[Wednesday, June 18] US News Headlines from r/politics

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Good morning. The United States is poised on the brink of direct military conflict with Iran, a rapidly escalating crisis dominating the national security landscape and exposing deep political fractures. President Trump has reportedly approved military strike plans, using them as leverage in a high-stakes diplomatic standoff. Domestically, the administration’s use of military personnel for immigration enforcement and to quell dissent is fueling mass protests under the “No Kings” banner, leading to high-profile arrests and significant constitutional challenges in federal court. A landmark Supreme Court ruling has curtailed transgender rights, while the Federal Reserve has issued a stark warning of a worsening economy, creating a convergence of crises that demands immediate and coordinated attention.

1. The Iran Crisis: On the Brink of War

1.1 Escalation: From Debate to Approved Military Plans

The administration has advanced from debating military action to approving specific attack plans against Iran, though the final order is being withheld as a tool of coercive diplomacy [1]. President Trump is reportedly hoping the threat of joining Israeli strikes will compel Tehran to abandon its nuclear program [1]. Publicly, the President’s stance has hardened, demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” [2] and remarking ambiguously on a potential strike of a nuclear site: “I may do it. I may not do it” [3]. He has also stated that Iran “missed a chance for a deal” and that it is now “very late” for talks [4]. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei declared his country “cannot surrender” [5], and Tehran has warned any direct U.S. intervention would be a “‘recipe for all-out war’” [6], threatening “irreparable damage” [7]. This is substantiated by reports that Iran is preparing missiles for potential retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases [8].

References: [1] Trump Privately Approved Attack Plans For Iran But Has Withheld Final Order | The president is hoping that threatening to join Israel’s strikes will lead Tehran to abandon its nuclear program, https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/trump-privately-approved-attack-plans-for-iran-but-has-withheld-final-order-4563c526
[2] Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ as strikes continue, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/17/israel-iran-conflict-attacks-live-trump/
[3] Trump on strike of Iranian nuclear site: ‘ I may do it. I may not do it.’, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/18/trump-iran-may-strike-00412260
[4] Trump Says Iran Missed Chance for Deal, Vague on Strike Plans, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-18/trump-refuses-to-reveal-us-plans-for-iran-says-late-for-talks
[5] Iran’s Khamenei responds to Trump threats: “cannot surrender”, https://www.newsweek.com/iran-khamenei-trump-threats-israel-war-2087268
[6] As Trump Weighs Attack Plans, Iran Says US Intervention Would Be ‘Recipe for All-Out War’, https://www.commondreams.org/news/iran-us-war
[7] Iran threatens US with ‘irreparable damage’ if Trump joins war, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/18/iran-threatens-us-with-irreparable-damage-if-trump-joins-war
[8] Iran Is Preparing Missiles for Possible Retaliatory Strikes on U.S. Bases, Officials Say, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/us/politics/iran-israel-us-bases.html

1.2 Intelligence Divergence and Internal Dissent

A significant gap exists between the White House and the intelligence community, with U.S. spy agencies reportedly assessing that Iran is not actively building a nuclear weapon—a conclusion the President publicly dismisses [1]. This analytical divergence is echoed by reports of differing U.S. and Israeli intelligence on the status of Iran’s program [2]. Within the administration, there are signs of powerful internal dissent. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was reportedly excluded from key Camp David meetings on the crisis, with a senior official claiming the President is “‘losing confidence’” in her and mulling the elimination of her entire office [3]. At the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is reportedly deferring to U.S. Central Command chief Gen. Erik Kurilla, who is said to be “overruling other top Pentagon officials” on Iran planning [4].

References: [1] US spies said Iran wasn’t building a nuclear weapon. Trump dismisses that assessment, https://apnews.com/article/gabbard-trump-intelligence-iran-nuclear-program-51c8d85d536f8628870c110ac05bb518
[2] Israel and U.S. intelligence differ on status of Iran’s nuclear program. Who’s right?, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/18/nx-s1-5436758/israel-and-u-s-intelligence-differ-on-status-of-irans-nuclear-program-whos-right
[3] Trump is ‘losing confidence’ in Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard as he mulls removing her entire office, senior official says, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-tulsi-gabbard-israel-iran-b2772131.html
[4] Hegseth defers to general on Pentagon’s plans for Iran: U.S. Central Command chief Gen. Erik Kurilla is overruling other top Pentagon officials., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/17/hegseth-erik-kurilla-iran-pentagon-response-00411007

1.3 Deep Political Fractures and Public Opposition

The drive toward conflict has created a “bitter split” within “MAGA world” [1], as prominent conservatives publicly clash over the wisdom of war [2]. A widely reported interview saw Tucker Carlson accuse Sen. Ted Cruz of knowing nothing about Iran, starkly highlighting the conservative rift [3]. This friction has extended to a public feud between President Trump and Carlson that has “deeply rattled” supporters [4]. The opposition is broad-based: polling shows just 16% of Americans want U.S. military involvement [5], and over half of Trump’s own voters oppose a war with Iran [6]. In Congress, bipartisan action is underway to reassert legislative authority, with Reps. Khanna and Massie introducing a War Powers Resolution to prohibit unauthorized action [7] and Sen. Bernie Sanders introducing the “No War Against Iran Act” [8].

References: [1] Trump’s Iran dilemma exposes bitter split among Maga faithful, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1wp72224jzo
[2] GOP hawks clash with MAGA isolationists as Trump contemplates next steps in Iran, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/politics/gop-maga-trump-iran-next-steps
[3] Tucker Carlson accuses Ted Cruz of knowing nothing about Iran, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/18/ted-cruz-tucker-carlson-fight-00411980
[4] Trump Is Suddenly Raging at Tucker Carlson—and MAGA Is Deeply Rattled, https://newrepublic.com/article/196919/trump-iran-war-tucker-carlson-maga-rattled
[5] Poll: Just 16% Of Americans Want U.S. Involved In Israel-Iran War, https://thefederalist.com/2025/06/17/poll-just-16-percent-of-americans-want-u-s-involved-in-israel-iran-war/
[6] Not Just Progressives: Over Half of Trump Voters Oppose US War on Iran, https://www.commondreams.org/news/not-just-progressives-over-half-of-trump-voters-oppose-us-war-on-iran
[7] Reps. Khanna, Massie, Introduce Bipartisan War Powers Resolution to Prohibit Involvement in Iran, https://khanna.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-khanna-massie-introduce-bipartisan-war-powers-resolution-prohibit
[8] Sanders Introduces No War Against Iran Act, https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-introduces-no-war-against-iran-act/

2. Domestic Unrest and Executive Power

2.1 Domestic Military Deployment and Immigration Enforcement

The administration is expanding the use of military forces for domestic law enforcement. An additional 2,000 military troops have been activated for deployment to Los Angeles [1], with a separate 700 troops mobilized to assist ICE with raids in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas [2]. These ground operations, which have prompted industry leaders to plead with the White House for “relief from raids” [3], are creating widespread disruption. In a significant policy development, President Trump has reportedly incorporated Greenland into the formal framework of U.S. homeland defense [4].

References: [1] Trump administration to activate 2,000 additional military troops to Los Angeles, https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/trump-administration-to-send-2000-additional-military-troops-to-los-angeles/3726777/
[2] 700 troops have been mobilized to help ICE in raids in Florida, Louisiana and Texas, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ice-raids-troops-florida-louisiana-texas-b2771886.html
[3] Industry leaders plead with White House on relief from raids after setback, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/06/17/workplace-raids-industry-groups/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com
[4] Trump makes Greenland part of US homeland defence, https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/trump-makes-greenland-part-of-us-homeland-defence-jqdffg2hf

2.2 “No Kings” Protests, High-Profile Detentions, and Legal Challenges

The administration’s policies have fueled what one analyst calls the largest protest in U.S. history, organized under the “No Kings” banner [1]. The detention of elected officials has become a flashpoint, most notably the arrest of NYC Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander by ICE agents, which sparked “chaos” amid questions over the existence of a judicial warrant [2]. In response to legal challenges against the domestic deployment of troops, the Department of Justice has argued in the 9th Circuit that the President’s authority to “quell the rebellion” cannot be “second-guessed by judges” [3]. The appeals court appears “poised to side with Trump” in this case [4]. Tensions remain high, with an unsolved shooting reported at a “No Kings” event in Salt Lake City [5] and media outlets questioning whether the nation now has “Secret Police” [6].

References: [1] ‘No Kings’ Was Biggest Protest in U.S. History: Data Analyst, https://www.thedailybeast.com/data-guru-g-elliott-morris-says-up-to-6-million-people-attended-no-kings-anti-donald-trump-protests/
[2] ‘Where is the judicial warrant?’ Chaos erupts as ICE detains NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander, https://globalnews.ca/video/11246083/where-is-the-judicial-warrant-chaos-erupts-as-ice-detains-nyc-mayoral-candidate-brad-lander/
[3] ‘Necessary to quell the rebellion’: DOJ tells 9th Circuit that Trump can deploy National Guard from every state and can’t be second-guessed by judges, https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/necessary-to-quell-the-rebellion-doj-tells-9th-circuit-that-trump-can-deploy-national-guard-from-every-state-and-cant-be-second-guessed-by-judges/
[4] Appeals court seems poised to side with Trump on National Guard deployment in LA, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/17/appeals-court-trump-newsom-national-guard-00411536
[5] What actually happened at the Salt Lake City “No Kings” shooting?, https://www.utahpoliticalwatch.news/what-actually-happened-at-the-salt-lake-city-no-kings-shooting/
[6] Does America Have Secret Police Now?, https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/06/masked-law-enforcement-ice-cops-police.html

3. Judiciary and Civil Liberties

3.1 Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Transgender Youth Medical Care

The Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling, upholding a Tennessee law that bans gender-affirming medical care for minors [1]. The decision, which lifts lower court injunctions, is being described as a “big loss for transgender rights” [2]. In a forceful dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that the Court’s majority “abandons” transgender children [3]. In a separate comment published with the opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas was reported to have railed against the judiciary’s reliance on “self-described experts,” calling their input “irrelevant” to the legal questions [4].

References: [1] Supreme Court upholds Tennessee ban on transgender youth medical care, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-upholds-tennessee-ban-transgender-youth-medical-care-rcna190627
[2] Supreme Court OKs Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for minors, big loss for transgender rights, https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-health-care-trump-79fc6f3bbdab2e92d6f0184201a468a9
[3] In Bitter Dissent, Sotomayor Says Supreme Court ‘Abandons’ Transgender Kids, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trans-kids-scotus-dissent-sonia-sotomayor_n_6852cd4ae4b0672778c4619e?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main
[4] Clarence Thomas rails against ‘self-described experts’ as ‘irrelevant’ while justices uphold ban on medical care for transgender minors, https://lawandcrime.com/live-trials/live-trials-current/supreme-court-live-trials-current/clarence-thomas-rails-against-self-described-experts-as-irrelevant-while-justices-uphold-ban-on-medical-care-for-transgender-minors/

3.2 Other Key Rulings and Policy Shifts

In other legal matters, a federal appeals court has blocked the Justice Department from substituting for President Trump in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, leaving him personally liable for the $83 million verdict [1]. A federal judge held Florida’s Attorney General in contempt of court for defying a judicial order and enforcing a blocked state immigration law [2]. At the federal level, a judge has ruled the government cannot limit passport sex markers for many transgender and nonbinary people [3]. In a major domestic policy shift, the Trump administration announced it will shut down the national L.G.B.T.Q. youth suicide prevention hotline next month, stating a general hotline is sufficient [4].

References: [1] Appeals court won’t let Justice Department step in for Trump in E. Jean Carroll’s $83M verdict, https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5357924-trump-carroll-defamation-case-appeal-denied/
[2] Judge finds Florida attorney general in contempt for defying court order in major immigration case, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/judge-florida-attorney-general-james-uthmeier-contempt-court-order-rcna213622
[3] Judge says government can’t limit passport sex markers for many transgender, nonbinary people, https://apnews.com/article/transgender-passports-nonbinary-trump-policy-e5d13b6064c06619c654896fc0305983
[4] Trump Administration Will End L.G.B.T.Q. Suicide Prevention Service, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/18/well/lgbtq-988-suicide-prevention.html

4. Executive Branch: Personnel and Governance

4.1 Cabinet Controversies and Leadership Instability

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is at the center of a major controversy after a congressional hearing where he reportedly laughed when pressed by Senator Elissa Slotkin to deny having authorized lethal force against protesters [1], prompting Slotkin to state former Secretary Mark Esper “had ‘more guts and balls’” [2]. Hegseth has also publicly supported renaming military bases after Confederate figures, calling it “important for morale” [3]. Separately, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. continues to draw fire from medical professionals for what they term a “flat-out lie” about childhood vaccines [4]. In personnel news, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was briefly hospitalized for an allergic reaction but is now recovering [5].

References: [1] Hegseth Laughs After Senator Pushes Him to Deny Ordering Military to Use ‘Lethal Force’ Against Protesters, https://www.latintimes.com/hegseth-laughs-after-senator-pushes-him-deny-ordering-military-use-lethal-force-against-585275
[2] Slotkin to Hegseth: Esper had ‘more guts and balls than you’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5357477-hegseth-slammed-by-slotkin-over-protester-orders/
[3] Pete Hegseth says renaming military bases after Confederates ‘important for morale’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/pete-hegseth-confederate-base-names-b2772610.html
[4] RFK Jr. Keeps Telling A Flat-Out Lie About Childhood Vaccines — And Doctors Are Sick Of It, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rfk-jr-childhood-vaccine-misinformation_l_68502467e4b0bf4acd2559a9?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main
[5] Kristi Noem is ‘alert and recovering’ after trip to hospital over allergic reaction, official says, https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-homeland-security-immigration-border-hospital-acab815b1bc9db61b1c90a1f17abeecb

4.2 Agency Policy Shifts on Environmental and Public Lands

The administration is moving to reverse prior environmental policies. The Environmental Protection Agency is officially “reconsidering” the Biden administration’s ban on asbestos [1]. Simultaneously, a new push is reportedly underway among some Republicans for the “mandatory disposal” of federal public lands [2]. A specific plan from Senator Mike Lee proposes selling off public lands in the West that include ski resorts and popular trails [3]. A separate report indicates a plan is in place for the sale of 250 million acres of public land, though the headline urges a review of an associated map for details [4].

References: [1] Trump’s EPA reconsiders Biden’s asbestos ban, https://thehill.com/homenews/5354968-trump-administration-to-review-asbestos-regulation/
[2] Republicans want ‘mandatory disposal’ of public lands, including in Idaho, https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article308470665.html
[3] From ski resorts to popular trails, see the public land Mike Lee proposes selling across the West, https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2025/06/18/mike-lee-heres-public-land-that/
[4] Map shows where 250 million acres of public land is being sold off, https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-where-250-million-acres-public-land-being-sold-off-2086852

5. Economic Policy and Outlook

5.1 Economic Warnings, Tariffs, and the Federal Reserve

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has issued a stark warning that the U.S. economy is “about to get a whole lot worse,” with one report specifying that Powell directly blames the administration’s tariff policies for the negative outlook [1]. This comes as President Trump has publicly knocked Powell and reportedly mused about appointing himself to lead the central bank [2]. Following the President’s comments, the Fed announced it would keep interest rates unchanged [3]. On long-term fiscal health, a new report warns that Social Security is on track to become insolvent, unable to pay full benefits by 2034, without congressional action [4].

References: [1] Federal Reserve Warns Trump’s Economy Is About to Get Whole Lot Worse - Trump’s tariffs are directly to blame, said Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell., https://newrepublic.com/post/196983/federal-reserve-warning-trump-economy-tariffs
[2] Trump knocks Fed’s Powell, muses about appointing himself to lead central bank, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-knocks-feds-powell-muses-about-appointing-himself-lead-central-bank-2025-06-18/
[3] Fed keeps rates unchanged after Trump floats appointing himself to chair, https://www.newsweek.com/fed-keeps-rates-unchanged-after-trump-slams-stupid-powell-2087533
[4] Social Security won’t be able to pay full benefits in 2034 if Congress doesn’t act, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/18/politics/social-security-trust-fund-annual-report

5.2 Federal Budget, Industrial Policy, and Tech

Severe fiscal pressures are materializing. A new House policy bill is projected to add $3.4 trillion to the national debt, an amount expected to swamp any corresponding economic gains [1]. This is occurring as the CDC reports it has “shed one-quarter of its staff,” a major loss of capacity that is impacting global health initiatives, such as the reported demolition of South Africa’s U.S.-supported medical research capabilities [2]. In industrial policy, the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel has been finalized, with reports noting President Trump played a “big role” in closing the deal [3]. In technology, the President is extending the deadline for TikTok again [4], while Big Tech is lobbying for a 10-year ban on states regulating AI [5].

References: [1] House Policy Bill Would Add $3.4 Trillion to Debt, Swamping Economic Gains, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/us/politics/house-bill-federal-debt.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
[2] South Africa Built a Medical Research Powerhouse. Trump Cuts Have Demolished It., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/health/south-africa-medical-research-trump.html
[3] Nippon Steel’s purchase of U.S. Steel closes, with big role for Trump, https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/nippon-steels-acquisition-us-steel-closes-with-big-role-trump-2025-06-18/
[4] Trump extends TikTok deadline again, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/17/trump-extends-tiktok-deadline-again-00411579
[5] Big Tech pushes for 10-year ban on US states regulating AI, https://www.ft.com/content/52ae52f1-531e-462f-898f-e9f86b3b1869

6. Global Relations and Politics

The administration has finalized a major US-UK trade deal, announced jointly with new Prime Minister Keir Starmer [1]. However, relations with other allies are strained. President Trump “slammed” French President Macron as “publicity seeking” before leaving the G7 summit early [2], a move that prompted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to warn of a “crisis” in diplomacy [3]. In Asia, Indian PM Modi publicly told President Trump that India will not accept “third-party mediation” in the Kashmir conflict [4]. Meanwhile, former President Obama has warned that the U.S. is “dangerously close” to autocracy [5]. On domestic political violence, lawmakers are demanding more protection following a violent incident in Minnesota [6], while President Trump stated he would not call Minnesota’s governor, whom he referred to as “whacked out,” about the matter [7].

References: [1] Trump, Starmer Say US-UK Trade Deal Finalized, https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-06-16/trump-starmer-say-us-uk-trade-deal-finalized
[2] Trump slams ‘publicity seeking’ Macron as US president leaves G7 early, https://www.politico.eu/article/trump-slams-publicity-seeking-macron-amid-early-g7-exit/
[3] Ukraine’s Zelenskyy warns diplomacy in ‘crisis’ after Trump’s early G7 exit, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/18/ukraines-zelenskyy-warns-diplomacy-in-crisis-after-trumps-early-g7-exit
[4] Kashmir: Modi tells Trump India won’t accept ’third-party mediation’, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c89ew9wde3lo
[5] Obama: US ‘dangerously close’ to moving toward autocracy, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5356722-obama-criticizes-american-democracy-trump/
[6] ‘We’re not safe’: US lawmakers demand more be done after political violence in Minnesota, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/politics/lawmaker-security-political-threats-capitol-police
[7] Trump says he won’t call Walz about Minnesota lawmaker shootings, calls governor “whacked out”, https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/trump-wont-call-minnesota-gov-tim-walz-after-lawmaker-shootings/