[Sunday, September 21] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare September 21, 2025

Executive Summary

Today’s stories reveal a nation under intense political stress.

• Charlie Kirk Killing: The aftermath of the activist’s death dominates, as a massive memorial fuels radical proposals, security fears, and a federal probe.
• Executive Power: President Trump is publicly demanding Attorney General Bondi prosecute political rivals, drawing charges of abuse of power. Separately, his “border czar” faces bribery allegations.
• Free Speech Crisis: An FCC threat against ABC’s license over Jimmy Kimmel’s show sparked a bipartisan crisis, followed by a shooting at a network affiliate.
• Diplomatic Rupture: Key allies—the U.K., Canada, and Australia—broke with U.S. policy by formally recognizing a Palestinian state.
• Domestic Tensions: The administration canceled the national hunger report amid rising food insecurity and faces major protests over its immigration tactics.

1. The Charlie Kirk Killing: National Aftermath and Political Firestorm

The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk continues to send shockwaves across the country, with his memorial becoming a major political event while the fallout sparks radical rhetoric and security concerns.

1.1. Memorial Service and Tributes

An estimated 200,000 people attended Kirk’s memorial service, forcing the venue to capacity. The event saw President Trump and Elon Musk reunited months after a reported “bitter breakup” [1]. During the service, Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, announced that she forgives her husband’s killer [2]. In a widely reported tribute, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. compared Charlie Kirk to Jesus [3].

[1] Charlie Kirk funeral hits capacity as 200K people turn out — with President Trump and widow Erika expected to speak, https://nypost.com/2025/09/21/us-news/charlie-kirk-funeral-hits-capacity-as-200k-people-turn-out/
[2] Erika Kirk forgives killer at Charlie Kirk’s Arizona funeral, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/erika-kirk-charlie-funeral-memorial-service-latest-news-rt7f8xrrd
[3] RFK Jr. compares Charlie Kirk to Jesus, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/21/us/video/rfk-jr-jesus-christ-charlie-kirk-digvid-vrtc

1.2. Political Fallout and Legislative Reactions

The event has prompted bipartisan calls to reject political violence, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stating Americans “must ‘universally condemn’ political violence” [1]. Still, the response has not been monolithic; Representative Jasmine Crockett explained her vote against a resolution honoring Kirk [2]. The political fallout extends to state-level governance, with Oklahoma Republicans proposing statues of Kirk at state colleges and state official Ryan Walters launching an investigation into schools for allegedly not honoring his death [3]. The White House is reportedly scrambling to save Kirk’s influential “young voter machine” [4].

[1] Gov. Josh Shapiro says Americans must ‘universally condemn’ political violence, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/josh-shapiro-political-violence-charlie-kirk-democratic-party-rcna232431
[2] Jasmine Crockett Explains Vote Against Charlie Kirk Resolution, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jasmine-crockett-voted-against-charlie-kirk-resolution_n_68d0110ce4b066d79ee431f5?origin=home-politics-feed-unit
[3] Ryan Walters investigating OK school districts for allegedly not honoring Charlie Kirk’s death, https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2025/09/19/ryan-walters-investigating-schools-for-allegedly-not-honoring-charlie-kirks-death/86240080007/
[4] Trump White House scrambles to save Kirk’s young voter machine after his death, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-white-house-scrambles-save-kirks-young-voter-machine-after-his-death-2025-09-21/

1.3. Radical Rhetoric, Security Fears, and Investigation

The incident has fueled a tense national atmosphere. At Kirk’s memorial, an armed man posing as a law enforcement officer was arrested [1]. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the agency is analyzing the “hand gestures” of a man who was standing near Kirk during the incident [2]. The killing has also seen some Republican lawmakers propose extreme measures targeting transgender individuals, with Representative Nancy Mace reportedly among those who “Say Trans People Should Be Institutionalized” [3]. In response to the broader situation, President Trump has renewed his declaration to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization [4]. Some commentators are voicing grave fears that the event could become a pretext for wider political repression, likening it to a “Reichstag fire” moment [5].

[1] Armed man posing as law enforcement arrested at Arizona stadium where Charlie Kirk’s funeral will be held, https://nypost.com/2025/09/20/us-news/armed-man-posing-as-law-enforcement-arrested-at-arizona-stadium-where-charlie-kirks-funeral-will-be-held/?utm_source=reddit.com
[2] Kash Patel reveals FBI looking at ‘hand gestures’ of man standing near Charlie Kirk, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/kash-patel-fbi-hand-gestures-kirk-b2830906.html
[3] GOP Lawmakers, Including Nancy Mace, Say Trans People Should Be Institutionalized Following Charlie Kirk Death. One Texas lawmaker called for trans people to be taken off the internet., https://www.them.us/story/nancy-mace-trans-people-institutionalized-internet-charlie-kirk
[4] Can Trump Actually Designate Antifa a Terrorist Group? Here Are the Facts. | The president made the same declaration in 2020, but nothing came of it. His new declaration came amid broader threats against liberals after the Charlie Kirk killing., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/us/politics/trump-antifa-terrorist-group.html
[5] We must not let the shooting of Charlie Kirk become Trump’s Reichstag fire | Take heed from European history: this could be the pretext for the repression of the US president’s political opponents, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/17/shooting-charlie-kirk-donald-trump-reichstag-fire-european-history-us-president

2. Executive Branch: Use of Power, Investigations, and Governance

The Trump administration’s use of executive authority is under intense scrutiny, with a public push to weaponize the Justice Department and explosive allegations of corruption against a senior official.

2.1. Presidential Pressure on Department of Justice

President Trump is openly ramping up a “retribution campaign,” publicly demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi “move ’now’” to prosecute his political foes, including Senator Adam Schiff, stating, “‘We can’t delay any longer’” [1, 2]. This has drawn sharp condemnation, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warning that the pressure represents a “path to a dictatorship” [3]. The push coincides with Trump appointing one of his former lawyers as a top prosecutor while firing another federal prosecutor, an act characterized as crossing “the reddest of lines” [4].

[1] Trump Demands That Bondi Move ‘Now’ to Prosecute Foes, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/20/us/politics/trump-justice-department-us-attorneys.html
[2] Trump ramps up retribution campaign with push for Bondi to pursue cases against his foes, https://apnews.com/article/trump-retribution-bondi-investigations-97207519e02dea460d6c68cc8b585c33
[3] Trump’s pressure on Bondi represents “path to a dictatorship”: Schumer, https://www.axios.com/2025/09/21/trump-bondi-schumer-murphy
[4] Trump picks his former lawyer to be top prosecutor, as he pushes Bondi to investigate foes | US news, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/21/trump-picks-his-former-lawyer-to-be-top-prosecutor-as-he-pushes-bondi-to-investigate-foes

2.2. Allegations of Misconduct: The Tom Homan Case

Serious allegations have surfaced against Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan. According to reports, the Justice Department closed an investigation into Homan for allegedly accepting a bag of cash [1]. Subsequent reports from sources claim Homan accepted $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents as part of a “bribery sting operation” and that the White House later intervened to shut down the probe [2, 3]. The revelations have prompted lawmakers to demand the release of any related evidence, with one quoted as asking, “has anyone ever been handed $50,000 cash in a paper bag for something legit?” [4].

[1] Trump Justice Dept. Closed Investigation Into Tom Homan for Accepting Bag of Cash, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/20/us/politics/tom-homan-fbi-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.nU8.RziM.7_oXJ-DqSXDG&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
[2] Trump aide Homan accepted $50,000 in bribery sting operation, sources say, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-aide-homan-accepted-50000-bribery-sting-operation-sources-say-2025-09-21/
[3] White House shut down alleged bribery probe into border czar Tom Homan: report, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tom-homan-border-czar-bribery-investigation-b2830605.html
[4] ‘Release the Tapes’: Lawmakers Demand Answers Over Alleged $50,000 Bribe of Trump Border Czar Tom Homan - “Seriously though, has anyone ever been handed $50,000 cash in a paper bag for something legit?”, https://www.commondreams.org/news/tom-homan-50000-cash

2.3. Control of Information and Governance

The Pentagon, under Secretary Pete Hegseth, has instituted significantly stricter rules for media, now “requiring approval before reporting even unclassified info” to stop leaks [1]. The move sparked bipartisan concern, with GOP lawmaker Bacon calling the new press rules “dumb” [2]. In other governance matters, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reportedly revoked 37 security clearances without first notifying the White House [3].

[1] Pentagon steps up media restrictions, now requiring approval before reporting even unclassified info, https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-press-media-restrictions-nondisclosure-8420d3a80de20a39605c588d9990c582
[2] GOP lawmaker Bacon criticizes ‘dumb’ new Hegseth Pentagon press rules, https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5514086-gop-rep-bacon-criticizes-pentagon-rules/
[3] Tulsi Gabbard did not alert White House before revoking 37 security clearances, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/20/tulsi-gabbard-white-house-security-clearances

3. Freedom of Speech, Media, and Technology Under Scrutiny

A major free speech crisis is unfolding around the suspension of TV host Jimmy Kimmel, while the administration pursues a deal for TikTok and concerns over media control grow.

3.1. The “Kimmel Affair” and Violent Escalation

A significant First Amendment controversy has erupted after the FCC chair made comments threatening ABC’s broadcast license over content on Jimmy Kimmel’s show, leading to reports Kimmel was “pulled off air” [1]. The threats prompted sharp bipartisan rebuke, with Senator Rand Paul calling them “absolutely inappropriate” and Senator Bernie Sanders backing a warning from Senator Ted Cruz on the matter [2, 3]. The situation has grown more volatile, with a Sacramento ABC affiliate being “hit with gunfire day after Jimmy Kimmel protest” [4]. President Trump also snapped at David Letterman online for labeling him an “authoritarian criminal” in relation to the affair [5].

[1] As Jimmy Kimmel is pulled off air, ‘this is so much worse than McCarthyism’, https://forward.com/opinion/769909/mccarthy-era-trump-charlie-kirk-jimmy-kimmel/
[2] Sen. Rand Paul says FCC chair’s comments threatening ABC over Jimmy Kimmel were ‘absolutely inappropriate’, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/rcna232703
[3] Bernie Sanders backs Ted Cruz in Jimmy Kimmel warning, https://www.newsweek.com/bernie-sanders-backs-ted-cruz-jimmy-kimmel-warning-2133068
[4] Sacramento ABC affiliate hit with gunfire day after Jimmy Kimmel protest, https://nypost.com/2025/09/19/us-news/sacramento-abc-affiliate-hit-with-gunfire-day-after-jimmy-kimmel-protest/
[5] Trump, 79, Snaps at David Letterman for Calling Him Out on Kimmel | The president did not like Letterman labeling him an “authoritarian criminal.”, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-snaps-at-david-letterman-for-calling-him-out-on-kimmel/

3.2. TikTok Negotiations and Media Ownership

High-stakes negotiations over TikTok are underway. The White House says any deal will ensure the platform’s algorithm and data are “controlled ‘by America’” [1]. President Trump has stated that business figures Lachlan Murdoch, Michael Dell, and Larry Ellison are involved in the proposed deal [2]. This occurs amidst broader commentary on a trend of “pro-Trump billionaires… taking over U.S. media” and concerns that figures like Kimmel “may just be the start” [3].

[1] White House says TikTok’s algorithm and data will be controlled ‘by America’ in new deal, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/white-house-tiktok-algorithm-data-deal-trump-china-rcna232627
[2] Lachlan Murdoch, Michael Dell, Ellison involved in TikTok deal, Trump says, https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-says-chinas-xi-approved-tiktok-deal-2025-09-19/
[3] Pro-Trump billionaires are taking over U.S. media. Kimmel and Colbert may just be the start., https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/kimmel-abc-trump-fcc-media-ownership-rcna232536

4. Foreign Policy and National Security

A major diplomatic fissure has opened with key allies over the recognition of a Palestinian state, while the administration exerts direct military and rhetorical pressure on other nations.

4.1. U.S. Diplomatic Isolation Over Palestinian State Recognition

The U.S. is facing a significant diplomatic rupture as key allies—the U.K., Canada, and Australia—formally recognize a Palestinian state, a move that breaks with U.S. policy and leaves the administration “isolated but defiant” at the UN [1, 2]. The move prompted a defiant response from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, reportedly with U.S. backing, while U.S. Republicans have specifically warned Australia it could face “punitive measures” [3].

[1] U.K, Canada and Australia formally recognize a Palestinian state, breaking with the U.S. | The announcements Sunday marked a significant shift in foreign policy, with several other European nations and U.S. allies set to follow suit in the coming days., https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/uk-canada-australia-formally-recognize-palestine-state-rcna232588
[2] Trump goes into UN gathering isolated but defiant on path ahead for Gaza, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/21/politics/trump-gaza-un-isolated
[3] US Republicans warn Australia of ‘punitive measures’ over recognition of Palestinian state | Israel-Gaza war, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/21/republicans-warn-australia-of-punitive-measures-over-recognition-of-palestinian-state

4.2. U.S. Military Posture and Foreign Threats

The U.S. military conducted a strike off the coast of Venezuela that reportedly disrupted impoverished fishing communities [1]. President Trump issued direct warnings, telling Venezuela to accept the return of its prisoners or face an “‘incalculable’ price” and telling Afghanistan “bad things” would happen if the Bagram air base is not returned, though reports indicate the Taliban has already rebuffed the effort [2, 3].

[1] US military strike off the coast of Venezuela disrupts life in impoverished fishing communities, https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-strike-caribbean-drug-trafficking-trump-1061debe2f983ef7bc9666d3f002b3a0
[2] Trump warns Venezuela to take back prisoners or face ‘incalculable’ price, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/trump-warns-venezuela-take-back-prisoners-or-face-incalculable-price-2025-09-20/
[3] Taliban leader rebuffs renewed Trump effort to reclaim Afghan air base, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/foreign-policy/3817266/taliban-trump-reclaim-afghanistan-bagram-air-base/

5. U.S. Domestic Policy and Social Tensions

Major shifts in the social safety net, contentious health policy announcements, and organized resistance to immigration enforcement are creating domestic friction.

5.1. Food Security, Health, and Social Safety Net

The Trump administration has canceled the government’s annual report on hunger following cuts to food stamps and amid reports of rising food insecurity [1]. Separately, the administration is reportedly preparing to link Tylenol use to autism risk, with President Trump planning an “important” announcement on “autism findings” Monday [2]. Meanwhile, reports indicate that state-level abortion bans are contributing to a doctor shortage [3].

[1] After cuts to food stamps, Trump administration ends government’s annual report on hunger in America, https://apnews.com/article/trump-ending-america-hunger-report-snap-cuts-750f90757f50ab2d8bc97dfca5a917dd
[2] Trump eyes ‘important’ announcement on autism findings Monday, https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/trump-eyes-monday-announcement-autism-findings-2025-09-21/
[3] State Abortion Bans Are Creating a Doctor Shortage, https://time.com/7317385/abortion-bans-doctors-residency-match/

5.2. Immigration Enforcement and Protests

Federal immigration enforcement is facing organized resistance. Following major protests in Chicago that prompted ICE to plan an evacuation of a local facility, the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board published a piece calling on the agency to “leave US citizens alone” [1, 2]. This comes as the DHS warns that “anti-ICE rhetoric” is driving a “1,000% increase” in attacks on its officers [3]. The administration’s new $100,000 visa fee has also reportedly set off “panic and confusion” [4].

[1] ICE Plans To Evacuate Chicago-Area Facility Following Immigration Protests, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ice-evacuates-broadview-facility-chicago_n_68d017bee4b05ba1eeaa2518
[2] Editorial: ICE must leave US citizens alone, https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/18/editorial-ice-kristi-noem-elgin-immigration-raids/
[3] DHS Warns Anti-ICE Rhetoric Driving ‘1,000% Increase’ in Attacks on Officers, https://www.latintimes.com/dhs-warns-anti-ice-rhetoric-driving-1000-increase-attacks-officers-589672
[4] Trump’s new $100,000 visa fee sets off panic and confusion, https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/trump-h1b-visa-fee-travel-tech-workers-india-china-immigration-rcna232695

6. U.S. Elections and Partisan Politics

Partisan tensions are running high as state elections unfold and fierce rhetoric defines the political landscape.

6.1. State Elections and Partisan Rhetoric

In Virginia, voting has begun in the governor’s race where Trump administration policies have taken “center-stage” [1]. In New York City’s mayoral race, incumbent Eric Adams labeled supporters of his rival, Zohran Mamdani, as “’nasty, radicalized and hate our country’” [2]. Separately, a man has been charged with making a terroristic threat against Mamdani. At the national level, the rhetoric against the administration is equally harsh, with Representative Jasmine Crockett accusing Trump of “following the ‘playbook out of Hitler’” [3].

[1] Voting kicks off in Virginia governor’s race — as Trump policies take center-stage, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/virginia-governor-gubernatorial-race-early-voting-spanberger-earle-sears-trump-youngkin-doge/
[2] Eric Adams says many Gen Z voters who back his NYC mayoral rival Mamdani are ‘nasty, radicalized and hate our country’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/eric-adams-new-york-election-mamdani-b2830456.html
[3] Jasmine Crockett Torches Trump for Following the ‘Playbook Out of Hitler’, https://www.thedailybeast.com/jasmine-crockett-torches-trump-for-following-the-playbook-out-of-hitler/

6.2. Electoral Landscape and Political Commentary

Structurally, redistricting efforts are reportedly providing a major advantage to the GOP, who are said to be “halfway” to creating “12 new GOP seats out of thin air” [1]. In a legal setback for the President, a judge rejected his “’tedious and burdensome’” defamation lawsuit against The New York Times [2]. Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, commentary reflects a challenging environment, with one strategist admitting of Trump, “‘Yes, he’s winning’” [3].

[1] 12 new GOP seats out of thin air? Republicans are halfway there, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/politics/redistricting-2026-midterm-election-gop-analysis
[2] Judge Rejects Trump’s ‘Tedious and Burdensome’ New York Times Defamation Lawsuit, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/judge-strikes-trump-new-york-times-defamation-lawsuit/
[3] The Democrat taking the fight to Trump admits, ‘Yes, he’s winning’, https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/the-democrat-taking-the-fight-to-trump-admits-yes-he-s-winning-20250919-p5mwfd.html

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