[Thursday, June 12] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Immigration Enforcement and Civil Unrest

1.1 Military and Law Enforcement Deployment

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly defended the deployment of military personnel in Los Angeles, insisting the operation is lawful [1]. When pressed for details during congressional hearings, however, Hegseth struggled to articulate the specific legal justification for this deployment [1] [2]. This lack of clarity has prompted sharp criticism, with one California congressman reportedly telling Hegseth to “get the hell out” during a tense hearing [3].

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is escalating its response to nationwide protests, planning to deploy tactical units in major U.S. cities [4]. At the state level, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized over 5,000 Texas National Guard troops ahead of planned “No Kings” protests [5].

Reports indicate that Marines deployed to Los Angeles will be able to detain civilians [6], while troops have begun detaining immigrants in national defense zones at the border in what’s described as an escalation of military involvement [7]. CNN reports that Trump’s move to use military for immigration enforcement was months in the making [8], and a court hearing has been set on Trump’s use of National Guard and Marines to help with immigration raids in LA [9].

1.2 Public Response and Protest Movement

Military veterans have voiced opposition to President Trump’s intervention in Los Angeles [2]. The Wall Street Journal has documented the diverse composition of Los Angeles protesters through detailed participant profiles, including veterans, construction workers, and individuals identifying as communists [10]. This diversity suggests that the protests may have appeal beyond traditional activist circles.

Reports indicate that “No Kings” protests against Trump’s policies are scheduled for Saturday [11], while demonstrations over immigration raids have spread nationwide [12]. The Guardian reports that troops and marines deployed to LA are “deeply troubled” by their assignment, with one source stating that “morale is not great” [13]. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made controversial statements about protesters, saying Floridians have the right to hit protesters with cars [14].

Representative Delia Ramirez has characterized Trump’s immigrant crackdown as “The Beginning of Fascism” that is “Crushing Democracy” [15]. Meanwhile, social media has become a DIY alert system for ICE raids [16], demonstrating how technology is being leveraged in response to enforcement actions.

1.3 Detention Practices and Human Impact

The New Republic reports that ICE detained a nine-month pregnant U.S. citizen amid Los Angeles raids [17]. Trump has reportedly admitted that his “aggressive” migrant crackdown is “not good” for the workforce [18], and his administration has informed migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela that their legal status is terminated [19]. Some Democratic governors have publicly embraced stricter border security methods while rejecting what they term “immigrant abuses” [20].

2. Executive Branch Actions and Administration

2.1 Federal Administration and Leadership

Recent reporting highlights heightened scrutiny over the leadership transition at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) following Elon Musk’s departure [21]. Senator Elizabeth Warren has urged Trump to “abandon” DOGE’s “inefficient and harmful” agenda in a new letter [22].

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reinstated more than 450 CDC employees who were fired in April reorganization, including the childhood lead poisoning team [23]. Additionally, a federal firefighting source states that a loss of personnel—reportedly up to 5,000 employees—has raised questions about agencies’ capacity to meet challenges during fire season [24].

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has reportedly employed an unconventional approach to information classification, using artificial intelligence systems to analyze potentially classified documents [25].

2.2 White House Relations with Congress

Tensions between the White House and members of the president’s own party have surfaced publicly. Senator Rand Paul claimed that the White House rescinded his picnic invitation because of his opposition to a budget bill, describing the move as “incredibly petty” [26]. Paul further stated he had lost “a lot of respect” for President Trump, accusing the White House of immaturity [27].

In a dramatic incident, Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles [28]. This confrontation highlights growing tensions between the administration and congressional representatives from states most affected by immigration enforcement actions.

2.3 High-Profile Events and Media Strategy

Pope Leo has scheduled a virtual address from his hometown of Chicago that will coincide with President Trump’s military parade [29], which could be rained out according to Newsweek [30]. Six in ten U.S. adults say Trump’s military parade is not a good use of taxpayer money, according to a new AP-NORC poll [31].

Trump was reportedly booed at the Kennedy Center and drowned out by “USA” chants [32], while Vice President JD Vance made a brief trip to Montana to meet with media executives Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch [33], indicating the administration’s strategic outreach to influential media figures.

3. Economic Policy

3.1 Monetary Policy and Federal Reserve

President Trump has called Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell a “numbskull” as he urges interest rate cuts [1], taking a confrontational approach to monetary policy. Bloomberg’s opinion piece states that Ted Cruz’s Fed Plan is a “massive distraction” [2].

3.2 Tax and Fiscal Developments

MarketWatch reports that Trump’s tax bill will cost poorest Americans $1,600 per year with cuts to Medicaid and food assistance [3], while Rolling Stone offers a stark critique with the headline “Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Really Screws the Poor” [4].

Republican senators have reportedly uncovered a mysterious $1 billion addition to a budget bill [5], and Republicans are laying groundwork for what The Hill describes as a “total tax cliff” at the end of Trump’s term [6]. The House will vote on Trump’s request to cut funding for NPR, PBS, and foreign aid [7].

Ex-congressman Billy Long has been confirmed as commissioner of the IRS, an agency he once sought to abolish [8].

4. Legal and Judicial Developments

The Supreme Court has sided with a teen with epilepsy in a disability discrimination case [1] and restored an FBI “wrong house” raid lawsuit [2]. These decisions suggest the Court is maintaining its independent judicial review of executive actions.

January 6 officers have filed a lawsuit over GOP refusal to install an honorary plaque [3], while a South Carolina legislator has been indicted on 10 counts of distributing child sexual abuse material [4].

5. International Relations

Trump has called on Israel not to strike as Iran remains defiant before talks [1]. According to Axios, “MAGA warns Trump of ‘massive schism’ over Israeli strikes on Iran” [2], suggesting potential divisions within the president’s support base over Middle East policy.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the Russian people on Russia Day for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine [3], marking a shift in diplomatic approach. According to Pew Research, U.S. image has declined in many nations amid low confidence in Trump [4].

The U.S. has slammed a UN conference on the Israel-Palestinian issue and warned of consequences for those attending [5].

6. Political Party Developments and State Governance

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has voted to remove David Hogg and Malcolm Kenyatta from their positions [1]. According to the New York Times, following his removal, David Hogg announced he would not run again for vice chair—a decision that came amid fury over his plan to challenge incumbents in primary races [2].

Georgia’s Supreme Court has overturned four rules passed by the State Election Board [3], highlighting tension between state courts and election authorities. In Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds vetoed a contentious bill regarding psychedelic therapy [4], while polls indicate Democrats may have opportunities in upcoming gubernatorial races, including potential prospects for flipping Florida [5].

President Trump has stated that Governor Newsom “should thank him for saving his a—” [6], indicating continued tension between federal and state leadership.

References:

Immigration Enforcement and Civil Unrest:
[1] Hegseth says troops in LA are lawful. He just can’t explain why., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/11/hegseth-hearing-stumble-los-angeles-00400436
[2] Military veterans object to Donald Trump’s intervention in Los Angeles, https://www.ft.com/content/ff61c9b0-6466-4cd0-8ccf-b6903b329bb2
[3] California congressman tells Hegseth to “get the hell out” in tense hearing, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/12/hegseth-hearing-carbajal-california-congressman
[4] ICE to deploy tactical units in major U.S. cities as protests spread nationwide, https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/ice-to-deploy-tactical-units-in-major-u-s-cities-as-protests-spread-nationwide-241378373556
[5] Gov. Abbott deploys over 5,000 Texas National Guard troops ahead of planned ‘No Kings’ protests, https://apnews.com/article/immigration-protests-texas-national-guard-4f8ffc07788515c0d0e7ae40c7980565
[6] Marines Deployed To Los Angeles Will Be Able To Detain Civilians, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marines-los-angeles-national-guard-detain_n_684a5371e4b0cf5f0c9b1d25
[7] Troops begin detaining immigrants in national defense zone at border in escalation of military role, https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-enforcement-military-892da97c4764f93cd746a15ec37b54ca
[8] Trump’s move to use military for immigration enforcement was months in the making, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/12/politics/immigration-protests-military-national-guard
[9] Court hearing set on Trump’s use of National Guard and Marines to help with immigration raids in LA, https://apnews.com/article/california-immigration-national-guard-newsom-trump-lawsuit-aedf8cdd95ee899c9559d5e54a2e4833
[10] A Veteran, a Construction Worker, a Communist: The Many Faces of the L.A. Protests, https://www.wsj.com/us-news/a-veteran-a-construction-worker-a-communist-the-many-faces-of-the-l-a-protests-e429894a
[11] What to know about ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump’s policies on Saturday, https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-things-to-know-trump-8d37f2bb2bf20ab503205b277e92b885
[12] Protests over Trump administration’s immigration raids spread nationwide, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/06/11/protests-immigration-cities-ice-raids/
[13] Troops and marines deeply troubled by LA deployment: ‘Morale is not great’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/12/los-angeles-national-guard-troops-marines-morale
[14] Ron DeSantis says Floridians have right to hit protesters with cars, https://www.newsweek.com/ron-desantis-says-floridians-have-right-hit-protesters-cars-2084418
[15] “The Beginning of Fascism”: Rep. Delia Ramirez Says Trump’s Immigrant Crackdown Is Crushing Democracy, https://www.democracynow.org/2025/6/12/congressmember_delia_ramirez_ice_protests
[16] Social Media Is Now a DIY Alert System for ICE Raids, https://www.wired.com/story/the-rise-of-social-media-as-a-diy-alert-system-for-ice-raids/
[17] ICE Detains 9-Month Pregnant U.S. Citizen Amid L.A. Raids, https://newrepublic.com/post/196692/ice-detain-us-citizen-nine-months-pregnant
[18] Trump admits ‘aggressive’ migrant crackdown ’not good’ for workforce, https://nypost.com/2025/06/12/business/trump-says-immigration-crackdown-hurting-us-workforce-signals-changes/
[19] Trump administration tells migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela that their legal status is terminated, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/12/politics/migrants-cuba-venezuela-haiti-nicaragua
[20] Democratic Governors Embrace Border Security, Reject Trump Immigrant ‘Abuses’, https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-06-12/democratic-governors-embrace-border-security-reject-trump-immigrant-abuses

Executive Branch Actions and Administration:
[21] The Trump-Musk feud that wasn’t: Media distracted by another MAGA spectacle, https://www.salon.com/2025/06/12/the-musk-feud-that-wasnt-media-distracted-by-another-maga-spectacle/
[22] Warren urges Trump to “abandon” DOGE’s “inefficient and harmful” agenda in new letter, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/elizabeth-warren-trump-doge-letter/
[23] HHS reinstates more than 450 CDC employees fired in April reorganization, including childhood lead poisoning team, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/11/health/hhs-cdc-employees-reinstated
[24] Forest chief says losing 5,000 employees won’t impact fire season response. Many federal firefighters disagree, https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/06/forest-chief-says-losing-5000-employees-wont-impact-fire-season-response-many-federal-firefighters-disagree/406010/
[25] Tulsi Gabbard Fed Potentially Classified Documents Into AI to Determine If They Were Classified, https://www.latintimes.com/tulsi-gabbard-fed-potentially-classified-documents-ai-determine-if-they-were-classified-584850
[26] Rand Paul says “incredibly petty” White House rescinded picnic invite over budget bill opposition, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rand-paul-white-house-rescinded-picnic-invite-big-beautiful-bill/
[27] Rand Paul attacks ‘immaturity’ of White House after rescinded picnic invitation, says he’s lost a ’lot of respect’ for Trump, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/11/politics/rand-paul-white-house-picnic
[28] Sen. Alex Padilla confronts DHS Secretary Noem during press conference, is forcibly removed, https://ktla.com/news/local-news/watch-dhs-secretary-noem-speaks-from-l-a-after-calling-it-city-of-criminals/
[29] Pope Leo plans to give a virtual address in his hometown of Chicago – at the same time as Trump’s military parade, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/pope-leo-address-chicago-trump-parade-b2768103.html
[30] Donald Trump’s military parade could be rained out, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-military-parade-rain-weather-2084494
[31] Six in 10 of U.S. adults say Trump’s military parade is not good use of money, new AP-NORC poll finds, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/six-in-10-of-u-s-adults-say-trumps-military-parade-is-not-good-use-of-money-new-ap-norc-poll-finds
[32] Donald Trump booed at Kennedy Center, drowned out by “USA” chants, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-booed-kennedy-center-drowned-out-usa-chants-2084330
[33] Vance made a brief trip to Montana to speak to Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, AP sources say, https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-montana-visits-rupert-lachlan-murdoch-d4f040113968ea5d702061cac6129ee4

Economic Policy:
[1] Trump calls Fed chief Powell ’numbskull’ as he urges interest rate cut, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/12/trump-powell-numbskull-fed-rates.html
[2] Ted Cruz’s Fed Plan Is a Massive Distraction, https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-06-12/ted-cruz-s-fed-plan-is-just-a-massive-distraction
[3] Trump tax bill will cost poorest Americans $1,600 per year with cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, https://www.marketwatch.com/story/trump-tax-bill-will-cost-poorest-americans-1-600-per-year-with-cuts-to-medicaid-food-assistance-e9cc7f1c
[4] Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Really Screws the Poor, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-big-beautiful-bill-poor-taxes-1235363369/
[5] Republican senators uncover mysterious $1 billion added to budget bill, https://www.cbsnews.com/video/republican-senators-uncover-mysterious-1-billion-added-budget-bill/
[6] Republicans lay groundwork for ’total tax cliff’ at end of Trump’s term, https://thehill.com/business/5344999-republicans-tax-cliff-trump/
[7] House will vote on Trump’s request to cut funding for NPR, PBS and foreign aid, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/12/trump-budget-cuts-npr-pbs-global-health/5466d382-4779-11f0-9210-87ee82efcc80_story.html
[8] Ex-congressman Billy Long confirmed as commissioner of the IRS, an agency he once sought to abolish, https://apnews.com/article/billy-long-confirmed-irs-commissioner-67cd8daaa53a53c4ebf1262de1ede5e6

Legal and Judicial Developments:
[1] Supreme Court sides with teen with epilepsy in disability discrimination case, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/12/supreme-court-decision-student-disability-discrimination-case/83776317007/
[2] The FBI raided the wrong house. The Supreme Court says the family is allowed to sue, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/12/politics/fbi-wrong-house-georgia-supreme-court
[3] Jan. 6 Officers File Suit Over GOP Refusal To Install Honorary Plaque, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jan-6-plaque-lawsuit-capitol-police_n_684ad9d9e4b04dad09cc4f72?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main
[4] SC legislator indicted on 10 counts of distributing child sex abuse material, https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article308468855.html#storylink=rss

International Relations:
[1] Trump calls on Israel not to strike as Iran defiant before talks, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/06/trump-calls-israel-not-strike-iran-defiant-talks
[2] MAGA warns Trump of “massive schism” over Israeli strikes on Iran, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/12/trump-iran-israel-strikes-nuclear-maga
[3] For first time since invasion of Ukraine, US congratulates Russia on National Day, https://kyivindependent.com/rubio-congratulates-russian-people-on-russia-day/
[4] U.S. Image Declines in Many Nations Amid Low Confidence in Trump, https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/06/11/confidence-in-trump/
[5] US slams UN conference on Israel-Palestinian issue, warns of consequences, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-warns-against-attending-un-conference-israel-palestinian-two-state-solution-2025-06-11/

Political Party Developments and State Governance:
[1] DNC votes to oust David Hogg and Malcolm Kenyatta, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/11/david-hogg-dnc-vice-chair-kenyatta
[2] David Hogg to Exit DNC After Backlash to His Primary Plan, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/11/us/politics/david-hogg-dnc-democrats.html
[3] Georgia’s Supreme court overturned four rules passed by the State Election Board, https://apnews.com/article/georgia-supreme-court-state-election-board-rules-88de13189060dfd42069ed558ccbcad9
[4] No trippin’: Gov. Kim Reynolds vetoes Iowa ‘magic mushroom’ psychedelic therapy bill, https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/12/iowa-gov-reynolds-vetoes-magic-mushroom-psychedelic-therapy-bill/84156465007/
[5] Democrats’ chances of flipping Florida in governor’s race—Polls, https://www.newsweek.com/democrats-chances-flipping-florida-governor-polls-midterms-2084152
[6] Trump says Newsom should thank him for ‘saving his a—’, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5346117-trump-says-newsom-should-thank-him-for-saving-his-a/