[Thursday, September 18] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare September 18, 2025

Executive Summary

• Free Speech Crisis: ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel under alleged FCC pressure; President Trump celebrates, threatening media licenses and declaring criticism “not allowed.”
• Executive Power: Administration detains 11 NY Democratic officials and asks SCOTUS to affirm power to fire a Fed governor.
• Senate ‘Nuclear Option’: GOP-led Senate uses a procedural move to mass-confirm 48 Trump nominees, including Kimberly Guilfoyle and Callista Gingrich.
• Afghanistan Policy: White House publicly confirms a goal to reacquire Bagram air base to counter “rival China.”
• DOJ vs. States: Justice Department sues states for private voter data, sparking bipartisan resistance over fears of a political database.
• Health Policy: HHS-backed panels move to delay the standard MMR vaccine for children to age four.

1. Fallout from Charlie Kirk Assassination & Free Speech Crisis

1.1. The Jimmy Kimmel Suspension and Media Crackdown

A major national crisis over free speech has erupted following ABC’s decision to indefinitely suspend “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after the host’s on-air comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk [1]. The move is at the center of allegations of direct government pressure, with reports claiming Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr threatened to obstruct a “multibillion dollar merger” involving ABC’s parent company unless the network removed Kimmel from the air [2]. After the suspension, the FCC chairman ominously remarked, “We’re not done” [3].

President Trump publicly celebrated the suspension as “Great News For America” and dramatically escalated the confrontation, declaring that saying “mean things” about him is “not allowed” and threatening to “ax” the broadcast licenses of networks he deems critical [4, 5]. The backlash has been swift, with former President Barack Obama accusing the Trump administration of “threatening” media companies and a dissenting FCC commissioner blasting what she called “cowardly corporate capitulation” by the network [6, 7].

[1] Jimmy Kimmel Live! suspended indefinitely after host’s Charlie Kirk comments, https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/sep/18/jimmy-kimmel-live-suspended-indefinitely-after-hosts-charlie-kirk-commentshttps://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/sep/18/jimmy-kimmel-live-suspended-indefinitely-after-hosts-charlie-kirk-comments
[2] The FCC’s Censorship of Jimmy Kimmel is Insanely Corrupt | FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to hold up a multibillion dollar merger unless the ABC late night host was taken off the air., https://newrepublic.com/post/200632/fcc-censorship-jimmy-kimmel-insanely-corrupt
[3] FCC chairman: ‘We’re not done’ seeing the consequences, https://www.nbcnews.com/video/shorts/fcc-chairman-we-re-not-done-seeing-the-consequences-247872069932
[4] Trump Celebrates ABC Pulling Jimmy Kimmel: ‘Great News For America’ and ‘Congratulations for Finally Having the Courage’, https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/trump-celebrates-jimmy-kimmel-pulled-abc-1236522617/
[5] Trump: Saying Mean Things About Me Is “Not Allowed” | The president told reporters that Jimmy Kimmel had it coming—and that other critics should also be silenced., https://newrepublic.com/post/200666/trump-saying-mean-things-not-allowed
[6] Barack Obama Slams Jimmy Kimmel Suspension: The Trump Administration Is ‘Threatening’ Media Companies to ‘Muzzle or Fire’ People ‘After Years of Complaining About Cancel Culture’, https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/barack-obama-trump-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-1236523291/
[7] ‘Cowardly Corporate Capitulation’: FCC Commish Blasts Trump, Disney in Kimmel Debacle, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/fcc-commisioner-gomez-trump-disney-kimmel-censorship-1235430685/

1.2. Broader Administration Response & Political Fallout

The Kimmel incident is part of what observers are calling a “sweeping speech crackdown” following Kirk’s death, with the White House reportedly preparing an executive order on political violence that is alarming liberal groups [1, 2]. Further action includes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s effort to punish service members for social media comments on the killing, which has already resulted in suspensions [3].

The political response has been intensely partisan. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused President Trump of exploiting the tragedy to launch a “political ‘witch hunt’” against his opponents [4]. Conversely, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson warned that the Trump administration is using the killing as a pretext to “trample First Amendment” rights [5]. The charged atmosphere prompted figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger to warn the nation is on a “cliff’s edge” [6].

[1] In Charlie Kirk’s Name: Trump Officials Signal Move to Limit Free Speech, https://www.ft.com/content/336c171c-f49e-41e5-81c1-9018a6949d2c
[2] White House readies executive order on political violence as liberal groups sound warning, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/white-house-readies-executive-order-political-violence-liberal-groups-sound-2025-09-17/
[3] Hegseth Seeks to Punish Service Members Over Charlie Kirk Comments, https://theintercept.com/2025/09/17/military-hegseth-charlie-kirk-social-media-speech/
[4] Schumer accuses Trump of exploiting Charlie Kirk’s death to launch political ‘witch hunt’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/schumer-accuses-trump-exploiting-charlie-kirks-death-launch-political-witch-hunt
[5] Tucker Carlson says Trump administration is using Charlie Kirk’s killing to trample First Amendment, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tucker-carlson-charlie-kirk-free-speech-b2829145.html
[6] Schwarzenegger Warns U.S. on ‘Cliff’ Edge After Kirk Death, https://www.thedailybeast.com/arnold-schwarzenegger-warns-of-upcoming-cliff-after-charlie-kirk-death/?via=mobile&source=Reddit

2. Executive Power and Domestic Governance

2.1. Actions Against Political Opponents and Federal Institutions

The administration is escalating actions against political adversaries and challenging the independence of federal bodies. In a major development, the Department of Homeland Security arrested and detained 11 elected Democratic officials in New York, including city Comptroller Brad Lander and 10 state lawmakers, as they attempted to access federal ICE detention facilities [1]. The move comes as hundreds of liberal organizations are reportedly banding together to form a united front against what they see as administration threats of RICO cases and other investigations [2].

In an unprecedented challenge to the nation’s central bank, President Trump has asked the Supreme Court for an emergency order to affirm his authority to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook [3]. This action aligns with accusations from within the FCC that the administration is “weaponizing” the agency’s authority for political ends [4].

[1] Homeland Security Arrests 11 NY Elected Officials Inside 26 Federal Plaza | The group included 10 state lawmakers, all Democrats, along with city Comptroller Brad Lander., https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/09/18/dhs-arrests-brad-lander-democratic-lawmakers-26-federal-plaza/
[2] Hundreds of liberal groups band together against Trump’s threats of RICO cases and investigations, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/politics/liberal-groups-trump-threats-letter?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=missions&utm_source=reddit
[3] Trump asks Supreme Court to let him fire Lisa Cook from Federal Reserve | CNN Politics, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/politics/trump-supreme-court-fire-lisa-cook-fed
[4] FCC commissioner criticizes administration for “weaponizing” agency’s authority, https://www.axios.com/2025/09/18/fcc-jimmy-kimmel-carr-gomez

2.2. Health Policy Restructured Under HHS Secretary Kennedy

Under the leadership of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. public health policy is undergoing a dramatic overhaul. A CDC panel officially voted to recommend delaying the standard Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine until age four, after a Kennedy-backed advisory panel also advised against the combined MMRV vaccine for young children [1, 2]. This follows testimony from a former CDC director who alleged that “anti-vaccine delusions—not science—steer CDC now” and that scientific integrity at the agency is being “quashed” [3]. Secretary Kennedy is also launching an “assault on ultra-processed foods,” and his influence is reportedly causing some officials to waver on water fluoridation [4, 5]. Meanwhile, the CDC has ended its remote work accommodation for employees with disabilities [6].

[1] CDC panel votes to push back MMR vaccine recommendation to 4 years old, https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5511387-mmrv-vaccine-delay-acip/
[2] RFK Jr.-Backed Vaccine Panel Advises Against MMRV Vaccine for Young Children, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/18/rfk-jr-s-vaccine-advisory-panel-makes-controversial-changes-to-two-childhood-shots-00572187?s=01
[3] RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine delusions—not science—steer CDC now, ex-director testifies, https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/09/rfk-jrs-anti-vaccine-delusions-not-science-steer-cdc-now-ex-director-testifies/
[4] RFK Jr.’s Assault on Ultra-Processed Foods Puts Companies on Edge, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-18/rfk-jr-s-fight-against-ultra-processed-threatens-top-yogurt-brands?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc1ODIyNTM3NiwiZXhwIjoxNzU4ODMwMTc2LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUMlMzU1RHUFdDTFowMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiI1OTFDMkExNEFGMDQ0RUZCODlCNEEwNUM5QkUwQjczRSJ9.b3ZF44HvmARX9BhGj1aKTrW1bLqrotmEmMfSaOoe914
[5] Amid Rise of RFK Jr., Officials Waver on Drinking Water Fluoridation — Even in the State Where It Started, https://www.propublica.org/article/fluoride-drinking-water-rfk-jr-michigan-cdc-hhs
[6] CDC workers with disabilities can no longer work remotely, documents show, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/18/cdc-employees-disabilities-remote-work/86201779007/

3. Congressional Affairs and Partisan Confrontation

3.1. Senate GOP Deploys “Nuclear Option” for Mass Nominee Confirmations

In a major procedural shift, Senate Republicans successfully used the “nuclear option” to alter chamber rules and expedite the confirmation process for administration nominees [1]. The move immediately resulted in the mass confirmation of 48 Trump nominees in a single vote. The group includes high-profile figures such as Kimberly Guilfoyle and Callista Gingrich, who were appointed to various administration and board posts [2].

[1] Senate confirms 48 Trump nominees in single vote, after Republicans went ‘nuclear’ to speed up confirmations, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/politics/senate-trump-nominees-nuclear?cid=ios_app
[2] Senate confirms 48 Trump nominees at once, including Kimberly Guilfoyle and Callista Gingrich, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-confirms-48-trump-nominees-kimberly-guilfoyle-callista-gingrich-rcna231946

3.2. Democrats Mount Responses as Shutdown Looms

Democrats are pushing back on multiple fronts as Washington heads toward a potential shutdown. In the Senate, they have introduced a “No Political Enemies Act” aimed at protecting free speech [1]. In the House, Rep. Ro Khanna is moving to subpoena FCC Chairman Carr for his “effort to ‘shred the First Amendment’” [2]. As shutdown maneuvering intensifies, Democrats reportedly see it as a necessary tactic to “send a ‘message’ to Trump,” while Senate Republicans are preparing a strategy to blame any disruption on Minority Leader Chuck Schumer [3, 4].

[1] Senate Democrats on Trump Administration Attacks on Liberal Organizations | Senate Democrats hold a news conference to discuss their “No Political Enemies Act” amid the Trump administration’s attacks on liberal organizations and ABC’s removal of Jimmy Kimmel from its night-time lineup., https://www.c-span.org/program/news-conference/senate-democrats-on-trump-administration-attacks-on-liberal-organizations/665892
[2] Khanna Moves to Subpoena FCC Chair Carr Over Effort to ‘Shred the First Amendment’ | “We will not be intimidated and we will defend the First Amendment,” said Rep. Robert Garcia., https://www.commondreams.org/news/democrats-trump-fcc-investigation
[3] Democrats say shutdown necessary to send ‘message’ to Trump, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5508947-looming-government-shutdown-threat/
[4] Senate GOP strategy emerges in shutdown fight: ‘Let Schumer be Schumer’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5509032-senate-gop-shutdown-fight-schumer/

4. Foreign Policy and International Relations

4.1. Afghanistan Strategy Solidifies Around Bagram Air Base

The Trump administration is actively pursuing the re-establishment of a U.S. military presence at Bagram air base in Afghanistan. After what sources describe as months of a “quiet” push to retake the base from the Taliban, President Trump has now publicly confirmed the objective, stating explicitly, “We want that base back,” and citing its strategic proximity and value in relation to “rival China” [1, 2].

[1] Trump admin has been quietly pushing to retake Afghan base from the Taliban for months, sources say, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/politics/trump-bagram-base-taliban-afghanistan
[2] Trump suggests US troops could return to base in Afghanistan, citing its proximity to rival China, https://apnews.com/article/trump-afghanistan-bagram-air-base-taliban-china-ed379b4505d074ded5361483832a18d0

4.2. U.S. Middle East Policy Under Scrutiny Over Gaza

U.S. policy on the Israeli-Gaza conflict is facing intense new scrutiny. A bombshell report claims that Israeli far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich is in discussions with the U.S. about a “business plan” to divide Gaza’s land for a “real estate bonanza” [1]. This development coincides with Senator Bernie Sanders becoming the first U.S. senator to publicly label the war in Gaza a “genocide,” stating that Israel is “openly pursuing a policy of ethnic cleansing” [2].

[1] ‘Real estate bonanza’: Smotrich says Israel in talks with U.S. on dividing Gaza’s land | According to the far-right minister, Israel has taken care of the ‘demolition phase’ for rebuilding Gaza, and negotiations are now underway with the U.S. regarding a business plan for Gaza, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-09-17/ty-article/.premium/real-estate-bonanza-smotrich-says-israel-in-talks-with-u-s-on-dividing-gazas-land/00000199-588b-d907-a5db-7def13e40000
[2] ‘It Is Genocide’: Sanders Says Israel Is ‘Openly Pursuing a Policy of Ethnic Cleansing’ in Gaza, https://www.commondreams.org/news/bernie-sanders-israel-genocide

4.3. Strained Alliances and Intelligence Tensions

Tensions are evident in key U.S. alliances and within its own intelligence apparatus. During President Trump’s U.K. visit, reports described Prime Minister Keir Starmer as “practically begs Trump to be tougher on Putin” [1]. Meanwhile, the U.S. ambassador to Canada has expressed “disappointment” over “anti-American sentiment” in the country [2]. On Capitol Hill, a major confrontation is brewing as Senator Mark Warner plans to publicly “call out” Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard for allegedly “going to war” with the intelligence community she leads [3].

[1] U.K. Prime Minister Practically Begs Trump to Be Tougher on Putin, https://newrepublic.com/post/200635/donald-trump-uk-prime-minister-begs-tougher-putin
[2] U.S. ambassador ‘disappointed’ with anti-American sentiment in Canada, https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/us-ambassador-to-canada-disappointed-anti-american-campaign-1.7637534
[3] Sen. Mark Warner to call out Tulsi Gabbard in floor speech for ‘going to war’ with intelligence community, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/politics/mark-warner-tulsi-gabbard-intelligence-community?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=missions&utm_source=reddit

5. Justice, Elections, and Domestic Security

5.1. DOJ and States Clash Over Demands for Voter Data

A significant federal-state conflict over electoral integrity is escalating, as the Trump Justice Department sues Maine and Oregon to force the release of private voter registration information [1]. State officials allege the administration is using “immense federal power” to seize the data to “undermine” elections [2]. Resistance is notably bipartisan, with some Republican-led states also pushing back against the DOJ’s demand. Critics fear the data could be used to create a national database to target political opponents or to “hype rare cases of noncitizen voting” [3].

[1] The Justice Department sues Maine and Oregon, ratcheting up demands for voter data, https://www.npr.org/2025/09/17/nx-s1-5544354/voter-data-lawsuit-oregon-maine
[2] Trump using ‘immense federal power’ to try and seize voter registration info to ‘undermine’ elections, states say, https://lawandcrime.com/lawsuit/trump-using-immense-federal-power-to-try-and-seize-voter-registration-info-to-undermine-elections-states-say/
[3] Some Republican states resist DOJ demand for private voter data | Critics fear Trump would use the data to target opponents or hype rare cases of noncitizen voting., https://stateline.org/2025/09/18/some-republican-states-resist-doj-demand-for-private-voter-data/

5.2. Immigration Enforcement and Judicial Pushback

Immigration enforcement is escalating significantly. The Virginia National Guard has been mobilized to support ICE operations, and the DHS Secretary shared footage of an ICE raid in which a U.S. citizen man claimed he was wrongfully detained [1, 2]. Simultaneously, a federal judge has blocked the administration’s policy of expelling Guatemalan minors, with the Trump-appointed judge stating the administration’s legal argument “crumbed like a house of cards” [3].

[1] Virginia National Guard mobilizes to support ICE, https://www.military.com/daily-news/headlines/2025/09/17/virginia-national-guard-mobilizes-support-ice.html
[2] Kristi Noem Proudly Shares Footage Of ICE Raid That Reportedly Ensnared U.S. Citizens | “I’m just blessed that I’m still alive,” said one man, a U.S. citizen who said he was handcuffed and thrown into a Customs and Border Protection vehicle., https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kristi-noem-ice-raid-video-citizens_n_68caf571e4b09bac8c7ed60b
[3] Trump-Appointed judge says admin argument “crumbed like a house of cards”, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-administration-guatemala-migrant-children-deportation-hhs-2131969?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_main

5.3. Domestic Security and Threats

President Trump has formally designated the Antifa movement a “major terrorist organization” as part of a broader plan targeting left-wing groups, though few practical details have been provided [1]. In Congress, a House oversight committee has called the CEOs of Steam, Discord, Twitch, and Reddit to testify in relation to the Kirk assassination [2]. Citing the post-assassination environment, death threats against FEMA have reportedly caused “Chaos” within the agency [3], and a Texas man was arrested for allegedly making terroristic threats against NYC Mayor Candidate Mamdani [4].

[1] Trump designates anti-fascist Antifa movement as a terrorist organization, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-designates-anti-fascist-antifa-movement-terrorist-organization-2025-09-18/
[2] CEOs of Steam, Discord, Twitch and Reddit have been called to testify in congress over Charlie Kirk, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-panel-asks-online-forum-ceos-testify-after-charlie-kirk-assassination-2025-09-17/
[3] Chaos Inside FEMA as Death Threats Distract From Hurricane Response, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-18/chaos-inside-fema-as-conspiracies-and-death-threats-distract-from-hurricanes
[4] Death Threats Against NYC Mayor Candidate Mamdani Lead to Arrest, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-18/death-threats-against-nyc-mayor-candidate-mamdani-lead-to-arrest?taid=68cc1f911ae98f00016067d1

6. Economic Affairs and Public Sentiment

Anxiety over the U.S. economy is growing, as a recent analysis concludes that President Trump’s tariffs on aluminum are actively killing U.S. factory jobs [1], and American farmers warn that “this year feels especially dire” [2]. These specific concerns are reflected in broader analyses, with some economists warning the U.S. economy may be “on the brink” of a downturn [3]. Recent polling indicates President Trump’s public support is eroding, with his approval rating falling to a record low for his second term [4]. This coincides with reports that some Latino voters who backed him in 2024 are now “turning on Trump” and expressing regret [5].

[1] Trump’s Tariffs on Aluminum Kill U.S. Factory Jobs, https://www.wsj.com/opinion/trumps-tariffs-on-aluminum-kill-u-s-factory-jobs-e768ab0b?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAjQOf-eHNlE9iz-TPd6IDXwXkvahbaDydMpokxmqXgJ_KGB1o_JGHTa4tApG44%3D&gaa_ts=68cb5249&gaa_sig=ncWJ1Kl9plGaFE38sZWeV3tFVC7TboP8T4Vhf7lr8EM7CX6gsgYkEq1HR1e-nZSGTeBrUQ7RODKhdaPscsVOcw%3D%3D
[2] American farmers warn this year feels especially dire. What happens next?, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/09/15/farmers-corn-soybean-economic-pressures-profits/86091737007/
[3] US economy is on the brink. Here’s why, https://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/the-business/2025-09-18/us-economy-is-on-the-brink.-heres-why/105787500
[4] Trump approval drops to record low of second term: Poll, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5509022-lowest-approval-trump-second-term/
[5] Latino Voters Say They’re Turning on Trump and Regret Voting for Him, https://www.thedailybeast.com/latino-voters-say-theyre-turning-on-trump-and-regret-voting-for-him/

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