[Thursday, August 07] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

1. The Trump Administration: Executive Actions and Personnel

1.1. Major Policy Directives

President Trump has initiated a series of significant executive actions and regulatory changes across multiple fronts. In a move with profound constitutional implications, the President has directed the Department of Commerce to conduct a new U.S. Census designed to exclude “illegal aliens” from the count used for congressional apportionment, a move framed by supporters as a “HUGE” effort to “Fix 2020’s Rigged Count Favoring Democrats” [1]. The administration is also targeting affirmative action, with plans to sign an executive order requiring colleges to formally prove they do not consider race in admissions to maintain federal funding [2]. This follows a new complaint filed against Harvard University alleging it “Continues Race-Based Admissions” practices [3].

In the financial sector, the White House is preparing an executive order to combat “politicized debanking” [4], and President Trump has ordered federal regulators to launch a formal investigation into claims that banks have engaged in politically motivated discrimination against conservatives [5]. On fiscal policy, the White House released a fact sheet detailing new initiatives to “Stop Wasteful Grantmaking” [6]. This is complemented by new rules in six states banning SNAP benefits for “junk food,” a move supporters call a “win for MAHA advocates” [7].

References
[1] HUGE: Trump Orders New Census to Fix 2020’s Rigged Count Favoring Democrats, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/08/07/trump-orders-new-census-to-fix-2020s-rigged-count-favoring-democrats-n4942481
[2] Trump plans to sign an order requiring colleges to prove they don’t consider race in admissions, https://apnews.com/article/trump-race-college-admissions-executive-order-9fe070750d31879b24800032a013659d
[3] Harvard Continues Race-Based Admissions: Complaint “The American people deserve physicians chosen for skill and competency — not because they checked the right diversity box.”, https://thefederalist.com/2025/08/07/harvard-continues-race-based-admissions-even-after-scotus-affirmative-action-decision-complaint/
[4] White House Prepares Executive Order Targeting Politicized Debanking, https://www.dailywire.com/news/white-house-prepares-executive-order-targeting-politicized-debanking
[5] Trump Orders Regulators to Probe Alleged Bank Discrimination Against Conservatives, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/trump-biden-debanking-crypto-jpmorgan-bank-america-obama/2025/08/07/id/1221701/
[6] Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Stops Wasteful Grantmaking, https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/08/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-stops-wasteful-grantmaking/
[7] Junk food banned from SNAP benefits in 6 more states, a win for MAHA advocates, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/junk-food-banned-from-snap-benefits-6-more-states-win-maha-advocates

1.2. Agency Leadership and Personnel Changes

Significant personnel changes are underway at key federal agencies. At the FBI, reports indicate President Trump has ousted a former acting director and an agent involved in J6 prosecutions, with more dismissals “expected” [1]. The stated justification for the director’s firing is that he allegedly withheld information related to January 6th investigations. In a move affecting U.S. monetary policy, the President announced his pick of economist Stephen Miran for the Federal Reserve board. This nomination has fueled speculation about a potential replacement for current Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell [2]. The administration is also marking its tenure with a coordinated communications campaign from the White House titled “200 Days of Winning: President Trump Is Keeping His Promises” [3], a message amplified by allied media outlets celebrating the administration’s “Six Biggest Wins” [4].

References
[1] FBI ousts former acting director, agent involved in J6 prosecutions, with more expected, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fbi-ousts-former-acting-director-agent-involved-j6-prosecutions-more-expected
[2] Trump announces Stephen Miran as pick for Federal Reserve board as speculation swirls around Powell replacement, https://nypost.com/2025/08/07/us-news/trump-announces-stephen-miran-as-pick-for-federal-reserve-board-as-speculation-swirls-around-powell-replacement/
[3] ✅ 200 Days of Winning: President Trump Is Keeping His Promises – The White House, https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/08/200-days-of-winning-president-trump-is-keeping-his-promises/
[4] Donald Trump’s Six Biggest Wins at 200 Days in Office, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/08/07/donald-trumps-six-biggest-wins-200-days-office/

2. Foreign Affairs and National Security

2.1. Israel-Gaza Conflict and Broader Middle East

A landmark strategic shift in the Middle East has been announced, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly confirmed Israel’s intent to assume full military and administrative control of the Gaza Strip [1]. The stated goal is to “liberate” the civilian population from Hamas rule [2]. This declaration coincides with intense scrutiny of media portrayals of the conflict. Major photo agencies have reportedly dropped a Gaza-based photographer after a documentary alleged that widely circulated images of hunger were staged [3], while other reports suggest Hamas has been staging “starvation” photos [4]. At the same time, the Associated Press is being criticized for what some call sympathetic coverage of “Hezbollah terrorists” [5]. There are also allegations of foreign influence, with a report tracing $75,000 in funding for a U.S. pro-Palestinian activist back to the Chinese Communist Party [6]. This international situation is creating domestic political reverberations, with a fierce debate over whether “MAGA’s disenchantment with Israel” [7] is real or a “mainstream media myth” [8]. The tensions are also manifesting on U.S. campuses, with the University of Maryland reportedly paying an anti-Israel group that had “Planned a Campus Rally On October 7” [9].

References
[1] Netanyahu confirms Israel will take control of Gaza to ‘liberate’ people from Hamas, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6376659553112
[2] Netanyahu: Israel May Seize Gaza to Liberate Civilians From Hamas, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/08/07/netanyahu-israel-may-seize-gaza-to-liberate-civilians-from-hamas-n2192556
[3] Picture agencies drop Gaza photographer after documentary reveals hunger images were staged, https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/picture-agencies-drop-gaza-photographer-hunger-images-staged-sl1eyl2e
[4] BILD Does Journalism, Showing How Hamas Stages ‘Starvation’ Photos, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2025/08/07/bild-does-journalism-showing-how-hamas-stages-starvation-photos-n3805583
[5] AP Sympathizes With Hezbollah Terrorists Targeted in Israel Attack, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/lucas-escala/2025/08/06/ap-sympathizes-hezbollah-terrorists-targeted-israel-attack
[6] US pro-Palestinian activist paid $75k to protest, funding traces back to Chinese Communist Party, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-863586
[7] MAGA’s disenchantment with Israel, https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/08/05/magas-disenchantment-with-israel
[8] Republican schism on Israel is a mainstream media myth, https://www.jns.org/republican-schism-on-israel-is-a-mainstream-media-myth/
[9] University of Maryland Will Pay AntiIsrael Group That Planned Campus Rally On October 7, https://www.dailywire.com/news/university-will-pay-100000-to-anti-israel-group-that-held-campus-rally-on-october-7?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Luke+Rosiak&category=News&elementPosition=0&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=University+of+Maryland+Will+Pay+Anti-Israel+Group+That+Planned+Campus+Rally+On+October+7

2.2. U.S.-Russia Relations and European Security

The security situation in Europe is highly volatile. According to one report, Russian military drones are conducting operations that “test NATO’s Article 5 defense guarantee” ahead of a “Friday sanctions deadline” [1]. This apparent provocation occurs amidst diplomatic maneuvering, as it has also been reported that President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are “set to meet in-person” in a summit that some speculate “Could End the War in Ukraine” [2]. While these high-stakes discussions are being considered, European allies continue to bolster Ukrainian defenses, with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark jointly purchasing $500 million in U.S. arms for Ukraine’s war effort [3].

References
[1] Russian drones test NATO’s Article 5 defense guarantee ahead of Friday sanctions deadline, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/russian-drones-test-natos-article-5-defense-guarantee-ahead-friday-sanctions-deadline
[2] Trump and Putin Set to Meet In-Person. What Happens Next Could End the War in Ukraine, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/jeff-charles/2025/08/06/trump-to-meet-with-putin-n2661511
[3] Sweden, Norway and Denmark to buy $500 million of US arms for Ukraine war, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/europe/nato-trump-ukraine-weapons-patriot-netherlands-sweden-b2802695.html

2.3. U.S.-China Relations and Global Concerns

Tensions with China persist on economic and security fronts. President Trump has stated he “Could Impose More Tariffs on China,” linking the threat to Beijing’s involvement with Russian oil [1]. Separately, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan faces “calls to quit amid alleged Chinese company links,” highlighting corporate-level pressure points [2]. Beyond economic friction, a new public health issue is emerging, as a “Chikungunya virus outbreak in China sparks global health concerns” [3].

References
[1] Trump: Could Impose More Tariffs on China Over Russian Oil, https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/donald-trump-tariffs-china/2025/08/06/id/1221566/
[2] Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan faces calls to quit amid alleged Chinese company links, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-demands-intel-ceo-resign-over-alleged-chinese-company-ties
[3] Chikungunya virus outbreak in China sparks global health concerns, https://www.foxnews.com/health/mosquito-borne-virus-spreading-through-china-causes-high-fever-joint-pain

3. Immigration and Border Security

3.1. Divergent State-Level Responses

States are taking starkly different approaches to immigration. In Tennessee, Republican Governor Bill Lee has authorized the state’s National Guard for in-state immigration enforcement duties, calling them up specifically to “assist ICE deportations” [1]. In contrast, Massachusetts’ Democratic Governor is moving to end a “$1B Migrant Shelter Program” [2], signaling a policy retreat likely driven by fiscal pressures.

References
[1] Tennessee Governor Calls Up National Guard To Assist ICE Deportations, https://tennesseeconservativenews.com/tennessee-governor-calls-up-national-guard-to-assist-ice-deportations/
[2] Massachusetts’ Democrat Governor Ends $1B Migrant Shelter Program, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2025/08/05/massachusetts-democrat-gov-maura-healey-ends-1-billion-migrant-shelter-program/

3.2. Federal Operations and Challenges

The administration’s efforts to expand detention capacity are facing judicial roadblocks, with a federal judge ordering a “temporary halt” to new construction at the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility in Florida [1]. Meanwhile, enforcement operations continue, with CBP seizing over $1.1 million in fentanyl and cocaine in Texas [2]. Smuggling routes appear to be shifting, as Homeland Security reports a “silent war in Puerto Rico,” asserting that the “Mexico border closure pushes drugs to island route” [3]. Concurrently, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem claims “ICE agents are facing ‘1000% increase in assaults,’” highlighting a severely heightened threat environment for federal officers [4].

References
[1] Federal judge halts expansion at Trump admin’s Alligator Alcatraz detention facility in Florida, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-judge-halts-expansion-trump-admins-alligator-alcatraz-detention-facility-florida
[2] Customs and Border Protection officers seize over $1.1 millions in fentanyl and cocaine at Anzalduas International Bridge, Texas, https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-officers-seize-over-11m-fentanyl-and-cocaine-anzalduas
[3] Border crisis shifts to Caribbean: Homeland Security fights silent war in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico HSI chief says Mexico border closure pushes drugs to island route, https://www.foxnews.com/media/puerto-rico-border-crackdown-no-ones-talking-about
[4] Noem says ICE agents are facing ‘1000% increase in assaults’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/noem-says-ice-agents-facing-1000-increase-assaults

4. Domestic Politics, Law, and Investigations

4.1. The Texas Quorum Break and Political Fallout

A major political conflict in Texas has intensified as the FBI will reportedly “assist in locating ‘runaway’ Texas House Democrats” who broke quorum to halt legislation [1]. The Democratic lawmakers “Could Face Nearly $400K in Fines” for their absence [2]. Scrutiny has now turned to the funding of their flight, with one report alleging it “may have been funded illegally by Beto O’Rourke nonprofit” [3], and another claiming a “Soros-Funded Group” helped pay for the travel [4]. In a direct response, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a formal “Investigation Into Marxist Puppetmaster” George Soros [5].

References
[1] FBI to assist in locating ‘runaway’ Texas House Democrats amid quorum break, https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/08/07/fbi-to-assist-in-locating-runaway-texas-house-democrats-amid-quorum-break/
[2] Texas Dem Lawmakers Could Face Nearly $400K in Fines, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/texas-lawmakers-fines/2025/08/06/id/1221469/
[3] AWOL Dems’ flight from Texas may have been funded illegally by Beto O’Rourke nonprofit, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/awol-dems-flight-from-texas-may-have-been-funded-illegally-beto-orourke-nonprofit
[4] ON THE HOUSE: Soros-Funded Group Joins Effort to Pick Up Tab for Dem Reps Fleeing Texas, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/business/joseph-vazquez/2025/08/07/house-soros-funded-group-joins-effort-pick-tab-dem-reps
[5] BREAKING: Soros vs. Paxton SHOWDOWN — Texas AG Launches Investigation Into Marxist Puppetmaster, https://www.rightjournalism.com/breaking-soros-vs-paxton-showdown-texas-ag-launches-investigation-into-marxist-puppetmaster/

4.2. Politically Charged Investigations and Revelations

Congressional and legal battles are unfolding around several politically sensitive events. The House has issued subpoenas to investigate “the truth about Bill Clinton’s cozy friendship with Jeffrey Epstein” [1], while a separate report claims Ghislaine Maxwell’s statements about Donald Trump “Isn’t Going to Make Dems Happy” [2]. Regarding the January 6th Capitol breach, new bodycam footage has emerged reportedly showing a Trump DOJ official, Jared Wise, “urging JAN. 6ers to ‘K#LL’ the POLICE” [3]. This surfacing coincides with the aforementioned firings at the FBI over the handling of J6 investigations. Separately, Senator Tom Cotton is demanding a federal investigation into the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) [4].

References
[1] The truth about Bill Clinton’s cozy friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and his ‘lovely girls’ as House subpoenas testimony, https://nypost.com/2025/08/06/us-news/the-truth-about-bill-clintons-cozy-friendship-with-jeffrey-epstein-and-his-lovely-girls/
[2] Report: What Ghislaine Maxwell Said About Trump During DOJ Interview Isn’t Going to Make Dems Happy, https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2025/08/06/n2192524-n2192524
[3] NEW bodycam footage shows Jared Wise, a TRUMP Department of Justice official urging JAN. 6ers to ‘K#LL’ the POLICE while calling them “Nazi” and “Gestapo”, https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1953536230475403300?s=46
[4] Senator Tom Cotton demands investigation into CAIR, https://nypost.com/2025/08/07/us-news/senator-tom-cotton-demands-investigation-into-controversial-muslim-group/

4.3. Key Legal Rulings and State Political Moves

In a significant “Free Speech Win,” a California judge sided with Elon Musk and X, striking down a state law that restricted election-related parody videos [1]. In a separate, high-profile civil case, actress Gina Carano and Disney have reached a settlement in her wrongful termination lawsuit [2]. On the state political front, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn has launched a gubernatorial bid [3], while in California, Governor Gavin Newsom is accused of attempting to “sidestep” a voter-approved redistricting board [4].

References
[1] Free Speech Wins: Judge Sides with Elon Musk and X, Strikes Down California Law Restricting Election Parody Videos, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/08/06/free-speech-wins-judge-sides-with-elon-musk-and-x-strikes-down-california-law-restricting-election-parody-videos/
[2] ‘And the Truth Shall Set You Free.’ Gina Carano, Disney Reach Settlement In Wrongful Termination Suit, https://twitchy.com/amy-curtis/2025/08/07/gina-carano-disney-reach-settlement-nerdrotic-n2416931
[3] Sen. Marsha Blackburn announced a Tennessee gubernatorial bid, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/tennessee-sen-marsha-blackburn-launches-campaign-governor
[4] Newsom Aims To Sidestep Redistricting Board Approved By Voters, https://thefederalist.com/2025/08/07/californians-voted-to-stop-dems-from-gerrymandering-newsom-is-plotting-to-overrule-them/

5. Other Domestic Briefs: Energy, Crime, and Culture

In energy policy, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is reportedly reconsidering plans to close all its coal power plants due to projected increases in power demand [1]. On the crime and justice front, federal prosecutors are considering the death penalty for the individual convicted of killing Israeli Embassy staffers [2], while a Breitbart article claims firearm homicides have surged in Colorado following the state’s adoption of gun control measures [3]. In cultural news, actor Dean Cain, known for his role as Superman, is reportedly “joining ICE,” marking a high-profile move from entertainment to federal law enforcement [4].

References
[1] Initially, Tennessee Valley Authority planned to close all of its coal power plants. They’re now reconsidering due to power demand, http://www.newschannel5.com/news/initially-tva-planned-to-close-all-of-its-coal-power-plants-theyre-now-reconsidering-due-to-power-demand#:~:text=They're%20now%20reconsidering%20due,coal%20power%20plants%20by%202035
[2] Death Penalty On The Table For Killer Of Israeli Embassy Staffers, https://www.dailywire.com/news/death-penalty-on-the-table-for-killer-of-israeli-embassy-staffers?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Kassy+Akiva&category=News&elementPosition=1&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Death+Penalty+On+The+Table+For+Killer+Of+Israeli+Embassy+Staffers
[3] Firearm Homicides Surge in Colorado Following Adoption of Gun Control, https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2025/08/07/firearm-homicides-surge-in-colorado-following-adoption-of-gun-control/
[4] Dean Cain, who played Superman on TV, is joining ICE, https://nationalpost.com/news/dean-cain-who-played-superman-on-tv-is-joining-ice?utm_source=related&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=NP_social

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