[Saturday, June 07] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Trump-Musk Conflict & Doge Transition

The relationship between President Trump and Elon Musk has deteriorated into an open conflict with significant governance implications. Trump has explicitly stated he has “no plans to speak to Musk” as their feud persists [1]. The confrontation includes serious personal attacks – Musk sharing footage of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein [2] while Trump suggests Musk has a “drug habit” [3]. Reports indicate Musk has deleted some of his most explosive posts amid the escalating feud [4], including one claiming Trump was “in the Epstein files” [5]. A physical altercation reportedly occurred at the White House where Musk “hit rival ’like a rugby player’” in an incident that had to be broken up by bystanders [6].

The conflict has led to questions about DOGE’s future, as Musk appears to be departing from his role. While “Musk may be out,” The New York Times reports the agency is “just getting started” [7]. DOGE staffers are expressing concerns about their professional futures amid the conflict [8]. House DOGE caucus leader says “everybody knew” Musk was exaggerating his cost-cutting achievements [9]. A serious security allegation has emerged with MSNBC reporting that DOGE has dismantled critical U.S. counterterrorism infrastructure [10]. Russian officials are “having a field day” with the feud and have offered Musk asylum [11].

[1] Trump says he has no plans to speak to Musk as feud persists, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-musk-bromance-descends-into-brawl-over-contracts-impeachment-2025-06-06/
[2] Musk shares footage of Trump partying with Jeffrey Epstein as feud intensifies, https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/elon-musk-donald-trump-partying-jeffrey-epstein-video-b2765067.html
[3] Trump Floats Drug Habit as Reason for Messy Musk Breakup, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-floats-drug-habit-as-reason-for-messy-musk-breakup/?utm_source=web_push
[4] Elon Musk appears to delete some explosive X posts amid feud with Trump, https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/06/07/trump-musk-x-posts-feud.html
[5] Musk deletes post claiming Trump ‘in the Epstein files’, https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/musk-deletes-post-claiming-trump-in-the-epstein-files/
[6] Musk Hit Rival ‘Like a Rugby Player’ During Infamous White House Fight | The altercation happened steps from the Oval Office and had to be broken up by bystanders., https://www.thedailybeast.com/musk-hit-rival-like-a-rugby-player-during-infamous-white-house-fight/
[7] After His Trump Blowup, Musk May Be Out. But DOGE Is Just Getting Started, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/07/us/politics/trump-musk-doge-interior-epa.html
[8] Trump‑Musk feud leaves some DOGE staffers worried about their futures: Sources, https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-musk-feud-leaves-doge-staffers-worried-futures/story?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com/abcnews/library/media/539098468&id=122573423
[9] House DOGE caucus leader says ’everybody knew’ Elon Musk was exaggerating his cost-cutting achievements, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/musk-doge-spending-cuts-blake-moore-b2765700.html
[10] How DOGE destroyed a key piece of U.S. counterterrorism and Trump made it worse, https://www.msnbc.com/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/how-doge-destroyed-a-key-piece-of-u-s-counterterrorism-and-trump-made-it-worse-241024581776
[11] Russia Offers Elon Musk Asylum as Fight With Trump Intensifies - Russian officials are having a field day with the sudden Musk-Trump Feud, https://newrepublic.com/post/196256/russia-offers-elon-musk-asylum-fight-trump-intensifies

2. Executive Branch Power & Legal Challenges

President Trump has significantly expanded executive authority during his second term, with the Associated Press characterizing it as “the 911 presidency” due to his frequent use of emergency powers [1]. The administration is implementing “loyalty oaths” for civil service employees [2] and plans to discontinue the Transportation Security Administration’s “Quiet Skies” program [3].

The Trump administration faces numerous legal challenges, with the Associated Press now tracking lawsuits against presidential executive actions [4]. In what USA Today terms “a win for Trump,” the Supreme Court has ruled that DOGE can access Social Security data while legal challenges continue [5]. Justice Jackson has issued a warning about the “troubling message” sent by recent Supreme Court decisions favoring the administration [6]. An appeals court has permitted the White House’s ban on the Associated Press to remain in effect [7].

The Proud Boys organization has filed a “$100 million lawsuit against the U.S. government over their January 6 prosecutions” [8]. The Daily Wire reports on a Supreme Court ruling affirming that “discrimination can affect majority groups too” [9]. Multiple legal challenges to DOGE actions are proceeding through federal courts, with oral arguments on constitutional questions scheduled for October.

[1] The 911 presidency: Trump flexes emergency powers in his second term, https://apnews.com/article/trump-emergency-powers-tariffs-immigration-5cbe386d8f2cc4a374a5d005e618d76a
[2] Trump’s Odious New Demand of the Civil Service: Loyalty Oaths, https://newrepublic.com/article/196220/trump-civil-service-loyalty-oaths
[3] Trump plans to discontinue TSA’s ‘Quiet Skies’ program, CBS News reports, https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/trump-plans-discontinue-tsas-quiet-skies-program-cbs-news-reports-2025-06-05/
[4] Tracking the lawsuits against Donald Trump’s executive actions, https://apnews.com/projects/trump-executive-order-lawsuit-tracker/
[5] In win for Trump, Supreme Court lets DOGE access Social Security data, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/06/supreme-court-doge-social-security-data/83597687007/
[6] Trump’s winning at the Supreme Court. Justice Jackson warns about ’troubling message’, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/07/justice-jackson-supreme-court-trump/84078391007/
[7] Appeals court allows White House AP ban to continue, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/06/ap-ban-white-house-appeals-court
[8] Proud Boys sue US government for $100m over Jan 6 prosecutions, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4z7zyl0gwo
[9] Supreme Court Affirms: Discrimination Can Affect Majority Groups Too, https://www.dailywire.com/news/supreme-court-affirms-discrimination-can-affect-majority-groups-too?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dwbrand&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKwbhhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHsRa7dTpHMJrOZWy9q6e6VMSgf-VPClJUPnosXRj6DLSo_1CvjSBdUTOYl4p_aem_uVi0e-mNLbDmZ0RywfKTSw

3. Immigration Enforcement & Public Response

ICE has intensified operations in urban centers, triggering large-scale protests and confrontations. In Los Angeles, agents deployed “military-style force” against protesters during immigration raids [1], using “pepper spray and smoke grenades” to disperse demonstrators [2]. Rights groups report at least 45 arrests during protests against “coordinated raids throughout the city” [2]. The LAPD issued a “dispersal order as hundreds of protesters rally in downtown LA following ICE raids” [3]. The SEIU president was reportedly “injured and detained during ICE operations in downtown LA” [4].

At the state level, Pritzker has condemned ICE arrests in Chicago as “certainly inappropriate” [5]. ICE operations have affected various demographics, with local officials reporting ICE detained an “11th-grade student from Queens” during his immigration hearing [6].

A significant deportation case has reached a critical turning point with Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to the United States from El Salvador to face criminal charges [7]. Van Hollen characterized this return as “a victory for the Constitution” [8], while some media outlets frame it as the “Trump Admin Surrenders to Judges” [9]. The administration faces mounting legal challenges, with immigrant rights groups filing suit to invalidate a deal between the Trump administration and El Salvador regarding prison arrangements [10]. The White House has publicly labeled a judge who blocked deportations as a “Democrat Activist” [11].

[1] Agents Use Military-Style Force Against Protesters at L.A. Immigration Raid, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/06/us/los-angeles-immigration-raid.html
[2] Ice agents use pepper spray and smoke grenades to disperse LA protesters | Rights group says at least 45 people arrested as people demonstrate against coordinated raids throughout the city, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/06/los-angeles-ice-raids-immigration
[3] LAPD issues dispersal order as hundreds of protesters rally in downtown LA following ICE raids, https://abc7.com/post/protesters-march-downtown-los-angeles-ice-immigration-raids-city/16681794/
[4] SEIU president injured and detained during ICE operations in downtown LA, https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/seiu-president-detained-ice-operations-downtown-la-mayor-bass/3717671/
[5] ‘Certainly inappropriate,’ Pritzker slams ICE for arrests in Chicago, https://www.mystateline.com/news/ice-arrests-chicago-illinois/
[6] ICE detained Queens 11th-grader at his immigration hearing, officials say, https://gothamist.com/news/ice-detained-queens-11th-grader-at-his-immigration-hearing-officials-say
[7] Kilmar Abrego Garcia Returned to U.S. From El Salvador to Face Criminal Charges, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/06/us/politics/kilmar-abrego-garcia-us-criminal-charges.html?smid=url-share
[8] Van Hollen on Abrego Garcia’s return to US: ‘A victory for the Constitution’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5338169-van-hollen-abrego-garcia-due-process/
[9] Trump Admin Surrenders to Judges and Returns Abrego Garcia, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-admin-surrenders-to-judges-and-returns-kilmar-abrego-garcia-from-el-salvador/
[10] Immigrant rights groups sue to invalidate Trump administration’s El Salvador prison deal, https://apnews.com/article/lawsuit-migrants-deportees-el-salvador-trump-4e59cd71a8c50ce2eab2933f8e49f710
[11] White House Calls Judge Blocking Deportations a “Democrat Activist”, https://www.c-span.org/clip/white-house-event/white-house-calls-judge-blocking-deportations-a-democrat-activist/5157489

4. Congressional Response & Political Positioning

Congressional Republicans are navigating the political fallout from the Trump-Musk conflict, with lawmakers attempting to “dodge Trump-Musk crossfire” to avoid damage in the 2026 midterm elections [1]. Multiple bipartisan bills addressing executive branch power have been introduced in response to DOGE controversies, with both chambers advancing hearings on potential reforms.

Musk has suggested creating a new political organization, floating “The American Party” [2]. Fox News reports the “number of independents in America continues to grow” [3], suggesting an ongoing shift away from traditional two-party affiliation. Maine is considering withdrawing from the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact [4].

Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed a “bone crushing” Russia sanctions bill that could significantly impact U.S. trade relationships [5]. The proposed 500 percent tariffs on countries that buy Russian energy “could cut the U.S. off from major trade partners.” In Georgia, Derek Dooley, former Tennessee coach and son of Vince Dooley, is considering a GOP Senate run [6].

[1] Republican lawmakers try to dodge Trump-Musk crossfire, aim to avoid 2026 damage, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republican-lawmakers-try-dodge-trump-musk-crossfire-aim-avoid-2026-damage-2025-06-06/
[2] Musk floats ‘The American Party’ after Trump tiff, https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5338113-musk-floats-the-american-party-after-trump-tiff/
[3] Number of independents in America continues to grow, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6373963660112
[4] Maine may pull out of compact to choose presidents based on national popular vote, https://www.pressherald.com/2025/05/21/maine-may-pull-out-of-compact-to-choose-presidents-based-on-national-popular-vote/
[5] Graham’s ‘bone crushing’ Russia sanctions bill could freeze US trade with the world’s largest economies: The proposed 500 percent tariffs on countries that buy Russian energy could cut the U.S. off from major trade partners, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/07/lindsey-graham-russia-sanctions-bill-trade-embargo-00393297
[6] Derek Dooley, former Tennessee coach and Vince Dooley’s son, eyes GOP Senate run in Georgia, https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/derek-dooley-former-tennessee-coach-vince-dooleys-son-eyes-gop-senate-run-georgia/ZMXBLDQX5ND7FCY2GO2ZNPLPYQ/

5. Economic & International Implications

The U.S. labor market shows significant stress, with “over 7 million Americans unemployed — the most since 2017” [1]. The reporting indicates this unemployment situation “won’t get better anytime soon.” Financial markets have shown volatility in response to uncertainty surrounding DOGE’s future, with technology stocks with government contracts experiencing particular turbulence.

In the energy sector, The Washington Examiner reports on the closure of a “massive solar plant” in California [2]. Jacobin magazine advocates for the immediate nationalization of SpaceX and Starlink amid the Trump-Musk conflict [3]. Counterpunch alleges that “small businesses” are “in Trump’s crosshairs” [4]. In Washington state, Trump’s timber mandate is facing implementation challenges [5].

International reactions to DOGE developments have been mixed, with implications for U.S. diplomatic positioning. Iran has condemned Trump for a “racist mentality” and “hostility to Muslims” regarding a travel ban [6]. Chinese state media has portrayed recent U.S. political developments as evidence of governmental dysfunction.

[1] Over 7 million Americans are unemployed — the most since 2017. Why it won’t get better anytime soon., https://www.marketwatch.com/story/over-7-million-americans-are-unemployed-the-most-since-2017-why-it-wont-get-better-anytime-soon-781ad679
[2] The sun sets on California’s massive solar plant, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/3431615/california-solar-plant-shuts-down-environmentalism-nuclear-energy/
[3] We Should Immediately Nationalize SpaceX and Starlink, https://jacobin.com/2025/06/musk-trump-nationalize-spacex-starlink
[4] Small businesses in Trump’s crosshairs., https://www.counterpunch.org/2025/06/06/small-businesses-in-trumps-crosshairs/
[5] In Washington’s forests, Trump’s timber mandate looks shaky, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-trump-washington-forests-logging-timber/
[6] Iran blasts Trump for ‘racist mentality’ and hostility to Muslims over travel ban, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/07/iran-blasts-trump-for-racist-mentality-and-hostility-to-muslims-over-travel-ban

6. Civil Liberties & Social Issues

The National Park Service has closed Washington D.C.’s historic Dupont Circle Park during WorldPride events [1]. The park has been “the site of some of the capital’s earliest Pride celebrations, LGBTQ protests and AIDS memorial services.” Linda McMahon has stated there’s been “progress” at Harvard and Columbia amid what NBC News characterizes as “Trump’s attacks” on these institutions [2].

The Anti-Defamation League’s chief has made controversial statements “comparing student protesters to ISIS and al-Qaeda” during remarks to Republican officials [3]. The New Yorker reports on a growing phenomenon of private citizens actively seeking to assist with deportation efforts [4]. Blackburn has introduced legislation aimed at protecting federal law enforcement officers from doxxing [5].

[1] National Park Service closes D.C.’s historic Dupont Circle Park during WorldPride. The park has been the site of some of the capital’s earliest Pride celebrations, LGBTQ protests and AIDS memorial services., https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/national-park-service-closes-dupont-circle-park-worldpride-rcna211426
[2] Linda McMahon says there’s been ‘progress’ from Harvard and Columbia amid Trump’s attacks, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/linda-mcmahon-progress-harvard-columbia-trump-attacks-rcna210413
[3] ADL chief compares student protesters to ISIS and al-Qaeda in address to Republican officials, https://forward.com/news/726133/greenblatt-adl-protesters-terrorists/
[4] The Private Citizens Who Want to Help Trump Deport Migrants, https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/the-private-citizens-who-want-to-help-trump-deport-migrants
[5] Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Protect Federal Law enforcement Officers from Doxxing, https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/6/immigration/national%20security/blackburn-introduces-legislation-to-protect-federal-law-enforcement-officers-from-doxxing