[Friday, June 13] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Executive Authority and Federal-State Relations

1.1 Legal Challenges to Guard Deployments & State Authority

A significant legal battle has erupted over President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles. A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops in Los Angeles, ruling that the action was illegal [1][2]. The judge sharply questioned and ultimately rejected the administration’s authority to federalize California’s National Guard without the governor’s consent [3]. The Department of Justice immediately appealed [4], and an appeals court subsequently issued a stay that allows the Trump administration to maintain control of the National Guard troops in Los Angeles for the time being [5].

In a related development, a court ordered Trump to return National Guard control to California Governor Gavin Newsom [6], a decision Newsom celebrated by stating “He is not a king” [7]. This ruling represents a significant legal victory for state authority and limitation on presidential power. Meanwhile, Missouri’s governor has activated the National Guard ahead of anti-Trump protests [8].

[1] Judge issues a temporary ruling against Trump using the National Guard in LA, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/12/nx-s1-5429752/trump-newsom-california-national-guard-ice-immigration
[2] Judge temporarily bars Trump from deploying National Guard troops in Los Angeles, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/marines-prepare-los-angeles-deployment-protests-spread-across-us-2025-06-12/
[3] Judge rules Trump’s Guard deployment in Los Angeles is illegal, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/12/donald-trump-national-guard-deployment-illegal-00404451
[4] Judge rules Trump illegally used California’s National Guard in Los Angeles protests; DOJ appeals the decision, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/12/politics/trump-national-guard-california-breyer
[5] Trump administration can keep control of California National Guard troops for now, appeals court rules, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/judge-blocks-trump-administration-deploying-members-california-nationa-rcna212775
[6] Court orders Trump to return National Guard control to Newsom, https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-06-12/federal-court-california-challenge-trump-marines-national-guard-deployment
[7] ‘He is not a king:’ Newsom extols court in Guard win over Trump, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/12/he-is-not-a-king-newsom-extols-court-in-guard-win-over-trump-00404574
[8] Missouri governor activates National Guard ahead of anti-Trump protests, https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2025-06-12/missouri-national-guard-activate-trump-protest-18102880.html

1.2 Judicial Challenges to Executive Power

Other executive powers are also facing legal scrutiny. A judge has blocked a Trump executive order related to elections, siding with Arizona’s Attorney General and Democrats in the legal challenge [1]. California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused the Trump administration of transferring Californians’ personal information to the Department of Homeland Security, characterizing this as a dangerous violation of privacy [2]. In a separate legal matter, a court has ruled against President Trump in the E. Jean Carroll sex abuse case [3].

[1] Judge blocks Trump’s election executive order, siding with Arizona AG and Democrats, https://www.azfamily.com/2025/06/13/judge-blocks-trumps-election-executive-order-siding-with-arizona-ag-democrats/
[2] Governor Newsom: Trump handed over Californians’ personal information to Homeland Security, a dangerous violation of privacy, https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/06/13/governor-newsom-trump-handed-over-californians-personal-information-to-homeland-security-a-dangerous-violation-of-privacy/
[3] Court Hands Trump Huge Blow in E. Jean Carroll Sex Abuse Case, https://www.thedailybeast.com/court-hands-trump-huge-blow-in-e-jean-carroll-sex-abuse-case/

2. Civil Unrest and “No Kings” Protests

2.1 Nationwide Protest Movement

A significant nationwide protest movement under the banner “No Kings” is developing, with millions expected to participate [1]. The slogan “No Kings. No Surrender.” appears to be a central rallying cry [2]. The President has directly responded to these protests, stating “we’re not a king” [3]. Trump was also reportedly booed at a Kennedy Center performance of Les Misérables, where drag queens were actively protesting [4]. Military response has already begun, with hundreds of U.S. Marines deployed to Los Angeles coinciding with these planned protests [5].

[1] Millions in US expected to join ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/13/no-kings-protests?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
[2] No Kings. No Surrender., https://www.thebulwark.com/p/no-kings-no-surrender
[3] Donald Trump responds to ’no kings’ protests—“we’re not a king”, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-responds-no-king-protests-we-not-king-2084938
[4] Trump booed at Kennedy Center Les Miserables show as drag queens protest performance, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/trump-booed-cheered-les-miserables-kennedy-center-b2768497.html
[5] Hundreds of US Marines arrive in LA as large protests are planned in California and across US, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/13/marines-los-angeles-protests-trump

2.2 Security Concerns and Public Response

Far-right groups are circulating threatening messages regarding the protests, including violent rhetoric such as “Shoot a couple, the rest will go home” [1]. Public opinion appears divided on the government’s response, with polling indicating more Americans support than oppose military deployment against what are characterized as violent protests [2]. In Florida, the Brevard County sheriff issued a stark warning, threatening that law enforcement would “kill you graveyard dead” if protests turned violent [3].

[1] ‘Shoot a couple, the rest will go home’: Far-right groups are sharing scary messages ahead of ‘No Kings’ protests, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-protests-no-kings-far-right-b2769812.html
[2] More back Trump’s use of military against violent protests than oppose—poll, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-use-military-quell-violent-protests-los-angeles-poll-2085318
[3] Brevard sheriff’s warning to violent protesters: “We will kill you graveyard dead”, https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/06/12/brevard-sheriffs-warning-to-violent-protestors-we-will-kill-you-graveyard-dead/

3. International Relations and Middle East Conflict

3.1 Israel-Iran Military Escalation

A major military confrontation has erupted between Israel and Iran, with Israeli strikes reportedly targeting nuclear sites and causing severe damage to Tehran [1]. The Trump administration is actively seeking to distance the U.S. from the Israeli strikes, with officials noting there was no U.S. military support for the action [2]. Reports indicate that Israel disregarded Trump’s position by launching a major attack on Iranian nuclear facilities [3], placing the administration in an “impossible position” [4].

President Trump has warned Iran to agree to a deal “before there is nothing left” [5] and characterized this as a “second chance” for Iran to negotiate following these strikes [6]. The United States has moved warships closer to Israel in response [7] while maintaining a careful diplomatic balance. In a related move, the U.S. has ordered non-essential embassy staff to leave Iraq amid growing regional tensions [8].

[1] Israel’s strikes on Iran show Trump is unable to restrain Netanyahu as Middle East slips closer to chaos, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/13/israels-strikes-on-iran-show-trump-is-unable-to-restrain-netanyahu-as-middle-east-slips-closer-to-chaos
[2] Trump administration seeks to distance US from Israeli strikes on Iran, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-seeks-distance-us-israeli-strikes-iran-2025-06-13/
[3] Israel Disregards Trump With Major Attack on Iran Nuclear Sites, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-13/israel-disregards-trump-with-major-attack-on-iran-nuclear-sites
[4] MAGA Warned Trump on Iran. Now He’s In An Impossible Position., https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/06/12/israel-iran-trump-maga-00403531
[5] Trump warns Iran to agree to a deal ‘before there is nothing left’, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/12/politics/trump-israel-iran-strike
[6] Trump says Iran has ‘second chance’ to come to nuclear deal after Israeli strikes devastate Tehran, https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-nuclear-weapon-trump-4fcc4013bae363f781c632ce03fea55d
[7] US moves warships closer to Israel, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/13/pentagon-destroyer-israel-iran-00405019
[8] US orders non-essential embassy staff out of Iraq amid growing Middle East tensions, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/12/us-orders-non-essential-embassy-staff-out-of-iraq-amid-growing-middle-east-tensions-israel-iran-nuclear-talks

3.2 Other Foreign Policy Challenges

President Trump’s global diplomatic initiatives face significant challenges, with assessments suggesting his diplomatic goals are unraveling [1]. Relations with India appear strained despite initially welcoming Trump’s return to office [2]. U.S.-Canada trade relations face uncertainty, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney indicating that an upcoming G-7 Summit meeting with President Trump will determine the fate of a bilateral tariff agreement [3]. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has raised diplomatic concerns by suggesting that the Pentagon has “contingency” plans to take Greenland by force [4].

[1] Trump Talks Big on Global Diplomacy, but His Goals Are in Tatters, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/us/politics/trump-mideast-ukraine-russia.html
[2] Will Trump Lose India? | An ally that welcomed his return to office has serious problems with his policies., https://www.wsj.com/opinion/will-trump-lose-india-alienating-allies-when-he-doesnt-need-to-4398709c
[3] Carney Says Trump Meeting at G-7 Summit to Determine Fate of U.S.-Canada Tariff Deal, https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/carney-says-trump-meeting-at-g-7-summit-to-determine-fate-of-us-canada-tariff-deal-7dcf9e7e
[4] Hegseth suggests Pentagon has ‘contingency’ plans to take Greenland by force, https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cy0krz2jyw3o

4. Immigration Policy and Enforcement

4.1 Senator Padilla Incident

A dramatic incident involving Senator Alex Padilla has intensified partisan tensions over immigration policy. Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed at a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles [1][2]. The incident provoked furious reactions from Democrats who described themselves as “shocked” and “sickened” [3]. Some lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, are calling for Secretary Noem’s resignation, with Warren warning that “Donald Trump is making this nation look more and more like a fascist state” [4].

[1] Sen Alex Padilla dragged out of Noem immigration briefing in LA, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ygn48djrko
[2] Sen. Padilla is forcefully removed from Noem’s news conference on immigration raids and handcuffed, https://apnews.com/article/alex-padilla-noem-immigration-protest-california-f67d220a0254473c53c16aa96f554239
[3] ‘Shocked’ and ‘sickened’ Democrats react with fury to video of Padilla’s removal, https://apnews.com/article/alex-padilla-democrats-angry-congress-noem-removal-f0f76a2600fbf2fa4b353546db95e028
[4] ‘It’s Time for Kristi Noem to Resign,’ Say Lawmakers After Assault on Padilla | “Every day,” warned Sen. Elizabeth Warren, “Donald Trump is making this nation look more and more like a fascist state.”, https://www.commondreams.org/news/kristi-noem-should-resign

4.2 Enforcement Expansion

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing a substantial expansion of detention facilities as part of a $45 billion initiative [1]. The Trump administration plans to broaden the use of National Guard troops in immigration operations [2]. Republicans have launched an investigation into more than 200 immigrant charity organizations, a move critics characterize as deliberately intimidating [3]. Meanwhile, tensions are rising in detention facilities as ICE detainees tore down a wall during an uprising at a New Jersey facility [4].

[1] As Part of a $45 Billion Push, ICE Prepares for a Vast Expansion of Detention Space, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-13/ice-leans-on-detention-center-vendors-in-deportation-push-worth-billions
[2] Trump plans broader use of National Guard in immigration enforcement, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/12/trump-miller-national-guard-ice/
[3] ‘Fear Is the Point’: Alarm as Republicans Launch Probe of 200+ Immigrant Charity Groups, https://www.commondreams.org/news/republicans-investigate-immigrant-charity-groups
[4] ICE detainees tear down a wall in uprising at N.J. detention facility, lawyer says, https://www.nj.com/essex/2025/06/ice-detainees-tear-down-a-wall-in-uprising-at-nj-detention-facility-lawyer-says.html

5. Economic and Domestic Policy

5.1 Tax Legislation and Healthcare Policy

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Republican tax bill would have starkly divergent effects across income levels – costing poor Americans $1,600 annually while boosting the highest earners by $12,000 [1]. The New York Times characterizes the legislation as “more regressive than any major law in decades” [2].

In healthcare, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has halted transgender care reportedly under pressure from the administration [3]. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been accused of sending “medical disinformation” to Congress to defend changes to the COVID vaccine schedule [4] and faced fact-checking for statements about vaccines made during a Fox News appearance [5].

[1] GOP tax bill would cost poor Americans $1,600 a year and boost highest earners by $12,000, CBO says, https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-bill-hurts-poor-helps-rich-cbo-f3d9d46ca3e829d6b850dca30b91a2b6
[2] Trump’s Big Bill Would Be More Regressive Than Any Major Law in Decades, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/06/12/upshot/gop-megabill-distribution-poor-rich.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Ok8.VM_g.bnqdGeCi9DS1&smid=url-share
[3] Children’s Hospital Los Angeles halts transgender care under pressure from Trump, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-12/childrens-hospital-of-los-angeles-transgender-care
[4] RFK Jr. sent Congress ‘medical disinformation’ to defend COVID vaccine schedule change, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/13/nx-s1-5431935/rfk-hhs-covid-vaccine-schedule-faq
[5] RFK Jr. Fact-Checked for Spouting ‘Dangerous Falsehoods’ About Vaccines on Fox News: ‘I Have Receipts’, https://www.latintimes.com/rfk-jr-fact-checked-spouting-dangerous-falsehoods-about-vaccines-fox-news-i-have-receipts-584988

6. Congressional Affairs and Political Dynamics

6.1 Legislative Actions

The House has passed a rescission package that would claw back $9.4 billion previously allocated for foreign aid, NPR, and PBS [1]. In state-level developments, Nevada’s Republican governor vetoed a voter ID bill he had previously supported as part of a deal with Democrats [2]. Partisan tensions have flared on Capitol Hill, with a Democratic New York lawmaker reportedly unleashing profanity toward GOP Representative Mike Lawler during a floor confrontation [3]. House Speaker Mike Johnson backed censuring Senator Alex Padilla following his removal at Noem’s press conference [4].

[1] House passes rescission package to claw back $9.4 billion in funding for foreign aid, NPR, PBS, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-vote-rescission-claw-back-9-4-billion-foreign-aid-npr-pbs/
[2] Nevada GOP governor vetoes voter ID bill that he pushed for in a deal with Democrats, https://apnews.com/article/nevada-new-voter-id-law-cdb217073dcf2e974dcd300a0bd37eff
[3] Democratic New York lawmaker erupts with f-bombs at GOP Rep. Lawler on House floor, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5347949-john-mannion-mike-lawler-hour-floor/
[4] Johnson, heckled by Democrats, backs censure for Padilla, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5347773-johnson-padilla-press-conference-censure/

6.2 Internal Party Dynamics

Internal Democratic Party tensions have emerged following the Padilla incident, with one Democrat criticizing Padilla’s actions as “theater” [1]. Representative Torres has criticized what he describes as a “gerontocracy problem” within the Democratic Party [2]. Federal prosecutors have alleged that Republican Representative RJ May distributed hundreds of child pornography files [3]. Vice President JD Vance has reportedly held a “secret meeting” with right-wing media executives [4], suggesting coordination between administration officials and media organizations.

[1] Democrat Rips Into Fellow Party Member After He Was Detained During Kristi Noem Press Conference: ‘Theater’, https://www.latintimes.com/democrat-rips-fellow-party-member-after-he-was-detained-during-kristi-noem-press-conference-584962
[2] Democrats’ Gerontocracy Problem Gives GOP Wins, NY’s Torres Says, https://news.bgov.com/bloomberg-government-news/democrats-gerontocracy-problem-giving-gop-wins-nys-torres-says
[3] GOP Rep. RJ May distributed hundreds of child porn files under username ‘joebidennn69’: feds, https://nypost.com/2025/06/12/us-news/gop-rep-rj-may-distributed-hundreds-of-child-porn-files-under-username-joebidennn69-feds/
[4] US vice president JD Vance had ‘secret meeting’ with right-wing media bosses, https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/jd-vance-fox-news-meeting-rupert-murdoch-b2769088.html