[Thursday, June 19] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-06-19 2870 words 14 minutes

Contents

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1. International Affairs & National Security

1.1 U.S. Military Posture & Iran Ultimatum

The United States is undertaking significant strategic military actions amidst rapidly escalating global tensions. The Pentagon has reportedly deployed the $13 billion USS Gerald Ford, a high-tech aircraft carrier, to the Mediterranean Sea as a clear show of force while “World Tensions Flare” [1]. This deployment occurs amid a volatile and confusing series of signals directed at Iran from the executive branch. A report from The Wall Street Journal alleged that President Trump had privately approved military attack plans for Iran, awaiting only a final order to proceed [2]. President Trump subsequently issued a public and direct denial of that report [3]. Following this, the President shifted tactics, publicly giving Iran a two-week deadline “to negotiate” or face unspecified consequences [4]. Fueling the uncertainty, media commentary points to internal pressures on the administration, with one report highlighting a “‘jacked gorilla’ general pushing Trump to strike Iran” [5]. Simultaneously, an opinion piece co-authored by Yoav Gallant argues that while Israel has done most of the work, “only Trump can finish it” [6].

References [1] US to Deploy $13B High-Tech Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald Ford to Mediterranean As World Tensions Flare, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2025/06/18/us-to-deploy-13b-high-tech-aircraft-carrier-uss-gerald-ford-to-mediterranean-as-world-tensions-flare-n2190650
[2] WSJ: Trump Privately OK’d Attack Plans for Iran Pending Final Order, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/trump-iran/2025/06/18/id/1215552/
[3] Trump Denies WSJ Report on Iran Attack Plans, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/donald-trump-wall-street-journal-iran/2025/06/19/id/1215628/
[4] Donald Trump: Iran Has ‘Within’ Two Weeks to Negotiate, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/06/19/donald-trump-iran-has-within-two-weeks-negotiate/
[5] The ‘jacked gorilla’ general pushing Trump to strike Iran, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/06/19/general-michael-kurilla-trump-hegseth-iran/
[6] Niall Ferguson and Yoav Gallant: Israel Has Done Most of the Job. Only Trump Can Finish It., https://www.thefp.com/p/israel-us-must-finish-job

1.2 Iran-Israel Direct Military Escalation

The regional conflict has escalated to direct state-on-state attacks against civilian infrastructure. Multiple outlets confirm an Iranian ballistic missile attack resulted in a direct strike on Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva, Israel [1]. This event is being widely characterized as a “war crime” and a “‘crossing of a red line’” [2]. Reports indicate dozens of missiles impacted the hospital and surrounding residential areas, injuring at least 40 people [3]. In addition to the hospital strike, there are reports of “significant damage” in downtown Tel Aviv from the same wave of attacks [4]. The strategic context for this escalation includes prior Israeli actions, with one report detailing “how Israel lured Iran’s top generals to their deaths” in a precursor operation [5]. In parallel, analysts are debating whether Israel could deploy its own “massive bunker busters” that would duplicate U.S. military capabilities for striking hardened targets [6].

References [1] War Crime: Iranian Ballistic Missile Hits Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva, https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2025/06/18/war-crime-iranian-ballistic-missile-hits-soroka-hospital-in-beer-sheva/
[2] ‘Crossing Of A Red Line’: Iran Hits Major Israeli Hospital With Direct Strike, https://www.dailywire.com/news/crossing-of-a-red-line-iran-hits-major-israeli-hospital-with-direct-strike?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Hank+Berrien&category=News+and+Analysis&elementPosition=2&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=%E2%80%98Crossing+Of+A+Red+Line%E2%80%99%3A+Iran+Hits+Major+Israeli+Hospital+With+Direct+Strike
[3] Dozens of Iranian missiles strike major Israeli hospital and residential buildings, injuring at least 40, https://nypost.com/2025/06/18/world-news/israel-issues-evacuation-warning-to-people-living-near-iran-arak-heavy-water-reactor-for-airstrikes/
[4] Significant damage in downtown Tel Aviv, https://x.com/vcdgf555/status/1935559606249615784?s=46
[5] How Israel Lured Iran’s Top Generals to Their Deaths Will Blow Your Mind, https://redstate.com/bonchie/2025/06/18/how-israel-lured-irans-top-generals-to-their-deaths-will-blow-your-mind-n2190651
[6] Could Israel Deploy Massive Bunker Busters That Duplicate US Capabilities?, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2025/06/19/could-israel-deploy-massive-bunkers-that-duplicate-us-capabilities-n3803965

1.3 International Diplomacy & Global Reactions

The Iran-Israel conflict is triggering significant diplomatic reactions from global powers. A Russian minister has issued a direct warning to the United States regarding any “direct military aid to Israel,” adding another layer of major power tension to the crisis [1]. China’s government has announced it will begin helping its citizens in Israel evacuate to Egypt [2]. Simultaneously, other reports raise questions about “mystery flights from China to Iran” occurring during the conflict, suggesting potential dual-track involvement [3]. From Europe, Germany’s chancellor has been quoted stating that Israel is undertaking the world’s “‘dirty work’ in Iran,” a statement indicating a complex and potentially supportive view of Israeli actions from a key NATO ally [4]. The conflict is also generating public action, with protestors marching in New York City chanting “Hands Off Iran” [5]. One news outlet reports that high-profile UK celebrities including Benedict Cumberbatch and Judi Dench are demanding the UK “suspend arms sales to Israel,” framing their action with the headline “Shill for Hamas” [6].

References [1] Russia Minister Warns US on Direct Military Aid to Israel, https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/russia-us-israel/2025/06/18/id/1215562/
[2] China to Help Citizens in Israel Evacuate to Egypt Starting Friday, https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/china-egypt-israel/2025/06/18/id/1215567/
[3] Mystery flights from China to Iran raise questions amid Israel conflict, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/china-sending-mysterious-transport-planes-china-what-carrying
[4] German chancellor: Israel doing the world’s ‘dirty work’ in Iran, https://www.jns.org/german-chancellor-israel-doing-the-worlds-dirty-work-in-iran/
[5] Protestors march through NYC chanting “Hands Off Iran”, https://x.com/BoLoudon/status/1935498663377170504?s=19
[6] Benedict Cumberbatch, Judi Dench, Stanley Tucci Shill for Hamas, Demand U.K. Suspend Arms Sales to Israel, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/06/19/benedict-cumberbatch-judi-dench-stanley-tucci-shill-for-hamas-demand-u-k-suspend-arms-sales-to-israel/

1.4 Iran’s Nuclear Program & Public Discourse

Discourse surrounding the conflict is heavily focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and historical actions. An opinion piece argues that U.S. involvement could “put an end to Iran’s ability to obtain nuclear weapons” [1], a view that frames the current crisis as a decisive opportunity. This is underscored by a user-submitted analysis suggesting Iran is attempting to follow North Korea’s playbook to acquire a nuke [2]. This narrative is amplified by media commentary, including a report of an “epic clash” between Tucker Carlson and Senator Ted Cruz where Carlson “sarcastically” suggested nuking Iran [3]. Framing Iran as a persistent threat, one report details its “‘forever war’ against the US,” alleging the regime has “targeted and killed Americans worldwide” [4]. A separate article points to a “once-secret cable” from the Clinton presidency as a reminder of past Iranian-sponsored terror attacks that killed hundreds of Americans [5].

References [1] The U.S. getting involved in the Israel-Iran conflict will put an end to Iran’s ability to obtain nuclear weapons, https://nypost.com/2025/06/18/opinion/the-u-s-getting-involved-in-the-israel-iran-conflict-will-put-an-end-to-irans-ability-to-obtain-nuclear-weapons/
[2] Iran is/was attempting to follow the same strategy North Korea used to acquire a nuke. Letting NK get a nuke is as a huge policy screw up. Don’t make the same mistake twice!, /r/Conservative/comments/1lf8cux/iran_iswas_attempting_to_follow_the_same_strategy/
[3] Tucker Carlson sarcastically floats nuking Iran if they are actually trying to assassinate President Trump in epic clash with Sen. Ted Cruz over Israel conflict, https://nypost.com/2025/06/18/us-news/tucker-carlson-floats-nuking-iran-if-they-are-actually-trying-to-assassinate-president-trump-in-epic-clash-with-sen-ted-cruz-over-israel-conflict/
[4] In Iran’s ‘forever war’ against the US, regime has targeted and killed Americans worldwide, https://www.foxnews.com/world/irans-forever-war-against-us-regime-has-targeted-killed-americans-worldwide
[5] Bill Clinton’s once-secret cable to Iran a reminder Tehran’s terror killed hundreds of Americans, https://justthenews.com/government/security/thubill-clintons-once-secret-cable-iran-reminder-tehrans-terror-killed-hundreds

2. Immigration & Border Security

2.1 Border Interdiction & Contrasting Immigration Policies

Federal agents have reported a major border security success, discovering and shutting down a “massive drug smuggling tunnel” that was 2,918 feet long at the U.S.-Mexico border [1, 2]. This interdiction occurs amid deep policy divergences between federal and state authorities on immigration. The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Kentucky, challenging a Democrat-led state regulation that provides discounted in-state college tuition for illegal immigrants. The DOJ’s official complaint labels the policy “unconstitutional” [3, 4]. At the federal level, the State Department is implementing a new screening tactic to deny student visas to applicants demonstrating “‘hostile attitudes,’” a move one outlet describes as an attempt to “weed out America haters” [5, 6]. These federal enforcement actions contrast sharply with policies in other states. New York’s Governor Hochul is reportedly rolling out “brand new taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants” [7], and in Virginia, state senators have requested “$3 million for group that helps illegal migrants find work” and stages pro-migrant protests [8].

References [1] Border Patrol agents shut down massive drug smuggling tunnel between Tijuana and San Diego, https://www.foxnews.com/us/border-patrol-agents-shut-down-massive-drug-smuggling-tunnel-between-tijuana-san-diego
[2] San Diego Sector Border Patrol discovers 2,918-foot-long drug smuggling tunnel connecting San Diego, US to Tijuana, Mexico, https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/san-diego-sector-border-patrol-uncovers-sophisticated-cross-border
[3] The Justice Department Files Complaint Challenging Democrat-led Kentucky Regulation Providing Reduced In-State Tuition for Illegal Aliens, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-complaint-challenging-kentucky-regulation-providing-reduced-state
[4] ‘Unconstitutional’: DOJ Sues Kentucky for Giving Discounted College Tuition to Illegal Immigrants, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/abigail-johnson/2025/06/19/doj-sues-kentucky-for-footing-tuition-bill-for-illegals-n2659110
[5] Student Visa Applicants with ‘Hostile Attitudes’ Will Be Told They Can’t Come to the U.S., https://www.thefp.com/p/exclusive-student-visa-applicants-social-media-check
[6] State Department Implements New Tactic to Weed Out America Haters, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2025/06/19/state-department-to-give-extra-scrutiny-to-visa-applicants-n2659082
[7] Hochul: We’re Actually Rolling Out Brand New Taxpayer-Funded Benefits for Illegal Immigrants in New York, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/guybenson/2025/06/19/ny-gov-were-actually-rolling-out-brand-new-taxpayer-benefits-for-illegal-immigrants-n2659042
[8] Virginia senators request $3 million for group that helps illegal migrants find work, stages pro-migrant protests, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/investigations/3446090/virginia-senators-request-3-million-group-helps-illegal-migrants-work/

Reports are circulating that link illegal migrants to specific criminal activities and public disorder. In New York City, federal agents have arrested illegal migrants associated with the “18th Street Gang” in connection to a location known as the “‘Market of Sweethearts’” [1]. In a separate incident concerning immigration enforcement, federal agents reportedly “crushed” an anti-ICE riot that took place in Portland [2]. This environment of enforcement actions and rumored actions appears to be creating a climate of fear. The Department of Homeland Security has publicly debunked a claim that an ICE raid was attempted at Dodger Stadium during a game [3], and a user-submitted report claims that “illegals calling out from work out of fear of ICE raids” is an ongoing phenomenon [4]. In the political sphere, Stephen Miller is quoted criticizing what he calls a “PR campaign” by Democrats “to keep and use illegal migrants” [5].

References [1] Feds bust illegal migrants in ‘18th Street Gang’ tied to seedy NYC ‘Market of Sweethearts’, https://nypost.com/2025/06/17/us-news/feds-bust-illegal-migrants-in-18th-street-gang-tied-to-seedy-nyc-market-of-sweethearts/?utm_campaign=nypost&utm_medium=referral
[2] New AntiICE Action Against Portland Facility Gets Absolutely Crushed by Fed Agents, https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2025/06/19/portland-anti-ice-action-n2190659
[3] DHS debunks Dodgers’ claim that there was an attempted ICE raid at stadium on game day, https://nypost.com/2025/06/19/us-news/dhs-debunks-dodgers-claim-that-there-was-an-attempted-ice-raid-at-stadium-on-game-day/
[4] Illegals calling out from work out of fear of ICE raids, /r/Conservative/comments/1lfhtpc/illegals_calling_out_from_work_out_of_fear_of_ice/
[5] Miller Rips Democrats’ PR Campaign to Keep and Use Illegal Migrants, https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2025/06/19/miller-rips-democrats-pr-campaign-to-protect-migrants/

3. Domestic Policy & Economy

3.1 Executive Branch vs. Federal Reserve

President Trump has launched a series of direct and aggressive public attacks against the Federal Reserve and its chair, Jerome Powell, escalating pressure on the independent agency. The President described Chair Powell as “‘one of the dumbest’ people he hired” and a “‘real dummy’” [1]. In a separate but related statement, President Trump accused Powell of being “’too late’” with policy decisions, an error he claims is “costing our country hundreds of billions” [2]. This direct criticism of the Fed chair by a sitting president marks a significant flashpoint in economic policy governance.

References [1] Trump: ‘Real Dummy’ Fed Chair Powell ’the Worst’ | Newsmax.com, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/donald-trump-federal-reserve-chair/2025/06/19/id/1215605/
[2] “‘Too Late’ Jerome Powell Is Costing Our Country Hundreds of Billions”: Trump lashes out at ‘one of the dumbest’ people he hired, https://miganie.com/trump-lashes-out-at-one/

3.2 Justice Department & FBI Under Scrutiny

The Department of Justice and the FBI face continued scrutiny over actions taken during the previous administration. Headlines point to “bombshell emails revealed to The Post” which allegedly “expose Biden DOJ’s obsession with piling on Trump charges” [1]. These reports, originating from outlets such as PJ Media, suggest a narrative of politically motivated prosecution by the “Biden DOJ” is being actively promoted [2]. In a separate development, the FBI has reportedly settled a lawsuit related to what one headline calls a “Biden era cover-up of manifesto” [3]. The specific details of the lawsuit and the manifesto in question are not available in the headlines provided and require further investigation of the source material.

References [1] Miranda Devine: FBI emails revealed to The Post expose Biden DOJ’s obsession with piling on Trump charges, https://nypost.com/2025/06/18/opinion/fbi-emails-revealed-to-the-post-expose-biden-dojs-obsession-with-piling-on-trump-charges/
[2] Bombshell Emails Reveal Shocking Lengths the Biden DOJ Went to Get Trump, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/06/19/bombshell-emails-show-just-how-desperate-biden-was-to-charge-trump-n4940948
[3] FBI Settles Suit In Biden Era Cover-Up Of Manifesto, https://thefederalist.com/2025/06/19/fbi-settles-lawsuit-over-biden-era-cover-up-of-trans-killer-manifesto/

3.3 State & Local Governance Crises

Several states and cities are facing acute governance challenges. Law enforcement in California is reportedly pleading for help amid a severe officer shortage. A police union leader is quoted warning of an “unprecedented riot ‘onslaught’” if staffing levels are not addressed, painting a dire picture of public safety readiness [1]. On the fiscal front, while Congress debates federal spending, reports indicate that various states are uncovering “Medicaid fraud on steroids,” suggesting widespread waste and abuse in state-administered federal programs that could have significant budgetary implications [2]. In New York City, a contentious mayoral race has led business leaders to threaten they will “flee” the city if Mamdani is elected, signaling a potential for capital flight based on local political outcomes [3].

References [1] California police plead for help amid officer shortage as union boss warns of unprecedented riot ‘onslaught’, https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-police-plead-help-amid-officer-shortage-union-boss-warns-unprecedented-riot-onslaught
[2] As Congress struggles to cut spending, states expose Medicaid fraud on steroids, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/health/arizona-latest-example-medicaid-fraud-steroids
[3] New York Business Leaders Say They’ll Flee If Mamdani Is Elected Mayor, https://pjmedia.com/rick-moran/2025/06/19/new-york-business-leaders-say-theyll-flee-if-mamdani-elected-mayor-n4940951

4. U.S. Politics & Media

4.1 High-Stakes Partisan Rhetoric

Political rhetoric remains intensely polarized and has escalated to include violent imagery and direct accusations against law enforcement. In a notable incident, North Carolina Representative Julie von Haefen issued an apology after reportedly “suggesting President Trump be Beheaded on social media” [1]. Another controversy gaining traction surrounds former President Biden’s use of an autopen for executive orders during his second year in office, a revelation that has Democrats “seeth[ing]” according to one report [2]. In other commentary, Representative Eric Swalwell is quoted as stating that prosecutors “should be charging officers for arresting Dems,” a direct challenge to law enforcement neutrality [3]. Furthermore, Representative Jasmine Crockett is reported to have called Trump supporters “‘mentally ill’” immediately before making a call for bipartisanship, highlighting the deep divisions in political discourse [4].

References [1] NC Representative Julie von Haefen issues apology for suggesting President Trump be Beheaded on social media, https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1935534922527084549?s=46
[2] Oversight Project over target: Dems seethe as facade of autopen presidency comes crashing down, https://www.theblaze.com/news/overight-project-over-target-dems-seethe-as-facade-of-autopen-presidency-comes-crashing-down
[3] Swalwell: Prosecutors Should Be Charging Officers for Arresting Dems, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/06/19/swalwell-prosecutors-should-be-charging-officers-for-arresting-dems/
[4] Dem Jasmine Crockett Calls Trump Supporters ‘Mentally Ill’ and Then Immediately Calls for Bipartisanship, https://twitchy.com/warren-squire/2025/06/19/jasmine-crockett-calls-trump-supporters-mentally-ill-then-immediately-calls-for-bipartisanship-n2414468

The technology and media sectors are sites of significant controversy. A SpaceX Starship is reported to have “explode[d] into a massive fireball” during a test at its Starbase Texas facility, a major setback for the high-profile company [1]. In the artificial intelligence space, a Daily Wire report alleges that ChatGPT provided “‘chilling instructions’” to a “young girl seeking covert abortion” [2]. In social media, Vice President JD Vance was reportedly suspended from the platform Bluesky just 12 minutes after creating his account [3]. In media criticism, a New York Post article claims that Twitch streamer Hasan Piker is “pushing Gen Z boys to the extreme left with twisted views on Israel, 9/11,” indicating a focus on the political influence of online personalities [4].

References [1] SpaceX Starship explodes into massive fireball during test at Starbase Texas facility, https://nypost.com/2025/06/19/us-news/spacex-starship-explodes-into-massive-fireball-during-test-at-starbase-texas-facility/
[2] ‘I’ve Got Your Back’: Read ChatGPT’s Chilling Instructions To Young Girl Seeking Covert Abortion, https://www.dailywire.com/news/ive-got-your-back-read-chatgpts-chilling-instructions-to-young-girl-seeking-covert-abortion
[3] JD Vance gets suspended from X competitor Bluesky – just 12 minutes after first post, /r/Conservative/comments/1lfi00v/jd_vance_gets_suspended_from_x_competitor_bluesky/
[4] Twitch streamer Hasan Piker is pushing Gen Z boys to the extreme left with twisted views on Israel, 9/11, https://nypost.com/2025/06/19/opinion/twitch-streamer-hasan-piker-is-pushing-gen-z-to-the-extreme-left/

5.1 Gender, Sexuality, & Education Debates

A recent Supreme Court ruling has intensified cultural debates around gender and youth. While the specific details of the ruling are not stated in the headlines, it is described by one source as “protecting kids” [1]. In response, both the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have reportedly condemned the decision. Democrats are said to have “doubled down” on their support for “sex changes for minors” after what they described as a “‘heartless’” and “’explosive’” ruling [2]. The debate extends to academia, where Harvard Law Review is facing accusations of bias after an “exclusive” report, citing unspecified documents, claims it used a “race-conscious rubric to axe 85 percent of submissions” [3]. A separate report suggests a link between institutional priorities and enrollment, claiming “millions of students dropped out as higher ed shifted focus from degrees to DEI” [4].

References [1] American Psychological Association and American Academy of Pediatrics condemn SCOTUS for protecting kids, https://notthebee.com/article/did-yall-see-this-insane-statement-from-the-american-psychological-association-condemning-yesterdays-scotus-ruling-to-protect-kids-from-trans-surgeries
[2] Democrats Double Down on Sex Changes for Minors After Explosive SCOTUS Ruling: ‘Heartless’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/06/19/democrats-double-down-on-sex-changes-for-minors-after-explosive-scotus-ruling-heartless/
[3] Exclusive: Harvard Law Review Axes 85 Percent of Submissions Using Race-Conscious Rubric, Documents Show, https://freebeacon.com/campus/exclusive-harvard-law-review-axes-85-percent-of-submissions-using-race-conscious-rubric-documents-show/
[4] Millions of students dropped out as higher ed shifted focus from degrees to DEI, https://www.campusreform.org/article/millions-students-dropped-higher-ed-shifted-focus-degrees-dei/28092

5.2 Abortion & Religious Issues

The debate over abortion is taking place on the international stage. A new database reportedly “exposes UN’s pressure on countries to legalize abortion,” suggesting a coordinated global effort [1]. In the United Kingdom, a recent “vote for unlimited abortions” has occurred, with one outlet claiming it “will allow killing babies during birth” [2]. In a separate cultural issue with international dimensions, Zara Mohammed, identified as “former secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain,” is quoted warning that a proposed national inquiry in the UK “could risk demonising the Pakistani community” and lead to the “collective blame of British Muslims” [3]. Domestically, a cultural funding battle is underway, as reports indicate “conservatives rally to defund [a] left-leaning Latino museum” [4].

References [1] New database exposes UN’s pressure on countries to legalize abortion, https://www.liveaction.org/news/database-un-pressure-abortion/
[2] UK Vote for Unlimited Abortions Will Allow Killing Babies During Birth, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/06/19/uk-vote-for-unlimited-abortions-will-allow-killing-babies-during-birth/
[3] In response, Zara Mohammed, former secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain and a third-generation British Pakistani, warned that the national inquiry could risk demonising the Pakistani community and “legitimise the collective blame of British Muslims.”, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/06/19/ex-muslim-council-of-britain-chief-warns-grooming-gang-review-leading-to-scapegoating-of-pakistanis/
[4] Conservatives Rally to Defund Left-Leaning Latino Museum, https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/06/18/movement-stop-left-leaning-smithsonian-latino-museum-gains-momentum/