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

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DAILY BRIEFING

1. The Epstein Crisis: Escalating Fallout and Political Ruptures

1.1. Grand Jury Unsealing and Presidential Response

The political crisis surrounding President Trump’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein has intensified dramatically, centered on a court order to unseal grand jury records. This development forced the President onto the defensive, compelling him to acknowledge that the release of the records “may not please everyone” [1]. He has publicly dismissed those demanding full transparency as “troublemakers” as pressure continues to mount [2]. The administration’s official strategy, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, is to formally request the release of the grand jury testimony, but according to reports, the administration is simultaneously not requesting the release of the Justice Department’s own internal files on its prior handling of the case [3, 4]. The crisis is being inflamed by new allegations from two of Epstein’s ex-girlfriends, one of whom described his relationship with the President as being like “bros,” while the other described a specific alleged incident involving Trump [5, 6].

References:
[1] Trump acknowledges release of Epstein grand jury records may not please everyone, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/19/trump-epstein-00464339
[2] Trump says releasing Epstein files wouldn’t satisfy ‘troublemakers,’ as pressure mounts, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/19/trump-jeffrey-epstein-files-pam-bondi.html
[3] Pam Bondi asks to release Epstein grand jury testimony as Trump under fire, https://www.newsweek.com/jeffrey-epstein-files-doj-donald-trump-grand-jury-2101044
[4] Trump administration seeks release of Epstein grand jury records but not Justice Department files, https://apnews.com/article/trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-bondi-91f911d2d7a909f78259cdca7b55d9a6
[5] Epstein’s Ex Reveals What Pedo Said About His ‘Bro’ Trump, https://www.thedailybeast.com/epsteins-ex-reveals-what-pedo-said-about-his-bro-trump/
[6] Epstein’s ex-girlfriend describes alleged incident with Trump, https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/19/politics/video/stacey-williams-trump-jeffrey-epstein-relationship-allegations-digvid

1.2. Fracturing of the MAGA Base and Broadening Pressure

The controversy is causing an unprecedented political fissure within the President’s core support. Multiple reports indicate that some of his most dedicated MAGA supporters are expressing concern that he is involved in a cover-up, leaving the President reportedly “enraged” by this backlash [1]. This dynamic has been described as a “Maga’ revolt,” with one major outlet labeling the President as “MAGA’s New Target” [2, 3]. This internal pressure is part of a much broader, politically diverse coalition demanding full transparency. Prominent right-wing figures are reportedly refusing to “shut up about Epstein,” while Epstein’s brother is demanding the release of unseen interviews [4, 5]. The calls are echoed by congressional Democrats like Rep. Ro Khanna and an “unlikely alliance” between a Kentucky Republican and a California liberal, all pushing for the release of all files [6, 7].

References:
[1] Clip: Trump enraged by MAGA’s Epstein backlash | This week, President Trump found himself in an unfamiliar and maddening position. Some of his most enthusiastic supporters are wondering if he is involved in a Jeffrey Epstein cover-up., https://www.pbs.org/weta/washingtonweek/video/2025/07/trump-enraged-by-magas-epstein-backlash
[2] ‘The ghost of Epstein is haunting Trump’s presidency’: inside the ‘Maga’ revolt, https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/jul/19/trump-epstein-maga-revolt
[3] MAGA’s New Target: Trump, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/19/opinion/trump-maga-epstein-deep-state.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Xk8.DfcU.II2R2lNfthoh&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
[4] These right-wingers won’t shut up about Epstein, no matter what Trump says, https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/epstein-files-right-wing-trump-1235388286/
[5] Epstein’s brother demands release of paedophile’s unseen interviews, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/07/19/epstein-files-donald-trump-brother-release-death-prison/
[6] California Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna calls for releasing all files in the Epstein case, https://www.npr.org/2025/07/19/nx-s1-5472420/california-democrat-rep-ro-khanna-calls-for-releasing-all-files-in-the-epstein-case
[7] A Kentucky Republican and a California liberal: The unlikely alliance pushing Trump on Epstein, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/19/kentucky-republican-california-liberal-alliance-trump-epstein-00464258

1.3. Legal Counter-Offensives and Institutional Scrutiny

The President has launched an aggressive legal counter-offensive, filing a $10 billion libel lawsuit against Dow Jones over a Wall Street Journal report on a “bawdy” letter he allegedly sent to Epstein [1]. This action is seen as rupturing the “critical bond that has shaped the US right” between Trump and Rupert Murdoch, chairman of Dow Jones’s parent company [2]. While pursuing this new suit, a judge has dismissed a separate lawsuit the President had filed against journalist Bob Woodward [3]. Concurrently, the Justice Department and FBI are facing intense scrutiny. A Senate Democrat has alleged that FBI personnel were told to specifically flag any Epstein files that mention President Trump [4]. Meanwhile, questions are being raised about whether Attorney General Pam Bondi “could have tried Epstein” during her time as Florida’s AG, with reports indicating President Trump is frustrated at having to “take the heat” for her handling of the case [5, 6].

References:
[1] Trump Sues Wall Street Journal Publisher Dow Jones Over Jeffrey Epstein Article, https://www.wsj.com/business/media/trump-sues-wall-street-journal-publisher-dow-jones-over-jeffrey-epstein-article-0257afee
[2] Donald Trump’s lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch ruptures bond that has shaped the US right. The alliance has been beneficial to both men but has often been fractious, https://www.ft.com/content/9cbc70f4-bd31-4049-a5b1-9e670a48a5ec
[3] Judge dismisses Trump’s lawsuit against Bob Woodward over audiobook, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/judge-dismisses-trump-lawsuit-bob-woodward-audiobook-trump-tapes-rage-rcna219731
[4] FBI personnel were told to flag Epstein files mentioning Trump, Senate Democrat says, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/fbi-personnel-jeffrey-epstein-files-mentioning-trump-dick-durbin-says-rcna219699
[5] Pam Bondi ‘could have tried Epstein’ while Florida AG, law professor says, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/pam-bondi-epstein-files-florida-ag-b2792249.html
[6] Trump frustrated at having to take the heat for Pam Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-frustrated-pam-bondi-handling-jeffrey-epstein-files-rcna219625

2. Executive Branch: Domestic Policy and Governance

2.1. Agency Reorganization and Personnel Actions

The administration is executing significant structural changes at key agencies, fueling concerns of a politically motivated “war on science” [1]. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially shuttered its research and development office and has begun layoffs, a move that fundamentally alters the agency’s scientific mission [2]. This follows similar actions at the Department of Health and Human Services, where Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is overseeing mass firings and budget cuts. At the Department of Defense, Secretary Pete Hegseth directed a “shake-up” at the Naval Academy, removing its first female superintendent, a move that was followed by the departure of one of his senior advisers from the Pentagon [3, 4]. A Democratic probe has also been launched into the appointment of a 22-year-old to a terror prevention official role, focusing scrutiny on administration hiring practices [5].

References:
[1] Health experts raise alarm over RFK Jr’s ‘war on science’ amid mass firings and budget cuts, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/19/rfk-jr-science-research-cuts
[2] EPA eliminates research and development office, begins layoffs, https://apnews.com/article/epa-zeldin-trump-reorganization-science-research-acf0ad3a649f940e138b2a917169405f
[3] Hegseth removes first female superintendent in shake-up at Naval Academy, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/07/18/yvette-davids-naval-academy-hegseth/
[4] Senior Hegseth adviser out at Pentagon, sources say, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senior-hegseth-adviser-fired-sources-say/
[5] Dem probes Trump’s 22-year-old terror prevention official, https://www.axios.com/2025/07/16/dhs-kristi-noem-democrat-terrorism-thomas-fugate

2.2. Sweeping Budgetary and Funding Cuts

A series of deep funding cuts are being implemented across the federal government. Congress has approved cuts to public media and foreign aid [1]. A funding cut attributed directly to President Trump has reportedly stalled critical water projects, “increasing risks for millions” [2]. The Department of Education enacted a funding freeze on summer school and language programs described as “lifelines for families” [3]. Separately, California’s senators warn that proposed cuts to the National Weather Service could have “fatal consequences” [4]. Cuts to food aid championed by Republicans are projected to harm grocers in many towns that voted for President Trump, and the USDA is now demanding states hand over their food stamp data [5].

References:
[1] Congress approves public media and foreign aid cuts: What to know, https://thehill.com/business/budget/5409384-trump-public-media-foreign-aid-cuts/
[2] Trump’s funding cut stalls water projects, increasing risks for millions, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-funding-cut-stalls-water-projects-increasing-risks-millions-2025-07-19/
[3] Education Department funding freeze targets summer school and language programs that are lifelines for families, https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/16/politics/education-students-learning-school
[4] Trump’s cuts to Weather Service could have ‘fatal consequences,’ California senators warn, https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-07-17/as-fire-season-heats-up-schiff-urges-trump-administration-to-reverse-cuts-to-national-weather-service
[5] Republicans’ food aid cuts will hit grocers in many towns that backed Trump., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/19/trump-snap-food-cuts-rural-grocers-megabill-00463048

3. Intelligence and Election Controversies

3.1. DNI Gabbard’s Allegations on 2016 Election

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has ignited a major political firestorm by alleging that Obama administration officials “manufactured intelligence” on 2016 Russian election interference to deliberately “subvert the will of the American people” and undermine Donald Trump’s campaign [1]. The allegation has produced a stark partisan divide. Republican lawmakers “erupted” in support, with one outlet reporting they see a “treasonous” plot that “makes Watergate look like amateur hour” [2]. Democrats have responded with outrage; Senator Mark Warner stated DNI Gabbard is “not competent” for her role [3]. Some commentators are portraying the move as a calculated effort to “feed MAGA an Obama conspiracy” and distract from the ongoing Epstein scandal [4].

References:
[1] Gabbard claims Obama’s goal with Russia narrative was to ‘subvert’ the will of the American people, https://www.foxnews.com/media/gabbard-claims-obamas-goal-russia-narrative-subvert-american-people
[2] GOP Erupts After Gabbard Exposes Obama Admin’s ‘Treasonous’ Intel Plot Framing Trump: ‘Makes Watergate Look Like Amateur Hour’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/18/gop-erupts-after-gabbard-exposes-obama-admins-treasonous-intel-plot-framing-trump-makes-watergate-look-like-amateur-hour/
[3] Mark Warner: Tulsi Gabbard ‘not competent’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5409639-mark-warner-tulsi-gabbard-competent/amp/
[4] Gabbard Feeds MAGA an Obama Conspiracy Amid Epstein Blowback, https://www.thedailybeast.com/tulsi-gabbard-feeds-maga-an-obama-conspiracy-amid-epstein-blowback/

3.2. Ongoing Election Integrity and Administration Actions

Concerns related to election administration continue to surface. The DOJ is reportedly “demanding voting data in multiple states” [1]. At the state level, a consultant claiming to have White House backing reportedly contacted Colorado clerks to gain access to their voting machines, and Wisconsin election officials determined a local clerk broke laws over uncounted ballots [2, 3]. Separately, President Trump has publicly stated his desire for the Texas GOP to use redistricting to pick up an additional five House seats, indicating a direct presidential interest in state-level apportionment [4].

References:
[1] All the States Where DOJ is Demanding Voting Data, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/all-the-states-where-doj-is-demanding-voting-data/
[2] Consultant, claiming White House backing, called Colorado clerks to gain access to voting machines, https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/07/17/colorado-clerks-voting-machine-access-elections-donald-trump/
[3] Wisconsin elections officials find clerk broke laws over uncounted ballots, https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-clerk-uncounted-ballots-election-dca097160e2ddbb387cc5b65c0ddbb2d
[4] Trump says he wants Texas GOP to pick up 5 seats in redistricting, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5402159-trump-texas-house-seats-redistricting-gain/

4. Foreign Policy and National Security

4.1. Latin American Diplomatic Maneuvers

A complex, multi-national prisoner exchange has been completed in Latin America. The deal involved Venezuela releasing jailed Americans, and in exchange, the U.S. arranged for El Salvador to free hundreds of U.S. deportees who were being held in a “notorious prison” [1]. Following the exchange, “horror stories” are beginning to emerge from the Venezuelans who were released from the El Salvadoran facility, with some stating, “We were kidnapped” [2]. Separately, the U.S. is engaging in diplomatic pressure against Brazil. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the revocation of visas for several Brazilian judges, accusing them of carrying out a “political witch hunt” against former President Bolsonaro [3]. This action coincides with a prominent human rights group announcing its departure from El Salvador, citing direct threats from its government [4].

References:
[1] Venezuela releases jailed Americans in deal that frees migrants deported to El Salvador by US, https://apnews.com/article/prisoner-swap-venezuela-united-states-el-salvador-a0c3070355fbdc31f028a16096c5655c
[2] “We Were Kidnapped” — On Friday, more than 200 Venezuelans disappeared to a megaprison in El Salvador returned home. The horror stories are already emerging., https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/07/we-were-kidnapped-prisoner-swap-venezuela-bukele-cecot-trump-ms13-deportation-el-salvador/
[3] Rubio announces visa revocations on Brazilian judge for ‘political witch hunt’ against ex-president Bolsonaro, https://www.foxnews.com/world/rubio-announces-visa-revocationson-brazilian-judge-political-witch-hunt-against-ex-president-bolsonaro.amp
[4] Top rights group leaves El Salvador after threats from its government | El Salvador, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/17/human-rights-el-salvador-law-president-threats

4.2. Middle East and Global Trade

The U.S. is facing new requests for involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. An exclusive report states that Israel is actively seeking U.S. assistance to broker deals that would facilitate the movement of Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip [1]. Relations with the former U.S. administration are also a point of contention, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly accused the Biden administration of attempting to overthrow his government [2]. On the trade front, the Trump administration’s policies are reportedly “upending China’s factory floors,” with the President also said to be working on a “subtler tariff strategy,” though headlines do not specify what this entails [3, 4].

References:
[1] Scoop: Israel seeks U.S. help on deals to move Palestinians out of Gaza, https://www.axios.com/2025/07/18/israel-send-palestinians-gaza-indonesia-ethiopia
[2] Netanyahu accuses Biden administration of trying to overthrow him, funding protests and trying to lead to the establishment of a left-wing government, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-07-19/ty-article/.premium/netanyahus-party-accuses-biden-of-attempted-coup-in-israel-after-gop-releases-ngo-report/00000198-1ed2-d106-a7fa-9ff64ce40000
[3] Trump’s Trade War Is Upending China’s Factory Floors, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-17/how-trump-s-trade-war-is-upending-china-s-factory-floors
[4] Besides bold letters to world leaders, Trump is working on a subtler tariff strategy, https://www.npr.org/2025/07/18/nx-s1-5452431/trump-tariffs-section-232

5. Media Landscape: Cancellations and Alliances

5.1. “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” Canceled by CBS

CBS has canceled “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” a major disruption in the late-night television landscape that has set off a political firestorm. President Trump celebrated the news, stating, “I Absolutely Love That Colbert Got Fired” [1]. While CBS sources maintain it was a financial decision, citing “tens of millions in financial losses annually,” the move is being met with widespread skepticism [2]. Democratic Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have publicly accused CBS of canceling the program “in an appeal to Trump,” a view amplified by reports that the CEO of Skydance—a company in merger talks with CBS—met with the FCC chair shortly before the cancellation was announced [3, 4].

References:
[1] Trump Reacts to ‘Late Show’ Ending: “I Absolutely Love That Colbert Got Fired”, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/trump-stephen-colbert-cancellation-1236319578/?taid=687b1852f71ade0001910553&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
[2] CBS canned ‘The Late Show’ over tens of millions in financial losses annually — not Stephen Colbert’s politics: sources, https://nypost.com/2025/07/18/media/cbs-ending-the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-is-more-than-just-a-financial-loss/
[3] Sanders, Warren accuse CBS of canceling Colbert’s show in appeal to Trump, https://www.axios.com/2025/07/18/stephen-colbert-show-cancelled-trump-paramount-democrats
[4] Skydance CEO met with FCC chair ahead of CBS canceling "The Late Show", https://www.axios.com/2025/07/18/stephen-colbert-late-show-skydance

6. Judicial and Other Domestic Items

6.1. Federal and State Court Developments

Two significant judicial developments are noted. A federal appeals court judge has asserted that the First Amendment’s protections do not apply to non-citizens, a claim described as being made “against all historical evidence” and representing a controversial departure from precedent [1]. In a case with implications for mandatory reporting laws, a Washington state judge blocked a law requiring priests to report child abuse disclosed in confession; the Trump administration’s DOJ reportedly intervened to help block this law [2]. In a separate case, a Minnesota state lawmaker has been convicted of felony burglary for illegally entering the home of his estranged stepmother [3].

References:
[1] Appeals Court Judge Claims (Against All Historical Evidence) That The First Amendment Doesn’t Apply To Non-Citizens, https://www.techdirt.com/2025/07/18/appeals-court-judge-claims-against-all-historical-evidence-that-the-first-amendment-doesnt-apply-to-non-citizens/
[2] Trump administration intervenes to help block law requiring priests to report child abuse revealed in confessions, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/washington-state-child-abuse-catholic-priests-b2791985.html?utm_source=reddit.com
[3] Minnesota lawmaker convicted of felony burglary for breaking into estranged stepmother’s home, https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-state-senator-nicole-mitchell-guilty-burglary-696586410ee64866c7711ea0910b836e

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