trump tariffs are reportedly avoiding travel to the U.S. [3], and businesses affected by Trump’s tariffs are seeking refunds [4].

The New York Times suggests Trump envisions “One World, Three Powers” in his foreign policy approach [5]. A ceasefire agreement negotiated to release hostages was rejected by Israel, with blame assigned to Hamas [6]. The U.S. is reportedly negotiating with Venezuela to allow increased oil sales in exchange for accepting more deportees [7].

[1] The US and EU are in a showdown over trade. What does Trump want and what can Europe offer?, https://apnews.com/article/trade-eu-trump-tariffs-a2e5b6c72ab61fef0b2ed4324fad1c55
[2] The EU is counting on Trump to blink first in trade spat, https://inews.co.uk/news/world/eu-counting-trump-blink-first-trade-spat-3715252
[3] Tourists from countries badly hit by Trump tariffs are staying away from US, https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/27/tourists-from-countries-badly-hit-by-trump-tariffs-are-staying-away-from-us
[4] Businesses Got Squeezed by Trump’s Tariffs. Now Some of Them Want Their Money Back, https://www.wired.com/story/tariffs-trump-refund-logistics/
[5] Trump’s Vision: One World, Three Powers?, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/26/us/politics/trump-russia-china.html
[6] Israel Rejects Ceasefire Negotiated by Trump That Would Release Hostages. Trump Official Blames Hamas, https://www.latintimes.com/israel-rejects-ceasefire-negotiated-trump-that-would-release-hostages-trump-official-blames-hamas-583831
[7] U.S. secretly negotiating deal to let Venezuela sell more oil if it takes more deportees, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article306913806.html?taid=68334cbcbbd27d00012f69d7

3. Immigration and Border Policies

3.1 Deportation and Visa Restrictions

The Trump administration’s deportation policies are creating urgent situations. A 4-year-old with a critical medical condition faces deportation that doctors warn could be fatal “within a matter of days” [1]. In another case, a gay man was deported to a country where he was subsequently raped, with allegations that administration officials “lied to the judge twice” during proceedings [2].

The administration has halted student visa processing, with Bloomberg reporting “Trump pauses all Student Visa Vetting Interviews” [3]. This pause comes as the government reportedly prepares to implement “expanded social media vetting” for all foreign students [4]. Meanwhile, Venezuelans legally in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status are seeing their lives “upended” by a Supreme Court order on TPS [5].

[1] Trump’s Deportation Efforts Are About to Kill a 4-Year-Old - Doctors for the child, who has a life-threatening medical condition, say that stopping her treatment could prove fatal “within a matter of days.”, https://newrepublic.com/post/195741/donald-trump-deportation-kill-four-year-old
[2] Trump administration deported a gay man to a country where he was raped. The administration lied to the judge twice, which didn’t help., https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/administration-deported-a-gay-man-to-a-country-where-he-was/
[3] Trump pauses all Student Visa Vetting Interviews, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-27/us-orders-pause-in-student-visa-interviews-ahead-of-new-vetting
[4] All foreign students in US to face social media checks, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/all-foreign-students-in-us-to-face-social-media-checks-dvvt0g6mx
[5] These Venezuelans are in the U.S. legally, but a Supreme Court order on TPS is upending their lives, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/venezuelans-tps-fear-deported-supreme-court-ruling-rcna208716

3.2 Border Enforcement

Immigration enforcement has intensified, with ICE reportedly arresting a high school student at a “routine immigration hearing” [1] and tapping into a “nationwide AI-enabled camera network” [2]. Border security has drawn scrutiny, with reports that the Border Czar’s security detail costs “taxpayers $1 million a month” [3].

The Washington Post reports potential conflicts of interest, noting that “Trump’s border czar consulted for immigrant detention firm GEO Group” [4]. A judge has accused the Trump administration of “manufacturing chaos in migrant deportation case” [5].

[1] ICE Arrests High School Student at Routine Immigration Hearing, https://www.thedailybeast.com/ice-arrests-high-school-student-at-routine-immigration-hearing/
[2] ICE Taps into Nationwide AI-Enabled Camera Network, Data Shows | Flock’s automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras are in more than 5,000 communities around the U.S. Local police are doing lookups in the nationwide system for ICE, https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/
[3] Border Czar’s Security Detail Costs Taxpayers $1 Million a Month: Report, https://www.latintimes.com/border-czars-security-detail-costs-taxpayers-1-million-month-report-583802
[4] Trump’s border czar consulted for immigrant detention firm GEO Group, https://wapo.st/4jrr9Yv
[5] Judge accuses the Trump administration of ‘manufacturing’ chaos in migrant deportation case, https://apnews.com/article/deportation-immigration-south-sudan-department-of-homeland-security-26547035c21e45339cffec1450dffa35

4. Legal and Constitutional Issues

The Supreme Court is entering a decisive phase as it is “poised to decide cases on birthright citizenship, transgender care and religion” [1]. It recently declined to hear the Oak Flat case, which would have paved the way for a large-scale copper mine on sacred Native American land [2], and rejected a case about a student’s “There are only two genders” T-shirt [3].

The Atlantic reports the executive branch may be circumventing court orders while maintaining the appearance of compliance [4]. The Guardian suggests the Republican budget bill contains a “hidden measure” that would dramatically increase presidential power [5]. A letter warns that a provision in the House budget bill could block courts from enforcing contempt rulings [6].

[1] Supreme Court enters final stretch of term poised to decide cases on birthright citizenship, transgender care and religion, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/27/politics/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-transgender-care?utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit
[2] Supreme Court refuses to hear Oak Flat case, clearing a roadblock for huge copper mine, https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2025/05/27/supreme-court-refuses-apache-stronghold-oak-flat-copper-mine-case/76737245007/
[3] US Supreme Court rejects case about student’s “There are only two genders” T-shirt, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-rejects-case-about-students-there-are-only-two-genders-t-shirt-2025-05-27/
[4] How to Hide a Constitutional Crisis | The executive branch is relying on the language of the law as cover to claim that it is complying with court orders when in fact it is not, https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/05/legalistic-noncompliance/682927/
[5] A hidden measure in the Republican budget bill would crown Trump king, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/27/a-hidden-measure-in-the-republican-budget-bill-would-crown-trump-king
[6] New letter warns provision in House budget bill would block courts from enforcing contempt rulings, https://friedman.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-friedman-leads-20-members-congress-push-strike-reconciliation

5. Domestic Policy and Economic Issues

5.1 Social Programs

A high-stakes battle is underway in Congress over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared “Hands off SNAP” on the House floor [1], while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized Republicans for “ripping away Medicaid and SNAP from Pennsylvanians” [2]. There are concerns that more than 3 million people could lose SNAP benefits under a GOP bill [3].

Work requirements are reportedly “better at blocking benefits for low-income people than they are at helping those folks find jobs” [4]. Multiple outlets suggest the Trump administration plans significant changes to Medicaid, with advisers acknowledging cuts [5]. A program helping 6 million families pay energy bills may also be at risk [6].

[1] Pelosi on House Floor: “Hands off SNAP.”, https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-house-floor-hands-snap
[2] Josh Shapiro blasts House Republicans for ‘ripping away’ Medicaid and SNAP from Pennsylvanians, https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/shapiro-school-snap-medicaid-cuts-republican-bill-20250523.html
[3] More than 3 million people would lose SNAP benefits under GOP Bill, https://nevadacurrent.com/2025/05/27/repub/more-than-3-million-people-would-lose-snap-benefits-under-gop-bill-nonpartisan-report-says/
[4] Work requirements are better at blocking benefits for low-income people than they are at helping those folks find jobs, https://theconversation.com/work-requirements-are-better-at-blocking-benefits-for-low-income-people-than-they-are-at-helping-those-folks-find-jobs-256839
[5] Trump Adviser Says the Quiet Part Out Loud on Medicaid Cuts, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-adviser-david-sacks-says-the-quiet-part-out-loud-on-medicaid-cuts/
[6] This program helps 6 million families pay their energy bills. Here’s what’s at risk if it’s cut., https://19thnews.org/2025/05/liheap-energy-electricity-funding-low-income-families/

5.2 Economic Developments

Trump’s media company is making a significant cryptocurrency investment, with The Verge reporting plans to “buy $2.5 billion in Bitcoin” [1]. President Trump has stated that the U.S. “will control US Steel as part of Nippon deal” [2]. A study indicates the U.S. could lose $23 billion in GDP and 230,000 jobs if foreign tourists stay away due to tariffs [3]. NPR reports that “Corporate America’s retreat from DEI has eliminated thousands of jobs” [4].

[1] Trump’s media company says it’s buying $2.5 billion in Bitcoin, https://www.theverge.com/news/674684/trump-media-bitcoin-treasury-deal
[2] Trump says US will control US Steel as part of Nippon deal, https://www.reuters.com/business/trump-says-us-will-control-us-steel-part-nippon-deal-2025-05-26/
[3] U.S. could lose $23 billion in GDP and 230,000 jobs if foreign tourists stay away, study says, https://fortune.com/2025/05/23/us-could-lose-23-billion-gdp-230000-jobs-foreign-tourists-trump-tariffs/
[4] Corporate America’s retreat from DEI has eliminated thousands of jobs, https://www.npr.org/2025/05/27/nx-s1-5307319/dei-jobs-trump

6. Political Strategies and Electoral Outlook

Politicians are gearing up for the 2026 election cycle. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville has announced his bid for Alabama governor in 2026 [1]. The Washington Post suggests “A ‘Blue Wave’ is building” though “It won’t look the same as the last one” [2]. Democrats are discussing how to “win back working class and gain young male support” [3].

The Democratic Party appears to be reassessing strategy, with reports the party is “scrambling to fix image” as members acknowledge it has “lost credibility” [4]. Representative Jasmine Crockett has stated Democrats “Will Investigate Trump if They Reclaim the House in the Midterms” [5].

[1] US Sen. Tommy Tuberville announces 2026 bid for Alabama governor, https://apnews.com/article/tommy-tuberville-auburn-alabama-governor-2026-49d4c19205951ed06edd92d93ecc51a2
[2] A ‘Blue Wave’ is building. It won’t look the same as the last one., https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/05/27/blue-wave-democrats-republicans-split-ticket/
[3] Democrats mull how to win back working class and gain young male support, https://www.msnbc.com/chris-jansing-reports/watch/democrats-mull-how-to-win-back-working-class-and-gain-young-male-support-240330309750
[4] Democratic Party scrambles to fix image as members acknowledge party ’lost credibility’, https://www.foxnews.com/media/democratic-party-scrambles-fix-image-leaders-acknowledge-party-lost-credibility
[5] Rep. Jasmine Crockett Says Dems Will Investigate Trump if They Reclaim the House in the Midterms: ‘We’ll Do What We’re Supposed To Do’, https://www.latintimes.com/rep-jasmine-crockett-says-dems-will-investigate-trump-if-they-reclaim-house-midterms-well-do-583793