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

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DAILY BRIEFING

1. National Security Crisis: The Path to Conflict with Iran

1.1. White House on the Brink of a Decision

The administration has publicly declared its intent to decide on U.S. military action in the Israel-Iran conflict within two weeks, placing the nation on a high-stakes countdown [1]. President Trump has personally signaled the gravity of the situation, identifying the disabling of Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility as a necessary objective [2]. While the President now publicly denies reports that he has already approved specific US attack plans [3], this follows earlier reporting that a set of plans had been greenlit but not yet executed [4]. Most alarmingly, one report claims the White House is contemplating the use of nuclear weapons against Iran [5]. In a direct statement, the President added to the uncertainty, saying he “may or may not” strike Iran [6].

References
[1] Trump to decide on US action in Israel-Iran conflict within 2 weeks, White House says, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trump-decide-us-action-israel-iran-conflict-within-two-weeks-white-house-says-2025-06-19/
[2] Trump sees disabling Iran nuclear site at Fordo as necessary, says he’ll decide on strike within 2 weeks, https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/trump-attack-plans-iran-no-final-decision/
[3] Trump denies report that he has approved US attack plans against Iran, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/19/trump-iran-attack-plans-denial
[4] Trump approved attack plans for Iran — but hasn’t made a final decision to strike, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-attack-plans-iran-no-final-decision/
[5] Trump White House Considers Dropping Nukes on Iran, https://newrepublic.com/post/197037/trump-white-house-nuclear-weapons-iran-fordo
[6] US President Donald Trump says he ‘may or may not’ strike Iran as Israel’s air war continues, https://news.sky.com/story/us-president-donald-trump-says-he-may-or-may-not-strike-iran-as-israels-air-war-continues-13385686

1.2. Internal Divisions and Diplomatic Maneuvers

The administration’s approach is being shaped by deep internal divisions. Reports describe an “inner circle” attempting to avert war, while a “new power trio of GOP hawks” has captured the President’s attention [1]. This has reportedly resulted in key officials being sidelined. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is described as “‘off-message’ and out of favor" and excluded from key discussions [2, 3], while a separate report alleges Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been frozen out of Iran planning entirely [4]. As these deliberations continue, the U.S. has begun evacuating some diplomatic personnel from its embassy in Israel [5].

References
[1] Trump brushing off MAGA base on Iran for this new power trio of GOP hawks who won his ear, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-iran-israel-gop-lindsey-graham-tom-cotton-b2773212.html
[2] Trump’s intel chief Tulsi Gabbard is ‘off-message’ and out of favor, sources tell CNN, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/19/politics/tulsi-gabbard-trump-off-message-out-of-favor
[3] Tulsi Gabbard sidelined in Trump administration discussions on Israel and Iran, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/tulsi-gabbard-sidelined-trump-administration-discussions-israel-iran-rcna212702
[4] Trump Reportedly Freezes Out His Defense Secretary in Iran Planning: ‘Nobody Is Talking to Hegseth’, https://www.latintimes.com/trump-reportedly-freezes-out-his-defense-secretary-iran-planning-nobody-talking-hegseth-585313
[5] US starts evacuating some diplomats from its embassy in Israel as Iran conflict intensifies, https://apnews.com/article/embassy-israel-iran-united-states-7b4ebf294f390b47a5174413d3ef2682

1.3. A Fractured Domestic Debate

A potential strike is facing significant opposition and fostering a fractured public debate. A recent poll indicates a majority of Americans “largely disapprove” of U.S. involvement in the conflict [1]. The top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee has formally advised against military action [2], while veterans’ groups are protesting a perceived “march to war” and calling on Congress to invoke the War Powers Act to halt any unauthorized attack [3]. The debate is also playing out among conservative commentators. Former Trump aide Steve Bannon has accused Fox News of broadcasting “Pure Propaganda” to build support for a conflict [4], while in stark contrast, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) reframed the potential for military action as “Peacemongering” [5].

References
[1] Americans largely disapprove of U.S. involvement in Israel and Iran war: Poll, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/19/israel-iran-war-americans-poll
[2] Top House Armed Services Democrat advises against U.S. military strike in Iran, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/19/nx-s1-5438111/democrats-israel-iran-us-congress
[3] ‘We’re Being Lied To’: Veterans Protest Trump’s March to War With Iran | Veterans groups are urging members of Congress to invoke the War Powers Act to stop the president from launching an unauthorized attack on Iran., https://www.commondreams.org/news/were-being-lied-to-veterans-protest-trumps-march-to-war-with-iran
[4] Former Trump Aide Steve Bannon Says Fox News Is Pushing ‘Pure Propaganda’ On Iran, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/steve-bannon-trump-iran-israel_n_68530d4ee4b07c6cc415c40d
[5] John Fetterman On Iran Conflict: ‘Not Warmongering, This Is Peacemongering’, https://www.newsweek.com/john-fetterman-iran-israel-warmongering-peacemongering-video-watch-2088151

2. Foreign Affairs and Trade Friction

Beyond Iran, the administration is facing major foreign policy and trade challenges. Friction with a key North American ally is escalating, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued a 30-day ultimatum, threatening new retaliatory “counter-tariffs” targeting U.S. steel and aluminum if a new trade agreement is not reached [1]. On technology policy, the administration has once again shifted its deadline for the mandated sale or ban of TikTok, with President Trump granting a third 90-day extension [2]. Meanwhile, the administration’s posture toward Ukraine is creating “battlefield conundrums” for Kyiv’s military as it grapples with President Trump’s “threats to abandon” the war effort [3]. This was underscored when the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued a “late denunciation” of a Russian attack on the city while the President himself remained silent [4].

References
[1] Canada will impose new counter-tariffs against U.S. if it can’t make a trade deal in 30 days, Mark Carney says, https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/canada-will-impose-new-counter-tariffs-against-u-s-if-it-cant-make-a-trade/article_d66fb6ac-717a-4a5e-9577-4cce590f4b6f.html
[2] Trump extends TikTok ban deadline by another 90 days, https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/trump-extends-tiktok-ban-deadline-another-90-days-rcna213720
[3] How Trump’s threats to abandon Ukraine war pose battlefield conundrums for Kyiv, https://abcnews.go.com/International/trumps-threats-abandon-ukraine-war-pose-battlefield-conundrums/story?id=122624970
[4] As Trump stays silent, US Embassy makes late denunciation of Russia’s attack on Kyiv, https://kyivindependent.com/us-reacts-late-to-deadly-kyiv-strike-no-white-house-statement/

3. Immigration: Enforcement, Resistance, and Oversight

The administration’s aggressive immigration agenda is creating widespread conflict on legal, political, and economic fronts. A direct clash with Congress over oversight has erupted, with DHS issuing new guidance for lawmakers visiting ICE facilities that prompted “outrage” and “tense confrontations” [1]. This culminated in Representatives Goldman and Nadler being barred from an immigrant detention area in lower Manhattan [2]. The agenda is also being checked by the judiciary, with a U.S. judge blocking a plan to tie states’ transportation funding to their cooperation with federal enforcement [3]. States are pushing back directly, as California’s senators have demanded that officials stop using state Medicaid data for enforcement [4]. On the ground, ICE raids are reportedly causing severe economic disruption, with restaurant, hotel, and farm industries pleading for exemptions as the uncertainty scares off workers [5]. High-profile incidents, such as the “inhumane” arrest of a well-known vineyard manager that has shaken the Oregon wine industry, are amplifying scrutiny [6].

References
[1] DHS issues new guidance for lawmakers visiting ICE facilities after tense confrontations, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/19/politics/dhs-ice-visits-congress-lawmakers
[2] ICE Bars Reps. Goldman and Nadler From Immigrant Detention Area ‘Approaching Capacity’ | Claiming people being held are “in transit,” the local deputy director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement asserts a federal law allowing visits by members of Congress does not apply in Lower Manhattan., https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/06/18/ice-nadler-goldman-federal-detention-manhattan
[3] US judge blocks Trump plan to tie states’ transportation funds to immigration enforcement, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/19/us-judge-blocks-trump-plan-to-tie-states-transportation-funds-to-immigration-enforcement.html
[4] California senators demand Trump immigration officials stop using Medicaid data, https://www.kcra.com/article/california-senators-trump-immigration-medicaid-data/65103975
[5] Restaurants, hotels and farms beg Trump to exempt their businesses from immigration raids after screeching policy U-turn, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-ice-raids-farms-hotels-b2773327.html
[6] ICE’s ‘inhumane’ arrest of well-known vineyard manager shakes Oregon wine industry, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/19/oregon-vineyard-manager-arrest-ice

4. Legislative Agenda and Partisan Tensions

The administration’s key legislative priority, a tax and spending package referred to as “Trump’s ‘big bill’,” is navigating a difficult path through reconciliation. “Major differences” persist between the House and Senate versions, and Republican leadership is “aggressively” courting GOP holdouts on Medicaid to secure the necessary votes [1, 2]. The partisan climate is exceptionally tense. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) reported being “‘forced to the ground’ and handcuffed” at an event with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem [3], while Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) engaged in a “heated exchange” with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, demanding he “be a man” and divulge details of a military order in Los Angeles [4]. Both major parties are also showing signs of internal stress. A New York Times report states “The D.N.C. Is in Chaos and Desperate for Cash” [5], while the Republican coalition is fractured over foreign policy, exemplified by public “biblical bickering” between Tucker Carlson and Senator Ted Cruz on Israel [6]. In a separate action, a bill aimed at providing “enhanced protections for election workers,” S.2124, has been introduced in the Senate [7].

References
[1] Major differences between House and Senate versions of Trump’s tax and spending bill, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/major-differences-between-house-senate-versions-trumps-tax-spending-bill-2025-06-18/
[2] GOP leader aggressively woos GOP Medicaid holdouts on Trump bill, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5358330-medicaid-spending-cuts-senate-republicans/
[3] Calif. Sen. Alex Padilla Speaks Out After Being ‘Forced to the Ground’ and Handcuffed at Kristi Noem’s Event: ‘It’s Time to Wake Up’, https://people.com/alex-padilla-speaks-out-after-being-forced-from-dhs-event-11757245?utm_campaign=peoplemagazine&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com&utm_content=post
[4] Slotkin tells Hegseth in heated exchange to ‘be a man,’ divulge Los Angeles military order, https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/18/elissa-slotkin-pete-hegseth-los-angeles-military-arrest-protesters-trump-shoot-them-in-the-legs/84264122007/
[5] The D.N.C. Is in Chaos and Desperate for Cash, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/18/us/politics/dnc-ken-martin.html
[6] How Tucker Carlson and Ted Cruz’s biblical bickering explains the MAGA divide on Israel, https://forward.com/fast-forward/730222/tucker-carlson-ted-cruz-interview-biblical-israel/
[7] S.2124 - A bill to provide enhanced protections for election workers., https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2124?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22congressId%3A119+AND+billStatus%3A%5C%22Introduced%5C%22%22%7D&s=2&r=16

5. Domestic Policy: Health, Social, and Environmental Fronts

The administration’s domestic policy agenda is marked by sweeping changes in public health and civil rights. The new vaccine committee established by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is staffed with members who have limited publication records on the subject, a move the journal Science called a “purge” representing a “major loss of expertise” [1]. This was immediately followed by the resignation of Dr. Fiona Havers, an influential C.D.C. vaccine expert, who cited the “wholesale dismissal of the agency’s scientific advisers” and warned, “‘Americans Are Going to Die’” [2]. On civil rights, the administration plans to shut down a specialized suicide prevention service for LGBTQ+ youth [3]. This policy push is being met with judicial resistance, as a judge has ruled the administration cannot limit passport sex markers and must provide an “X” option for nonbinary and transgender people [4]. In other areas, Black churches are reportedly organizing to push back against a “Trump-fueled anti-DEI wave” [5], and the EPA is set to “reconsider” the ban on cancer-causing asbestos [6].

References
[1] The members of RFK Jr.’s new vaccine committee have published little on vaccines | Purge at immunization panel represents a major loss of expertise, as measured by scientific papers, https://www.science.org/content/article/members-rfk-jr-s-new-vaccine-committee-have-published-little-vaccines
[2] Why a Vaccine Expert Left the C.D.C.: ‘Americans Are going to Die’ | Dr. Fiona Havers is influential among researchers who study immunizations. The wholesale dismissal of the agency’s scientific advisers crossed the line, she said., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/18/health/havers-cdc-vaccines-kennedy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.P08._b0s._85c_rlLaOde&smid=url-share
[3] Trump administration to shut LGBTQ youth-focused suicide prevention line. As of July 17, the national hotline will stop giving callers the option to connect with counselors trained to work with LGBTQ youths., https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/06/19/trump-lgbtq-youth-suicide-hotline/
[4] Judge says Trump administration can’t limit passport sex markers for many transgender, nonbinary people | The ruling means applicants seeking new passports can request male, female or “X” markers rather than be limited to the markers that match their genders assigned at birth., https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/judge-trump-passports-sex-markers-transgender-nonbinary-rcna213641
[5] Black churches push back against Trump-fueled anti-DEI wave, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/19/trump-dei-black-churches-00410752
[6] Trump’s EPA to “reconsider” ban on cancer-causing asbestos, https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/06/trumps-epa-to-reconsider-ban-on-cancer-causing-asbestos/

6. Judicial and Legal Affairs

The Judiciary is a key arena for policy battles. A recent Supreme Court ruling in the Skrmetti case upheld a Tennessee law banning transition-related healthcare for minors. Critics charge the decision has “undermined gender equality” and battered the 14th amendment, with advocacy groups warning of “untold harm” [1]. In federal courts, the administration is facing other significant cases. A U.S. judge invalidated a rule from the previous administration that had sought to protect privacy for abortions [2]. In a separate, high-profile case, an appeals court has ruled that the Department of Justice cannot represent President Trump in the appeal of the E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit [3]. The President is also seeking to be removed as a defendant in a New Hampshire lawsuit challenging his executive order on transgender athletes [4].

References
[1] The US supreme court just undermined gender equality - The Skrmetti decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on transition-related healthcare for minors deprives children and batters the 14th amendment, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/19/us-supreme-court-gender-equality
[2] US judge invalidates Biden rule protecting privacy for abortions, https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-judge-invalidates-biden-rule-protecting-privacy-abortions-2025-06-18/
[3] Appeals court says DOJ cannot represent Trump in appeal of E. Jean Carroll case, https://abcnews.go.com/US/appeals-court-doj-represent-trump-appeal-jean-carroll/story?id=122989566
[4] Trump seeks removal from a New Hampshire lawsuit challenging his order on transgender athletes, https://apnews.com/article/new-hampshire-transgender-girls-sports-lawsuit-trump-3f6340baf757b26e7eb4e7c9f285d6c9

7. Economic and Fiscal Policy

Economic headwinds are developing on multiple fronts. President Trump has renewed his public criticism of the Federal Reserve, attacking Chair Jerome Powell as a “Dummy” in a late-night social media post for not adhering to his policy demands [1]. The administration’s tariff policies are reportedly having a direct inflationary impact, driving some health insurance plans to raise their premiums for consumers [2]. On the long-term fiscal outlook, new official projections show the solvency dates for Social Security and Medicare have been pushed up. This accelerated timeline, attributed to rising healthcare costs and a “new SSA law,” means Social Security’s finances have “eroded further,” increasing the risk of future benefit cuts for millions [3, 4].

References
[1] Trump Loses It at ‘Dummy’ Fed Chair Ignoring His Demands in Late-Night Post, https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-loses-it-at-dummy-fed-chair-jerome-powell-for-ignoring-his-demands-in-late-night-post/
[2] Tariffs drive some health plans to hike premiums, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/18/tariffs-health-insurance-premium-hikes
[3] Medicare and Social Security go-broke dates pushed up due to rising health care costs, new SSA law, https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-trust-fund-trump-74e13292f510739724a555d7ded7c1a3
[4] Social Security’s Finances Erode Further, Risking Benefit Cuts, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/18/business/social-security-benefits-shortfall.html?unlocked_article_code=1.QE8.bZBP.PB-rUaLGj9Z4&smid=url-share

8. Executive Branch: Personnel and Internal Feuds

The administration is marked by significant internal feuds and personnel shifts. Elon Musk, former head of the Department of Government Efficiency, has publicly savaged a Trump aide, calling him a “snake” and blaming him for instigating a “messy presidential breakup” [1]. President Trump has also publicly lashed out at Fox News over a poll with results on his border policy that he deemed unfavorable [2]. An internal power struggle is also developing at Homeland Security, where Secretary Kristi Noem is reportedly demanding greater direct control over FEMA and departmental funds, a move sources claim could slow disaster response [3]. Amid the turmoil, Charles Kushner, father of the President’s son-in-law, has been formally sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to France [4].

References
[1] Musk Savages ‘Snake’ Trump Aide as Their White House Feud Erupts, https://www.thedailybeast.com/elon-musk-savages-snake-trump-aide-sergio-gor-as-their-white-house-feud-erupts/
[2] Trump rips Fox News poll showing 53 percent approval on border, https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5359045-trump-fox-news-negative-polling/
[3] Noem demands more control over FEMA and Homeland Security funding, which could slow disaster response, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/18/politics/kristi-noem-fema-dhs-funding?utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit
[4] Father of Trump’s son-in-law, Charles Kushner, sworn in as Ambassador of France, https://apnews.com/article/charles-kushner-france-ambassador-trump-pardon-3a65cfec3b2393d6d9eafec7333b2625