[Saturday, July 26] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

1. The Epstein Investigation: Escalating Political Crisis

1.1. Presidential Involvement and Public Response

The administration is confronting a rapidly escalating political crisis regarding President Trump’s historical ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Newly unearthed photographs reportedly show Epstein with the President and his then-young children, Eric and Ivanka [1]. When questioned by reporters during his current five-day trip to his Scotland golf courses—a visit framed by some as an attempt to flee the controversy—President Trump dismissed the matter as “not a big thing,” advising the press to focus on others, such as Bill Clinton, instead [2]. Reports indicate the President is struggling to manage a controversy his own allies previously stoked [3], with analysis of the “Epstein Files” timeline reportedly raising “real questions” for him. In a separate development, an author has alleged that First Lady Melania Trump was “‘Very Involved’” in the scandal, though headlines do not provide specific details on the nature of this alleged involvement [4].

References:
[1] Never-Before-Seen Photos of Trump and Epstein Unearthed | Among the trove of new photos is one showing Epstein with Trump and his young children, Eric and Ivanka., https://www.thedailybeast.com/never-before-seen-photos-of-trump-and-epstein-unearthed/
[2] Trump Claims He ‘Never Went’ To Epstein’s Island, Tells People To Focus On Bill Clinton Instead | “You’re making a very big thing over something that’s not a big thing,” President Donald Trump told reporters questioning him about Jeffrey Epstein., https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-epstein-island-focus-clinton_n_68850023e4b07c2af0282e52
[3] In Epstein furor, Trump struggles to shake off a controversy his own allies once stoked, https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833
[4] Melania Trump ‘Very Involved’ In Epstein Scandal: Author, https://www.thedailybeast.com/melania-trump-very-involved-in-epstein-scandal-author/

1.2. DOJ, Maxwell Immunity, and Congressional Action

The Department of Justice’s handling of Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell is under intense scrutiny. It is reported that the DOJ has granted Maxwell “limited immunity” during interviews [1]. However, the terms of this deal are unclear, with headlines stating that her meetings with federal officials are “shrouded in secrecy” [2]. In Congress, House Democrats are pursuing information, specifically seeking access to Epstein’s “birthday book,” which is reported to include a letter from President Trump, as part of a broader call to compel the release of all “Epstein files” [3]. Democrats also plan to hold town hall events focused on the scandal in GOP-held districts [4]. The Republican response has been mixed, with some allies focusing public attention on Ghislaine Maxwell, while other officials have dismissed the controversy as “‘silly’” while also calling for the release of all files [5].

References:
[1] Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell secures DOJ “limited” immunity: News reports, https://www.axios.com/2025/07/26/epstein-maxwell-limited-immunity-trump-doj
[2] Ghislaine Maxwell’s meetings with Justice Department shrouded in secrecy, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-meetings-rcna221240
[3] House Democrats seek access to Jeffrey Epstein’s “birthday book” said to include letter from Trump, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-democrats-seek-access-to-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-book-trump/
[4] Democrats ramp up town hall offensive in GOP districts with focus on Epstein, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5421312-epstein-democrats-town-halls/
[5] Trump’s MAGA allies zero in on Ghislaine Maxwell as Epstein furor persists, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/26/ghislaine-maxwell-trump-maga-epstein/

2. Executive Branch: Domestic Policy & Regulatory Overhaul

2.1. Immigration, Border Enforcement, and Legal Defeats

The administration’s immigration agenda is facing significant and sustained legal defeats. For the third time, a federal court has blocked President Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order nationwide, with one headline calling the order “flagrantly unconstitutional” [1]. In a separate major setback, a federal judge dismissed a Department of Justice lawsuit against both Illinois and Chicago over their “sanctuary” policies [2]. Operationally, the administration has implemented a directive telling immigrants to “Carry your papers” [3] and has initiated a $600 million FEMA grant program for states to construct their own migrant detention centers [4]. These policies are having tangible consequences, with reports that a Venezuelan Little League team was denied U.S. entry due to the travel ban, preventing them from playing in the Senior League World Series [5].

References:
[1] Third Court This Month Blocks Trump’s ‘Flagrantly Unconstitutional’ Birthright Order, https://www.commondreams.org/news/third-court-blocks-birthright-order
[2] Judge throws out Trump’s lawsuit against Illinois over sanctuary policies, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/25/illinois-sanctuary-immigration-ruling-00477916
[3] The Trump administration is telling immigrants ‘Carry your papers.’ Here’s what to know., https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/07/25/carry-your-papers-law-enforcement-immigrants-citizens/85374881007/
[4] FEMA grant program gives states $600M to build migrant detention centers, https://thehill.com/policy/5421400-new-fema-grant-program-gives-states-600m-to-build-migrant-detention-centers/
[5] Venezuelan Little League team denied entry into US amid Trump travel ban. The team will not be able to play in the Senior League World Series in South Carolina., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/25/trump-travel-ban-little-league-00477894

2.2. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) & AI-Driven Deregulation

A significant new initiative from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) involves the mass rollback of federal rules using artificial intelligence. According to a Washington Post report, DOGE has deployed an AI tool with the explicit aim of cutting 50% of all federal regulations, an action that has drawn sharp criticism and allegations of using the AI to “Delete Hundreds of Federal Regulations” [1]. The President has reportedly greenlit this low-regulation strategy with the caveat that he “must agree with what [the AI] says” [2]. Some observers characterize this as part of a broader “war on the science community” [3].

References:
[1] DOGE uses AI tool aiming to cut 50% of federal regulations under Trump, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/07/26/doge-ai-tool-cut-regulations-trump/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzUzNTAyNDAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzU0ODg0Nzk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NTM1MDI0MDAsImp0aSI6IjAxNWQ1NzRmLTRmNDAtNDBjYS04M2YwLWY0NGFmZmZkYzkxZSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9idXNpbmVzcy8yMDI1LzA3LzI2L2RvZ2UtYWktdG9vbC1jdXQtcmVndWxhdGlvbnMtdHJ1bXAvIn0.z17OUPzuSx-jtQATWZcaOwF5JZehWDvi6fXB2jr-rbE
[2] Breaking down Trump’s big gift to the AI industry | Trump wants everyone using AI — as long as he agrees with what it says., https://www.theverge.com/policy/713788/trump-ai-action-plan-explainer
[3] Views from the front lines of Trump’s war on the science community, https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/5419855-trump-administration-cuts-science-funding/

2.3. Healthcare, Education, and Social Policy

The administration is advancing major policy shifts across several domestic fronts. At HHS, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is reportedly considering dismissing members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, with some commentary alleging the move is because he views the cancer screening panel as being too “‘Woke’” [1]. A new policy has been enacted allowing for the forced hospitalization of homeless individuals [2], and President Trump has reportedly ended key federal police accountability reforms impacting several U.S. cities [3]. In education, the administration is reportedly using a recent deal with Columbia University as a “model” to expand its influence, seeking fines in potential arrangements with Harvard and other universities as part of a broader “college crusade” [4].

References:
[1] Kennedy considering firing members of preventive services task force, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/cancer/rfk-jr-considering-firing-task-force-cancer-screening-rcna221188
[2] What to know about Trump’s forced hospitalization policy for homeless people, https://www.axios.com/2025/07/25/civil-commitment-trumps-homelessness-policy
[3] The US cities left behind as Trump ends key police accountability reforms | US news | The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/25/trump-ends-police-reform-consent-decrees?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
[4] With Columbia as a model, White House seeks fines in potential deals with Harvard and others, https://apnews.com/article/harvard-columbia-trump-university-fines-settlement-template-4a39b2894f08beffcff5da4971585710

3. Justice, Intelligence & Defense: Internal Controversies

3.1. Intelligence Community Leadership Under Fire

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is at the center of a severe and public controversy over her claims regarding former President Obama and 2016 Russian interference intelligence. A top former CIA official has directly accused DNI Gabbard and the White House of “lying” about the intelligence [1]. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has levied an even more serious charge, describing Gabbard’s claims as “treasonous” in an interview and asserting, “‘She’s imagined evidence that doesn’t exist’” [2].

References:
[1] Gabbard and White House ’lying’ about intel on Russian interference in 2016, ex-CIA official says, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/gabbard-white-house-lying-intel-russian-interference-2016-ex-cia-offic-rcna220870
[2] John Bolton slams Tulsi Gabbard over ‘treasonous’ Obama report: ‘She’s imagined evidence that doesn’t exist’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/john-bolton-tulsi-gabbard-obama-treason-b2796591.html

3.2. DOJ & FBI Operations and Dissent

The Department of Justice is facing multiple internal and external challenges. The department has demanded voter registration data from states including Maryland and Michigan, but the state of Minnesota has now officially rejected the request [1]. Separately, a second whistleblower has reportedly emerged to corroborate claims that an individual named Emil Bove instructed DOJ lawyers to defy court orders [2]. In another development, FBI Deputy Director Bongino posted a cryptic social media message in which he vowed to reveal the “truth” [3].

References:
[1] DOJ Demands Voter Data From Maryland and Michigan, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/doj-demands-voter-data-from-maryland-and-michigan/
[2] Second Whistleblower Backs Up Claims Emil Bove Told DOJ Lawyers To Defy Court Orders, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-tariffs-white-house-latest_n_686ec29fe4b09bd98fe4be7e/liveblog_6883c79ee4b0dc9c82941b6b
[3] FBI Deputy Director Bongino vows to reveal ’truth’ in cryptic social media post, https://www.foxnews.com/us/fbi-deputy-director-bongino-vows-reveal-truth-cryptic-social-media-post

3.3. Department of Defense Personnel & Security Issues

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is reportedly in a “clash” with his generals over a promotion [1]. In a related development, Secretary Hegseth’s team was reportedly ordered to stop using polygraph examinations to identify media leakers after a complaint was made directly to the White House [2].

References:
[1] A Clash Over a Promotion Puts Hegseth at Odds With His Generals, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/26/us/politics/hegseth-pentagon-leadership.html
[2] Hegseth team told to stop using polygraph tests to root out people leaking to news media after complaint to White House, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/07/26/pete-hegseth-leak-investigation-trump/?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wp_news_alert_revere&location=alert

4. Foreign Policy & International Relations

4.1. Presidential Trip to Europe and Diplomatic Tensions

President Trump’s “working visit” to Scotland is marked by both diplomatic engagement and public controversy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to meet with the President during his trip in a stated effort to prevent a transatlantic trade war [1]. However, the visit is drawing significant street protests, with headlines declaring he is “not welcome” [2]. The Scottish government has announced £180,000 in public funds for a golf tournament at a Trump-owned property [3]. While abroad, the President has made public statements warning that immigrants and windmills are “killing the beauty” of European countries [4].

References:
[1] EU chief to meet Trump in Scotland in push to avoid a transatlantic trade war, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/26/eu-chief-to-meet-trump-in-scotland-in-push-to-secure-a-us-trade-deal.html
[2] ‘People have seen through him and he’s not welcome’: Scotland tees up for Trump visit, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/26/not-welcome-scotland-donald-trump-visit-protests-golf-courses
[3] Swinney announces £180,000 of public money for golf contest at Trump International, https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/swinney-announces-ps180000-of-public-money-for-golf-contest-at-trump-international-5243364
[4] Trump Warns Europe Immigrants and Windmills Are ‘Killing the Beauty of Your Countries’, https://www.latintimes.com/trump-warns-europe-immigrants-windmills-are-killing-beauty-your-countries-587648

4.2. International Trade and Middle East Relations

Major U.S. trade initiatives are facing uncertainty. While the President announced that Japan will invest $550 billion in the U.S. at his direction, reports suggest this commitment “‘may not be a sure thing’” [1] and that the deal is “already falling apart” [2]. Concurrently, the U.S. is imposing new 20.56% anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber [3]. In the Middle East, reports indicate Washington is struggling to “rein in an emboldened Israel” [4], as a group of 29 senators demands a formal investigation into the killing of an American citizen by an Israeli settler in the West Bank [5].

References:
[1] Trump says Japan will invest $550 billion in US at his direction. It may not be a sure thing, https://apnews.com/article/trump-japan-trade-tariffs-550-billion-investment-fund-79c27b3db1c22c513bcf487c00a5a627
[2] Trump’s Big Trade Deal With Japan Is Already Falling Apart, https://newrepublic.com/post/198469/trump-trade-deal-japan-falling-apart-joint-investments
[3] U.S. imposing 20.56% anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood, https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/u-s-imposing-20-56-anti-dumping-duties-on-canadian-softwood/article_33161128-3e82-5a51-b97a-50fc532f2e0e.html
[4] Washington Struggles to Rein In an Emboldened Israel, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/washington-struggles-to-rein-in-an-emboldened-israel-14fa3a74
[5] 29 senators demand investigation into Israeli killing of American in West Bank, https://truthout.org/articles/29-senators-demand-investigation-into-israeli-killing-of-american-in-west-bank/

5. Congressional & State-Level Politics

5.1. National Political Landscape and State Controversies

Recent polling presents a challenging political environment for both parties. The Democratic Party has received its “lowest rating from voters in 35 years” in one survey [1], while separate polling indicates President Trump’s approval is eroding and hitting “new lows with independents” [2]. At the state level, several controversies are drawing national attention. In Oklahoma, state schools superintendent Ryan Walters is reportedly facing a “porn probe” according to one report [3]. In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton reportedly declared three primary residences, raising questions of potential mortgage fraud [4], and is also facing criticism for outsourcing state legal work to costly private lawyers [5].

References:
[1] Democrats Get Lowest Rating From Voters in 35 Years., https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/democratic-party-poll-voter-confidence-july-2025-9db38021
[2] Polls turn sour on Trump as he hits new lows with independents, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5421302-trump-approval-ratings-decline/
[3] Ryan Walters, Pro-Trump Oklahoma Superintendent, Faces Porn Probe, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/ryan-walters-oklahoma-superintendent-trump-bible-porn-1235394675/
[4] Texas AG Ken Paxton reportedly declared three primary residences, raising questions of mortgage fraud, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/texas-ken-paxton-mortgages-fraud-b2796093.html
[5] Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is handing more of his office’s work to costly private lawyers | Despite having an office with hundreds of attorneys, Ken Paxton frequently opts to hire private lawyers. One cost taxpayers more than $24,000 in one day., https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/24/ken-paxton-private-lawyers-texas-cases/

5.2. Congressional Operations and Ethics

The House Ethics Committee has formally ruled on two separate cases, finding that Republican Representative Mike Kelly violated the code of conduct in an insider trading investigation [1] and that a past Met Gala appearance by Representative Ocasio-Cortez violated House gift rules [2]. In legislative activity, an ADL-backed bipartisan bill has been introduced that reportedly threatens to censor criticism of Israel on social media [3].

References:
[1] Butler GOP Rep. Mike Kelly violated code of conduct during insider trading investigation, House Ethics Committee finds, https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2025/07/25/mike-kelly-house-ethics-insider-trading/stories/202507250068
[2] AOC’s Met Gala appearance violated House gift rules, ethics panel says, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/25/aoc-met-gala-house-ethics-report/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLyICxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHswCFYyf2vHMqVIG4nMpHzOigth8D44S6a-nfMWFuotFB6eWBDhkeKx08f5G_aem_pn1CfQ3El3pmG5xiZIw34g
[3] ADL-Backed Bipartisan Bill Threatens to Censor Israel Criticism on Social Media, https://www.commondreams.org/news/adl-bill-censors-israel-criticism

6. Media & First Amendment Issues

6.1. Administration Conflicts with Media and Critics

The administration’s relationship with the press and its critics is increasingly adversarial. Multiple reports point to a “war on the First Amendment,” citing the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s television show as a key example [1]. The administration is also reportedly engaged in a direct conflict with The Wall Street Journal [2]. A reported assault against the organization Media Matters is being framed by some as an application of “‘The Orban Playbook’” and intended as a “dire warning to other critics” [3]. In a separate development, reports indicate that under the Trump administration, any merger deal involving the media company Paramount must include a “bias monitor” [4].

References:
[1] Trump goes too far: Colbert cancellation puts spotlight on Trump war on the First Amendment, https://www.msnbc.com/the-briefing-with-jen-psaki/watch/trump-goes-too-far-colbert-cancellation-puts-spotlight-on-trump-war-on-the-first-amendment-243881541679
[2] Donald Trump vs The Wall Street Journal, https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/p0ls4709
[3] ‘The Orban Playbook’: Trump Assault on Media Matters Seen as Dire Warning to Other Critics | Common Dreams, https://www.commondreams.org/news/media-matters-lawsuit#:~:text=John%20Hopkins%20University%20economist%20Filipe%20Campante%2C%20who%20regularly%20writes%20about,expert%20making%20comparisons%20to%20Orb%C3%A1n.
[4] Under Trump, Paramount’s Merger Deal Must Include a “Bias Monitor”, https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/07/under-trump-paramounts-merger-deal-must-include-a-bias-monitor/

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