[Thursday, July 17] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

1. Justice System and Major Investigations

1.1. The Epstein Case: Conflicting Narratives and Political Ramifications

The Jeffrey Epstein case remains a highly charged political issue, marked by conflicting official and non-official narratives. The White House has formally announced that it will not appoint a special prosecutor, asserting the Department of Justice has already finalized an “exhaustive and thorough review” [1]. This declaration is contrasted by a new public claim from one of Epstein’s former lawyers, who stated that while the death was a suicide, it is “likely” Epstein had assistance [2]. The political dimension of the case is intensifying; recent polling indicates President Trump’s popularity among Republican voters has grown amidst the “Epstein uproar” [3], suggesting the issue is resonating with the party’s base. Simultaneously, media commentary is questioning the previous administration’s handling of the file, with one headline explicitly asking why Democrats remained “quiet on Epstein from 2021–2025” [4].

References: [1] Trump won’t appoint special prosecutor in Epstein case, White House says, DOJ did ‘exhaustive and thorough review’, https://nypost.com/2025/07/17/us-news/trump-wont-appoint-special-prosecutor-in-epstein-case-white-house-says-doj-did-exhaustive-and-thorough-review/
[2] Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide but ’likely’ had help, former lawyer claims, https://www.foxnews.com/us/jeffrey-epstein-committed-suicide-likely-had-help-former-lawyer-claims
[3] POLL: Trump’s Popularity Grows with Republicans amid Epstein Uproar, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/17/poll-trumps-popularity-grows-republicans-amid-epstein-uproar/
[4] VIDEO: MSNBC Asks Jamie Raskin Why Democrats Stayed Quiet on Epstein From 2021–2025 — His Weak Answer Makes It Look Like a Setup, https://www.rightjournalism.com/video-msnbc-asks-jamie-raskin-why-democrats-stayed-quiet-on-epstein-from-2021-2025-his-weak-answer-setup/

1.2. High-Profile Dismissal at the Department of Justice

A significant and politically sensitive personnel change has been executed at the Department of Justice. Prosecutor Maurene Comey was fired from her position in a “top US Attorney’s Office job” [1]. Reports from multiple sources explicitly identify her as the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey and consistently highlight her prosecutorial role in a series of nationally prominent cases, including those involving Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Sean “Diddy” Combs [2, 3]. At least one outlet has directly attributed the dismissal directive to Attorney General Pam Bondi [4]. The removal of a prosecutor with this specific portfolio and public profile signals a potentially assertive new direction in personnel and priorities under the current DOJ leadership.

References: [1] Maurene Comey, daughter of James Comey, fired from top US Attorney’s Office job after working Diddy, Epstein cases, https://nypost.com/2025/07/16/us-news/maurene-comey-daughter-of-james-comey-fired-from-top-us-attorneys-office-job-after-working-diddy-epstein-cases/
[2] Justice Department Fires Ghislaine Maxwell Prosecutor Maurene Comey, https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/justice-department-fires-ghislaine-maxwell-prosecutor-maurene-comey-1edc5091
[3] Maurene Comey, prosecutor in ‘Diddy,’ Epstein, Maxwell cases, daughter of ex FBI head, fired from DOJ, https://www.foxnews.com/us/maurene-comey-prosecutor-diddy-epstein-maxwell-cases-daughter-ex-fbi-head-fired-from-doj.amp
[4] Breaking: Attorney General Pam Bondi Gives James Comey’s Daughter Her Walking Papers at DOJ, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2025/07/16/breaking-attorney-general-pam-bondi-gives-james-comeys-daughter-her-walking-papers-at-doj-n2191732

1.3. Congressional Oversight Investigations Intensify

Congressional oversight activities targeting past events and administrations are accelerating on multiple fronts. An exclusive report claims a “secret meeting” has occurred, resulting in the opening of “document floodgates” related to the investigation into what is referred to as the “Trump/Russia Hoax” [1]. In a separate line of inquiry, Representative Comer is reportedly expanding his investigation into the previous administration’s alleged use of an “autopen” by scheduling additional witness interviews [2]. These actions are proceeding as news emerges that a figure from the “Biden White House” has reportedly invoked the Fifth Amendment when questioned about matters of “mental acuity” [3], a development likely to fuel further investigative interest.

References: [1] EXCLUSIVE: Secret Meeting Opens Document Floodgates on Trump/Russia Hoax | RealClearInvestigations, https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2025/07/16/exclusive_secret_meeting_opens_document_floodgates_on_trumprussia_hoax_1123108.html
[2] Comer expands Biden autopen investigation with more witness interviews, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/3474490/comer-expands-biden-autopen-investigation-more-witness-interviews/
[3] Here’s the Latest Biden White House Figure to Plead the Fifth to Mental Acuity Questions, https://twitchy.com/dougp/2025/07/16/heres-the-latest-biden-white-house-figure-to-plead-the-fifth-to-cognitive-state-questions-n2415773

1.4. Key Judicial Rulings and Legal Challenges

Federal courts and the administration are engaged in several legal battles with significant policy implications. In a noteworthy Second Amendment case, the Trump administration is actively defending the federal ban on the interstate sale of handguns in court [1]. On the issue of abortion access, a federal court has issued a ruling that upholds West Virginia’s state-level ban, affirming state legislative power in this area [2]. Separately, a former employee of the federal media outlet Voice of America has been criminally indicted for allegedly making threats against a public figure identified in the headline as “MTG” [3].

References: [1] The Trump administration defends the federal ban on interstate handgun sales, https://reason.com/2025/07/16/the-trump-administration-defends-the-federal-ban-on-interstate-handgun-sales/
[2] Federal Court Upholds West Virginia Abortion Ban - LifeNews.com, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/07/16/federal-court-upholds-west-virginia-abortion-ban/
[3] Former Voice of America employee indicted for allegedly threatening MTG, https://justthenews.com/government/courts-law/former-voice-america-employee-indicted-allegedly-threatening-mtg?utm_source=justthenews.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=external-news-aggregators

2. Executive Branch and Presidential Actions

2.1. Aggressive New Immigration Enforcement Measures

The administration has initiated a series of aggressive immigration enforcement actions. A significant data-sharing measure has been reported by a local Fox affiliate, which states the Trump administration handed over personal data of Medicaid recipients, including their addresses, directly to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) [1]. In a major policy reversal, the administration has also completely cut a “parole scheme” reportedly established by the prior administration; this action is credited with reducing the number of migrants freed into the U.S. under that program to zero last month [2]. These enforcement policies are bolstered by public statements from allies like Stephen Miller, whose comments about the potential for one million “illegal aliens” to “self-deport” have generated strong reactions from critics [3].

References: [1] Trump administration hands over Medicaid recipients’ personal data, including addresses, to ICE, https://www.foxla.com/news/trump-administration-medicaid-recipients-personal-data-addresses-ice
[2] Trump Cuts Biden’s Parole Scheme by 100% as 0 Migrants Were Freed into U.S. Last Month, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/16/trump-cuts-bidens-parole-scheme-by-100-percent-as-zero-migrants-freed-into-us-last-month/
[3] Stephen Miller Elicits Another Leftist Meltdown With Comments on 1 Million Illegal Aliens Self-Deporting, https://redstate.com/jenniferoo/2025/07/17/leftist-heads-explode-over-stephen-millers-latest-the-good-news-self-deportations-are-over-1-million-n2191736

2.2. Deregulation and Infrastructure Funding Reversal

The administration’s deregulatory agenda is advancing with a high-profile action targeting a major California infrastructure project. The administration has officially pulled $4 billion in federal funding previously allocated for the state’s high-speed rail line [1], a project widely characterized in reports as a “‘Train to Nowhere’” [2]. This move is being presented as a key part of an intensifying and broad “deregulatory agenda” that is expected to “hit high gear” soon [3]. The decision is also framed in explicitly political terms as a victory for Trump in his ongoing conflicts with California Governor Gavin Newsom [4].

References: [1] Trump administration pulls $4B in federal funding for California’s bullet train project, https://apnews.com/article/california-high-speed-rail-funding-federal-trump-efaabea020967ec42338c47bac863f4e
[2] Trump Ends $4 Billion in Federal Funding for California’s Bullet ‘Train to Nowhere’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/17/trump-ends-4-billion-in-federal-funding-for-californias-bullet-train-to-nowhere/
[3] Trump’s Deregulatory Agenda Is About to Hit High Gear, https://www.city-journal.org/article/sec-deregulation-biden-rules-esg-investing-shareholder-proposals
[4] Gavin Newsom Just Lost Another Battle to Trump, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2025/07/17/rail-project-gavin-newsom-just-lost-another-battle-to-trump-n2660508

2.3. Agency Security Lapses and Presidential Health

Serious security and personnel issues are being reported within key federal agencies. Details from the “Butler shooting” incident are alleged to reveal a “shocking culture of incompetence” inside the Secret Service [1]. This is compounded by an account alleging a Secret Service officer compromised White House security while mocking Trump to impress a stranger [2]. In parallel, “deep State Department cuts” are reportedly causing alarm, with officials flagging “surprising revelations” and describing the situation as “‘sort of scary’” [3]. Separately, the White House has addressed public health concerns by providing an explanation for the President’s visible “bruising and swollen legs” [4], with a follow-up medical report diagnosing “Chronic Venous Insufficiency” after an examination [5].

References: [1] Butler shooting details expose the Secret Service’s shocking culture of incompetence, https://nypost.com/2025/07/16/opinion/butler-shooting-details-expose-the-secret-services-shocking-culture-of-incompetence/
[2] ‘You can come here’: Secret Service officer allegedly compromises White House security, mocks Trump to woo stranger, https://www.theblaze.com/news/you-can-come-here-secret-service-officer-allegedly-compromises-white-house-security-mocks-trump-to-woo-stranger
[3] ‘It’s sort of scary’: Officials flag surprising revelations from deep State Department cuts, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/its-sort-scary-officials-flag-surprising-revelations-from-deep-state-department-cuts
[4] White House explains Trump’s bruising and swollen legs amid health concerns, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-releases-trump-health-update-after-speculation-over-swollen-legs-bruised-hands
[5] Donald Trump Diagnosed With Chronic Venous Insufficiency After Leg Swelling Exam, https://havenhomecare.info/donald-trump-diagnosed-with-chronic-venous-insufficiency-after-leg-swelling-exam/

3. Foreign Policy and National Security

3.1. Russia-Ukraine Conflict and U.S. Drone Strategy

The U.S. is navigating a complex dynamic in the war in Ukraine. In a direct critique of current U.S. diplomacy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an exclusive interview that a 50-day sanctions deadline for Russia “wastes time — and human lives.” He attributes this failure to his belief that Putin “lies” to Trump [1]. This diplomatic friction is occurring as the Trump administration is reportedly discussing a “mega deal” to provide advanced drones to Ukraine. The impetus for this deal is linked to rising concerns that U.S. drone technology is falling behind that of its adversaries and that this advanced technology is needed for America’s own security [2].

References: [1] 50-day sanctions deadline for Russia wastes time — and human lives — as Putin ‘lies’ to Trump, Zelensky exclusively tells The Post, https://nypost.com/2025/07/17/us-news/trumps-sanctions-deadline-for-russia-wastes-time-and-human-lives-zelensky/
[2] Trump discussing drone ‘mega deal’ with Ukraine — as US tech lags behind adversaries: ‘The people of America need this technology’, https://nypost.com/2025/07/17/us-news/trump-zelensky-discuss-drone-mega-deal-for-us-to-buy-battle-ready-ukraine-uavs/

3.2. Middle East Diplomatic Pressure and Counter-Terrorism

The administration is escalating pressure on multiple fronts in the Middle East. A new ultimatum is reportedly being prepared for Iran, with President Trump and the European Union coordinating to set a new 45-day deadline for compliance on unspecified issues [1]. This action targeting a state actor coincides with renewed public discussion over whether the administration will move to formally designate the Muslim Brotherhood, a transnational ideological movement, as a foreign terrorist organization [2].

References: [1] Ultimatum II: Trump, EU To Set New 45-Day Deadline for Iran, https://hotair.com/ed-morrissey/2025/07/16/ultimatum-ii-trump-eu-set-new-45-day-deadline-for-iran-n3804839
[2] Will the Muslim Brotherhood Finally Be Designated a Terror Group?, https://www.frontpagemag.com/will-the-muslim-brotherhood-finally-be-designated-a-terror-group/

3.3. International Crime and UN Relations

A new report exposes worrying trends in international organized crime, alleging that Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel is now a major supplier of fentanyl and methamphetamine to both “Canadian Mobsters” and “Indian Gangs,” indicating a vast and complex distribution network [1]. On the diplomatic front, the administration’s policy of defunding certain United Nations programs has prompted debate abroad, with one Swiss report questioning how to manage the UN staffers affected by the funding cuts [2].

References: [1] Report: Sinaloa Cartel Supplied Canadian Mobsters, Indian Gangs with Fentanyl, Meth, https://www.breitbart.com/border/2025/07/17/report-sinaloa-cartel-supplied-canadian-mobsters-and-indian-gangs-with-narcotics/
[2] Swiss ‘Jeez!’: How to Deal With UN Staffers Defunded by Trump?, https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/07/16/switzerland-supports-un-bureaucrats-defunded-trump

4. Economic and Fiscal Policy

4.1. Federal Budget, Spending, and Taxation

Senate Republicans have advanced a major fiscal measure, approving a bill to significantly slash funding for both foreign aid and public broadcasting [1]. The legislation explicitly aims to “claw back” approximately $9 billion in allocated funds [2]. Some analysts are framing this action as a key component of a potential strategy to balance the federal budget, especially when considered alongside growing revenues from tariffs [3]. In a separate development concerning tax policy, a crypto-focused source reports that President Trump is supportive of a “Crypto Tax Exemption” [4]. Information on other economic policy areas is limited, though one opinion-based headline offers a non-specific critique of the Federal Reserve, stating “Something Is Rotten at the Federal Reserve” without providing concrete details [5].

References: [1] Senate GOP approves bill to slash foreign aid and public broadcasting funds, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/long-overdue-senate-republicans-ram-through-trumps-clawback-package-cuts-foreign-aid-npr
[2] ‘Taking Back Control’: Senate Votes To Claw Back $9B From Foreign Aid, Public Broadcasting, https://www.dailywire.com/news/taking-back-control-senate-votes-to-claw-back-9b-from-foreign-aid-public-broadcasting?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Daniel+Chaitin&category=News&elementPosition=0&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=‘Taking+Back+Control’%3A+Senate+Votes+To+Claw+Back+%249B+From+Foreign+Aid%2C+Public+Broadcasting
[3] Growing tariff revenues, court rulings raise hopes Trump could put U.S. on path to balanced budget, https://justthenews.com/government/white-house/balanced-budget
[4] President Trump Supports Crypto Tax Exemption!, https://procoinnews.com/president-trump-supports-crypto-tax-exemption/
[5] Something Is Rotten at the Federal Reserve, https://commonplace.org/2025/07/16/something-is-rotten-at-the-federal-reserve/

5. U.S. Politics and Elections

5.1. Legislative Process and Partisan Dynamics

Partisan tensions in Congress are acute. During a committee vote on a “controversial Trump nominee,” Democratic members reportedly stormed out of the proceeding in protest [1]. Simultaneously, a significant point of potential conflict within the Republican conference has been highlighted. Following recent successes in securing the border, one report accuses some congressional Republicans of rushing to “surrender with a Dumpster Fire Mass Amnesty Bill,” signaling deep intra-party divisions on the path forward for immigration reform [2].

References: [1] ‘Dear God’: Democrats storm out of vote on controversial Trump nominee, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dear-god-democrats-storm-out-vote-controversial-trump-nominee
[2] New: With the Border Finally Secure, Republicans Rush to Surrender With a Dumpster Fire Mass Amnesty Bill, https://redstate.com/bonchie/2025/07/17/with-the-border-finally-secure-republicans-rush-to-surrender-with-a-dumpster-fire-amnesty-bill-n2191741

5.2. Elections and Polling

Recent polling data indicates a severely challenging political environment for Congressional Democrats. A new poll finds that fewer than one in five voters approve of their performance [1], while a separate SSRS poll reports their favorability rating has reached an “all-time low” [2]. This data is reinforced by a CNN reporter’s analysis, which is characterized as throwing “cold water” on the party’s 2026 midterm prospects [3].

References: [1] ‘Flat Out Terrible’: Fewer Than 1 in 5 Voters Approve of Congressional Democrats, New Poll Finds, https://freebeacon.com/latest-news/flat-out-terrible-fewer-than-1-in-5-voters-approve-of-congressional-democrats-new-poll-finds/
[2] SSRS Poll: Dems Enthused, but Favorability at All-Time Low, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/poll-democrats-midterms/2025/07/17/id/1219075/
[3] CNN Reporter Just Threw Cold Water on Dems’ 2026 Midterm Chances…for Now, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2025/07/17/cnns-harry-enten-reveals-dems-are-not-in-the-best-shape-for-the-2026-midterms-n2660500

6. Media and Cultural Flashpoints

6.1. Media Relations and Social Policy

Reporting on media and cultural issues highlights ongoing political friction. A CBS News reporter has publicly claimed to be suffering from “PTSD” due to the crowd’s anger following the assassination attempt on President Trump [1]. Amid calls for fiscal cuts to public broadcasting, the head of NPR has reportedly responded to threats of defunding by challenging critics to “‘show me a story’ that proves liberal bias” [2]. In a significant foreign social policy development, the United Kingdom is proceeding with a “landmark shake-up” to lower its national voting age to 16, a change that will be in effect for the country’s next General Election [3].

References: [1] CBS News reporter claims PTSD from crowd anger after Trump assassination attempt, https://www.foxnews.com/media/cbs-news-reporter-says-he-got-ptsd-from-trump-assassination-attempt-because-crowd-anger-media
[2] NPR head asks critics to ‘show me a story’ that proves liberal bias amid defunding threats, https://www.foxnews.com/media/npr-head-asks-critics-show-me-story-proves-liberal-bias-amid-defunding-threats
[3] 16-year-olds to be able to vote at next General Election in landmark shake-up which could backfire on Labour | The Standard, https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/16-year-olds-to-get-vote-general-election-starmer-corbyn-voter-id-b1238633.html

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