[Wednesday, August 13] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

1. Executive Power in Action: Federal Takeover of Washington, D.C.

The Trump administration’s plan to assume control over local policing in the nation’s capital is now operational and expanding. The National Guard has begun deploying on D.C. streets, with a stated mission to combat crime and reduce homelessness [1, 2]. This has sparked immediate fears among housing advocates that the crackdown will lead to many homeless individuals being put “behind bars” [3]. The White House has signaled its intent to maintain federal patrols “all day, all night for at least a month,” and President Trump has stated his expectation that Congress will authorize an extension beyond the initial 30-day period [4, 5]. Early results of the operation include 66 arrests, with more Guard troops scheduled to arrive [6].

The action has ignited forceful opposition. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the move as an “authoritarian push,” while critics challenged the President’s justification, citing reports that he publicly misstated crime data for the city [7, 8]. The move is viewed by some Black leaders as a targeted campaign against “blue cities,” with concern that New York and Chicago could be next [9]. In contrast, the city’s police union is reportedly “cheerleading” the federal intervention [10]. The unprecedented nature of the action is prompting legal analysis of whether it sets a precedent for similar takeovers in other U.S. cities [11].

References [1] National guard begins deploying on DC streets after Trump police takeover, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/12/mayor-national-guard-washington-dc
[2] National Guard troops arrive in DC under Trump’s order to fight crime, reduce homelessness, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/08/12/donald-trump-washington-dc-national-guard-troops/85635442007/
[3] Advocates fear Trump’s crackdown in D.C. will put many homeless people behind bars, https://www.npr.org/2025/08/13/nx-s1-5500538/trump-crackdown-dc-homeless-advocates-jail
[4] Feds will patrol Washington D.C. all day, all night for at least a month, https://www.silive.com/nation/2025/08/feds-will-patrol-washington-dc-all-day-all-night-for-at-least-a-month.html?utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor
[5] Trump says he expects Congress to extend federal takeover of D.C. police beyond 30-day limit, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-dc-police-congress/
[6] Trump’s D.C. Takeover Yields 66 Arrests; More Guard Troops Coming Wednesday Night, https://time.com/7309421/trump-dc-police-arrests-national-guard/
[7] DC mayor: Trump takeover an ‘authoritarian push’, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5449795-muriel-bowser-donald-trump-federal-takeover-dc-police/
[8] Trump Misstates Washington Crime Data to Justify Takeover, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/us/politics/trump-dc-crime-data-fact-check.html
[9] ‘He’s been explicit’: Black leaders say Trump is going after blue cities for a reason, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/12/black-cities-mayors-trump-dc-takeover-00505773?nid=00000177-6f21-d412-abff-6ff78f190000&nname=california-playbook-pm&nrid=0000015c-2138-d108-abdf-27bc6d220000
[10] D.C.’s police union cheerleads Trump’s authoritarian takeover, https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/washington-dc-police-union-trump-rcna224632
[11] Trump took over D.C. police. Can he take over law enforcement in other cities?, https://www.chron.com/politics/article/trump-announced-takeover-d-c-police-houston-20815616.php

2. Foreign Policy Crossroads: U.S.-Russia Summit on Ukraine

Intensive diplomatic maneuvering is underway ahead of a high-stakes summit in Alaska between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, focused on the war in Ukraine. Reports indicate the U.S. is preparing a complex proposal that includes a controversial framework for a “West Bank-style occupation of Ukraine” and an offer of a “minerals deal” in exchange for a peace agreement [1, 2]. The prospect of another one-on-one meeting is generating alarm, with one analysis calling it a “recipe for disaster” based on the history of their private encounters [3].

The potential arrangement has generated significant alarm among European allies, who are urging President Trump “not to strike peace deal in Alaska without them” [4]. EU leaders have expressed concern that the President might offer “too much in exchange for very little” [5]. In an apparent acknowledgment of these concerns, President Trump has stated he will invite Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to his “next Putin meeting,” implicitly confirming Zelenskyy’s exclusion from the Alaska talks [6]. From Kyiv, President Zelenskyy has issued a stark and direct warning to the American president, cautioning that on key issues, “Putin is bluffing” [7].

References [1] US and Russia ‘plan West Bank-style occupation of Ukraine’, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/us-russia-deal-west-bank-occupation-ukraine-wfvnt6v6f
[2] Trump to present minerals deal to Putin in Alaska, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/08/13/trump-to-present-minerals-deal-to-putin-in-alaska/
[3] Trump alone in a room with Putin is a recipe for disaster – just look to their last meeting, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/13/trump-putin-meeting-alaska?CMP=share_btn_url
[4] Ukraine and European leaders urge Trump not to strike peace deal in Alaska without them, https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/13/world/ukraine-europe-call-trump-alaska-putin-latam-intl
[5] EU leaders concerned Trump will offer ‘too much in exchange for very little’ in meeting with Putin, https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/2025/08/13/eu-leaders-concerned-trump-will-offer-too-much-in-exchange-for-very-little-in-meeting-with-putin/
[6] Trump: I’ll invite Zelensky to my next Putin meeting, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/trump-second-meeting-putin-alaska-wgbc2ch9p
[7] Zelensky warns Trump ‘Putin is bluffing’ ahead of Alaska summit, https://thehill.com/policy/international/5450272-zelensky-trump-putin-peace/

3. The Justice System: Investigations and Legal Confrontations

3.1 The Epstein Case and Maxwell Pardon Watch

The Jeffrey Epstein case is re-emerging as a political flashpoint, fueled by reports that President Trump is “openly mulling a pardon” for convicted child abuser Ghislaine Maxwell [1]. This speculation has mobilized a bipartisan push in Congress for transparency, with Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna planning to stand with abuse survivors to demand the release of all related files [2]. An Epstein survivor has publicly stated a pardon for Maxwell would be a “huge error” [3].

The pardon discussions coincide with intensifying congressional scrutiny of the Department of Justice. House Judiciary Democrats are demanding information from the DOJ regarding Maxwell’s “sudden transfer” from prison, which reportedly occurred after an interview with a “top DOJ official” [4]. These developments are amplified by a new “bombshell” report alleging that in 2019, Epstein referred to Donald Trump as his “closest friend for 10 years,” casting what one headline calls “more doubt on Trump’s Epstein claims” [5].

References [1] Congress must hear from Jeffrey Epstein’s victims about Ghislaine Maxwell’s role | Opinion — Trump is openly mulling a pardon for a known liar who could benefit from spinning a favorable tale about him, while two Congress members are using their posts to give the women she victimized a voice., https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2025/08/13/epstein-files-maxwell-victims-sex-trafficking/85629766007/
[2] Massie, Khanna will stand with abuse survivors to demand release of Epstein files, https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2025/08/12/massie-joins-abuse-survivors-to-demand-release-of-epstein-files/85628276007/
[3] Epstein survivor: Maxwell pardon would be ‘huge error’, https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5450902-haley-robson-epstein-victim-maxwell-pardon/amp/
[4] Judiciary Democrats Demand Answers Following Trump DOJ’s Sudden Transfer of Convicted Child Abuser and Epstein Accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell After Interview with Top DOJ Official, https://democrats-judiciary.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/judiciary-democrats-demand-answers-following-trump-doj-s-sudden-transfer-of-convicted-child-abuser-and-epstein-accomplice-ghislaine-maxwell-after-interview-with-top-doj-official
[5] Bombshell New Report Casts More Doubt on Trump’s Epstein Claims | In 2019, Jeffrey Epstein referred to Donald Trump as his “closest friend for 10 years.”, https://newrepublic.com/post/199049/donald-trump-epstein-claims-friendship-report

3.2 High-Stakes Court Battles and DOJ Probes

The administration is escalating legal battles on multiple fronts, with several cases heading to or already before the Supreme Court. The Trump administration has formally asked the Supreme Court to “bless racial profiling by immigration agents,” while the high court is also set to hear a separate case that observers warn may “deal a final blow to the Voting Rights Act” [1, 2].

In other significant court actions, a federal appeals court has permitted Arkansas to enforce its ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors [3]. Conversely, a federal judge in Florida struck down parts of a state law that had been widely used to facilitate the banning of school library books [4]. Separately, the Department of Justice has reportedly launched investigations into the office of the New York Attorney General and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, a move one analysis suggests could be a “‘case of retribution’” [5].

References [1] Trump Asks Supreme Court To Bless Racial Profiling by Immigration Agents | The federal government has embraced unconstitutional tactics and now wants SCOTUS to do the same., https://reason.com/2025/08/12/trump-asks-supreme-court-to-bless-racial-profiling-by-immigration-agents/
[2] The Supreme Court May Be About To Deal A Final Blow To The Voting Rights Act, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/supreme-court-voting-rights-act_n_689b8384e4b09184403f1073?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main
[3] Appeals court: Arkansas can ban gender-affirming care for minors, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/08/13/court-rules-Arkansas-gender-affirming-care-minors/9711755066014/
[4] Federal judge strikes down parts of a Florida law used to ban school library books, https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/08/13/judge-strikes-down-parts-of-a-florida-law-used-to-ban-school-library-books/?share=0eio1onlnlrorobksnnp
[5] ‘A case of retribution’: DOJ launches investigation into office of New York AG, Sen. Schiff, https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/-a-case-of-retribution-doj-launches-investigation-into-office-of-new-york-ag-sen-schiff-244696133508

4. The Presidency: Administrative Actions and Conduct

Beyond the D.C. takeover, the administration is driving major policy and personnel changes that signal a more assertive White House influence over federal agencies. President Trump has signaled he will announce his choice for the next Chair of the Federal Reserve “a little bit early” [1]. This follows recent pressure on federal data agencies, including a meeting where Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick allegedly told federal statisticians that their independence is “’nonsense’” [2]. Reports also indicate the Trump FCC installed a “‘babysitter’ at CBS” to ensure favorable coverage [3]. The administration is also “looking at reclassifying marijuana” and has ordered a “comprehensive review” of eight Smithsonian museums to ensure they fit with the President’s “view of American history” [4, 5].

On matters of conduct, a new report alleges that the Trump family has generated “$3.4 billion” over his two presidencies, renewing questions about potential conflicts of interest [6]. And in a separate legal development, First Lady Melania Trump is demanding a “$1B Retraction From Hunter Biden Over Epstein Claims,” though the specifics of the claims were not detailed in the report headline [7].

References [1] Trump Signals He’ll Announce Fed Chair Pick ‘A Little Bit Early’, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-13/trump-signals-he-ll-announce-fed-chair-pick-a-little-bit-early
[2] After firing of BLS chief, Lutnick tells federal statisticians that independence is ‘nonsense’, https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/08/after-firing-bls-chief-lutnick-tells-federal-statisticians-independence-nonsense/407404/
[3] Trump FCC Installs Babysitter At CBS To Ensure The Network Kisses King Donald’s Ass, https://www.techdirt.com/2025/08/12/trump-fcc-installs-babysitter-at-cbs-to-ensure-the-network-kisses-king-donalds-ass/
[4] Trump says his administration looking at reclassifying marijuana, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-administration-reclassifying-marijuana/story?id=124552149&cid=referral_taboola_feed
[5] White House to conduct review of Smithsonian museum exhibitions to ensure they fit with Trump’s view of American history, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/white-house-conduct-review-smithsonian-museum-exhibitions-ensure/story?id=124592673
[6] The Trump family has raked in an astonishing $3.4 billion over his two presidencies, new report claims, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-family-profit-cryptocurrency-billions-b2806493.html
[7] Melania Trump Demands $1B Retraction From Hunter Biden Over Epstein Claims, https://www.newsweek.com/melania-trump-hunter-biden-epstein-retraction-demand-2113207

5. Economic and Fiscal Affairs

The nation’s fiscal health shows increasing signs of strain. The Treasury Department confirmed the national debt has surpassed a record $37 trillion, while reports indicate the U.S. budget deficit “soars over the summer,” with the July deficit up 20% year-over-year [1, 2]. This occurred despite what one report termed “record Trump tariff income” [3].

In a major policy development, President Trump announced a “90 day truce” in the trade conflict with China, delaying a new round of tariffs “at the last minute” [4]. As this truce begins, the administration is now claiming that Social Security and Medicare would be “at risk if tariffs blocked,” creating a new and politically charged justification for the broader trade policy [5]. This position faces immediate skepticism from financial experts, with Goldman Sachs publicly reiterating its analysis that American consumers, not foreign entities, will bear the brunt of the tariffs, a conclusion that reportedly drew a direct rebuke from the President [6].

References [1] The national debt has reached a record $37 trillion, the Treasury Department reports, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/national-debt-treasury-department-trump-b2806657.html
[2] U.S. budget deficit soars over the summer, discrediting Trump’s claims, https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/us-budget-deficit-soars-summer-discrediting-trumps-claims-rcna224750
[3] US July budget deficit up 20% year-over-year despite record Trump tariff income, https://apnews.com/article/us-budget-deficit-trump-tariffs-treasury-992949ccc115fddbf3838a6213cf2c94
[4] Trump delays China tariffs at the last minute and announces 90 day truce, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-tariffs-china-delay-trade-war-b2805942.html
[5] Trump admin claims Social Security, Medicare at risk if tariffs blocked, https://www.axios.com/2025/08/11/social-security-medicare-trump-tariffs
[6] Goldman stands by call that consumers will bear the brunt of tariffs after Trump blasts bank’s economist, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/13/goldman-stands-by-call-that-consumers-will-bear-the-brunt-of-tariffs-after-trump-blasts-banks-economist.html

6. State-Level Conflicts and Electoral Law

Conflicts between state and federal authorities are escalating, particularly over electoral administration. California Governor Gavin Newsom is proceeding with a contentious redistricting effort, vowing that “new, more beautiful Maps” will “take down Trump” in what one report called an “all-caps rant” after the President reportedly “missed” a key deadline [1]. This follows a prolonged standoff in Texas, where Democratic lawmakers who left the state to block a redistricting bill are returning after claiming victory in having “‘killed this corrupt special session’” [2]. Elsewhere, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker reportedly made “Nazi comparisons” after President Trump threatened a “DC-like takeover in Chicago” [3].

References [1] Newsom Trolls ‘Taco Trump’ With a Truth Social-Style All-Caps Rant After Missed Ultimatum Deadline | The California governor vowed to fight red-state gerrymandering with “New, more beautiful Maps.’”, https://www.thedailybeast.com/gavin-newsom-trolls-taco-trump-with-all-caps-rant-after-missed-redistricting-ultimatum-deadline/
[2] Dems Claim Victory In Texas Redistricting Clash: ‘Killed This Corrupt Special Session’, https://www.latintimes.com/dems-claim-victory-texas-redistricting-clash-killed-this-corrupt-special-session-588329
[3] Gov. JB Pritzker again makes Nazi comparisons after President Trump threatens DC-like takeover in Chicago, https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/11/gov-jb-pritzker-again-makes-nazi-comparisons-after-president-trump-threatens-dc-like-takeover-in-chicago/

7. Electoral Politics and Public Opinion

Recent polling indicates broad public discontent. The Democratic Party’s net favorability has reportedly fallen to a “record low” in one poll and a “near three-decade low” in another [1, 2]. However, President Trump also faces headwinds, with his honesty rating hitting a “new low” and his approval among Republican voters reportedly dropping due to “Epstein fallout and tariffs” [3, 4]. A separate survey found that 47% of Republicans would still vote for Trump even if he were implicated in Epstein’s crimes, signaling a resilient base [5].

Looking ahead, a CNN analyst predicted the GOP could be “doomed” in the midterms by “Trumpflation,” while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries suggests “affordability” will be a key Democratic message [6, 7]. In a notable local race, a new poll shows Zohran Mamdani with a 19-point lead over Andrew Cuomo in the NYC mayoral contest, with Mamdani launching attacks taunting his rival to “‘Release the Cuomo List’” of past clients [8, 9].

References [1] Poll: Democratic Party Favorability Falls to Record Low, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/08/12/poll-democratic-party-favorability-falls-to-record-low/
[2] Democrat Net Favorability Plunges to Near Three-Decade Low, Poll Shows, https://www.newsweek.com/democrat-net-favorability-plunges-near-three-decade-low-poll-shows-2110513
[3] Donald Trump’s Honesty Rating Hits New Low, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-honesty-rating-polls-new-low-2112892
[4] Trump’s approval ratings drop with GOP voters after Epstein fallout and tariffs, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-approval-rating-republicans-epstein-tariffs-b2806911.html
[5] Survey found 47% of Republicans would still vote for Trump even if implicated in Epstein’s crimes, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/republican-voters-trump-epstein/
[6] CNN Data Guru: GOp Doomed in Midterms Thanks to Trumpflation - Harry Enten says President Donald Trump’s approval rating on inflation is so far underwater he is rivaling The Little Mermaid., https://www.thedailybeast.com/cnn-data-guru-harry-enten-gop-doomed-in-midterms-thanks-to-trumpflation/
[7] In Illinois, Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries says affordability could be key message for the midterms, https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/12/hakeem-jeffries-midterm-democratic-strategy/
[8] Mamdani leading NYC mayor race by 19 points: Poll, https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5448263-zohran-mamdani-nyc-mayoral-race-survey/
[9] ‘Release the Cuomo List’: Zohran Mamdani Launches Scathing New Attack on Rival | “Who paid for Cuomo’s services? He refuses to say,” Mamdani said in a video taunting his rival., https://www.commondreams.org/news/zohran-mamdani-andrew-cuomo

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