[Monday, September 22] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-09-22 2487 words 12 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare September 22, 2025

Executive Summary

The aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination dominates headlines, featuring a massive 90,000-person memorial, presidential tributes, and major media controversies involving the suspension and return of Jimmy Kimmel.
President Trump takes significant executive action, formally designating Antifa a domestic terrorist organization and moving to give the U.S. majority ownership of TikTok.
A Supreme Court ruling affirms the President’s power to dismiss an FTC commissioner, signaling a major shift in regulatory authority.
Internationally, recognition of a Palestinian state by the UK and France draws sharp criticism, with Hamas declaring “victory.”
Congressional oversight on tech intensifies as the House summons CEOs to testify on online radicalization.

1. The Assassination of Charlie Kirk: Aftermath and National Response

1.1 Investigation and Legal Developments

The Department of Justice is advancing its investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which occurred during an event at KXTV/ABC 10. The department has officially announced that federal charges have been filed against a suspect [1]. While the headline from the DOJ is direct, it does not release further details about the charges or the individual in custody. Separately, a user-generated post in a conservative forum expressed a personal sentiment directed at an individual named “Tyler Robinson” in relation to Charlie Kirk’s memorial, though the headlines do not establish this individual’s formal connection to the case [2].

Citations: [1] Federal Charges Filed Against Suspect in KXTV/ABC 10 Shooting, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/federal-charges-filed-against-suspect-kxtvabc-10-shooting

[2] I hope Tyler Robinson had to watch Charlie Kirk’s memorial., /r/Conservative/comments/1nnvskg/i_hope_tyler_robinson_had_to_watch_charlie_kirks/

1.2 Tributes, Memorials, and Legacy

The national response to the death of Charlie Kirk has been monumental in scale. A memorial service for the conservative activist drew a reported 90,000 attendees, making it one of the largest for a private citizen, with a separate claim of 100 million online streams for the event [1, 2]. President Donald Trump delivered highly publicized tributes, memorializing Kirk as a “martyr for American freedom” and elevating him into the “pantheon of ‘America’s Greatest Patriots’” [3, 4]. In a moment that drew significant media attention, Kirk’s widow publicly stated her forgiveness for the alleged assassin [5]. The collective impact of the memorial was framed by one media outlet not merely as a service, but as a direct “message to the mainstream media,” suggesting a broader cultural significance [6].

Citations: [1] Charlie Kirk honored by 90K in one of the largest memorials for a private citizen, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/charlie-kirk-honored-90k-one-largest-memorials-private-citizen

[2] Charlie Kirk’s Producer: Memorial Had ‘100 Million Overall Streams’, https://x.com/AndrewKolvet/status/1969928939289325705

[3] Trump honors Charlie Kirk’s legacy and describes him as a ‘martyr for American freedom’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-honors-charlie-kirks-legacy-describes-him-martyr-american-freedom

[4] Trump: Charlie Kirk Lives Forever in Pantheon of ‘America’s Greatest Patriots’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/21/trump-charlie-kirk-lives-forever-in-pantheon-of-americas-greatest-patriots/

[5] [Video] Charlie Kirk’s widow to alleged assassin: ‘I forgive you’, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6379895636112?spark_wn=1

[6] Charlie Kirk’s massive memorial was so much more than that – it was a message to the mainstream media, https://nypost.com/2025/09/21/opinion/charlie-kirks-massive-memorial-was-so-much-more-than-that-it-was-a-message-to-the-mainstream-media/

The aftermath of Kirk’s death is being positioned as a significant political and cultural event. The funeral reportedly served as the setting for a high-profile reconciliation between President Trump and Elon Musk, ending what was described as an “ugly feud” [1]. One publication suggests the events are fueling a broader “Religious Awakening” in the country [2]. The political divide was starkly illustrated by a Fox News report noting the absence of Democrats at the Arizona memorial, which followed a House vote where 58 Democratic members voted against a resolution to honor Kirk [3]. The events have also spurred social media activity, including a Christian prayer about forgiveness posted by Elon Musk [4]. At the same time, negative recriminations have surfaced, including reports of “disgusting” attacks targeting Erika Kirk and the creation of an online list to track video game developers who allegedly “mocked” Kirk’s murder [5, 6].

Citations: [1] Charlie Kirk inspired Trump and Elon Musk to reunite after ugly feud — here’s what they said at activist’s funeral, https://nypost.com/2025/09/22/us-news/charlie-kirk-inspired-trump-and-elon-musk-to-reunite-after-ugly-feud-heres-what-they-said-at-activists-funeral/

[2] A Religious Awakening After Charlie Kirk, https://www.thefp.com/p/a-religious-awakening-after-charlie

[3] Democrats skip Charlie Kirk Arizona memorial after 58 vote against House resolution, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/democrats-skip-charlie-kirk-arizona-memorial-after-58-vote-against-house-resolution

[4] Elon Musk: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”, https://i.redd.it/fy52q5zgeoqf1.jpeg

[5] The Attacks on Erika Kirk Are Disgusting, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2025/09/22/the-attacks-on-erika-kirk-are-disgusting-n3807060

[6] Steam Curator List ‘CharlieTweetsDetected’ Highlights Game Devs Who Mocked Charlie Kirk Murder, https://thatparkplace.com/charlie-kirk-steam-list/?fsp_sid=1740

1.4 Media Coverage and Celebrity Controversies

Media coverage surrounding the assassination has become a major flashpoint. The Associated Press reports that ABC has concluded its suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, with his show set to return on Tuesday [1]. The suspension reportedly stemmed from Kimmel’s amplification of a “conspiracy theory” which falsely claimed Kirk’s killer was ‘MAGA’ [2]. This controversy over motive is a recurring theme, with other headlines accusing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of “lies” and MSNBC’s Al Sharpton of “FAKE NEWS” for suggesting the motive remains unknown [3, 4]. The Kimmel suspension has potential business implications, with one report suggesting parent company Disney may be forced to weigh it against a major ESPN deal with the NFL [5]. The move provoked sharp reactions from other public figures, with actor Mark Ruffalo reportedly comparing the USA to the Taliban and the co-hosts of ‘The View’ breaking their silence [6, 7]. Separately, commentator Tucker Carlson generated his own controversy with remarks at Kirk’s memorial, reportedly comparing the murder to that of Jesus by “guys ’eating hummus’ in Jerusalem” [8].

Citations: [1] ABC ends Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and his show will return Tuesday, https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspension-supporters-94b79634a19b2c4ce70a2b4195ef1175

[2] How a conspiracy theory about Charlie Kirk’s killer being ‘MAGA’ spread online to Kimmel and beyond, https://justthenews.com/accountability/media/how-conspiracy-about-charlie-kirk-shooter-being-rightwing-spread-online-kimmel

[3] AOC’s lies about Charlie Kirk reveal the truth behind left-wing bile, https://nypost.com/2025/09/21/opinion/aocs-lies-about-charlie-kirk-reveal-the-truth-behind-left-wing-bile/

[4] FAKE NEWS: MSNBC’s Al Sharpton Insists Motive to Charlie Kirk Killing Still Unknown, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/jorge-bonilla/2025/09/21/fake-news-msnbcs-al-sharpton-insists-motive-charlie-kirk-killing

[5] Disney could be forced to choose between Jimmy Kimmel and the NFL as massive ESPN deal looms: report, https://nypost.com/2025/09/22/business/disney-in-crisis-over-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-as-nfl-deal-looms/

[6] Mark Ruffalo compares USA to Taliban after Kimmel suspension, https://www.foxnews.com/media/marvel-actor-mark-ruffalo-rants-us-soon-like-living-under-taliban

[7] ‘The View’ co-hosts finally break silence on Jimmy Kimmel suspension: ‘No one silences us’, https://nypost.com/2025/09/22/media/the-view-co-hosts-break-silence-on-jimmy-kimmel-suspension/

[8] Tucker Carlson at Charlie Kirk memorial: Like Jesus, murdered by guys ’eating hummus’ in Jerusalem, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-868381

2. Trump Administration: Policy and Executive Actions

2.1 Designation of Antifa as a Terrorist Organization

The Trump administration has taken decisive executive action, formally designating Antifa as a “Domestic Terrorist Organization” [1]. The move was confirmed through an official release from the White House and simultaneously announced as breaking news on social media, indicating a coordinated public rollout of the new policy [2].

Citations: [1] Designating Antifa as a Domestic Terrorist Organization, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/designating-antifa-as-a-domestic-terrorist-organization/

[2] BREAKING: Trump signs executive order designating Antifa as a Domestic Terrorist Organization, https://x.com/spectatorindex/status/1970254918708797510?t=j-Fj9348d5jdFntqmWDcRA&s=19

2.2 Economic, Trade, and Regulatory Policy

A landmark Supreme Court ruling has significantly empowered the executive branch, affirming that President Trump has the authority to fire a Biden-appointed commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) [1]. This decision signals a major victory in the administration’s stated goal of reshaping the federal regulatory landscape. In a separate major economic development, the President is reportedly preparing to sign a deal concerning the social media platform TikTok. The reported terms would grant the United States majority ownership and, critically, control over the platform’s American user data, recasting the future of a major media entity [2].

Citations: [1] SCOTUS allows Trump to fire Biden-appointed FTC commissioner, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/scotus-allows-trump-fire-biden-appointed-ftc-commissioner

[2] Trump to sign TikTok deal giving US majority ownership, keep control of user data, https://nypost.com/2025/09/22/us-news/trump-to-sign-tiktok-deal-giving-us-majority-ownership-keep-control-of-user-data/

The White House is signaling a significant new focus on the issue of autism. The New York Post reports that President Trump is “set to announce” a potential link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism [1]. This disclosure is scheduled to precede a “Major Press Conference” on Monday, where the President will address the topic of autism directly [2].

Citations: [1] Trump set to announce using Tylenol while pregnant could raise autism risk, https://nypost.com/2025/09/22/us-news/trump-admin-set-to-announce-using-tylenol-while-pregnant-could-raise-autism-risk/

[2] Trump to Host Major Press Conference Monday on Autism, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/21/trump-to-host-major-press-conference-monday-on-autism/

2.4 Immigration Policy Statements

Current political discourse includes a re-examination of past immigration policies and their enforcement. One headline references a congressional document titled with the “consequences of catch and release that happened when Biden was president,” bringing a prior administration’s policies back into focus [1]. Another article contends that an existing law from 1996, designed to prevent migrants from receiving welfare benefits, has effectively been ignored for three decades, suggesting a gap between law and implementation [2].

Citations: [1] The consequences of catch and release that happened when Biden was president., https://www.congress.gov/event/118th-congress/house-event/LC72449/text

[2] A 1996 law prevented migrants from getting welfare — it’s been ignored for 30 years, https://nypost.com/2025/09/21/opinion/a-1996-law-prevented-migrants-from-getting-welfare-its-been-ignored-for-30-years/

3. Broader Debates on Political Ideology and Violence

3.1 Online Radicalization and Congressional Oversight

The U.S. House Oversight Committee is taking direct action to address concerns over online radicalization. In a significant move, the committee has formally summoned the Chief Executive Officers of Discord, Twitch, and Reddit to testify on the matter [1]. This summons signals a heightened level of congressional scrutiny into the role of major online platforms in relation to political extremism. The specific content or events that precipitated the hearing are not specified in the available headlines.

Citations: [1] US House Oversight Committee summons CEOs of Discord, Twitch, Reddit to testify on online radicalization | TechCrunch, https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/18/us-house-oversight-committee-summons-ceos-of-discord-twitch-reddit-to-testify-on-online-radicalization/

3.2 Analyses and Strategies Concerning Political Extremism

In conservative media, there is an active discussion analyzing political extremism and formulating countermeasures. One opinion piece poses the broad question of whether Western nations are “gestating civil unrest” [1]. More pointedly, other articles are offering specific strategic advice, with titles such as “How to Dismantle Far-Left Extremist Networks” and “How To Take Down The Terrorist Left,” indicating a focus on developing actionable plans to counter left-wing groups [2, 3].

Citations: [1] Is the West Gestating Civil Unrest?, https://www.city-journal.org/article/david-betz-civil-unrest-west

[2] How to Dismantle Far-Left Extremist Networks, https://americanmind.org/memo/how-to-dismantle-far-left-extremist-networks/

[3] How To Take Down The Terrorist Left, https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/22/how-to-take-down-the-terrorist-left/

3.3 Scrutiny of Data and Narratives on Political Violence

A distinct counter-narrative is actively challenging established data on political violence. Articles are directly refuting studies that attribute most political violence to right-wing actors, with headlines labeling the underlying data as “fake” and the studies themselves as “transparently bogus” [1, 2]. Complementing this, one media watchdog site highlighted an NBC News segment on the “far-left’s acceptance of political violence” as a “shock,” suggesting a perception that such coverage from a mainstream source is unusual and noteworthy [3].

Citations: [1] The ‘Study’ You’re Citing About Right-Wing Violence Is Full Of Fake Data, https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/20/the-study-youre-citing-about-right-wing-violence-is-full-of-fake-data/

[2] Studies claiming most political violence is right-wing are transparently bogus, https://nypost.com/2025/09/21/opinion/studies-claiming-most-political-violence-is-right-wing-are-transparently-bogus/

[3] Shock: ‘NBC Nightly News’ Runs Story About Far-Left’s Acceptance of Political Violence, https://newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/curtis-houck/2025/09/22/shock-nbc-nightly-news-runs-story-about-far-lefts-acceptance

4. International Affairs and Geopolitics

4.1 Middle East Relations and Recognition of Palestine

Recent moves by European governments to formally recognize a Palestinian state have provoked strong international reactions. Hamas has reportedly declared “victory” following the United Kingdom’s recognition of Palestine [1]. In parallel, French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to do the same is being framed by some as a “major challenge to Trump” that is detrimental to peace [2]. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s policy has drawn sharp criticism, with one commentator asserting he has “emboldened the enemies of humanity” [3]. Elsewhere, internal conflict is reported at Amnesty International over a report concerning Hamas [4]. Finally, an x.com post teases a significant development with the words, “Israel has just announced …”, but provides no further details in the headline [5].

Citations: [1] Hamas declares ‘victory’ after UK recognition of Palestine, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/09/21/keir-starmer-announce-recognition-of-palestine-state/

[2] France: Wrong Again | Macron’s recognition of a Palestinian ‘state’ not only hurts chances for peace, but poses a major challenge to Trump., https://spectator.org/france-wrong-again/

[3] Keir Starmer has emboldened the enemies of humanity, https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/09/22/keir-starmer-has-emboldened-the-enemies-of-humanity/

[4] The Fight Inside Amnesty International over Its Hamas Report, https://www.thefp.com/p/the-fight-inside-amnesty-international

[5] Israel has just announced …, https://x.com/WallStreetMav/status/1969862670577811797

4.2 Global Terrorism and International Responses

The threat of global terrorism remains a key focus. One headline reports that ISIS has issued a new call for its followers to “Kill ‘Christians and Jews’ in Europe,” signaling a continued direct threat to the continent [1]. In a show of international policy alignment, the government of Hungary has announced it will follow the U.S. lead and designate Antifa as a terrorist organization, marking a transatlantic echo of the new American policy [2].

Citations: [1] ISIS Calls on Muslims to Kill ‘Christians and Jews’ in Europe, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/09/21/especially-in-france-isis-calls-on-muslims-to-kill-christians-and-jews-in-europe-by-any-means/

[2] Hungary to Follow Trump Admin in Designating Antifa as Terrorist Organization, https://www.hungarianconservative.com/articles/current/antifa-terrorist-organization-hungary-viktor-orban-donald-trump/

5. U.S. Politics and Society

5.1 Tensions in Federal-State Relations

A direct conflict between federal and state authority is emerging over public health policy. A social media post from an account identified in the headline as “Homeland Security” has issued a defiant public refusal to adhere to a policy from Gavin Newsom, stating: “We will NOT comply with Gavin Newsom’s unconstitutional mask ban” [1]. The specifics of the ban, its jurisdiction, and the precise federal entity behind the “Homeland Security” account are not detailed in the headline.

Citations: [1] Homeland Security - To be clear: We will NOT comply with Gavin Newsom’s unconstitutional mask ban., https://x.com/DHSgov/status/1970183948899696693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1970183948899696693%7Ctwgr%5Efb12d876b239169c8059a2d9fb9c5cee609790c8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_

5.2 Public Opinion and Electoral Commentary

Current commentary suggests a potential shift in voter sentiment. One report claims that Republican campaigns are observing early indications that the death of Charlie Kirk is “galvanizing the youth vote” for the party [1]. This narrative is supported by a separate post sharing polling data that asserts significant Republican advantages over Democrats on key issues: the economy (+7 points), immigration (+13 points), and crime (+22 points) [2].

Citations: [1] Republican Campaigns Are Already Seeing Signs That Charlie Kirk’s Death Is Galvanizing the Youth Vote, https://www.notus.org/2026-election/charlie-kirk-youth-voters-republicans

[2] “Who leads on the economy? Republicans by 7! Immigration? Republicans by 13! How about crime? A big issue for Donald Trump and the Republicans. Look at that: lead by 22 points!”, https://x.com/JasonJournoDC/status/1970144855318823058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1970144855318823058%7Ctwgr%5Edf85faa452333ce0ae83b8da3a78a07707796f02%7Ctwcon%5Es1_

5.3 Cultural and Societal Commentary

Several articles reflect broader concerns about the state of American society. A Wall Street Journal piece titled “Why Johnny Can’t Add Anymore” laments plummeting student math scores, attributing the decline to a combination of “low standards and ideological fights” in the education system [1]. The same publication looks to the future, featuring a piece where seven experts speculate on “What Will U.S. Capitalism Look Like in 50 Years?” [2]. On a more personal political note, President Trump commented on his 2024 rival, former Vice President Kamala Harris, stating he “‘Was Always Nice’ to Kamala, but She Did Poorly” [3].

Citations: [1] Why Johnny Can’t Add Anymore. Low standards and ideological fights don’t help students, as math scores plummet., https://www.wsj.com/opinion/u-s-math-education-crpe-report-naep-scores-648adf94

[2] What Will U.S. Capitalism Look Like in 50 Years? Seven Experts Weigh In, https://www.wsj.com/economy/america-capitalism-future-expert-predictions-d854ad8b

[3] Trump: ‘I Was Always Nice’ to Kamala, but She Did Poorly, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/donald-trump-kamala-harris-president/2025/09/21/id/1227248/