[Wednesday, June 25] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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1. Top Story: The Iran Crisis & Aftermath

1.1 Military Action: From Conflicting Reports to “Total Obliteration”

A definitive but initially confused picture has emerged regarding the outcome of U.S. military strikes against Iran’s nuclear program. Early assessments were contradictory. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the program was “set back by years,” citing “new satellite images show[ing] destruction” [1]. This was amplified by Steve Witkoff, who claimed Iran’s nuclear program was “destroyed” [2]. However, this was sharply contested by a “leaked bomb damage assessment” suggesting Iran could restart its program “within months,” a leak the Trump administration furiously denounced as “treasonous” and “completely preposterous” [3].

By the end of the news cycle, this ambiguity was resolved by senior administration officials. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard issued a clear statement that Iran’s key nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan “are gone” [4]. President Trump corroborated this, citing an Israeli report confirming the sites were devastated, and concurrently slammed media outlets for their initial skepticism [5]. For its part, the Iranian government made a public admission that its nuclear installations were “badly damaged” by the American strikes [6]. The military action has garnered “overwhelming” support among Republican voters according to a new poll [7].

References:
[1] Iran’s nuclear program ‘set back by years,’ IDF says, as new satellite images show destruction, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b111ncqtvxx
[2] Witkoff calls damage report leaks ’treasonous,’ says Iran’s nuclear program destroyed, https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/israel-iran-conflict-june-24-2025
[3] Trump admin officials slam leaked bomb damage assessment indicating Iran could restart nuclear program within months: ‘Completely preposterous’, https://nypost.com/2025/06/24/us-news/trump-admin-officials-slam-leaked-bomb-damage-assessment-indicating-iran-could-restart-nuclear-program-within-months/
[4] Tulsi Gabbard: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan Are Gone, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2025/06/25/tulsi-gabbard-irans-key-nuclear-sites-destroyed-n2659455
[5] Trump slams media as Israeli report confirms Iran sites devastated, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-hegseth-seethe-fake-news-media-doubting-us-strikes-obliterated-iranian-nuclear-sites-scum
[6] Iran admits nuclear installations badly damaged by US as Trump hints Israelis checked sites, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/2025-06-25/live-updates-858906
[7] So Much for the MAGA Civil War: New Poll Shows OVERWHELMING Republican Approval of Iran Strike, https://twitchy.com/grateful-calvin/2025/06/25/so-much-for-the-maga-civil-war-new-poll-shows-overwhelming-approval-on-the-right-for-iran-strike-n2414723

1.2 Diplomatic Maneuvering & Strategic Narratives

In the wake of the military action, key figures are moving to shape the new diplomatic landscape. Steve Witkoff publicly declared the “Iran-Israel war ‘over’” following a cease-fire deal brokered by President Trump [1]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu similarly declared “Operation Rising Lion” an “historic victory” [2]. Some analysis suggests this provides a pivotal opportunity for the Trump administration to “reshape [the] Mid East with trade deals” [3], with the White House reportedly “teasing new countries joining Abraham Accords” [4]. However, skepticism exists, with one commentary questioning the wisdom of relying on Qatar as an “‘honest US-Iran broker’” [5]. On the opposing side, Iranian state media is circulating a “bizarre Lego-style propaganda video” claiming victory, while an Iranian TV host asserted Iran will now enrich uranium as it pleases and “dictate global oil prices,” though this claim originates from a translated social media post [6, 7]. Democrats, meanwhile, are described in one report as being “vexed by Trump’s success in Iran” [8].

References:
[1] Steve Witkoff declares Iran-Israel war ‘over’ after Trump’s cease-fire deal: ‘No one’s shooting at each other’, https://nypost.com/2025/06/24/us-news/steve-witkoff-declares-iran-israel-war-over-after-trumps-cease-fire-deal-no-ones-shooting-at-each-other/
[2] Netanyahu Declares ‘Operation Rising Lion’ an ‘Historic Victory’, https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2025/06/24/netanyahu-declares-operation-rising-lion-a-historic-victory/
[3] Iran victory gives Trump the chance to reshape Mid East with trade deals, https://nypost.com/2025/06/24/opinion/iran-victory-gives-trump-the-chance-to-reshape-mid-east-with-trade-deals/
[4] White House teases new countries joining Abraham Accords, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-859047
[5] How about NOT relying on Qatar as an honest US-Iran broker?, https://nypost.com/2025/06/24/opinion/how-about-not-relying-on-qatar-as-an-honest-us-iran-broker/
[6] Iranian state media plays bizarre Lego-style propaganda video claiming victory in its war with Israel, https://nypost.com/2025/06/24/world-news/lego-style-propaganda-video-claims-iran-victory-in-israel-war/
[7] “Iranian TV host Amir-Hossein Tahmasebi says that Iran has embraced nuclear ambiguity and will enrich as much uranium as it chooses. He added that from now on, Iran will dictate global oil prices.”, https://x.com/Osint613/status/1937503614681161951
[8] Democrats vexed by Trump’s success in Iran, https://thespectator.com/topic/democrats-vexed-by-trumps-success-iran/

1.3 Domestic Security: “Sleeper Cell” Threats & Enforcement

The conflict has direct domestic security implications. Attorney General Pam Bondi warned of “over 1,000 Iranian Sleepers in US,” providing justification for a heightened “security sweep” by ICE [1]. This sweep is reportedly targeting and arresting Iranians with criminal histories, described as the “‘worst of the worst’” [2]. Specific arrests include a former IRGC member and a trained army sniper [3]. These developments are being leveraged to argue that the nation “MUST secure our borders” [4].

References:
[1] AG Bondi: Over 1,000 Iranian Sleepers in US, https://www.newsmax.com/us/pam-bondi-alert-iran/2025/06/24/id/1216324/
[2] More Iranians with criminal histories arrested by ICE in Trump’s security sweep: ‘Worst of the worst’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/more-iranians-with-criminal-histories-arrested-ice-in-trumps-security-sweep
[3] ICE Arrests Former IRGC Member, Army Sniper in Wake of Iran Strike, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2025/06/24/11-iranian-nationals-arrested-in-teh-united-states-in-the-last-2-days-n2659371
[4] Iran’s ‘sleeper cell’ threat proves we MUST secure our borders, https://nypost.com/2025/06/24/opinion/iran-sleeper-cell-threat-proves-we-must-secure-our-borders/

2. Domestic Crisis: The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ & Capitol Occupation

President Trump’s signature legislative priority, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” is facing a severe, two-pronged assault. On the legislative front, Senator Rand Paul revealed that the unelected Senate Parliamentarian struck a key provision from the bill that would have eliminated “welfare benefits for illegal aliens,” dealing a procedural blow to the administration’s agenda [1]. Simultaneously, a public order crisis erupted as “left-wing extremists” stormed and are now occupying the U.S. Capitol in protest of the bill, an event characterized in headlines as an “INSURRECTION” [2, 3]. This confluence of legislative obstruction and a Capitol occupation presents an immediate challenge to governance and federal authority.

References:
[1] Exclusive — Rand Paul: Unelected Senate Parliamentarian Nixed Eliminating Welfare Benefits for Illegal Aliens in Big, Beautiful Bill, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/06/25/exclusive-rand-paul-unelected-senate-parliamentarian-nixed-eliminating-welfare-benefits-for-illegal-aliens-in-big-beautiful-bill/
[2] INSURRECTION: Left-Wing Extremists Storm Capitol Over Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” — Here’s Who Funded the Chaos (Video), https://www.rightjournalism.com/insurrection-left-wing-extremists-storm-capitol-over-trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill/
[3] What Are These People Thinking? AntiBBB Protestors Occupy Capitol., https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/06/25/what-are-these-people-thinking-anti-bbb-protestors-occupy-capitol-n2190901

3. U.S. Politics & Governance

3.1 NYC Mayoral Election: A Socialist Victory and its National Implications

A significant political upset has occurred in New York City, where former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded the Democratic mayoral primary to Zohran Mamdani, a candidate identified as a “socialist” endorsed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [1]. Mamdani’s platform is being defined by opponents through viral claims that he plans to “abolish ICE and release all the prisoners” [2]. When questioned on the matter, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reportedly deflected quickly to the subject of President Trump [3]. Mamdani has also attracted international attention, receiving a social media boost from a “prominent Qatari royal” [4]. Reports attacking his professional background claim he has “barely ever had a job,” and the prospect of his mayoralty is allegedly causing economic anxiety, with one real estate broker reporting being “flooded with calls from wealthy residents looking to flee” [5, 6]. The defeat of Cuomo is being interpreted in some commentary as a sign that the “Old Democratic Party” may be “dead” [7].

References:
[1] Cuomo concedes in NYC Democratic primary for mayor, congratulates AOC-endorsed Mamdani, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/cuomo-concedes-nyc-democratic-primary-mayor-congratulates-aoc-endorsed-mamdani
[2] The Democrat Leader just endorsed the socialist who wants to abolish ICE and release all the prisoners., https://x.com/StephenM/status/1937899143579517187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1937899143579517187%7Ctwgr%5Ef134c15bbc09aec615cb890c3e30d6344363d252%7Ctwcon%5Es1_
[3] Hakeem Jeffries Couldn’t Pivot to Trump Fast Enough When Asked About NYC’s Socialist Mayoral Candidate, https://twitchy.com/dougp/2025/06/25/hakeem-jeffries-couldnt-pivot-to-trump-fast-enough-when-asked-about-nycs-socialist-mayoral-candidate-n2414724
[4] Prominent Qatari royal boosts Zohran Mamdani on social media, https://jewishinsider.com/2025/06/prominent-qatari-royal-boosts-zohran-mamdani-sheikha-al-thani
[5] Zohran Mamdani has barely ever had a job, with just 3 years in the workforce — including his ‘rap career’ and a gig for his mom, https://nypost.com/2025/06/17/us-news/zohran-mamdani-has-barely-ever-held-a-job-and-has-no-experience-in-government-sources/
[6] New York Real Estate Broker Flooded With Calls From Wealthy Residents Looking to Flee, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/06/25/new-york-real-estate-broker-flooded-with-calls-from-wealthy-residents-looking-to-flee-n2190907
[7] The Cuomo Comeback Is Dead — And So Might Be the Old Democratic Party — This is just the latest casualty in a party that doesn’t know who it is anymore., https://spectator.org/the-cuomo-comeback-is-dead-and-so-might-be-the-old-democratic-party/

3.2 Scrutiny & Investigations of Political Figures

Several investigations into past and present administrations are active. A potential scandal is developing around former President Biden, as a “Top Biden aide admits to Congress she directed autopen signatures without knowing who gave final approval,” raising serious questions of executive authority during the previous administration [1]. A separate House Oversight probe into the “ex-president Biden’s decline” is reportedly being “snubbed” by Anthony Bernal, a top aide to Jill Biden [2]. On the Republican side, a judge presiding over a “Trump funding case” has been linked in a media report to a “taxpayer-backed nonprofit with checkered past” [3].

References:
[1] Top Biden aide admits to Congress she directed autopen signatures without knowing who gave final approval, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/top-biden-aide-admits-congress-she-directed-autopen-signatures-without-knowing-who-gave-final-approval
[2] Jill Biden’s ‘work husband’ Anthony Bernal snubs House Oversight probe of ex-president Biden’s decline, https://nypost.com/2025/06/25/us-news/jill-bidens-work-husband-anthony-bernal-snubs-house-oversight-probe-of-ex-president-bidens-decline/
[3] Judge in Trump funding case tied to taxpayer-backed nonprofit with checkered past, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3453259/trump-funding-case-judge-john-mcconnell-nonprofit-ties-checkered-past/

3.3 Government Operations & Oversight

Reports suggest major deficiencies in government spending and project management. An analysis of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims it “is missing $2 Trillion in healthcare waste” and urges Congress to focus on this area [1]. In a separate matter, disaster recovery in Hawaii is lagging significantly, with one report stating that at its “current pace,” the fire rebuild will not be complete until 2038 [2]. The Biden administration is also facing scrutiny for having allegedly “Rushed Out $90 Billion in Green Loans” after President Trump’s 2024 election victory [3].

References:
[1] DOGE Is Missing $2 Trillion in Healthcare Waste — If DOGE and Congress are serious about cutting costs, they should start with the biggest and most obvious source of federal waste., https://spectator.org/doge-is-missing-2-trillion-in-healthcare-waste/
[2] Hawaii’s fire rebuild will be complete in 2038 at current pace, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/3452589/hawaii-rebuild-after-fire-complete-in-2038-at-current-pace/?u
[3] ‘Absolutely Infuriating’: Biden Admin Rushed Out $90 Billion in Green Loans After Trump’s 2024 Victory, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/06/24/biden-admin-rushed-90-billion-green-loans-trumps-2024-victory/

4. Foreign Relations & Global Security

4.1 U.S. Relations with NATO & Ukraine

Relations between the Trump administration and NATO are showing marked improvement. President Trump is slated to speak at a NATO Summit amid what are described as “warming relations,” and celebrated an increase in defense spending by allies as a “monumental win for Western Civilisation” [1, 2]. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised President Trump as “a man of peace,” and in a widely reported moment, his reference to the president as “daddy” prompted a visible reaction from both the President and Secretary of State Marco Rubio [3]. On the Ukraine front, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed a recent meeting with President Trump as “substantive” and “pointedly” thanked the U.S. for its support, a comment linked in headlines to a prior “jab” from Vice President Vance about perceived ingratitude [4, 5].

References:
[1] Trump to speak at NATO Summit amid warming relations with alliance’s leaders, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-speak-nato-summit-amid-renewed-friendliness-alliances-leaders
[2] Trump: NATO Spending Boost ‘Monumental Win For Western Civilisation’, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/06/25/trump-nato-spending-boost-monumental-win-for-western-civilisation/
[3] Rubio cracks up at Trump’s reaction to NATO leader calling president ‘daddy’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rubio-cracks-up-trumps-reaction-nato-leader-calling-president-daddy
[4] Zelenskyy Hails ‘Substantive’ Meeting With Trump, https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/trump-ukraine-russia/2025/06/25/id/1216391/
[5] Zelenskyy pointedly thanks Trump, America for Ukraine support months after Vance’s jab about lack of gratitude, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/zelenskyy-pointedly-thanks-trump-america-ukraine-support-months-after-vances-jab-about-lack-gratitude

4.2 Other Global Security Issues

Canada’s Border Services Agency (CBSA) has opened an investigation into allegations that “suspected senior Iranian officials were allowed entry into Canada” [1]. A report also alleges that Google’s platform promoted pro-China content sourced from a “hijacked local news website” [2]. In a separate matter, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia issued a statement condemning a return to “Soviet-style revisionism” and a “false, God-opposing ideology” [3].

References:
[1] CBSA investigates whether suspected senior Iranian officials were allowed entry into Canada, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-cbsa-investigates-whether-suspected-senior-iranian-officials-were
[2] Google promoted content from hijacked local news website posting pro-China content, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/investigations/3451424/google-china-news-promoted-hijacked-local-website/
[3] Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia speaks out on Soviet-style revisionism - “observe in certain circles a return to a false, God-opposing ideology that prevailed in the last century”, https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2025/20-june/news/world/russian-orthodox-church-outside-russia-speak-out-on-soviet-style-revisionism

5. Immigration & Border Security Flashpoints

5.1 Escalating Threats Against Federal Law Enforcement

Hostility towards federal immigration authorities is escalating to direct incitement. A “vice mayor” in California has made a public call for local “‘Cholos’ to defend ‘streets’ amid ICE raids” [1]. Subsequent reporting indicates that the official, Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez, is now under FBI investigation for “calling on 18th STREET GANG & others to Fight ICE agents on the streets of Los Angeles” [2]. The threat level is tangible for officials, with “Border Czar” Tom Homan revealing he and his wife are living apart due to death threats [3]. This is compounded by social media reports alleging that the organization CAIR is “training citizens to spot ICE and alert their mobs to target them” [4].

References:
[1] Vice mayor in California calls for ‘Cholos’ to defend ‘streets’ amid ICE raids, https://www.foxla.com/news/vice-mayor-california-calls-cholos-defend-streets-amid-ice-raids
[2] Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez is under FBI Investigation for calling on 18th STREET GANG & others to Fight ICE agents on the streets of Los Angeles, https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1938003914214810096?s=46
[3] Border Czar Homan: Death Threats Force Me, Wife to Live Apart, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/border-czar-tom-homan-wife/2025/06/25/id/1216381/
[4] “Nihad Awad, Director of CAIR … An Islamic organization that coordinates and funds the pro-HAMAS rallies is still training citizens to spot ICE and alert their mobs to target them. Seems important, no?”, https://x.com/NizNellie3/status/1937917045510676489

6. Economic, Social & Cultural Issues

6.1 Economic Policy & Labor Developments

In a significant statement on macroeconomic policy, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has asserted, “We don’t need migration to grow the economy” [1]. On the labor front, a Los Angeles union is reportedly pushing to “extend $30 minimum wage to all Los Angeles employees,” an initiative that would set a new national precedent for urban wages [2]. In a separate report, a major disruption to the global auto market is alleged, with a headline stating “China Is Dumping 0-Mile ‘Used’ Cars Worldwide to Control Huge Oversupply” [3].

References:
[1] Federal Reserve Chief: We Don’t Need Migration to Grow the Economy, https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2025/06/25/federal-reserve-chief-migration-is-not-needed-to-grow-the-economy/
[2] Union Pushes To Extend $30 Minimum Wage to All Los Angeles Employees, https://www.nysun.com/article/union-pushes-to-extend-30-minimum-wage-to-all-los-angeles-workers
[3] China Is Dumping 0-Mile ‘Used’ Cars Worldwide to Control Huge Oversupply, https://www.thedrive.com/news/china-is-dumping-0-mile-used-cars-worldwide-to-control-huge-oversupply#:~:text=As%20part%20of%20a%20broad,foreign%20markets%2C%20Reuters%20reported%20Tuesday.

6.2 Social & Cultural Battlegrounds

Legislative and legal battles over social issues are intensifying. A “Trump-backed push to repeal” the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act is reportedly “gaining steam” in Congress [1]. In higher education, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is facing a new lawsuit from a student and an instructor “over alleged campus antisemitism” [2]. In corporate America, activists described as “leftists” are calling for a boycott of McDonald’s over a “DEI rollback” [3]. A widely reported cultural moment occurred when an ESPN commentator apologized for saying “That’s what makes America great” during a WNBA broadcast [4].

References:
[1] Trump-backed push to repeal FACE Act gains steam post-Dobbs, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3452865/trump-backed-push-to-repeal-face-act-gains-steam-post-dobbs/
[2] MIT sued by student, instructor over alleged campus antisemitism, https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/25/nation/mit-student-instructor-sue-over-antisemitism-on-campus/
[3] Leftists Call for McDonald’s Boycott over DEI Rollback: Hit Their Wallets for ‘Real Equality’, https://www.breitbart.com/pre-viral/2025/06/24/about-more-than-burgers-and-fries-leftists-call-for-mcdonalds-boycott-over-dei-rollback/
[4] ESPN commentator apologizes for saying ‘That’s what makes America great’ during awkward WNBA broadcast moment | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/espn-commentator-apologizes-saying-thats-what-makes-america-great-during-awkward-wnba-broadcast-moment

6.3 Public Safety & Notable Criminal Cases

Several serious criminal cases and public safety events have been reported. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized 518 pounds of cocaine from an abandoned vessel in Puerto Rico [1]. The U.S. Marshals announced that “Operation WE WILL FIND YOU TOO” successfully recovered 123 children, 77 of whom were nationally registered as missing [2]. In New York, police report that four 5th-grade girls “devised sinister plot to kill boy, fake his suicide” [3]. In Austin, a murder case involving Karmelo Anthony is taking on a racial dimension, with his spokesman framing the defense as a “fight against ‘white supremacy’” [4].

References:
[1] CBP seizes 518 pounds of cocaine inside an abandoned vessel in Rincon, Puerto Rico, https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-seizes-518-pounds-cocaine-inside-abandoned-vessel-rincon-puerto
[2] Operation WE WILL FIND YOU TOO: 123 children RECOVERED by U.S. Marshalls. 77 of which were deemed MISSING nationwide., https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1937694560680915118?s=46
[3] Four 5th-grade girls devised sinister plot to kill boy, fake his suicide, cops, https://nypost.com/2025/06/25/us-news/four-5th-grade-girls-devised-sinister-plot-to-kill-boy-fake-his-suicide-cops/
[4] Karmelo Anthony spokesman urges fight against ‘white supremacy’ after Anthony’s murder indictment for Austin Metcalf stabbing, https://www.theblaze.com/news/karmelo-anthony-spokesman-urges-fight-against-white-supremacy-after-anthony-s-murder-indictment-for-austin-metcalf-stabbing

7. Media & Political Discourse

President Trump’s engagement with the media remains highly confrontational. In one instance, he is reported to have “explode[d] on CNN directly to its cameras,” calling its personnel “‘Real Losers’” [1]. In a separate comment, he referred to CNN, The New York Times, and “MSDNC” (a pejorative for MSNBC) collectively as “‘Scum’” [2]. It should be noted that the content feed contains satirical material from sources such as The Babylon Bee and Genesius Times, which, while not factual, offer insight into certain political viewpoints and should be identified as such [3, 4].

References:
[1] Trump Explodes on CNN Directly to Its Cameras: ‘You’re Real Losers’, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/saraharnold/2025/06/24/trump-to-cnn-youre-real-losers-n2659367
[2] ‘Scum’: Trump Unloads on CNN, New York Times, ‘MSDNC’, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2025/06/25/trump-unloads-on-cnn-new-york-times-sick-people-n2659414
[3] New Study Finds Bizarre Connection Between Being Liberal And Having Giant, Googly Eyes, https://babylonbee.com/news/new-study-finds-strong-connection-between-being-liberal-and-having-giant-googly-eyes
[4] Statue of Liberty gets makeover after New York elects first communist Muslim mayor • Genesius Times, https://genesiustimes.com/statue-of-liberty-gets-makeover-after-new-york-elects-first-communist-muslim-mayor/