[Saturday, June 28] US News Headlines from r/politics

This is an experimental AI project. We are continuously improving it, but errors can still appear. Feel free to contact us if you spot an error.

DAILY BRIEFING

1. Congressional & Legislative Affairs

1.1 The Omnibus “Megabill”: Contents and Controversy

Senate Republicans released a massive, 940-page omnibus bill designed to enact key components of President Trump’s legislative agenda, which he has publicly dubbed his “big, beautiful bill” [1, 2]. The legislation contains a sweeping overhaul of the federal budget, combining significant tax cuts with new spending policies. However, the bill’s fiscal accounting has drawn intense scrutiny, with reports alleging that trillions of dollars in future debt have been strategically excluded from official cost calculations to make the bill appear cheaper [3]. Analysis of the bill’s contents reveals provisions that slash federal incentives for wind and solar energy, add a new, unspecified tax, and could potentially mean slower Wi-Fi for consumers [4]. A controversial provision authorizing the sale of public lands is also reportedly being re-inserted into the final text by Senator Mike Lee ahead of the vote [5].

References:
[1] Senate Republicans release 940-page bill for Trump’s agenda as they race to vote this weekend, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-republican-bill-trump-agenda-vote-rcna215713
[2] Here’s what’s in the GOP megabill headed for a vote in the Senate, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/28/g-s1-74388/senate-big-beautiful-bill
[3] Senate excludes trillions in debt to make ‘big, beautiful’ bill seem cheaper, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/06/28/senate-big-beautiful-bill-cost-trump/
[4] Updated Senate bill slashes wind and solar incentives – and adds a new tax, https://thehill.com/homenews/5375211-senate-bill-wind-solar-incentives-tax/
[5] Mike Lee Tries to Sneak Public Land Sale Back Into ‘Big, Ugly Bill’ Ahead of Senate Vote, https://www.commondreams.org/news/mike-lee-public-land

1.2 The “Megabill”: Legislative Process and Opposition

Senate Republicans are preparing for a weekend session to meet a firm deadline imposed by President Trump for passing his signature tax-and-spending bill [1]. In a direct response, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a plan to force a full, word-for-word reading of the nearly 1,000-page bill on the Senate floor, a procedural maneuver expected to delay the final vote by approximately half a day [2]. Adding a layer of external pressure, Elon Musk, prominent former head of the Department of Government Efficiency, issued a public statement slamming the “megabill” just as the Senate prepared for its critical vote [3]. The bill faces sector-specific opposition; Louisiana hospitals have warned Speaker Mike Johnson of “devastation” from its provisions, and other critics argue it “could make Americans hungry again” [4, 5].

References:
[1] Senators prep for a weekend of work to meet Trump’s deadline for passing his tax and spending cuts, https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-breaks-spending-cuts-senate-deadline-8c72d6db7c9725d9d56db8294012809e
[2] Schumer to force reading of 1,000-page GOP mega bill, delaying it by half a day, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5375278-schumer-to-force-reading-of-1000-page-gop-mega-bill-delaying-it-by-half-a-day/
[3] Elon Musk slams Trump’s megabill just as Senate prepares to hold critical vote, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/28/elon-musk-senate-bill-trump/84401876007/
[4] Louisiana hospitals warn Mike Johnson of ‘devastation’ from megabill, https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/06/28/congress/louisiana-hospitals-warn-mike-johnson-of-devastation-from-megabill-00431385
[5] Republicans’ mega-bill could make Americans hungry again, https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/5374260-gop-mega-bill-could-make-americans-hungry-again/

2. Foreign Policy & National Security

2.1 U.S.-Iran Conflict: Military Action and Congressional Response

The U.S. Senate definitively blocked a Democratic-led War Powers Resolution intended to limit President Trump’s authority to conduct further military strikes against Iran [1]. The Republican majority voted to reject the measure, with Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) breaking from his party to provide a key vote ensuring the resolution’s failure [2]. This follows a significant covert operation in which sources claim both Israel and the U.S. “smashed” an Iranian nuclear site—one that had expanded its operations after President Trump quit the 2015 accord [3]. In the aftermath, there remains significant public uncertainty about the strikes’ effectiveness, with reports questioning whether Iran’s nuclear facilities are “Obliterated? Damaged? Inoperable?” [4]. The President’s rhetoric remains aggressive; he has stated he would consider bombing Iran again and has simultaneously abandoned a potential sanctions relief plan [5].

References:
[1] Senate Blocks War Powers Resolution to Limit Trump’s Ability to Strike Iran Again, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/us/politics/trump-war-powers-iran-strike.html
[2] Fetterman Voted With GOP to Make Sure Trump Can Attack Iran Again, https://theintercept.com/2025/06/28/fetterman-iran-trump-war-powers/
[3] Israel and U.S. Smashed Iran Nuclear Site That Grew After Trump Quit 2015 Accord, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/28/science/iran-nuclear-uranium-metal.html
[4] Obliterated? Damaged? Inoperable? What’s known about Iran’s nuclear facilities, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/26/nx-s1-5443666/obliterated-damaged-inoperable-iran-nuclear-facilities
[5] Trump says he would consider bombing Iran again, drops sanctions relief plan, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trump-says-he-backs-idea-inspectors-checking-iran-nuclear-sites-2025-06-27/

2.2 Global Diplomacy and Relations

The administration announced a U.S.-mediated peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda, aimed at ending decades of bloody conflict in the region [1]. In Europe, President Trump commented it is “‘possible’ Putin will invade more than Ukraine,” signaling concern about the conflict’s potential expansion [2]. Meanwhile, a U.S.-backed humanitarian aid operation in Gaza has drawn a sharp rebuke from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who is quoted as saying, “It is killing people” [3]. North American trade relations are under severe strain after President Trump abruptly cut off talks with Canada, a move that prompted its government to pass legislation fast-tracking its own “nation building” projects [4, 5]. Separately, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly criticized U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi for labeling Mexico a “foreign adversary,” stating Bondi is “not well informed” [6].

References:
[1] Congo and Rwanda sign a US-mediated peace deal aimed at ending decades of bloody conflict, https://apnews.com/article/congo-rwanda-drc-peace-deal-m23-trump-5e5b52100729ad6587a6f267c6c79ae0
[2] ‘It’s possible’ Putin will invade more than Ukraine, says Donald Trump, https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/06/25/its-possible-putin-will-invade-more-than-ukraine-says-donald-trump
[3] UN chief slams US-backed Gaza aid operation: ‘It is killing people, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-chief-says-us-backed-gaza-aid-operation-is-unsafe-killing-people-2025-06-27/
[4] Trump cuts off US trade talks with Canada, shattering optimism over tariff deals, https://www.reuters.com/world/china/tariff-deals-could-be-wrapped-up-by-labor-day-bessent-says-talks-pick-up-2025-06-27/
[5] Canada passes law fast-tracking ’nation building’ projects to counter Trump, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cglzx41jl4eo
[6] Claudia Sheinbaum Criticizes AG Pam Bondi for Calling Mexico a Foreign Adversary: ‘She’s Not Well Informed’, https://www.latintimes.com/claudia-sheinbaum-criticizes-ag-pam-bondi-calling-mexico-foreign-adversary-shes-not-well-585742

3. Judicial System & Legal Controversies

3.1 Supreme Court Rulings and Their Impact

The Supreme Court concluded its term with a series of rulings that multiple reports describe as a “wave of victories” for President Trump [1]. A key decision limiting the use of judicial injunctions is widely seen as expanding the power of the executive branch and a sign that another “check on Trump’s power fades” [2]. This ruling has triggered an immediate legal and political battle over birthright citizenship; new challenges were filed in its wake, and civil rights advocates launched a nationwide class-action lawsuit targeting the President’s executive order on the matter [3]. In other decisions, the Court punted on a Louisiana case, leaving the future legal status of the Voting Rights Act uncertain, and ruled in favor of parents “seeking to opt children out of reading LGBTQ-themed books” in schools [4, 5].

References:
[1] The Supreme Court gives Trump a wave of victories in a blockbuster final week, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/27/g-s1-74738/scotus-decisions-birthright-aca
[2] With Supreme Court Ruling, Another Check on Trump’s Power Fades, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/28/us/supreme-court-trump-executive-branch-power.html
[3] Groups File Nationwide Class Action Lawsuit Over Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/groups-file-nationwide-class-action-lawsuit-birthright-citizenship_n_685eeac5e4b015addf95e404?kgm
[4] Where the Voting Rights Act stands after the Supreme Court punts on a Louisiana case, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/28/nx-s1-5445336/supreme-court-louisiana-redistricting-voting-rights-act
[5] SCOTUS rules in favor of parents seeking to opt children out of reading LGBTQ-themed books, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/scotus-rules-favor-parents-seeking-opt-children-reading/story?id=122528056

3.2 Court Dynamics and Lower Court Rulings

In the wake of the term’s end, Chief Justice John Roberts issued a public warning against “heated political words about judges,” while separately seeming to dismiss criticism as “‘venting’ by those who lost” [1]. Internal tensions were also reported, with one headline claiming Justice Amy Coney Barrett “rips” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s dissent in the birthright citizenship case [2]. In a separate matter, a federal judge blocked a presidential order targeting a law firm connected to the Fox News and Dominion defamation settlement. The judge cited “‘grave constitutional violations’” in a ruling described as a significant “legal blow” for the administration [3].

References:
[1] Chief Justice Roberts warns against heated political words about judges, https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-roberts-trump-schumer-threats-judges-9310cc94bbb8017e274864ad3c31be23
[2] Amy Coney Barrett rips Ketanji Brown Jackson over dissent in birthright citizenship case, https://nypost.com/2025/06/27/us-news/amy-coney-barrett-rips-ketanji-brown-jackson-over-dissent-in-birthright-citizenship-case/
[3] Judge blocks Trump order targeting law firm tied to Fox News, Dominion settlement, https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5374913-donald-trump-executive-order-susman-godfrey-blocked/

4. Executive Branch & Immigration

4.1 Immigration Enforcement and Policy

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sharply increased its operations nationwide, with data showing arrests have risen in every state since January 2025 [1]. This “deportation crackdown” has led to several high-profile and controversial cases, including the detention of a “respected immigrant journalist” and reports of American citizens being wrongfully detained [2, 3]. The enforcement actions are also reportedly affecting the families of U.S. military service members, who are not considered safe from removal [4]. On policy, the U.S. began deporting Haitian nationals just days after the State Department ruled Haiti unsafe for Americans [5]. Simultaneously, the governments of Guatemala and Honduras publicly denied claims by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that they had signed “safe third-country” agreements with the U.S. [6].

References:
[1] ICE Arrests Have Sharply Risen In Every State Since Trump Took Office, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/06/27/us/ice-arrests-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.SU8.BkCd.YEbE9CdKHL5I&smid=nytcore-android-share
[2] ICE Detains a Respected Immigrant Journalist, https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/ice-detains-a-respected-immigrant-journalist
[3] ‘We are not safe in America today:’ These American citizens say they were detained by ICE, https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/27/us/american-citizens-detained-ice-immigration
[4] Families of military service members aren’t safe from Trump’s deportation crackdown, https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/trump-ice-raids-california-marine-betrayed-rcna215053
[5] US says Haitians can be deported – days after ruling Haiti unsafe for Americans, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/27/haiti-temporary-protected-status-us-immigration
[6] Guatemala And Honduras Deny Signing Safe Third-Country Agreements Despite Kristi Noem Saying So, https://www.latintimes.com/guatemala-honduras-deny-signing-safe-third-country-agreements-despite-kristi-noem-saying-so-585780

4.2 Departmental Actions and Personnel

Controversy surrounds the Department of Justice after Attorney General Pam Bondi “abruptly” fired three federal prosecutors involved in handling criminal cases related to January 6, a move described as sending “another chill through DOJ workforce” [1]. In a setback for a key administration initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), formerly led by Elon Musk, has lost its authority to award $500 billion in federal funds [2]. Elsewhere, severe delays in CDC grant funding are reportedly forcing layoffs at health organizations, and the Defense Department has announced it will cease providing “crucial satellite weather data” [3, 4].

References:
[1] Justice Department abruptly fires 3 prosecutors involved in Jan. 6 criminal cases, AP sources say, https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-prosecutions-capitol-riot-trump-bondi-1107441a68cef171dfff4e680e438452
[2] Fresh blow for Musk’s DOGE as it loses power to award $500B in federal funds, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/doge-elon-musk-grant-website-b2778877.html
[3] ‘Where’s our money?’ CDC grant funding is moving so slowly layoffs are happening, https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/06/28/nx-s1-5442689/cdc-trump-layoffs-public-health-rescission
[4] Defense Department will stop providing crucial satellite weather data, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/28/nx-s1-5446120/defense-department-cuts-hurricane-ice-weather-satellite

5. Domestic Politics & Societal Issues

5.1 State-Level Violence: Minnesota Speaker Mourned

National attention has focused on Minnesota following the funeral for the “slain Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman.” The memorial service drew high-profile figures from across the political spectrum, including Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Governor Tim Walz, who gathered to pay their respects [1]. Details about the circumstances of her death have not been provided in the available headlines.

References:
[1] Biden, Harris and Walz attend funeral for former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-funeral-biden-harris-31165984f11341a3bb6d27c01a43c7f7

5.2 2025 NYC Mayoral Race: Rise of Zohran Mamdani

The victory of socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral primary is causing significant political reverberations that could “ripple across the country” [1]. Senator Bernie Sanders stated the political establishment is “in panic” over his win, while sources report that Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams are pressuring each other to withdraw from the general election to avoid splitting the moderate vote [2, 3]. Mamdani’s platform includes hiking property taxes in “‘richer and whiter neighborhoods,’” and his campaign has drawn praise from an unusually broad political spectrum, including figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson [4].

References:
[1] How Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York City mayoral primary could ripple across the country, https://www.salon.com/2025/06/28/how-zohran-mamdanis-win-in-the-new-york-city-mayoral-primary-could-ripple-across-the-country/
[2] Bernie Sanders warns establishment “in panic” after Zohran Mamdani win, https://www.newsweek.com/bernie-sanders-warns-establishment-panic-after-zohran-mamdani-win-2091876
[3] Cuomo and Adams want the other to bow out of NYC mayor race to avoid splitting votes: Sources, https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/cuomo-and-adams-want-the-other-to-bow-out-of-nyc-mayor-race-to-avoid-splitting-votes-sources/6319154/
[4] Marjorie Taylor Greene, Tucker Carlson praise Mamdani campaign, https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5375091-marjorie-taylor-greene-tucker-carlson-zohran-mamdani-campaign/

5.3 Partisan Rhetoric and State-Level Initiatives

Inflammatory rhetoric from political figures continues to draw media attention. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) was quoted stating that “‘inner city rats’ live off the American taxpayers” and that President Trump should “send them ‘back home’” [1]. In Florida, a project to build an immigrant detention center in the Everglades, nicknamed “‘Alligator Alcatraz’,” is the subject of a lawsuit alleging it violates environmental law, though it is being fast-tracked by DeSantis [2]. Elsewhere, a new campaign has launched in Michigan with the goal of placing a ranked-choice voting measure on the statewide ballot for the November 2026 election [3].

References:
[1] Tuberville says ‘inner city rats’ live off the American taxpayers: Trump should send them ‘back home’, https://www.al.com/politics/2025/06/tuberville-says-inner-city-rats-live-off-the-american-taxpayers-trump-should-send-them-back-home.html
[2] ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in Everglades violates environmental law, lawsuit claims, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/06/27/alligator-alcatraz-florida-everglades-desantis-environmentalist-lawsuit/
[3] Michigan campaign seeks to put ranked choice voting measure on November 2026 ballot, https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/27/michigan-could-see-ranked-choice-voting-ballot-measure/84353956007/