[Saturday, July 19] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

1. Government Conduct and Investigations

1.1 Inquiries into Obama-Era Intelligence Activities

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence is the center of a rapidly developing situation. DNI Tulsi Gabbard announced the declassification of information she alleges shows the Obama administration “manufactured intelligence” to promote a “fake Trump-Russia collusion narrative” [1]. DNI Gabbard has publicly characterized these actions as a “coup” [2] and an effort to “subvert” the will of American voters [3]. The DNI is reportedly pursuing a criminal referral against former Obama national security team members for their alleged roles [4]. The revelations have triggered sharp responses from Republican members, who have labeled the alleged scheme a “treasonous” plot that eclipses historical scandals. The full scope and fallout of these declassifications remain the top intelligence concern of the day.

References: [1] Declassified: Obama Admin Manufactured Intelligence to Push Fake Trump-Russia Collusion Narrative, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/18/declassified-obama-admin-manufactured-intelligence-to-push-fake-trump-russia-collusion-narrative/
[2] DNI Gabbard: Evidence Shows Obama, Team Staged ‘Coup’ on Trump, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/tulsi-gabbard-barack-obama-trump/2025/07/18/id/1219246/
[3] Gabbard claims Obama tried to ‘subvert’ Americans’ will with Russia hoax, https://www.foxnews.com/media/gabbard-claims-obamas-goal-russia-narrative-subvert-american-people
[4] Gabbard Making Criminal Referral on Obama National Security Team, https://redstate.com/smoosieq/2025/07/18/new-gabbard-making-criminal-referral-on-obama-national-security-team-n2191830

1.2 Scrutiny of Biden Administration Actions

The prior Biden administration faces new scrutiny on multiple fronts. A House panel report alleges the administration permitted $900 million in federal funds to be directed towards organizations linked to “terror, antiNetanyahu protests” [1]. Separately, multiple reports circulate accusations that the previous administration engaged in a program to “secretly” collect citizen data for the purposes of engineering elections and censoring speech [2]. In another inquiry, a conservative group claims to have released “smoking gun” documents. These documents reportedly prove the “Biden House” pressured the DOJ into an operation that politically targeted parents who were vocal at school board meetings [3]. These allegations suggest a pattern of politically motivated actions.

References: [1] Biden admin let $900m in federal funds go to terror, antiNetanyahu protests, House panel says, https://www.jns.org/biden-admin-let-900m-in-federal-funds-go-to-terror-anti-netanyahu-protests-house-panel-says/
[2] The Biden administration secretly stole your data to engineer elections and silence speech, https://nypost.com/2025/07/19/opinion/the-biden-administration-secretly-stole-your-data-to-engineer-elections-and-silence-speech/
[3] We Now Have the Smoking Gun Proving Biden House Pressured DOJ To Target Parents, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/07/19/we-now-have-the-smoking-gun-proving-biden-house-pressured-doj-to-target-parents-n4941902

1.3 Judiciary and Legal System Controversies

The judiciary is a focus of key developments. In a direct challenge to the executive, U.S. federal judge Nancy Torresen issued a ruling blocking enforcement of President Trump’s executive order concerning the International Criminal Court (ICC) [1]. This creates a conflict between the two branches over foreign policy and international law. In a legal matter involving the President, a commentary piece calls for an end to “political foot-dragging” and for a swift judicial decision on President Trump’s appeal of a prior fraud ruling [2]. At the Supreme Court, a New York Sun opinion piece has leveled a sharp critique against Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, accusing her of “Left-Wing Judicial Tyranny” [3].

References: [1] US federal judge Nancy Torresen blocks enforcement of Trump’s order on International Criminal Court, https://nypost.com/2025/07/18/us-news/us-federal-judge-nancy-torresen-blocks-enforcement-of-trumps-order-on-international-criminal-court/
[2] Trump deserves a decision on his fraud-ruling appeal — free of political foot-dragging, https://nypost.com/2025/07/19/opinion/trump-deserves-a-decision-on-his-fraud-ruling-appeal-free-of-political-foot-dragging/
[3] Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Left-Wing Judicial Tyranny, https://www.nysun.com/article/justice-ketanji-brown-jacksons-left-wing-judicial-tyranny

2. Foreign Policy and National Security

2.1 National Security and Intelligence Concerns

A report from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) has raised a national security alarm of the highest order. The report claims the Pentagon has “Given China Access to Its Systems for Over a Decade” [1]. This single headline from a credible think tank suggests a profound, long-term intelligence breach. At present, no further details from the report are available. Verifying the claims and understanding their implications must be an immediate priority for defense and intelligence committees.

References: [1] The Pentagon Has Given China Access to Its Systems for Over a Decade, https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2025/07/16/the-pentagon-has-given-china-access-to-its-systems-for-over-a-decade/

2.2 International Relations and Diplomacy

The administration secured the release of ten “wrongfully detained” Americans from Venezuela [1]. This was accomplished via a prisoner swap. In exchange for the American citizens, the U.S. transferred criminal migrants, who had been deported to El Salvador under President Trump’s orders, into Venezuelan custody [2]. On the multinational stage, the UN Population Agency faces accusations of attempting to conceal negative policy outcomes by “spinning their continued population control measures as incentives for childbearing” [3]. In North America, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly declared that “Muslim Values Are Canadian Values,” reflecting ongoing cultural discourse in that country.

References: [1] 10 ‘Wrongfully Detained’ Americans Headed Home from Venezuela in Prisoner Swap for Gang Members Trump Deported, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/19/10-wrongfully-detained-americans-headed-home-venezuela-prisoner-swap-gang-members-trump-deported/
[2] Venezuela swaps 10 detained Americans for criminal migrants deported by Trump to El Salvador, https://nypost.com/2025/07/18/us-news/venezuela-releases-jailed-americans-in-deal-that-also-frees-migrants-deported-to-el-salvador-by-us/
[3] UN Population Agency Seeks to Cover Up the Disaster They Wrought — They are spinning their continued population control measures as incentives for childbearing., https://spectator.org/un-population-agency-seeks-to-cover-up-the-disaster-they-wrought/

2.3 Global Conflicts and International Law

Strategic analysis of recent military engagements is underway. A new article from the journal “War on the Rocks” is titled “Lessons Observed from the War Between Israel and Iran” [1]. The headline indicates a post-conflict assessment is being conducted, but the summary does not provide any of the specific lessons or conclusions drawn from the conflict.

References: [1] Lessons Observed from the War Between Israel and Iran - War on the Rocks, https://warontherocks.com/2025/07/lessons-observed-from-the-war-between-israel-and-iran/

3. Trump Administration and Governance

3.1 Executive Actions and Policy Initiatives

The administration is preparing significant action in the technology sector. President Trump is reportedly “set to unveil AI orders” in the near future [1]. The stated goal of these forthcoming executive orders is to “boost US edge over China” in the critical field of artificial intelligence. The specific mandates or investments contained within the orders have not yet been made public, signaling a high-level focus on strategic competition.

References: [1] Trump set to unveil AI orders to boost US edge over China, https://www.semafor.com/article/07/18/2025/trump-set-to-unveil-ai-orders-to-boost-us-edge-over-china

3.2 Agency Operations and Personnel

The administration’s push to reduce the federal government is yielding results. The federal workforce in the D.C. area has reportedly shrunk by over 22,000 employees [1]. This is reflected in specific agency actions, such as the EPA’s decision to eliminate its research and development office and commence layoffs [2]. Following personnel changes at the State Department, one report notes that some laid-off employees feel they “no longer have to hide their resistance” to administration policies [3]. On the law enforcement front, FBI Director Kash Patel announced success in combating pandemic-related fraud, touting “dozens of convictions” in a $250 million COVID scam in Minnesota [4].

References: [1] The federal workforce in DC has already shrunk by over 22,000 under Trump, https://notthebee.com/article/the-federal-workforce-in-dc-has-already-shrunk-by-over-22000-under-trump
[2] EPA eliminates research and development office, begins layoffs, https://fox4kc.com/politics/ap-politics/ap-epa-eliminates-research-and-development-office-begins-layoffs/
[3] Laid Off State Department Employees No Longer Have to Hide Their Resistance, https://spectator.org/laid-off-state-department-employees-no-longer-have-to-hide-their-resistance/
[4] Patel touts FBI’s dozens of convictions in $250 million Minnesota COVID scam, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/patel-touts-fbis-dozens-convictions-250-million-minnesota-covid-scam

3.3 Public Approval and Performance Reviews

As the Trump administration completes its first six months in office, media outlets are publishing retrospectives and highlights of the term so far [1]. These reviews appear alongside new polling data. According to at least one report, President Trump’s approval rating “inches higher” [2]. However, the available headlines do not provide specific percentages or polling methodology to contextualize this claim.

References: [1] Trump has now been in office for six months, for the second time. Here are the highlights, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-has-now-been-office-six-months-second-time-here-highlights?intcmp=fb_pols&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLoeeNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtP6AYhFBA2PTqAflgV5fJXJApxqyswrMRuiwZQLUEREjqqq0eoKTTKY2d6e_aem_EIAtWUFiRYZxbBdurDkMRw
[2] Trump Approval Rating Inches Higher, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/trump-approval-poll/2025/07/19/id/1219321/

4. Immigration and Border Security

4.1 Immigration Policy, Enforcement and Statistics

New data points to shifts in immigration dynamics. Axios is quoted stating that “‘No One Knows’ Why illegal Immigrant Traffic Is Down,” indicating a significant but unexplained change in patterns at the border [1]. Meanwhile, scrutiny is falling on existing immigration programs, with analysis highlighting that cohorts of Honduran and Nicaraguan nationals have been in Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 26 years [2]. A separate report details an issue where a judge ruled that an illegal alien who received over $11,000 in unemployment benefits after moving to Mexico would not have to repay the funds to the state [3].

References: [1] Axios Says ‘No One Knows’ Why illegal Immigrant Traffic Is Down, https://thefederalist.com/2025/07/18/axios-says-no-one-knows-why-illegal-immigrant-traffic-is-down/
[2] 52,000 Hondurans and 3,000 Nicaraguans have been in Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 26 YEARS, /r/Conservative/comments/1m42a0j/52000_hondurans_and_3000_nicaraguans_have_been_in/
[3] Despite being declared ineligible for unemployment benefits by the state, an illegal alien received over $11,000 after moving back to Mexico; he claims he was available for remote work, and while a judge disagreed with that on Tuesday, he still won’t have to repay the state., https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_d171264d-32cc-4ef1-b6a3-cf43471c8936.html

4.2 Criminal Incidents and Public Safety Concerns

Severe criminal cases involving illegal aliens are raising public safety concerns. In Maryland, federal prosecutors charged three Salvadoran illegal aliens in a sweeping MS-13 racketeering conspiracy involving murder and drug trafficking [1]. Other notable reported cases include a Guatemalan illegal alien sentenced to 18 years for the attempted murder of a highway patrol trooper [2], Chinese illegal aliens accused of a plot to defraud elderly Americans [3], and a fatal crash caused by a Venezuelan illegal alien speeding the wrong way without a license, resulting in the death of a child [4].

References: [1] Feds charge 3 Salvadorian illegal aliens in Democrat-led Maryland’s MS-13 racketeering conspiracy involving murder and drug trafficking: ‘Reign of terror’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/feds-charge-3-more-men-maryland-ms-13-racketeering-conspiracy-involving-murder-reign-terror
[2] Guatemalan Illegal Alien Charged with First-Degree Attempted Murder and Sentenced to 18 Years Without Parole After Shooting American Highway Patrol Trooper During 100 MPH Chase, https://www.foxnews.com/us/illegal-immigrant-convicted-shooting-small-town-officer-high-speed-chase
[3] Chinese illegals accused of plotting to scam innocent elderly Americans out of life savings, https://www.foxnews.com/us/chinese-illegals-accused-plotting-scam-elderly-americans-out-life-savings
[4] A Venezuelan Illegal Alien Without Driver’s License Sped the Wrong Way at 75 MPH on a 40 MPH Road, Causing Head-On Crash That Claimed a Life of an Innocent American Boy One Day Shy of His 12th Birthday, https://www.foxnews.com/us/illegal-migrant-enters-plea-crash-killed-boy-one-day-12th-birthday

4.3 Political Responses and Debates on Immigration

The administration’s immigration policies continue to generate sharp political debate. A new plan to house illegal migrants at military bases in New Jersey and Indiana is reportedly causing Democrats to “fume” and is expected to meet stiff political resistance [1]. Political rhetoric is also a flashpoint. Progressive Democratic Representative Enrique Sanchez faces reported “backlash” for comments where he allegedly defended “MS-13 illegal alien gangbangers” while calling federal ICE agents “‘Nazi thugs’” [2]. This incident highlights the deep divisions surrounding immigration enforcement.

References: [1] Democrats fume over new plan to house illegal migrants in New Jersey, Indiana military bases, https://www.foxnews.com/us/democrats-fume-over-new-plan-house-illegal-migrants-new-jersey-indiana-military-bases
[2] Progressive Democrat Representative Enrique Sanchez faces backlash for calling ICE ‘Nazi thugs’ while defending MS-13 illegal alien gangbangers with history of fentanyl trafficking, https://www.foxnews.com/us/progressive-dem-rep-faces-backlash-calling-ice-nazi-thugs-defending-ms-13-gang-member

5. Economy, Business and Federal Spending

5.1 Healthcare Policy and Costs

A CMS report has identified a major potential inefficiency, finding that 2.8 million Americans are “Potentially Enrolled in Two or More Medicaid/ACA Exchange Plans” simultaneously [1]. This overlap suggests significant fiscal waste. The finding arrives alongside projections that premiums in the ACA Marketplace are “set to skyrocket in 2026,” signaling major future affordability challenges for consumers under existing law [2].

References: [1] CMS Finds 2.8 Million Americans Potentially Enrolled in Two or More Medicaid/ACA Exchange Plans, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-finds-28-million-americans-potentially-enrolled-two-or-more-medicaid/aca-exchange-plans#:~:text=The%20Centers%20for%20Medicare%20&%20Medicaid%20Services,to%20save%20taxpayers%20approximately%20$14%20billion%20annually.
[2] The ‘Affordable’ Care Act: Premiums in the ACA Marketplace Set to Skyrocket in 2026, https://redstate.com/joesquire/2025/07/19/affordable-care-act-premiums-skyrocket-2026-n2191842

5.2 Economic Indicators and Business Environment

Key indicators point to a rapidly improving economic outlook. One forecast shows Recession Odds have collapsed from 70% to 19%, reportedly the “Lowest Ever Recorded” [1]. In real estate, a National Association of Realtors report highlights a significant influx of foreign capital, noting international buyers purchased $56 billion worth of American homes last year [2]. On the domestic front, the president of In-N-Out burger explained the company’s departure from California, stating, “Doing business is not easy here,” reflecting concerns about the state’s business climate [3].

References: [1] Recession Odds Collapse from 70% to 19%, Lowest Ever Recorded, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/18/recession-odds-collapse-from-70-percent-to-19-percent-lowest-ever-recorded-on-polymarket/
[2] National Association of Realtors reports that foreign investors bought $56 billion worth of American homes last year, https://notthebee.com/article/national-association-of-realtors-reports-that-foreign-investors-bought-56-billion-worth-of-homes-last-year
[3] In-N-Out president gives details on leaving California: “Doing business is not easy here”, https://notthebee.com/article/in-n-out-is-moving-out-of-california

5.3 Government Spending, Regulation and Trade

Questions are being raised regarding federal product labeling and government spending. A Daily Wire report argues the FTC’s official definition for products labeled “Made In America” is “flawed,” casting doubt on the standard’s integrity [1]. In Congress, Senator John Kennedy jr is publicly questioning ongoing federal expenditures, specifically targeting the “$500 Million” in federal funding for public broadcasting and demanding justification for the support [2].

References: [1] ‘Made In America’? Not Exactly. The FTC’s definition for domestically manufactured products is flawed., https://www.dailywire.com/news/made-in-america-not-exactly
[2] Senator John Kennedy jr Exposes The Truth: Why Are We Still Funding Public Broadcasting $500 Million, https://youtu.be/HakHtwFZn6o?si=d0e0AOcMgXm2-dn4

6. Domestic Politics and Elections

6.1 Activities of Major Political Figures

Several high-profile political figures are the subject of media reports. Vice President JD Vance reportedly flew to Montana for a “secret meeting” with Rupert Murdoch and Fox News executives, a gathering of significant political and media influence [1]. In New York, former Governor Andrew Cuomo is quoted stating he “will move to Florida” if progressive Zohran Mamdani wins the NYC mayoral election [2]. Separately, a new book about former Vice President Kamala Harris is receiving criticism for asserting, reportedly without evidence, a minor claim about her early work history.

References: [1] JD Vance flew to Montana for secret meeting with Rupert Murdoch and Fox News execs, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/jd-vance-murdoch-fox-news-secret-meeting-b2769061.html
[2] Andrew Cuomo ‘will move to Florida’ if Zohran Mamdani becomes NYC mayor, https://nypost.com/2025/07/19/us-news/cuomo-i-will-move-to-florida-god-forbid-if-mamdani-become-nyc-mayor/

6.2 Electoral Politics and Congressional Maneuvering

Speculation about the 2028 election has begun, with one report citing oddsmakers who position Vice President JD Vance as a “‘shoo-in’” for the presidency [1]. On a more immediate timeline, the upcoming Senate race in Maine is framed as a “High-Stakes Battle” between incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins and an unnamed “Conservative Challenger” [2]. In the House, Democrats are accused of trying to take credit for provisions within a Trump-backed law they had previously voted against [3], highlighting ongoing partisan messaging battles.

References: [1] Vance a ‘shoo-in’ to win 2028 presidential election: oddsmakers, https://nypost.com/2025/07/19/us-news/vance-shoe-in-to-win-2028-presidential-election-according-to-new-odds/
[2] Maine Senate Race Shaping Up to Be High-Stakes Battle Between Susan Collins, Conservative Challenger, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/saraharnold/2025/07/18/maine-senate-race-shaping-up-to-be-a-high-stakes-battle-between-susan-collins-and-conservative-challenger-n2660575
[3] House Dems Begin To Take Credit For Provisions In Trump-Backed Law They Voted Against, https://dailycaller.com/2025/07/19/house-democrats-credit-provisions-big-beautiful-bill-trump/

7. Media and Culture

7.1 Societal Debates and Personal Scandals

Contentious cultural issues continue to surface. An exclusive from the Daily Caller alleges that a lab at MIT “Hosted [a] Panel On Giving Pedos Child Sex Robots,” a claim certain to provoke outrage if substantiated [1]. In university athletics, a male runner is suing Princeton University after it blocked him from competing in a women’s track race, bringing the debate over transgender athletes into the legal arena [2]. In business news, the CEO of tech company Astronomer has resigned following a public “incident” at a Coldplay concert caught on the venue’s Jumbotron.

References: [1] EXCLUSIVE: MIT Lab Hosted Panel On Giving Pedos Child Sex Robots, https://dailycaller.com/2025/07/16/exclusive-epstein-funded-mit-lab-hosted-panel-on-giving-pedos-child-sex-robots/
[2] Runner Sues Princeton for Blocking Him from Competing in Women’s Race, https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2025/07/18/trans-runner-sues-princeton-for-blocking-him-from-competing-in-womens-race/

7.2 Media Industry Shifts and Perceived Bias

The media landscape is undergoing notable shifts, with one commentary describing a “bad week for Democrat-friendly media” [1]. The anchor for this is news that CBS has cancelled “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” a move attributed to economic factors [2]. This has reportedly led Jon Stewart to fear that Paramount might also end “The Daily Show” [3]. Accusations of overt media bias remain prevalent. An ABC News report is quoted as claiming, “‘We’re Already in The Tyranny’ of Trump’s ‘Dictatorship’” [4]. In a moment of media self-reflection, a Washington Post editorial reportedly connected “misinformation by Biden” to why the public is susceptible to conspiracy theories [5].

References: [1] A bad week for Democrat-friendly media with public broadcasting cuts, Colbert cancellation, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/business/3475383/bad-week-democrat-friendly-media-pbs-npr-cuts-colbert-canceled/
[2] The Numbers Don’t Lie: CBS’s Colbert Cancellation Is All About Economics, https://redstate.com/joesquire/2025/07/19/the-numbers-dont-lie-cbss-colbert-cancellation-is-all-about-economics-n2191846
[3] Jon Stewart Fears Paramount May End ‘Daily Show’ After Colbert Canceled, Knocks Comedy Central as ‘Like Muzak’, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/07/19/jon-stewart-fears-paramount-may-end-daily-show-after-colbert-canceled-knocks-comedy-central-as-like-muzak/
[4] ABC News Says ‘We’re Already in The Tyranny’ of Trump’s ‘Dictatorship’, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/ashley-taylor/2025/07/18/abc-news-says-were-already-tyranny-trumps-dictatorship
[5] Washington Post editorial connects misinformation by Biden to why people believe conspiracy theories, https://www.foxnews.com/media/washington-post-editorial-connects-misinformation-by-biden-why-people-believe-conspiracy-theories

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