[Tuesday, June 17] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. Executive Branch and Presidential Actions

1.1 Presidential Approval and Public Opinion

President Trump’s approval rating shows concerning trends across multiple polls. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates his overall approval holding steady at 42%, though support for his immigration policy has weakened [1]. Other polls present a more negative picture, with Newsweek reporting Trump’s “worst polls yet” described as “awful, awful, awful” [2].

[1] Trump approval steady at 42%, support weakens for his immigration policy, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-approval-steady-42-support-weakens-his-immigration-policy-reutersipsos-2025-06-16/
[2] Donald Trump Approval Rating Suffers Worst Polls Yet—‘Awful, Awful, Awful’, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-approval-rating-worst-polls-2086089

1.2 Executive Orders and Agency Restructuring

The Trump administration has disbanded a group focused on pressuring Russia [1] and is exploring powers that could bypass congressional spending authority [2]. The administration has shuttered the only federal agency that investigates industrial chemical explosions [3], while a Senate bill would give the President extensive agency-restructuring authority [4]. The leader of FEMA’s disaster coordination office has resigned as Trump moves to eliminate the agency [5].

[1] Trump administration disbands group focused on pressuring Russia, sources say, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/trump-administration-disbands-group-focused-pressuring-russia-sources-say-2025-06-17/?utm_source=reddit.com
[2] White House Eyes Rarely Used Power to Override Congress on Spending, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/us/politics/trump-vought-congress-spending-rescission.html
[3] Trump quietly shutters the only federal agency that investigates industrial chemical explosions, https://grist.org/energy/trump-quietly-shutters-the-only-federal-agency-that-investigates-industrial-chemical-explosions/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
[4] Senate reconciliation bill would give Trump ‘carte blanche’ to reorganize agencies, lay off feds | The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee authorizes a $100 million war chest for OMB to reorganize government without congressional oversight., https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/06/senate-reconciliation-bill-would-give-trump-carte-blanche-reorganize-agencies-lay-feds/406145
[5] Leader of top FEMA disaster coordination office resigns, as Trump moves to eliminate agency, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/17/nx-s1-5436787/fema-resignation-national-response-center

1.3 Presidential Communications and Business Interests

President Trump’s recent communications have been confrontational. Following shootings of Minnesota lawmakers, Trump declined to call Governor Walz, stating it would “waste time” [1]. After leaving the G7 summit early, Trump blasted an unnamed “publicity seeking” world leader [2].

On business matters, Trump has secured a “golden share” in U.S. Steel, granting him “extraordinary control” over the company [3]. The Trump Organization has launched “Trump Mobile,” featuring a $499 smartphone [4] that, despite marketing claims of being “all-American,” is actually manufactured in China [5].

[1] Trump says he won’t call Minnesota Gov. Walz after lawmaker shootings because it would ‘waste time’, https://apnews.com/article/trump-walz-minnesota-lawmakers-shot-call-064092d14bea4c3141da31b7a5e5c9b3
[2] Trump Blasts ‘Publicity Seeking’ World Leader After G7 Exit Explanation, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-blasts-publicity-seeking-world-leader-emmanuel-macron-for-calling-out-his-g7-exit/
[3] ‘Golden Share’ in U.S. Steel Gives Trump Extraordinary Control, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/15/us/politics/golden-share-us-steel-nippon-trump.html
[4] Trump Organization announces mobile plan, $499 smartphone, https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/06/16/trump-mobile-phone-plan.html
[5] Trump’s New ‘All-American’ Smartphone Is Made in China, https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trumps-new-all-american-smartphone-is-made-in-china/

2. Israel-Iran Conflict and Middle East Crisis

2.1 U.S. Position and Military Posture

The Israel-Iran conflict has reached a critical juncture. The Pentagon has signaled the U.S. won’t strike Iran directly [1], even as military assets are being repositioned, with tanker aircraft moving toward the region [2]. Trump has publicly stated he wants a “real end” to the nuclear problem with Iran [3] and reportedly urged evacuation of Tehran before leaving the G7 summit early [4]. More recently, Trump has threatened Iran’s leader and demanded “unconditional surrender” [5].

[1] Pentagon Signals US Won’t Strike Iran as Trump Summons Security Council, https://www.newsweek.com/pentagon-iran-strike-trump-national-security-council-2086430
[2] U.S. Tanker Aircraft Head to Middle East as Threat of Iran War Rises, https://www.newsweek.com/us-tanker-aircraft-head-middle-east-threat-iran-war-rises-2086618
[3] Trump says he wants “real end” to nuclear problem with Iran, https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/trump-urges-tehran-evacuation-iran-israel-conflict-enters-fifth-day-2025-06-17/
[4] Trump urges evacuation of Tehran and leaves G7 early, citing Mideast crisis, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-warning-evacuate-tehran-iran-israel-strikes-2086420
[5] Trump threatens Iran’s leader, demands ‘unconditional surrender’, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/17/trump-iran-israel-khamenei.html

2.2 Congressional War Powers Limitations

Lawmakers from both parties are taking steps to constrain President Trump’s authority to engage in military action against Iran. A U.S. senator has introduced legislation specifically designed to curb Trump’s power to go to war with Iran [1], while Senator Sanders has introduced legislation to prohibit using federal funds for what he terms an “illegal war with Iran” [2]. A bipartisan initiative in the House brings together Republican and Democratic representatives with the same objective [3].

[1] US senator introduces bill to curb Trump’s power to go to war with Iran, https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2025/6/16/us-senator-introduces-bill-to-curb-trumps-power-to-go-to-war-with-iran
[2] Sanders Bill Would Bar Trump From Using Federal Funds for ‘Illegal War With Iran’, https://www.commondreams.org/news/bernie-sanders-iran-war
[3] House Republican, Democrat move to limit Trump from entering Iran war, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/17/trump-iran-israel-war-congress-massie-khanna

2.3 Intelligence Assessments

Conflicting assessments have emerged about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with Israel claiming Iran was racing toward a nuclear weapon while U.S. intelligence indicated it was years away [1]. Israeli Defense Minister Gallant has stated the U.S. “has an obligation” to assist Israel’s operation [2]. Meanwhile, Trump has clashed with French President Macron over Middle East policy [3].

[1] Israel says Iran was racing toward a nuclear weapon. US intel says it was years away, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/politics/israel-iran-nuclear-bomb-us-intelligence-years-away
[2] Gallant says US has an obligation to assist Israel’s operation in Iran, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/16/world/video/yoav-gallant-israel-iran-united-states-digvid
[3] Trump Says Macron ‘Always Gets It Wrong’ as They Clash Over Mideast, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/world/europe/trump-macron-israel-iran-ukraine.html

3. Congressional and Legislative Affairs

3.1 Tax Legislation and Economic Policy

Senate Republicans have unveiled Trump’s tax legislation, described as the “big, beautiful bill” [1], but face challenges in their push to pass it by July 4 [2]. The Congressional Budget Office projects the bill would widen deficits by $2.8 trillion [3]. The bill includes what’s called a $100 billion “revenge tax” that has prompted business lobbyists to mobilize against it [4].

[1] Senate Republicans unveil long-awaited details on Trump tax bill, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-republicans-finance-committee-trump-budget-bill-medicaid-taxes/?ftag=CNM-00-10aag9b
[2] Senate GOP hits roadblocks in push to pass Trump’s tax and spending bill by July 4, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/16/politics/senate-gop-roadblocks-tax-spending-bill?utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit
[3] Trump tax bill would widen deficits by $2.8T after factoring in economic impacts, CBO says, https://apnews.com/article/cbo-trump-tax-cuts-budget-deficit-355a929637110adf1712df882360a995
[4] Business Lobbyists Scramble to Kill $100 Billion ‘Revenge Tax’, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/us/politics/republican-policy-bill-revenge-tax.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Pk8.Znp8.MsvhHBob7HZi&smid=url-share

3.2 Medicaid and Healthcare Proposals

Republican proposals to cut Medicaid by approximately $800 billion are advancing despite the program’s growing popularity [1]. A study indicates these cuts could result in more than 16,000 preventable deaths annually [2]. A CDC official responsible for overseeing COVID hospitalization data has resigned following vaccine-related directives from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. [3].

[1] Medicaid keeps getting more popular as Republicans aim to cut it by $800 billion, https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/06/17/nx-s1-5435312/medicaid-cuts-big-beautiful-bill-trump-kff-poll
[2] Medicaid cuts could result in more than 16,000 preventable deaths annually, https://www.statnews.com/2025/06/16/medicaid-cuts-new-analysis-16-thousand-deaths-millions-uninsured-from-big-beautiful-bill/
[3] CDC official overseeing COVID hospitalization data resigns after RFK Jr.’s vaccine orders, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fiona-havers-cdc-covid-hospitalization-data-lead-resigns/

3.3 Public Lands and Environmental Policy

GOP proposals would make millions of acres of public lands eligible for sale in California (16 million acres) [1], New Mexico (14 million acres) [2], and other states [3]. The Environmental Protection Agency is reconsidering a ban on cancer-causing asbestos [4], while a judge has ruled that Trump’s cuts to NIH grants were illegal [5].

[1] Map shows which 16M acres of Calif. public lands eligible for sale in GOP bill, https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/map-shows-calif-public-lands-eligible-for-sale-20380335.php
[2] GOP bill makes 14 million acres of public land in NM ’eligible’ for sale, according to new analysis, https://sourcenm.com/2025/06/17/gop-bill-makes-14-million-acres-of-public-land-in-nm-eligible-for-sale-according-to-new-analysis/
[3] A G.O.P. Plan to Sell Public Land Is Back. This Time, It’s Millions of Acres., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/12/climate/senate-gop-public-land-sale.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Pk8.ikQW.gjKjxvqQzgxC&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
[4] E.P.A. Plans to Reconsider a Ban on Cancer-Causing Asbestos, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/us/epa-trump-asbestos-ban-delay.html?smid=bs-share
[5] Judge deems Trump’s cuts to National Institutes of Health illegal, https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/judge-deems-trumps-cuts-national-institutes-health-illegal-rcna213360

4. Immigration and Border Security

4.1 ICE Operations and Enforcement Actions

Immigration enforcement has intensified as the Department of Homeland Security reverses earlier restrictions—allowing ICE raids to resume at farms, hotels, and restaurants [1]. Recent incidents include ICE detaining NYC Comptroller Brad Lander at an immigration court [2]. The human impact is highlighted in several reports, including an Army sergeant’s wife being deported despite the family believing they were safe [3].

[1] DHS reverses course, allowing immigration raids to resume at farms, hotels, restaurants, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/politics/homeland-security-immigration-raids-resume
[2] ‘This Is Fascism’: NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Arrested by ICE at an Immigration Court, https://www.commondreams.org/news/nyc-ice-brad-lander
[3] “They’re taking Shirly”: An Army sergeant thought his family as safe. Then ICE deported his wife., https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/06/army-sergeant-thought-his-family-was-safe-then-ice-deported-his-wife-shirly-guardado/

4.2 Economic Impacts and Policy Changes

Small business owners in Los Angeles report severe economic impacts from immigration enforcement actions, with some comparing the damage to that experienced during COVID-19 [1]. A report from Texas details that only 8% of the planned state border wall has been built, with funding quietly defunded [2].

[1] Immigration raids in Los Angeles hit small business owners: ‘It’s worse than COVID’, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/immigration-raids-los-angeles-hit-small-business-owners-its-worse-than-covid-2025-06-17/
[2] With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall program, https://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/17/texas-border-wall-funding-ends-abbott-trump/?_bhlid=02d4edfd6eca61033ea88bc31c35fb8f12182c31&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwK-o71leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHrWIzMqr3mkHOVZFVO8bcTedLIz7xSExv-iK9EcTDoWtHzUTm9R7gvTFvskU_aem_ZNEHSJH3SBB322B7-8EyPg

5. Political Violence and Partisan Divisions

5.1 Security Threats and Violence

Two significant security threats have emerged targeting political figures. In Minnesota, a suspect had compiled a “hit list” that included House members and state lawmakers [1], connected to shootings of Minnesota lawmakers. In a separate case, a former Coast Guard officer has been arrested after multiple threats to kill President Trump [2]. Law enforcement also arrested an armed individual at Nashville’s “No Kings” protest [3].

[1] Who was on Minnesota suspect’s hit list? House members, state lawmakers, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5353959-minnesota-suspects-hit-list-house-members-state-lawmakers/
[2] Ex-Coast Guard Officer Arrested After Multiple Threats to Kill Trump, https://www.thedailybeast.com/ex-coast-guard-officer-arrested-after-multiple-threats-to-kill-trump/
[3] Armed man arrested at Nashville’s ‘No Kings’ protest had long fascination with Nazis, mass murder, https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/confronting-hate/armed-man-arrested-at-nashvilles-no-kings-protest-had-long-fascination-with-nazis-mass-murder

5.2 Partisan Rhetoric and Protests

In the aftermath of Minnesota lawmaker killings, misinformation described as “brutal and cruel” has spread [1]. Trump referred to Governor Walz as a “terrible governor” rather than offering condolences [2]. Senator Mike Lee posted content blaming the assassinations on the “far left,” subsequently avoiding media questions [3]. The “No Kings” protest organizers have announced July 17 as the next demonstration date [4].

[1] How the right spread ‘brutal and cruel’ misinformation after Minnesota lawmaker killings, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/17/minnesota-lawmaker-killings-misinformation-rightwing
[2] Trump and other Republicans mock Democrats after Minnesota lawmaker killings: While many in GOP condemn attacks, president calls Tim Walz ’terrible governor’ and Musk pushes misinformation, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/16/republicans-trump-minnesota-lawmakers-killings
[3] Mike Lee Flees from Media Questions About His Assassin Tweet, https://www.thedailybeast.com/mike-lee-flees-from-media-questions-about-his-marxist-assassin-tweet/
[4] No Kings protest organizers announce July 17 as next demonstration, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/17/no-kings-july-17-protests

6. International Relations and G7 Summit

President Trump’s early departure from the G7 summit created diplomatic tensions. Trump declined to sign the G7 statement on Iran and Israel [1], leaving the remaining six leaders to salvage the summit [2]. Canada reportedly scrapped a G7 statement on Ukraine after U.S. resistance [3]. Trump has revealed a new price tag for Canada to participate in a proposed “Golden Dome” defense system [4] and has had sharp exchanges with Macron [5].

[1] Trump Will Not Sign G7 Statement on Iran and Israel, Official Says, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/world/middleeast/trump-israel-iran-g7-summit.html
[2] Now we are six: G7 leaders try to salvage their summit after Trump’s early exit, https://apnews.com/article/g7-summit-canada-trump-departure-ukraine-6c86a0a8463603c9b1a3e950382af0a2
[3] Canada says it scrapped a G7 statement on Ukraine after US resistance, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canada-says-it-scrapped-g7-statement-ukraine-after-us-resistance-2025-06-17/
[4] Trump reveals new price tag for Canada to join “Golden Dome” defense system, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-canada-golden-dome-air-defense-missile-2086645
[5] Trump Says Macron ‘Always Gets It Wrong’ as They Clash Over Mideast, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/world/europe/trump-macron-israel-iran-ukraine.html