[Sunday, June 22] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. U.S. Military Action Against Iran: “Operation Midnight Hammer”

1.1. The Strikes: Execution and Administration Justification

President Trump has announced to the nation that the U.S. military has bombed multiple Iranian nuclear sites [1]. The action, codenamed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” was described by the President as a “spectacular military success” as he issued an ultimatum to Iran to “make peace” or face “greater” attacks [2, 3]. The operation reportedly involved seven B-2 stealth bombers deploying 14 specialized bunker-buster munitions [4], with Pentagon officials later confirming to one outlet that Washington had informed Tehran of the action before the strikes were carried out [5].

The administration is moving to frame the conflict with carefully chosen language. Vice President JD Vance stated, “we’re not at war with Iran, we’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program,” a justification highlighted by media outlets as a new rationale that contrasts with the President’s past pledges to avoid Middle East wars [6, 7]. However, the administration’s messaging appears conflicted. President Trump has since posted public messages asking “why there would not be ‘regime change’ in Iran,” a position that contrasts with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated the “U.S. is ready to meet with Iran after strikes” [8, 9].

References:
[1] Megathread: US President Trump Says That The US Military Has Bombed Multiple Iranian Nuclear Sites, /r/politics/comments/1lhaiqa/megathread_us_president_trump_says_that_the_us/
[2] “Operation Midnight Hammer”: What we know about the Iran strikes, https://www.newsweek.com/operation-midnight-hammer-what-we-know-about-iran-strikes-2088954
[3] Trump says Iran strikes ‘spectacular military success’ and warns ‘bully’ Iran to ‘make peace’ or face ‘greater’ attacks, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/iran-bomb-trump-strikes-war-speech-b2774555.html
[4] U.S. used 14 bunker-busters, 7 B-2 bombers in “Midnight Hammer” strikes on Iran, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/22/iran-nuclear-midnight-hammer-bunker-buster
[5] Washington informed Tehran ahead of strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-858546
[6] Vance says U.S. ’not at war with Iran, we’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program’, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/vance-says-us-not-war-iran-re-war-irans-nuclear-program-rcna214329
[7] Trump Promised To Keep The U.S. Out Of Middle East Wars. Now Vance Has A New Justification., https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jd-vance-dumb-presidents-trump-iran-middle-east_n_68584913e4b0208df3862856?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main
[8] Trump asks why there would not be ‘regime change’ in Iran, https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-asks-why-there-would-not-be-regime-change-iran-2025-06-22/
[9] Rubio says U.S. is ready to meet with Iran after strikes, warns closing Strait of Hormuz would be “suicidal”, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marco-rubio-iran-strikes-nuclear-hormuz-face-the-nation/

1.2. Intelligence, Damage Assessment, and Internal Dynamics

Initial battlefield damage assessments are inconclusive. While Pentagon officials describe “severe damage” to Iran’s Fordo site, they maintain it is “too soon to know if Iran strikes were successful,” and early intelligence reports raise questions as to whether the “bulk of enriched Iranian nuclear material” was actually destroyed [1, 2]. The intelligence foundation for the operation is facing sharp scrutiny, with one report, citing anonymous sources, claiming, “‘There Is No Intel’: Trump’s Attacks on Iran Were Based on Vibes” [3]. Reports also point to internal friction, with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reportedly excluded from Situation Room photos after posting a video warning against “warmongers,” while some media commentary has labeled members of the President’s national security team a “confederacy of dunces” [4, 5].

References:
[1] ‘Severe damage’: Pentagon officials say it’s too soon to know if Iran strikes were successful, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/22/severe-damage-pentagon-iran-strikes-00416557
[2] Early assessments raise questions over whether US destroyed bulk of enriched Iranian nuclear material, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/22/politics/iran-strike-analysis-raises-questions
[3] ‘There Is No Intel’: Trump’s Attacks on Iran Were Based on Vibes, Sources Say, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-iran-attack-no-intel-nuclear-1235369641/
[4] After Trump rebuked her on Iran, Tulsi Gabbard left out of Situation Room photos of Midnight Hammer strikes. Director of National Intelligence has reportedly been on the outs with president since she posted a video warning against nuclear threats as well as “political elites and warmongers”, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/tulsi-gabbard-trump-situation-room-iran-b2774707.html
[5] America joined Israel’s war with Iran — and Trump is surrounded by a confederacy of dunces. Try to imagine Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard as Cabinet members advising the president through something like the Cuban Missile Crisis., https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-iran-israel-war-hegseth-gabbard-loomer-bannon-rcna214170

1.3. Congressional Backlash and Constitutional Debate

The strikes have ignited “bipartisan blowback” and a fierce constitutional debate over presidential war powers [1]. The controversy was further inflamed by reports that the Trump administration briefed senior Republicans before the attack but deliberately left Democratic counterparts uninformed [2]. In response, many Democrats have labeled the operation an “‘Illegal’ War” and are demanding a congressional vote, with a list of members backing a War Powers Resolution now circulating [3, 4]. Prominent Democrats have been sharply critical, with Senator Bernie Sanders calling the bombing a “grossly unconstitutional” act and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez asserting that the strikes constitute “clearly grounds for impeachment” [5, 6].

References:
[1] Trump faces bipartisan blowback in Congress on Iran strikes, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/22/trump-iran-strikes-republicans-democrats-congress
[2] Trump administration briefed top Republicans before Iran strikes, but not Democrats, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/21/politics/republicans-democrats-iran-strikes-briefings
[3] Democrats Call For Congressional Vote On Trump’s ‘Illegal’ War Against Iran, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/iran-donald-trump-strikes_n_6857f9e0e4b05236097fb562
[4] Full List of Congress Members Backing War Powers Resolution Against Trump, https://www.newsweek.com/full-list-congress-members-backing-war-powers-resolution-against-trump-2089003
[5] Sanders criticizes Trump decision to bomb Iran as ‘grossly unconstitutional’, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5362386-sanders-criticizes-trump-decision-to-bomb-iran-as-grossly-unconstitutional/
[6] AOC Says Trump’s Iran Strikes ‘Clearly Grounds for Impeachment’, https://www.newsweek.com/aoc-says-trumps-iran-strikes-clearly-grounds-impeachment-2088887

1.4. Fractures Within the Republican Base

The military action has reportedly ignited a “MAGA Civil War” online, fracturing the President’s own base of support [1]. This internal conflict became highly public when Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) labeled the attack “unconstitutional,” prompting President Trump to call on his supporters to “drop ‘pathetic loser’ Massie” [2, 3]. Other dissenting voices from the right have emerged, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who posted that “Peace Is The Answer,” and another Republican congressman who stated it was “‘Ludicrous’ to say the Iran strikes are not an act of war” [4, 5]. This debate has extended to prominent supporters like podcaster Theo Von, who questioned the policy’s “America First” credentials by stating, “It feels like we are just working for Israel” [6].

References:
[1] MAGA Civil War Erupts Minutes After Trump Bombs Iran’s Nukes, https://www.thedailybeast.com/maga-civil-war-erupts-minutes-after-trump-bombs-irans-nukes/
[2] Thomas Massie says Iran attack “unconstitutional” as Trump divides MAGA, https://www.newsweek.com/thomas-massie-says-iran-attack-unconstitutional-trump-divides-maga-2088875
[3] Trump says MAGA should drop ‘pathetic loser’ Massie after pushback on US strikes, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5363109-trump-maga-thomas-massie/
[4] Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Says ‘Peace Is The Answer’, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marjorie-taylor-greene-peace-is-the-answer_n_68584682e4b0208df3862832?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main
[5] ‘Ludicrous’ To Say Iran Strikes Not Act of War, Republican Congressman Says, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-us-airstrikes-nuclear-sites-iran-israel-war-live-blog-2088904
[6] Podcast Bro Theo Von Questions How ‘America First’ Trump Really Is Amid Potential Iran War. The podcaster who helped lift Trump’s voice to younger male voters during the 2024 presidential election told Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), “It feels like we are just working for Israel.”, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/theo-von-iran-war-ro-khanna_n_6856facfe4b095f25277587a

2. Global Ramifications and National Security

2.1. International Condemnation and Escalation Threats

The U.S. action has drawn “global alarm” over fears the conflict could spiral out of control [1]. In a severe development, Russia has publicly claimed that other unnamed nations are now “ready to supply Iran with nukes” following the U.S. strike [2]. Iran’s parliament has reportedly backed measures to close the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the U.S. to publicly urge China to leverage its influence to “dissuade Iran from closing Strait of Hormuz” [3, 4]. The strikes also caused swift diplomatic realignments, with Pakistan condemning the bombing of Iran just one day after it had nominated President Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize [5].

References:
[1] Global alarm at US strikes on Iran amid fears conflict could spiral out of control, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/22/global-alarm-at-us-strikes-on-iran-amid-fears-conflict-could-spiral-out-of-control
[2] Russia: Other nations ready to supply Iran with nukes after U.S. strike, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/06/22/aftermath-trump-strikes-iran-nuclear-sites/6851750604331/
[3] Iran parliament reportedly backs closing Strait of Hormuz, which could spike oil prices, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/22/iran-closure-strait-of-hormuz
[4] US Urges China to Dissuade Iran From Closing Strait of Hormuz, https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-06-22/us-urges-china-to-dissuade-iran-from-closing-strait-of-hormuz
[5] Pakistan condemns Trump’s bombing of Iran - a day after nominating him for Peace Prize, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-condemns-trumps-bombing-iran-day-after-nominating-him-peace-prize-2025-06-22/

2.2. Regional Dynamics and the U.S. Role in the Middle East

Multiple international outlets are framing the strikes as the moment the “US inserts itself into Israel’s war against Iran,” a move widely analyzed as a major political victory that “cements Netanyahu’s political comeback” [1, 2]. As the State Department commenced the evacuation of American citizens from Israel, according to an official identified only as “Huckabee,” the UN’s nuclear watchdog issued an urgent warning of “possible contamination” inside Iran’s Natanz site [3, 4].

References:
[1] US inserts itself into Israel’s war against Iran with strikes on 3 Iranian nuclear sites, https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-trump-bomber-news-06-22-2025-c2baca52babe915e033ae175ce8b2687
[2] Trump’s Strike on Iran Cements Netanyahu’s Political Comeback, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/22/world/middleeast/netanyahu-israel-trump-iran-strike.html
[3] U.S. State Department has begun evacuations of Americans from Israel, Huckabee says, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mike-huckabee-us-evacuation-americans-in-israel/
[4] UN nuclear agency warns of possible contamination inside Iran’s Natanz site after Israeli strikes, https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-israel-radiation-natanz-a58c0e06ad30b3a8bf21159a4f54c35a

2.3. Domestic Security and Economic Impact

The military action has had immediate consequences at home. The Department of Homeland Security issued a national terrorism advisory bulletin, warning of a “heightened threat environment” inside the U.S. [1]. Simultaneously, global oil prices have soared as the attack “Ramps Up Risks to Supplies,” leading to acute concerns that the American economy now faces a “potential war shock” from surging energy costs [2, 3].

References:
[1] Terrorism advisory bulletin warns of “heightened threat environment” in U.S. after strikes on Iran, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/terrorism-advisory-bulletin-threats-us-iran-strikes/
[2] Oil Soars as Trump’s Attack on Iran Ramps Up Risks to Supplies, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-22/latest-oil-market-news-and-analysis-for-june-23
[3] America’s economy faces a potential war shock: Surging oil prices, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/22/business/oil-prices-iran-strikes

3. Domestic Legislative and Governance Issues

3.1. Procedural Battles Over GOP “Megabill”

The Republican majority’s key legislative priority, the omnibus “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” is encountering serious procedural roadblocks in the Senate. The Senate Parliamentarian has issued several adverse rulings against the package, advising that an increasing number of its provisions violate the Byrd Rule, which strictly limits reconciliation bills to budgetary matters [1]. Specifically, the parliamentarian formally rejected provisions for deep cuts to federal food aid and blocked a “contempt provision” that one headline characterized as a measure that “Makes Trump A King” [2, 3]. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are reportedly utilizing a “new accounting method” to significantly reduce the bill’s officially reported cost [4].

References:
[1] More Provisions in Republicans’ “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Are Subject to Byrd Rule, Parliamentarian Advises, https://www.budget.senate.gov/ranking-member/newsroom/press/more-provisions-in-republicans-one-big-beautiful-bill-are-subject-to-byrd-rule-parliamentarian-advises
[2] Senate Official Rejects Food Aid Cuts Proposed by Republicans in Megabill, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/21/us/politics/senate-snap-food-stamps.html
[3] GOP Provision That Makes Trump A King Breaks Senate Rules, Says Parliamentarian, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gop-tax-bill-courts-bonds-trump-senate-rules_n_685806dee4b05236097fb6ac
[4] Senate GOP slashes megabill’s tax cost with new accounting method, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/22/senate-tax-bill-jct-score-00417131

3.2. Immigration Enforcement and Public Response

Severe outcomes are being reported from the administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown. Experts are warning of a “‘ticking time bomb’” after an ICE detainee died while in transit, as the GOP budget reportedly proposes hiring 10,000 more agents even as the agency faces allegations of arresting U.S. citizens [1, 2]. The policies are prompting organized public pushback, including a lawsuit filed by Los Angeles-based journalists against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and a $1 million donation from the LA Dodgers baseball organization to support families affected by ICE raids [3, 4].

References:
[1] ‘Ticking time bomb’: Ice detainee dies in transit as experts say more deaths likely, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/22/ice-detainee-death-georgia
[2] Trump’s ICE Agents Are Arresting US Citizens. GOP Budget Would Hire 10,000 More., https://truthout.org/articles/trumps-ice-agents-are-arresting-us-citizens-gop-budget-would-hire-10000-more/
[3] LA journalists sue Noem over DHS response to unrest amid immigration raids, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5362193-la-journalists-sue-noem-over-dhs-response-to-unrest-amid-immigration-raids/
[4] LA Dodgers defy Trump with $1 million for families hit by ICE raids, https://www.newsweek.com/los-angeles-dodgers-1-million-dollars-pledge-families-ice-raids-donald-trump-2088805

3.3. Administration Policies and Ethical Scrutiny

The administration is facing scrutiny over several actions and appointments. A report from The Washington Post alleges President Trump is orchestrating a “massive shift” of the federal ethics system in a way that “undermines Watergate laws” intended to ensure executive branch accountability [1]. Separately, reports claim that key advisers to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “stand to profit from a new federal health initiative” they are helping to develop [2]. The appointment of a 22-year-old as “Trump’s Anti-Terror Chief” is drawing renewed and sharp criticism in light of the Iran crisis [3]. On the policy front, the administration has implemented “sweeping changes to ObamaCare” and has officially terminated healthcare coverage for beneficiaries of the DACA program [4].

References:
[1] Trump undermines Watergate laws in massive shift of ethics system, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/21/trump-watergate-presidency-congress/
[2] Key RFK Jr advisers stand to profit from a new federal health initiative, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/21/rfk-maha-ultra-processed-foods
[3] Trump’s Anti-Terror Chief, 22, Bashed as Iran Vows Vengeance. | The youngster’s jump from ex-gardener to counterterrorism chief drew fresh criticism as Iran promises payback for U.S. strikes., https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-anti-terror-chief-thomas-fugate-22-ripped-as-iran-vows-vengeance/
[4] Trump administration makes sweeping changes to ObamaCare, ends ‘Dreamer’ coverage, https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5361480-trump-obamacare-dreamer-coverage-ends/

3.4. State-Level and Social Policy Debates

At the state level, the governor of Texas has signed a bill requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all public school classrooms [1]. The Trump administration has directed the state of California “to remove gender identity from sex ed” curricula [2]. In other social policy news, a report details a Republican woman’s “life-threatening pregnancy” and how her personal medical crisis “collided with Florida’s abortion politics,” while the administration has reportedly cut federal funding for a “life-saving LGBTQ resource” [3, 4].

References:
[1] Texas governor signs bill requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms becoming the largest state to do so, https://apnews.com/article/texas-ten-commandments-law-3f1ea84acd67a028ad9b7c01c3c2368c?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-06-21-Breaking+News
[2] Trump administration orders California to remove gender identity from sex ed, https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/06/20/california-trump-gender-sex-ed/?share=0tnpwrlautctwfdgmowt
[3] Republican’s Life-Threatening Pregnancy Collided With Florida’s Abortion Politics, https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/republicans-life-threatening-pregnancy-collided-with-floridas-abortion-politics-ad96f8d4?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAjt2MQijUHZT5shdXTMJtjw3ZVeJzTpXSYo95jQB6BRJ2Xh-bjLVOtLxeloC1Q%3D&gaa_ts=68587331&gaa_sig=MhewRlz4W1dngMbJ9puCNC2H0UpMt2BNbGly16Rnj3fTKwxR0zVr8zPjWYmS6fgiXpLUkpQm9sdZh74bk6fxKw%3D%3D
[4] The Trump admin cut a life-saving LGBTQ resource just when we need it most. The administration’s decision is much more pernicious than just a simple funding crisis for a critical LGBTQ youth support organization., https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-admin-cuts-trevor-project-federal-funding-lgbtq-rcna214195

4. U.S. Elections and Party Politics

4.1. NYC Mayoral Primary: A Democratic Proxy War

The Democratic primary for mayor of New York City is being framed as a national proxy battle for the future of the party. The race pits Zohran Mamdani, endorsed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has received an endorsement from former President Bill Clinton [1, 2]. The contest is being defined as a test of whether the city will “Try Real Socialism,” with a potential Mamdani victory viewed as a signal of a significant leftward shift within the Democratic Party [1].

References:
[1] Zohran Mamdani Wants New York City to Try Real Socialism | If AOC’s candidate defeats Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s mayoral primary, we’ll know who owns today’s Democratic Party., https://www.wsj.com/opinion/zohran-mamdani-wants-new-york-city-to-try-real-socialism-06bcaf53?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAhWrM8ul7PW-ZUmmdWSuxQvWTbdXE7l9AekSwnEbIN8__gploRBBLIQC_2gsa8%3D&gaa_ts=6856f4cf&gaa_sig=thamaVmNy9MdXq9MqT0-8UsyrRkykh5LPeIFC2Rkg_mhTpMoWFPpTos0h-seBD4UT6JcdtpsB1P1-L9JkYl04w%3D%3D
[2] Bill Clinton Endorses Andrew Cuomo for New York City Mayor, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/22/nyregion/bill-clinton-endorse-cuomo-mayor.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Q08.sO3E.oUklwSLuwv15&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

4.2. Political Maneuvering and Party Finances

Early positioning for future election cycles is underway, with former Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly giving “a serious look” to entering the California governor’s race [1]. On the national fundraising front, there is a stark disparity between the two major parties. Recent reports indicate the Republican Party holds “nearly five times more cash on hand than the Democrats” [2].

References:
[1] Harris gives California governor’s race a serious look, https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5361287-harris-governor-race-decision-timing/
[2] Republican Party has nearly five times more cash on hand than the Democrats, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/21/rnc-dnc-ken-martin-trump.html