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

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DAILY BRIEFING

1. Executive Branch: Crisis and Control

1.1. DOJ/FBI in Turmoil Over Epstein Investigation and Mass Firings

The Department of Justice and the FBI are in a state of escalating crisis over the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, compounded by significant personnel purges. A “rift” has erupted between DOJ and FBI leadership concerning a sensitive “Epstein memo” [1]. Tensions boiled over in a “heated confrontation” between Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino regarding the files, leading to reports that Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel are now weighing resignation [2]. The internal turmoil follows the public closure of the Epstein inquiry and is being met with skepticism from the President’s own supporters, with one headline stating, “MAGA Isn’t Buying Pam Bondi’s Explanation On Epstein Video Footage” [3].

President Trump has publicly defended his Attorney General, stating she is doing a “FANTASTIC JOB” and telling supporters to “forget about Epstein files” [4]. These events coincide with a major shake-up within the Justice Department. AG Bondi has fired 20 DOJ employees who were previously involved in the January 6th and Trump documents prosecutions, which follows earlier terminations targeting members of “Jack Smith’s team” [5, 6].

Citations:
[1] Rift erupts among Justice, FBI leaders over Epstein memo, sources say, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/07/11/trump-bondi-patel-bongino-epstein-files/
[2] Dan Bongino weighs resigning from FBI after heated confrontation with Pam Bondi over Epstein files, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/dan-bongino-weighs-resigning-fbi-heated-confrontation-pam-bondi-epstei-rcna218388
[3] 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/
[4] Donald Trump says Bondi is doing ‘FANTASTIC JOB’, tells people to forget about Epstein files, https://www.pennlive.com/news/2025/07/donald-trump-says-bondi-is-doing-fantastic-job-tells-people-to-forget-about-epstein-files.html
[5] Bondi fires 20 DOJ employees from Jan. 6, Trump documents cases, https://www.axios.com/2025/07/12/pam-bondi-fires-justice-employees-jan6-documents-trump
[6] US Justice fires nine more employees from Jack Smith’s team, sources say, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-justice-fires-nine-more-employees-jack-smiths-team-sources-say-2025-07-12/

1.2. Presidential Authority, Rhetoric, and Conduct

President Trump is publicly testing the bounds of executive authority, most notably by threatening to revoke the U.S. citizenship of commentator Rosie O’Donnell, whom he called a “Threat to Humanity” [1]. Reports suggest the President believes he has the power to strip birthright citizenship from any individual he dislikes [2]. In a separate action affecting cultural policy, headlines claim the administration has “erased bisexual people from Stonewall National Monument,” reportedly following a similar erasure of transgender individuals [3]. The mechanism of this action is not specified.

The President’s public rhetoric also continues to generate controversy. He has issued an “ultimatum” to congressional Republicans to defund PBS and NPR [4]. Further, his handling of the recent Texas floods has drawn intense scrutiny after he lashed out at a reporter’s question about the flood alert system, stating, “Only a Very Evil Person Would Ask” [5]. Critics also highlight the lingering effects of the disbanded Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), alleging that its budget cuts are causing critical federal data to “disappear” from public access [6].

Citations:
[1] Trump threatens to revoke born-in-USA Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenship and calls her ‘Threat to Humanity’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-rosie-odonnell-revoke-citizenship-b2787943.html
[2] Trump Thinks He Can Take Away Citizenship From Anyone He Doesn’t Like - The president is now musing about trying to revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s birthright citizenship because he doesn’t like her, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-us-citizenship-rosie-o-donnell-zohran-mamdani-1235384436/
[3] After trans people, Trump now erases bisexual people from Stonewall National Monument, https://www.advocate.com/news/bisexual-rights-stonewall-national-monument
[4] Donald Trump Gives Republicans Ultimatum Over PBS, NPR Funding, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-gives-republicans-ultimatum-pbs-npr-funding-2097602
[5] ‘Only a Very Evil Person Would Ask:’ Trump Flips Out After Reporter Questions Texas Flood Alert System, https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-texas-flood-press-conference
[6] Trump’s Cuts Are Making Federal Data Disappear, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-10/trump-s-cuts-to-federal-government-are-making-data-disappear?utm_campaign=news&utm_medium=bd&utm_source=applenews&sfnsn=mo

2. Immigration and Border Security

2.1. California Enforcement Crackdown and Judicial Rebuke

A large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Southern California has resulted in deadly incidents and a significant judicial intervention. ICE raids on two area farms led to the arrest of approximately 200 immigrants [1]. One raid at a Ventura County cannabis farm turned fatal when a farmworker fell from a greenhouse; others were reported unaccounted for, according to a union source [2]. In another highly contentious incident, a disabled U.S. citizen veteran was detained during a raid in Camarillo, prompting immediate outcry from his family [3].

In response to these actions, a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt a “chaotic and relentless 36-day immigration crackdown” [4]. The ruling specifically bars agents from conducting “roving patrols” and “indiscriminate immigration stops” without probable cause. The administration has announced its intent to appeal the order [5].

Citations:
[1] Authorities say about 200 immigrants were arrested in raids on 2 Southern California farms, https://apnews.com/article/california-farm-immigration-raid-cannabis-fbcf4620675523aa7630599331777ec5
[2] Farmworker Dies After Fall From Greenhouse During California ICE Raid, https://www.commondreams.org/news/farmworker-dies-after-ice-raid
[3] Disabled veteran who is a US citizen was taken during Camarillo immigration raid, family says, https://abc7.com/post/disabled-veteran-is-us-citizen-was-taken-during-camarillo-immigration-raid-family-says/17072476/
[4] Judge says immigration agents must stop ‘roving patrols’ that have upended Southern California | A court ruling Friday orders a halt to a chaotic and relentless 36-day immigration crackdown that’s upended life across Southern California., https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/07/la-immigration-restraining-order/
[5] Trump admin to appeal order barring race-based immigration arrests alleged in LA area, https://www.axios.com/2025/07/12/trump-immigration-race-based-order-california-arrests

2.2. National Policy: Expanded Detention and Legislative Proposals

The administration is moving to significantly expand its immigration detention capabilities. Reports indicate ICE is “set to vastly expand its reach with new funds” [1], and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has confirmed she is in talks with five Republican-led states to construct a new detention site [2]. Concurrently, a legislative proposal known as the “Big Beautiful Bill” is advancing, which is expected to enact major changes to both criminal justice and immigration law [3]. Following backlash from the agricultural sector, President Trump has reportedly offered a new visa program for migrant workers [4]. As a counter-measure, Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) has introduced legislation that would require immigration officers to display clear identification [5].

Citations:
[1] ICE Set to Vastly Expand Its Reach With New Funds, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/12/us/politics/ice-expansion-concerns.html?unlocked_article_code=1.V08.m0ei.1dkAmJvWKU4f&smid=url-share
[2] Homeland Security’s Noem says in talks with five Republican-led states to build detention site, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/homeland-securitys-noem-says-talks-with-five-republican-led-states-build-2025-07-12/
[3] How the “Big Beautiful Bill” Will Change Criminal Justice and Immigration, https://www.themarshallproject.org/2025/07/12/trump-budget-bill-police-immigration-criminal-justice?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tmp-reddit
[4] Trump offers new visa program for migrant workers after facing backlash from farmers: report, https://nypost.com/2025/07/11/us-news/trump-offers-new-program-for-migrant-workers-after-facing-backlash-from-farmers/
[5] Slotkin Introduces New Legislation to Require Immigration Officers to Display Clear Identification, https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/press-releases/slotkin-introduces-new-legislation-to-require-immigration-officers-to-display-clear-identification/

3. Economic and Trade Policy

3.1. Administration Escalates Global Tariff Conflicts

The administration is dramatically intensifying trade conflicts with key partners. President Trump has announced new 30% tariffs against the European Union and Mexico, set to take effect on August 1st [1]. This follows a proposed 35% tariff plan targeting Canada, which is reportedly “deepening a rift” between the two nations [2]. Additionally, the U.S. has imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, including coffee and orange juice [3]. A Reuters analysis asserts that this specific measure is not aimed at addressing a trade imbalance but is instead designed to “directly coerce its judiciary,” signaling a novel use of trade policy for geopolitical pressure [4].

Citations:
[1] Trump announces 30% tariffs against EU, Mexico to begin August 1, https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-eu-mexico-66bf84d97dcd69bbd1f1108e42283afd?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-07-12-Breaking+News
[2] Trump’s 35% Canada tariff plan deepens a rift between the neighbors, https://apnews.com/article/trump-carney-canada-tariffs-import-taxes-572b7a2ac58145153443663cf818d598
[3] Trump’s 50% tariff on Brazilian goods like coffee and orange juice could drive up US breakfast costs, https://apnews.com/article/brazil-trump-tariffs-coffee-orange-juice-5c8bcd74e157963c7c5fe63991f90d15
[4] Analysis: US Imposes 50% Tariffs on Brazil to Directly Coerce Its Judiciary, Not Address Trade, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/trump-says-us-will-charge-brazil-with-50-tariff-2025-07-09/

3.2. White House Intensifies Pressure on Federal Reserve

Tensions between the White House and the Federal Reserve are escalating sharply. After the Fed held interest rates steady, the Trump administration reportedly “ramped up” its public pressure on Chair Jerome H. Powell [1]. This has since intensified further, with reports of a “huge deal” White House probe into the Federal Reserve, fueling speculation that President Trump could seek to oust Powell [2]. The administration’s attacks have already forced the Fed to publicly defend its spending on renovations [3]. These political pressures are mounting as economic forecasts predict a rise in U.S. inflation, linked directly to the pass-through effects of the newly announced tariffs [4].

Citations:
[1] Trump administration ramps up pressure on Powell as Fed holds rates steady, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/07/11/trump-pressure-fed-chair-powell-resign/84645227007/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook
[2] ‘Huge deal’: White House probe fuels speculation Trump could oust Powell, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/11/white-house-investigation-powell-trump-rates-00449789
[3] Fed Defends Renovations as White House Widens Attacks on Central Bank, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/business/federal-reserve-renovations-powell-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.V08.FkSe.a2sitSsPYgy_&smid=re-share
[4] US Inflation to Pick Up on More Tariff Pass-Through, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-12/global-economy-us-inflation-to-pick-up-on-more-tariff-pass-through

4. Foreign Affairs and National Security

4.1. Major Strategic Shifts in Ukraine War and NATO Policy

The landscape of the war in Ukraine and U.S. European defense policy is undergoing significant change. In a major battlefield development, Russian forces have seized a key lithium field, a strategic blow that directly challenges a U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement and secures a valuable resource for Moscow [1]. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is promoting a new “Trump defense deal with NATO,” which he frames as a “big, beautiful win for America” [2]. Details of this new arrangement have not been made public. These moves come as reports suggest the President’s “patience with Putin is wearing thin,” despite his claim to be able to end the war in 24 hours [3]. In Congress, the Senate is reportedly taking steps to “rein in” the administration’s “fluctuating Ukraine policy” [4].

Citations:
[1] Russia Seizes Key Lithium Field in Challenge for U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/world/europe/ukraine-minerals-lithium-russia-donetsk.html
[2] Marco Rubio: Trump defense deal with NATO is a big, beautiful win for America, https://eu.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/07/09/trump-nato-defense-spending-rubio/84503719007/
[3] Trump said he’d end Ukraine war in 24 hours. Now his patience with Putin is wearing thin., https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/07/12/trump-putin-ukraine-war/84545680007/
[4] Senate moves to rein in Trump administration’s fluctuating Ukraine policy, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-ndaa-trump-ukraine-policy

4.2. U.S. Citizen Killed in West Bank Amid High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

U.S. foreign relations are acutely strained following a fatal incident in the West Bank. A U.S. citizen was reportedly “beaten to death by Israeli settlers” in what one report describes as the “Illegally Occupied West Bank” [1]. The incident prompted a sharp rebuke from one U.S. group, which stated, “If President Trump will not even put America first when Israel murders American citizens, then this is truly an Israel First administration” [1]. This event occurred as a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite a standing ICC arrest warrant against him [2].

Citations:
[1] Israeli Settlers Beat American to Death in Illegally Occupied West Bank: Family, Health Ministry | “If President Trump will not even put America first when Israel murders American citizens, then this is truly an Israel First administration,” said one U.S. group., https://www.commondreams.org/news/settler-violence-west-bank
[2] Bipartisan Group of Senators Meets With Netanyahu Despite ICC Arrest Warrant | Pictures show Democrats like Chuck Schumer standing next to Netanyahu, smiling., https://truthout.org/articles/bipartisan-group-of-senators-meets-with-netanyahu-despite-icc-arrest-warrant/

5. Domestic Crises and Social Policy

5.1. FEMA Under Fire for Response to Deadly Texas Floods

The federal response to the deadly floods in Texas is under severe scrutiny for both pre-disaster regulatory decisions and critical failures during the emergency. Records show that before the disaster, FEMA administratively removed dozens of buildings at a youth camp, “Camp Mystic,” from a 100-year flood map, enabling an expansion into a known flood hazard zone [1]. During the subsequent crisis, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem fired FEMA contractors, after which the agency reportedly missed thousands of calls from flood victims, an action one report called “‘unforgivable’” [2]. President Trump visited Texas to defend the response, claiming aid was delivered “within minutes”—a statement contradicted by reports of a 72-hour FEMA delay [3]. The disaster has revived attention on the President’s past statements about wanting to eliminate FEMA [4].

Citations:
[1] Dozens of Camp Mystic buildings removed from 100-year flood map by FEMA before expansion, records show, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-flood-camp-mystic-buildings-removed-from-100-year-flood-map-by-fema/
[2] ‘Unforgivable’: FEMA Missed Thousands of Calls from Texas Flood Victims After Noem Fired Contractors, https://www.commondreams.org/news/fema-missed-calls-texas-floods
[3] Trump Claims Texas Flood Victims Were Fully Funded ‘Within Minutes’ Despite 72-Hour FEMA Delay, https://www.latintimes.com/trump-claims-texas-flood-victims-were-fully-funded-within-minutes-despite-72-hour-fema-delay-586643
[4] Deadly Texas flooding puts Trump’s past talk of eliminating FEMA to the test - Roll Call, https://rollcall.com/2025/07/11/trump-fema-texas-flooding/

5.2. Contentious Health, Science, and Social Policy Initiatives

The administration is advancing several controversial health and science policies. U.S. officials are reportedly “targeting mRNA vaccines,” creating “tremendous uncertainty” for cancer research [1]. In a separate report, an internal plan is detailed to leverage artificial intelligence for the purpose of denying Medicare authorizations [2]. On healthcare policy, a U.S. Judge has granted an administration request to scrap a Biden-era rule concerning the handling of medical debt [3]. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is urging HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to declare a public health emergency over a measles outbreak [4].

Citations:
[1] ‘Tremendous uncertainty’ for cancer research as US officials target mRNA vaccines, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/12/mrna-vaccine-cancer-research-trump-administration
[2] The Trump Administration Is Planning to Use AI to Deny Medicare Authorizations, https://truthout.org/articles/the-trump-administration-is-planning-to-use-ai-to-deny-medicare-authorizations/
[3] US Judge Grants Trump Admin Request to Scrap Biden-Era Medical Debt Rule, https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2025-07-11/us-judge-grants-trump-admin-request-to-scrap-biden-era-medical-debt-rule#:~:text=July%2011%2C%202025%2C%20at%205,consumers%20could%20repay%20their%20debts.
[4] Schumer Urges Kennedy to Declare Public Health Emergency Over Measles, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/us/politics/measles-public-health-emergency-rfk-jr.html

6. Congressional and Judicial Affairs

6.1. Republican Party Cohesion Shows Signs of Strain

The Republican coalition is showing notable signs of internal fracture. A new poll indicates a “GOP warning sign,” as a significant portion of President Trump’s own voters “don’t love his tariffs” [1]. This follows MAGA base discontent over the administration’s handling of the Epstein files controversy. These tensions extend to Capitol Hill, where Senator Thom Tillis’s retirement is reportedly creating a “fresh headache” for GOP leaders due to his newfound freedom to “call balls and strikes” [2]. One unnamed GOP senator revealed he had voted against the President’s agenda after warning him that a key item “could be his Obamacare” [3]. Despite these tensions, one commentary notes that while “Trump is crushing it,” the Republican party “can still blow it in 2026 and 2028” [4].

Citations:
[1] GOP warning sign in new poll: Trump’s voters don’t love his tariffs, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/12/donald-trump-trade-poll-00449708
[2] Tillis freedom to ‘call balls and strikes’ hands GOP leaders fresh headache, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5397374-thom-tillis-retirement-senate-freedom/
[3] ‘It could be his Obamacare’: GOP senator reveals his warnings to Trump before voting against his agenda, https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/09/politics/thom-tillis-trump-agenda-vote-cnntv
[4] Trump is crushing it, but the Republicans can still blow it in 2026 and 2028, https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/5397639-trump-is-crushing-it-but-the-gop-can-still-blow-2026-and-2028/

6.2. Key Legislative Activity and Judicial Rulings

In the Senate, a bill aiming to codify some of the budget cuts proposed by the former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is facing an “uphill battle” and a “looming deadline” [1]. In a rare moment of public bipartisanship, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised a “bipartisan Medicaid resolution” in Louisiana [2]. On the judicial front, a significant analysis of the Supreme Court’s most recent term reveals that in more than a dozen cases, the court’s conservative supermajority “splintered,” with some conservative justices joining the three liberals to form a majority, indicating a more fluid dynamic than often assumed [3]. Separately, a federal judge has ordered the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to cease using projectiles against journalists during demonstrations [4].

Citations:
[1] Bill To Codify Some of Musk’s DOGE Cuts Faces Uphill Battle, Looming Deadline in the Senate, https://www.nysun.com/article/bill-to-codify-some-of-musks-doge-cuts-faces-uphill-battle-and-looming-deadline-in-the-senate?member_gift=CUZ5qwd3crq4pmz-xrd
[2] Hakeem Jeffries praises Louisiana’s bipartisan Medicaid resolution during New Orleans visit, https://www.wwno.org/public-health/2025-07-11/hakeem-jeffries-praises-louisianas-bipartisan-medicaid-resolution-during-new-orleans-visit
[3] How some Supreme Court decisions fractured the conservative supermajority | The conservatives splintered in more than a dozen cases in which some joined with the three liberals to form a majority., https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/11/supreme-court-decisions-conservatives-liberal/84535774007
[4] Judge Orders Los Angeles Police to Stop Shooting Projectiles at Journalists, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/us/judge-orders-los-angeles-police-to-stop-shooting-projectiles-at-journalists.html?unlocked_article_code=1.V08.En-g.y2yzljrIqusB&smid=url-share

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