[Friday, June 27] US News Headlines from r/politics

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1. The Judiciary and Executive Power

1.1 Nationwide Injunctions Ended in Landmark Ruling

In a landmark decision reshaping federal judicial power, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority has ended the ability of lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions that block administration policies [1, 2]. The ruling fundamentally alters a key tool used by opponents to halt executive branch actions across the country, limiting the scope of lower court orders to their specific jurisdictions. Multiple reports characterize the decision as a broad expansion of presidential power that significantly constrains the ability of a single district court to block President Trump’s agenda on a national scale [3, 4].

References:
[1] Supreme Court’s conservatives end power of lower courts to impose nationwide injunctions, https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/dmv-immigration/supreme-courts-conservatives-end-power-of-lower-courts-impose-nationwide-injunctions-amy-coney-barrett/65-c350bc88-4311-410b-9545-76590a60928f
[2] Supreme Court limits nationwide injunctions, https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-birthright-citizenship-immigration-9da9e11d83f2fd3cbf95e6a733651daf
[3] Supreme Court limits lower courts’ power to block Trump, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/27/supreme-court-trump-birthright-citizenship-ruling
[4] Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship broadens Trump’s power, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj9velv7z4no

1.2 Implications for Birthright Citizenship and Subsequent Legal Pushback

The Court’s decision on injunctions was delivered in the context of legal challenges to President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship, lifting the broad restraining orders that had blocked it [1]. While not ruling on the policy’s ultimate legality, the move prompted an immediate new class-action lawsuit from the ACLU designed to bypass the ruling [2]. An MSNBC analysis described the decision as a “permission slip for mass deportation” [3].

References:
[1] Supreme Court limits nationwide orders that have blocked Trump’s birthright citizenship ban, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/27/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-nationwide-injunctions/
[2] ACLU Files Class Action To Bypass Supreme Court Decision on Birthright Citizenship, https://www.nysun.com/article/aclu-files-class-action-lawsuit-to-bypass-supreme-court-decision-on-birthright-citizenship
[3] The Supreme Court gave Trump a permission slip for mass deportation, https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/supreme-court-trump-deportations-third-country-rcna214852

1.3 Other Key Rulings on Healthcare, Education, and Speech

The Supreme Court issued several other highly consequential rulings. In a 6-3 decision, the Court cleared a path for states to deny Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, while in a separate case, it upheld a key Obamacare measure mandating free preventive care [1, 2]. On education, the Court sided with parents objecting to their children’s exposure to LGBTQ+ themes, establishing a “right to prevent their kids from reading books with LGBTQ+ characters” [3]. The Court also upheld a Texas law requiring age verification to access pornographic websites [4].

References:
[1] SCOTUS Gives States a Path to Strip Poor Patients’ Planned Parenthood Access | In a 6 to 3 decision, the Supreme Court allowed South Carolina to bar over 1 million people from accessing health care, https://theintercept.com/2025/06/26/supreme-court-south-carolina-planned-parenthood/
[2] Supreme Court upholds key Obamacare measure on preventive care, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/27/nx-s1-5430393/supreme-court-obamacare-preventive-care
[3] SCOTUS rules parents have a right to prevent their kids from reading books with LGBTQ+ characters. “Exposing students to the ‘message’ that LGBTQ people exist” over parental objections is now not allowed., https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/06/scotus-rules-parents-have-a-right-to-prevent-their-kids-from-reading-books-with-lgbtq-characters/
[4] Porn age-gating is the future of the internet, thanks to the Supreme Court, https://www.theverge.com/internet-censorship/686042/supreme-court-fsc-paxton-porn-age-verification-ruling

1.4 Dire Warnings from Justices and State-Level Opposition

The Court’s recent decisions have elicited stark warnings from its liberal members and sharp criticism from Democratic officials. Justice Sotomayor was quoted as cautioning “No One Is Safe,” with other legal commentary echoing that “No right is safe” following the birthright citizenship injunction ruling [1, 2]. Separately, retired Justice Anthony Kennedy has publicly stated that he believes “‘democracy is at risk’” [3]. In response, prominent Democratic officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, issued statements sharply criticizing the Court’s decisions [4].

References:
[1] Sotomayor Warns No One Is Safe After Birthright Citizenship Ruling, https://newrepublic.com/post/197363/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-sotomayor-dissent
[2] “No right is safe”: Liberal justices issue dire warnings after birthright citizenship ruling, https://www.salon.com/2025/06/27/no-right-is-safe-liberal-justices-issue-dire-warnings-after-birthright-citizenship-ruling/
[3] Former Supreme Court Justice Kennedy says ‘democracy is at risk’, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/26/anthony-kennedy-democracy-judiciary-threats-00427714
[4] AG James roasts SCOTUS ruling on birthright citizenship injunction, https://www.news10.com/news/ny-news/supreme-court-ruling-citizenship-dispute/

2. Foreign Affairs and National Security

2.1 U.S. Abruptly Terminates All Trade Negotiations with Canada

In a sudden and significant diplomatic rupture, President Trump has abruptly ended all trade negotiations with Canada [1]. The action was reportedly taken “immediately” and was attributed to a dispute over Canada’s digital services tax, which affects U.S. technology companies [2]. This development injects major uncertainty into North American trade relations and follows a report that Canada was already pivoting its defense focus away from the United States and toward Europe [3].

References:
[1] Trump ends all U.S. trade talks with Canada over digital services tax, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/27/trump-canada-trade-talks-tariffs.html
[2] Trump ending all trade talks with Canada ‘immediately’, https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/trump-ending-all-trade-talks-with-canada-immediately/
[3] On defense, Canada is turning away from the US and toward Europe, https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5371379-on-defense-canada-is-turning-away-from-the-us-and-toward-europe/

2.2 Iran Tensions Escalate Amid New Threats and Strike Scrutiny

Tensions with Iran are escalating. President Trump has publicly stated he would bomb Iran again “without question” if it continues uranium enrichment, a direct threat that followed recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities [1]. The operational success of those initial strikes is under question, as Senate Democrats have challenged the White House’s claim of “obliteration” [2]. A top U.S. general informed lawmakers that specialized munitions were not used on one site due to its depth, and a Foreign Policy analysis asserts the strikes failed to destroy key facilities, leaving Iran “on course for a bomb” [3, 4].

References:
[1] Trump says he would bomb Iran again ‘without question’ over uranium enrichment, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/27/trump-iran-bombing-uranium-00429599
[2] Senate Democrats question “obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear sites after classified briefing on strikes, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-democrats-iran-trump-nuclear-sites-obliterated/
[3] US did not use bunker-buster bombs on one of Iran’s nuclear sites, top general tells lawmakers, citing depth of the targe, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/27/politics/bunker-buster-bomb-isfahan-iran
[4] Iran Is on Course for a Bomb After U.S. Strikes Fail to Destroy Facilities, https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/27/iran-us-israel-strikes-dia-bomb-facilities/

2.3 Shifts in Alliances and Diplomatic Protocol

The administration’s approach to foreign policy is causing friction with allies and changes in diplomatic protocol. European leaders’ attempts to engage with President Trump have been derided by critics as an “‘orchestrated grovel’” [1]. In a significant move, Reuters reports the President wants to slash U.S. funding for international war crimes investigations [2]. In another instance, President Trump reportedly urged the Israeli government to “Cancel Criminal Trial Against Netanyahu” [3]. Domestically, the White House plans to limit intelligence sharing with Congress following a document leak [4].

References:
[1] ‘Orchestrated grovel’: critics react to Europe’s attempts to tame Donald Trump, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/27/critics-react-europe-donald-trump-nato-mark-rutte
[2] Trump wants to slash war crimes investigation funds, Reuters reports, https://kyivindependent.com/trump-wants-to-slash-war-crimes-investigation-funds-reuters-reports/
[3] Trump Urges Israel to Cancel Criminal Trial Against Netanyahu, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-26/ty-article/.premium/save-bibi-from-the-witch-hint-trump-urges-israel-to-cancel-netanyahus-graft-trial/00000197-a949-d32c-a5df-fb6bea3e0000
[4] White House Plans to Limit Intel Sharing With Congress Over Leaked Doc, https://truthout.org/articles/white-house-plans-to-limit-intel-sharing-with-congress-over-leaked-doc/

3. Immigration and Border Control

3.1 Administration Moves to Terminate Legal Status for 500,000 Immigrants

In a major policy development, a Newsweek report indicates the Trump administration has terminated the legal status for more than 500,000 immigrants [1]. The headline does not specify all statuses affected but cites the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Kristi Noem in relation to Haitian immigrants and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This action represents a sweeping policy change with significant humanitarian and economic consequences.

References:
[1] Trump administration terminates legal status for more than 500K immigrants, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-admin-haiti-dhs-legal-status-tps-noem-2091814

3.2 Controversial Enforcement Actions and Detentions Generate Scrutiny

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations continue to generate significant controversy, from the reported death of a Canadian citizen in custody to the use of explosives to forcibly enter a California residence [1, 2]. These actions, which also include the deportation of a Purple Heart veteran and the detention of long-term residents, have been characterized by critics like Rep. Pramila Jayapal as targeting “Law-Abiding ‘Moms, Dads, Grandparents’—Not Criminals” [3, 4].

References:
[1] Canadian Citizen Dies in ICE Custody While Awaiting Deportation | Johnny Noviello has been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. since Oct. 1991., https://www.thedailybeast.com/canadian-citizen-johnny-noviello-awaiting-deportation-dies-in-ice-custody/
[2] Video shows federal agents blast their way into Huntington Park home, https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/huntington-park-border-patrol-agents-door-explosion/3734095/
[3] Purple Heart Veteran Forced to Deport After Green Card Revoked, https://www.newsweek.com/purple-heart-veteran-deported-green-card-revoked-2089924
[4] Jayapal Slams ICE for Targeting Law-Abiding ‘Moms, Dads, Grandparents’—Not Criminals, https://www.commondreams.org/news/jayapal-ice-hearing

3.3 Policy Impacts and Public Opinion

The administration’s broad immigration crackdown has reportedly left both migrant workers and the firms that employ them “’terrified’” [1]. A New York Times report describes a “Quiet Southern Border” that is nonetheless home to “Empty Farms and Frightened Workers,” suggesting significant secondary economic impacts [2]. Meanwhile, a new Quinnipiac University national poll suggests rising public support for granting most undocumented immigrants a pathway to legal status over mass deportations [3].

References:
[1] ‘We are terrified’: Trump’s migrant crackdown has workers and firms worried, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpd4gp78j06o
[2] On a Quiet Southern Border, Empty Farms and Frightened Workers, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/us/politics/border-immigration-farms.html?unlocked_article_code=1.SE8.tJz9.CaC9Mxyqpmr5&smid=url-share
[3] Support Rises For Giving Most Undocumented Immigrants A Pathway To Legal Status vs. Deportations, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds, https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3926

4. Congress and Legislative Affairs

4.1 GOP “Megabill” Advances Toward Vote Despite Procedural Hurdles

The Republican majority is pushing forward with President Trump’s massive legislative package, dubbed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” despite significant procedural challenges [1]. The Senate Parliamentarian has found that multiple provisions, including a key Medicaid measure, violate the Byrd Rule that governs the budget reconciliation process [2]. Despite this, negotiations are proceeding, with GOP leaders reportedly reaching a tentative deal on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. A Senate vote on the package has been scheduled for Saturday, even amid some “Republican pushback” [3].

References:
[1] White House releases video featuring workers in ‘big, beautiful bill’ pressure campaign, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5374324-white-house-video-workers-testify/
[2] More Provisions Violate Byrd Rule in Republicans’ “One Big, Beautiful Bill”, https://www.budget.senate.gov/ranking-member/newsroom/press/more-provisions-violate-byrd-rule-in-republicans-one-big-beautiful-bill
[3] GOP leader sets Saturday vote on Trump ‘big, beautiful bill’ despite Republican pushback, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5374079-gop-senate-budget-reconciliation-debate/

4.2 Other Legislative and Oversight Initiatives

Beyond the reconciliation bill, Congressional Republicans are advancing other priorities. Senate Republicans have reprised a push to finance tax cuts by slashing food stamp funding [1]. The House GOP advanced a bill characterized by opponents as an effort at “‘gutting’ government watchdog” agencies [2]. Following “damning reporting from ProPublica,” a group of senators is also demanding a formal investigation into canceled contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs [3].

References:
[1] Senate Republicans Reprise Push to Pay for Tax Cuts by Slashing Food Stamps, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/us/politics/republican-bill-food-stamps.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
[2] House GOP advances bill ‘gutting’ government watchdog, https://thehill.com/homenews/5372396-house-gop-advances-bill-gutting-government-watchdog/
[3] Senators Demand Investigation Into Canceled VA Contracts, Citing “Damning Reporting From ProPublica”, https://www.propublica.org/article/doge-veterans-affairs-ai-senator-investigation?utm_campaign=propublica-sprout&utm_content=1750986007&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&s=09

5. The Executive Branch and Agency Actions

5.1 DOGE Targets Gun Regulations; Administration Acts on Cultural Issues

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is taking a direct role in deregulation, with officials reportedly entering the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with a mandate to “slash gun regulations” [1]. Separately, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced plans to rename a U.S. Navy ship that had been named in honor of gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk, a move confirmed in a Pentagon directive to “Strip Harvey Milk’s Name From Navy Vessel” [2, 3].

References:
[1] DOGE enters ATF with mandate to slash gun regulations, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/06/27/atf-doge-regulations-cuts-guns/
[2] Hegseth announces new name of US navy ship that honored gay rights icon Harvey Milk, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/27/hegseth-navy-ship-harvey-milk-oscar-peterson
[3] Pentagon Strips Harvey Milk’s Name From Navy Vessel, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/us/politics/usns-harvey-milk-navy-ship-name-hegseth.html?unlocked_article_code=1.SE8.6kUE.4agyM_k1yspT&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

5.2 Pressure on University Leadership and Public Health Policy Shifts

The administration is exerting influence over academic and public health spheres. According to an AP source, the president of the University of Virginia is resigning under pressure from the Trump administration over the university’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs [1]. In public health, a CDC panel under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reportedly moved to discontinue certain flu shots based on what one outlet described as “anti-vaccine junk data,” while his appointed advisers are raising “disproven fears” about vaccine ingredients [2, 3].

References:
[1] University of Virginia president is resigning under pressure from the Trump administration over its DEI programs, AP source says., https://apnews.com/article/university-of-virginia-dei-james-ryan-6f8cfc43738944ca8164ab20814c5695?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-06-27-Breaking+News
[2] RFK Jr.’s CDC panel ditches some flu shots based on anti-vaccine junk data, https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/06/rfk-jr-s-cdc-panel-ditches-some-flu-shots-based-on-anti-vaccine-junk-data/
[3] RFK Jr.’s vaccine advisers raise disproven fears about the preservative thimerosal, https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/06/26/nx-s1-5438485/cdc-acip-rfk-thimerosal-vaccines

6. U.S. Economy

6.1 Conflicting Signals: Wall Street Rebounds While Consumer Spending Slows

The U.S. economy is presenting a contradictory picture. Wall Street has experienced a “Historic Rebound,” sending the S&P 500 to new highs amid easing fears over trade policy [1]. In stark contrast, consumer-level data shows that “gloomy Americans” cut back on spending last month as inflation continued to tick higher [2]. This follows an earlier revision showing a “stark drop in GDP growth” as businesses had rushed to secure imports before the administration’s global trade war fully materialized [3].

References:
[1] Historic Rebound Sends S&P 500 to New Highs, https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/historic-rebound-sends-s-p-500-to-new-highs-44775c62?st=A8LVaS
[2] Gloomy Americans cut back on spending as inflation ticks higher, https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-spending-a79d36a04c4ce1e264bc86098e4f5583?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=share
[3] Trump tariffs: US economy saw stark drop in GDP growth as businesses rushed to secure imports | Revised data shows economy shrank more than previously thought as president’s global trade war loomed and consumer spending softened, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-tariffs-economy-shrank-gdp-b2777641.html

7. Domestic Politics and Elections

7.1 Progressive Candidacy of Zohran Mamdani Roils NYC Mayoral Race

Zohran Mamdani’s victory over Andrew Cuomo in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary is reshaping the race, though Cuomo will remain on the general election ballot [1, 2]. Mamdani’s progressive win has caused concern for “Wall Street Democrats” while securing him key union endorsements previously held by Cuomo [3]. The candidacy is proving divisive, drawing national attention and attacks, including a call from a Tennessee lawmaker for him to be “denaturalized” and deported [4].

References:
[1] How Zohran Mamdani Beat Andrew Cuomo, https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/nyc-mayor-democrat-zohran-mamdani-andrew-cuomo-1217fbfc?st=NgasBN&reflink=article_whatsapp_share
[2] Cuomo will stay on NYC mayor’s ballot after conceding Democratic primary to Mamdani, sources tell CNN, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/26/politics/cuomo-mamdani-mayor-november-ballot
[3] Wall Street Democrats Sweat as DNC Chair Navigates Mamdani Surge, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-27/wall-street-democrats-sweat-as-dnc-chair-navigates-mamdani-surge?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc1MTA0NzMxNiwiZXhwIjoxNzUxNjUyMTE2LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJTWUhLVzRUMVVNMFcwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCNTIwMUQ0RjVFMzM0QTNEOEE4QjdDNTBCMkYzNjU4NCJ9.2-TB8-lVIpGmSrgXmuXtYtcNj2FU07nWu9nGieQyBxU&leadSource=reddit_wall
[4] Tennessee Republican calls for Mamdani to be denaturalized, deported, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5372203-tennessee-republican-calls-for-mamdani-to-be-denaturalized-deported/

7.2 National Polling and Political Tensions

Recent polling suggests a challenging political environment for the administration. One poll shows President Trump’s approval rating is “underwater on seven key issues,” while another finds a clear majority of voters believe the country is on the “wrong track” [1, 2]. On social issues, a new Gallup poll finds that Republican support for same-sex marriage has fallen to its lowest point in a decade [3]. Tensions are also escalating, with California Governor Gavin Newsom filing a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News [4].

References:
[1] Donald Trump’s Approval Rating Underwater on Seven Key Issues, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-approval-rating-update-polls-issues-2091448
[2] Trump approval underwater, voters say US is on wrong track: Poll, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5371705-trump-approval-rating-underwater-poll/
[3] Republican support for same-sex marriage is lowest in a decade, Gallup Poll finds, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna209762
[4] Gavin Newsom sues Fox News for $787M in defamation case over Trump call, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/27/newsom-sues-fox-news-defamation-case-00429168