[Saturday, July 12] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

1. Executive Branch Internal Conflicts and Operations

1.1. Investigation into Trump Assassination Attempt Reveals Major Agency Failures

One year after the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, new information points to critical intelligence failures within federal law enforcement. A U.S. Senate report alleges that senior-level Secret Service agents were in possession of classified intelligence detailing a threat to President Trump’s life ten days before the rally but did not disseminate the information [1]. This revelation has intensified scrutiny of the agency, with public commentary demanding a full accounting for what is being termed a “shooting failure” [2]. The focus on presidential security remains acute, as federal authorities in Texas recently arrested a suspect who allegedly wrote “I won’t miss” in a social media post threatening the President [3]. Meanwhile, headlines provide new context on previous assassination plots. In a jailhouse interview, Vance Boelter, the accused Minnesota-based assailant, reportedly claimed his motive was unrelated to political issues like “Trump stuff or pro-life” stances [4]. A relative of Thomas Crooks, the accused Butler shooter, described his upbringing in a “strange, emotionless household” with a “‘very strict’ father” [5], suggesting personal factors rather than purely political ideology may be at play in these attacks.

[1] Senate report on Butler PA rally reveals senior level Secret Service agents received classified intelligence on threat to Trump’s Life 10 DAYS before but did NOT share the information, https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1944091560259338375?s=46

[2] Americans deserve answers on Secret Service’s Trump shooting failure, https://nypost.com/2025/07/11/opinion/americans-deserve-answers-on-secret-services-trump-shooting-failure/

[3] Texas Trump threat suspect arrested after allegedly writing ‘I won’t miss’ in social media post, https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-trump-threat-suspect-arrested-allegedly-writing-wont-miss-social-media-post

[4] Accused Minnesota assassin Vance Boelter hints at motive during exclusive jailhouse interview: ‘It didn’t involve… Trump stuff or pro-life’, https://nypost.com/2025/07/12/world-news/accused-killer-vance-boelter-hints-at-motive-in-post-jailhouse-interview/

[5] Exclusive | Thomas Crooks grew up in strange, emotionless household – with ‘very strict’ father: relative, https://nypost.com/2025/07/12/us-news/thomas-crooks-grew-up-in-strange-emotionless-household-with-very-strict-father-relative/

1.2. DOJ-FBI Turmoil Over Epstein Case Escalates, Involving Top Officials

A significant internal conflict is underway between the Department of Justice and the FBI concerning Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. An individual identified in news reports as “FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino” has reportedly taken a leave of absence (“NO SHOW at work”) and may resign [1]. A source cited in one report claims Bongino will not remain at the FBI if Bondi is not removed from her position, framing it as a “BONDI OR BONGINO” ultimatum [2]. The core of the dispute appears to be the integrity of evidence. One report alleges that an analysis of metadata from a key Epstein tape shows it was “edited and saved multiple times,” fueling controversy [3]. This claim has reportedly been met with skepticism among the “MAGA base,” who are not buying AG Bondi’s official explanations [4]. The controversy has escalated to the point of direct intervention from the executive branch. President Trump issued a strong public defense of his appointee, stating, “LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB” [5]. FBI Director Kash Patel has also issued a public statement responding to the controversy [6].

[1] FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino a NO SHOW at work and may resign after push back from MAGA base over Jeffrey Epstein client list., https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1943820559001039339?s=46

[2] BONDI OR BONGINO: Bongino Won’t Remain At FBI If Bondi Keeps Job, Source Says, https://www.dailywire.com/news/bondi-or-bongino-bongino-wont-remain-at-fbi-if-bondi-keeps-job-source-says

[3] Reports: Metadata shows Epstein tape was edited and saved multiple times; Bongino takes leave of absence after spat with AG Bondi, https://notthebee.com/article/report-the-doj-epstein-tape-was-edited-with-adobe-premiere-pro-and-saved-four-times?

[4] MAGA Isn’t Buying Pam Bondi’s Explanation On Epstein Video Footage, https://dailycaller.com/2025/07/11/pam-bondi-jeffrey-epstein-jail-footage-maga-trump-administration/

[5] “LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB,” Trump says in a lengthy posting defending her against the backlash over the Epstein files., https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1944146330160443666?s=46&t=Sl2exT9aNTs4WT7fPX8d3A

[6] FBI Director Kash Patel Responds To Controversy Surrounding Epstein Files, https://www.dailywire.com/news/fbi-director-kash-patel-responds-to-controversy-surrounding-epstein-files?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Amanda+Prestigiacomo&category=News&elementPosition=1&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=FBI+Director+Kash+Patel+Responds+To+Controversy+Surrounding+Epstein+Files

1.3. Other Executive Actions of Note

The Trump administration is pursuing several other notable actions across different policy domains. It is reportedly finalizing a deal with Columbia University that would compel the institution to compensate victims of discrimination and disclose more detailed data on its admissions and hiring processes, while avoiding harsher measures like a governance shakeup [1]. Separately, an event described as “The Friday Night Massacre at State Department” has resulted in significant staff layoffs, with one report including images of staffers “Caught Crying on Camera” [2, 3]. In a highly personalized use of presidential rhetoric, President Trump has publicly threatened to revoke the U.S. citizenship of media personality and long-time critic Rosie O’Donnell [4].

[1] Columbia Nears Deal With Trump Administration. University Will Pay Discrimination Victims, Reveal More Admissions and Hiring Data, But Will Dodge Harsher Measures Like Governance Shakeup., https://freebeacon.com/campus/columbia-nears-deal-with-trump-administration-university-will-pay-discrimination-victims-reveal-more-admissions-and-hiring-data-but-will-dodge-harsher-measures-like-governance-shakeup/

[2] The Friday Night Massacre at State Department, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2025/07/12/the-thursday-night-massacre-at-state-department-n3804719

[3] Laid-Off State Dept Staffers Caught Crying on Camera — After Seeing the Display by Those Still There, You’ll Wish More Got the Boot, https://www.rightjournalism.com/laid-off-state-dept-staffers-caught-crying-on-camera-after-seeing-the-display-by-those-still-there-youll-wish-more-got-the-boot/

[4] Donald Trump Threatens To Revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s Citizenship, https://deadline.com/2025/07/trump-rosiedonnell-citizenship-1236455899/

2. Immigration and Border Security

2.1. Federal-Local Clash Over ICE Raids Intensifies in California

A significant conflict between federal authority and judicial and local powers is escalating over immigration enforcement in California. A federal judge has issued a restraining order against ICE based on “constitutional violations” [1] and separately blocked the agency from conducting raids in several California counties—a move one headline describes as coming from a “Rogue Judge” [2]. The executive branch has responded forcefully and directly to this local and judicial resistance. President Trump has granted ICE “total authorization” to protect its agents during violent confrontations and has given them new authority to arrest protestors who attack them, referring to the demonstrators in one headline as “‘SLIMEBALL’ protesters" [3, 4]. This follows reports of a “chaotic California pot farm raid” where agents clashed with protestors. At the municipal level, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has announced a “Pay to Stay Home” initiative, offering cash payments to illegal aliens who state they are afraid to leave home due to the raids [5], and has signed an executive order to ‘Protect L.A. From the Federal Government’ [6].

[1] Federal judge issues restraining order against ICE over constitutional violations, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-judge-issues-temporary-restraining-order-curtailing-trumps-immigration-enforcement-california

[2] INSANE: Rogue Judge Blocks ICE Raids in Several CA Counties, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2025/07/11/insane-rogue-judge-blocks-ice-raids-in-several-ca-counties-n2660265

[3] Trump grants ’total authorization’ to ICE agents to protect themselves after violent California clashes, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-grants-total-authorization-ice-agents-protect-themselves-violent-california-clashes

[4] Trump grants ICE ability to arrest ‘SLIMEBALL’ protesters who attack agents after chaotic California pot farm raid, https://nypost.com/2025/07/11/us-news/trump-grants-ice-ability-to-arrest-protesters-who-attack-agents-after-california-pot-farm-raid/

[5] LA Offers Free Cash to Illegal Aliens Afraid to Leave Their Homes Amid ICE Raids, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/saraharnold/2025/07/12/la-mayor-karen-bass-promises-cash-for-illegals-n2660261

[6] Who Wants to Tell Her? Mayor Karen Bass Signed an E.O. to ‘Protect L.A. From the Federal Government’, https://twitchy.com/dougp/2025/07/12/who-wants-to-tell-her-mayor-karen-bass-signed-an-eo-to-protect-la-from-the-federal-government-n2415564

2.2. Reports Highlight Criminal and Economic Dimensions of Immigration

Recent enforcement actions have highlighted alleged connections between illegal immigration and criminal activity. During a raid on a California pot farm, law enforcement discovered 10 illegal migrant children, prompting concerns of “potential human trafficking” [1]. Separately, a Border Patrol report asserts that a “chunk” of the money earned by migrants working in the U.S. is used to pay smuggling debts to cartels [2]. A user-submitted post on a conservative forum also flags a perception of “unfair advantages for immigrants in advanced fields,” indicating grassroots concern over the economic impact of immigration [3]. A lawsuit reportedly linked to the “Soros Network” is also attempting to prevent the administration from ending a “‘Temporary’ Amnesty Program” [4].

[1] 10 illegal migrant kids found at raided California pot farm: ‘Looks like potential human trafficking’, https://nypost.com/2025/07/11/us-news/10-illegal-migrant-kids-found-at-california-pot-farm-as-feds-launch-child-labor-probe/?utm_source=reddit.com

[2] Border Patrol: A Chunk of Money Migrants Make Working Ends Up Paying Off Cartels, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/07/11/border-patrol-a-chunk-of-money-migrants-make-working-ends-up-paying-off-cartels/

[3] Unfair advantages for immigrants in advanced fields, /r/Conservative/comments/1ly84ol/unfair_advantages_for_immigrants_in_advanced/

[4] Soros Network Linked to Lawsuit Trying to Stop Trump from Ending ‘Temporary’ Amnesty Program, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/10/soros-network-linked-to-lawsuit-trying-to-stop-trump-from-ending-temporary-amnesty-program/

3. Economic and Trade Policy

3.1. Administration Announces Major Tariffs on EU and Mexico

President Trump has announced a significant escalation in trade protectionism, unveiling plans for a 30 percent tariff on all goods from both the European Union and Mexico [1]. The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on August 1st, according to reports [2]. In a related development, the government of Canada has announced it will postpone its own planned retaliatory tariff increases on U.S. goods, signaling a potential de-escalation on the northern border [3].

[1] Trump Announces 30 Percent Tariffs Against EU, Mexico, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/trump-tariffs-eu/2025/07/12/id/1218518/

[2] Trump unveils new tariff plan against Mexico, European Union starting August, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-announces-significant-30-tariffs-against-mexico-eu-begin-next-month

[3] Canada Postpones Retaliatory Tariff Increase on US, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/canada-retaliatory-tariffs-delay-mark-carney/2025/07/11/id/1218502/

3.2. Tariff Revenue Credited for Unexpected U.S. Budget Surplus

The administration’s tariff policies are being directly credited with a significant positive turn in U.S. fiscal performance. For the first time in a single fiscal year, U.S. Customs duties collected have surpassed the $100 billion threshold [1]. This revenue stream reportedly helped the federal government achieve an “unexpected” budget surplus in June [2], with one headline placing the figure at $27 billion and directly stating “Trump’s Tariffs Deliver” [3].

[1] US Customs Duties Top $100B for First Time in a Fiscal Year, https://www.newsmax.com/finance/streettalk/donald-trump-tariffs-treasury/2025/07/11/id/1218491/

[2] Tariffs Help US Government Post Unexpected June Surplus, https://ijr.com/tariffs-help-us-government-post-unexpected-june-surplus/

[3] Trump’s Tariffs Deliver: U.S. Posts $27 Billion Budget Surplus, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/saraharnold/2025/07/11/budget-surplus-n2660257

3.3. Strategic Focus on Domestic Rare Earth Mineral Production

The administration is actively promoting domestic production of strategic resources. The Department of Defense has made an investment in a rare earth mining company [1], and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is set to break ground on what is being called the “first US rare earth mine in 70 years” [2].

[1] Department of Defense invests in rare earth mining company, https://financialpost.com/commodities/mining/us-government-invests-mining-company-compete-china

[2] Chris Wright to break ground on first US rare earth mine in 70 years, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy-and-environment/3462279/chris-wright-break-ground-first-us-rare-earth-mine-70-years/

4. Foreign Affairs and National Security

4.1. U.S. Presses Allies on Taiwan War Plans and Iran Threat Persists

The United States is escalating its strategic planning for a potential conflict in the Asia-Pacific, demanding that its allies provide concrete details on what actions they would take in the event of a war over Taiwan [1]. Simultaneously, threats from Iran continue to manifest. A group in Iran called the ‘Blood Covenant’ has reportedly placed a $40 million bounty on President Trump [2]. On the sanctions enforcement front, a U.S.-based Iranian CEO has been arrested for allegedly selling sanctioned electronics from the U.S. back to Iran [3].

[1] US demands to know what allies would do in event of war over Taiwan, https://www.ft.com/content/41e272e4-5b25-47ee-807c-2b57c1316fe4

[2] Iranian Group ‘Blood Covenant’ Places $40M Bounty on Trump, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/donald-trump-iran-fatwas/2025/07/11/id/1218473/

[3] Iranian CEO arrested for allegedly selling electronics to Iran from US in violation of sanctions, https://justthenews.com/government/federal-agencies/iranian-national-charged-allegedly-selling-electronics-iran-us

4.2. Other Foreign Policy and Intelligence Developments

Several other international items of note have emerged. A French court has ruled that all Palestinians currently in Gaza are eligible for asylum in France [1]. Separately, political commentator Tucker Carlson has claimed that the belief Jeffrey Epstein was an operative for Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, is widely held “in Washington” [2]. Information is insufficient to further assess this claim. A user-submitted question also inquires about the economic results in Argentina following President Milei’s termination of rent freezes, indicating interest in the outcomes of libertarian-style policies abroad [3].

[1] All Palestinians in Gaza Are Eligible for Asylum in France, Court Rules, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/07/12/all-palestinians-in-gaza-are-eligible-for-asylum-in-france-court-rules/

[2] Tucker Carlson claims ‘everyone in Washington’ believes that Epstein was a Mossad operative, https://www.jpost.com/international/article-860762

[3] What happened after Milei ended rent freezes in Argentina?, /r/Conservative/comments/1ly1us9/what_happened_after_milei_ended_rent_freezes_in/

5. Domestic Political, Judicial, and Cultural Developments

5.1. Judicial Actions and Controversies

Several judicial matters are drawing attention. Attorney General Bondi announced that all charges have been dropped against a doctor who was accused of destroying COVID-19 vaccines [1]. In a separate matter, a federal judge is being criticized for blocking an act of Congress that would have defunded Planned Parenthood [2]. At the Supreme Court level, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is the subject of a critical headline for stating, “I’m Not Afraid to Use My Voice,” with the publication accusing her of ignoring “Jurisprudence and the Constitution” in the process [3].

[1] Bondi says all charges against doctor who allegedly destroyed COVID vaccines have been dropped, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bondi-says-all-charges-against-doctor-who-allegedly-destroyed-covid-vaccines-have-been-dropped

[2] Things Just Got Even Crazier With the Judge Who Blocked Congress From Defunding Planned Parenthood, https://redstate.com/bonchie/2025/07/12/things-just-got-crazier-with-the-judge-who-blocked-congress-from-defunding-planned-parenthood-n2191550

[3] Ketanji Brown Jackson: ‘I’m Not Afraid to Use My Voice’ As She Ignores Jurisprudence and the Constitution, https://twitchy.com/amy-curtis/2025/07/12/kbj-not-afraid-to-use-my-voice-n2415556

5.2. Partisan Commentary and Political Criticisms

The political environment remains highly charged with pointed commentary from various figures. JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon is quoted as calling Democrats “‘Idiots’” [1]. In a contrasting view, Rep. Jasmine Crockett is reported as claiming that many people “vote the ‘wrong way’ due to a lack of education” [2]. A local school board chairman in Kentucky resigned after a 2020 social media post resurfaced in which he allegedly called to “sh**t Republicans” [3]. Other headlines feature sharp criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [4, 5]. Taken together, these reports illustrate a deeply fragmented and polarized political discourse.

[1] JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon: Democrats are ‘Idiots’, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/saraharnold/2025/07/11/jp-morgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-calls-democrats-idiots-n2660250

[2] Jasmine Crockett claims most people vote the ‘wrong way’ due to a lack of education, https://www.foxnews.com/media/jasmine-crockett-claims-most-people-voted-wrong-way-because-were-uneducated

[3] Jeffrey Miller, local Kentucky school board chairman, resigned after a social media post from 2020 resurfaced of him allegedly calling to “sh**t Republicans.”, /r/Conservative/comments/1ly6gfj/jeffrey_miller_local_kentucky_school_board/

[4] POPCORN! Libs of TikTok Completely BROKE Gavin Newsom Last Night and We All Got to Watch, https://twitchy.com/grateful-calvin/2025/07/11/gavin-newsom-vs-libs-of-tiktok-ice-raid-n2415507

[5] AOC Defames Trump, and Now She Better Lawyer Up, https://pjmedia.com/robert-spencer/2025/07/12/aoc-defames-trump-and-now-she-better-lawyer-up-n4941689

5.3. Media, Technology, and Cultural Debates

Headlines touch on a range of ongoing debates. In New York City, a case involving a “Serial NYC shoplifter” who was released despite 254 prior arrests is fueling debate over criminal justice reform [1]. A significant development is being reported regarding the social media platform TikTok, which a headline describes as “The most brazen bait-and-switch in tech history,” although further context is not provided [2]. In media news, former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki’s primetime show on MSNBC is reportedly losing hundreds of thousands of viewers [3].

[1] Serial NYC shoplifter waltzes free despite staggering 254 arrests, https://nypost.com/2025/07/12/us-news/shoplifting-up-nearly-90-from-five-years-ago-cops-said/

[2] TikTok Is Dead. Long Live TikTok. — The most brazen bait-and-switch in tech history., https://spectator.org/tiktok-is-dead-long-live-tiktok/

[3] Jen Psaki Flops in MSNBC Primetime Role, Loses Hundreds of Thousands of Viewers, https://freebeacon.com/latest-news/jen-psaki-flops-in-msnbc-primetime-role-loses-hundreds-of-thousands-of-viewers-since-taking-over-rachel-maddows-time-slot/

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