[Tuesday, September 23] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare September 23, 2025

Executive Summary

Today’s briefing covers a volatile 24 hours in domestic and foreign policy. President Trump executed a dramatic policy reversal on Ukraine, now backing a full territorial recovery and urging NATO to shoot down Russian jets. In a chaotic UN address, he called climate change a “con job” and berated allies. Domestically, a government shutdown looms as the President canceled budget talks with Democrats. A jury convicted Ryan Routh in the Trump assassination attempt, an event followed by the defendant’s attempted self-harm in court. A free speech crisis is also brewing over a broadcaster boycott of Jimmy Kimmel, publicly supported by an FCC Commissioner.

1. The Trump Administration: Governance & Policy

1.1. Combative UN Address Shakes Global Stage

President Trump delivered a blistering address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he questioned the institution’s purpose and told assembled world leaders their countries are “going to hell” [1]. Going off-script after a reported teleprompter failure, the President asserted that global policies on migration and climate change are “destroying the West” [2]. He labeled climate change the “greatest con job” and a “hoax,” prompting swift fact-checks and criticism that the performance was “embarrassing” [3]. During the speech, the President also berated nations for recognizing Palestine and renewed his case for being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a claim that polling suggests 76 percent of Americans disagree with [4, 5].

References: [1] Trump tells world leaders their countries are ‘going to hell’ in combative UN speech, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-address-un-he-distances-us-global-cooperation-2025-09-23/
[2] Trump Says Migration and Climate-Change Policies Are Destroying the West, https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-says-migration-and-climate-change-policies-are-destroying-western-nations-e7047e00?st=T3ZEjU
[3] “Greatest con job”: Trump pushes climate change denial in United Nations speech, https://www.axios.com/2025/09/23/trump-united-nations-climate-change-scam
[4] Trump berates countries for recognizing Palestine in UN speech, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-trump-un-general-assembly-palestinian-state/
[5] 76 percent of Americans say Trump does not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/09/23/trump-nobel-prize-poll-doesnt-deserve/

1.2. Administration Braces for Government Shutdown Crisis

Prospects for a government funding deal have collapsed, with President Trump now telegraphing a confrontational fiscal stance. The President abruptly canceled a critical budget meeting with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, stating he would not meet with the “Radical Left Democrats” [1]. The cancellation has sharply increased the odds of a shutdown, as Republican leaders require Democratic votes to pass any funding measure [2]. Subsequent reports indicate the President has privately decided to “own the shutdown,” assuming direct responsibility for a potential funding lapse [3]. The move has created deep uncertainty over how federal agencies would operate during a shutdown under the current administration [4].

References: [1] Trump cancels meeting with Schumer and Jeffries despite shutdown risk, https://apnews.com/article/trump-government-shutdown-schumer-jeffries-meeting-8b1726435066403bf6b9fe4e4fffc029
[2] Trump’s bitterness with Schumer increases odds of shutdown, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5516688-trump-schumer-negotiation-government-shutdown/
[3] Trump Decides to Own the Shutdown, https://prospect.org/blogs-and-newsletters/tap/2025-09-23-trump-decides-to-own-shutdown/
[4] How federal agencies will handle a government shutdown under Trump remains to be seen, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/23/politics/government-shutdown-federal-agencies-trump

1.3. Tylenol-Autism Controversy and Public Health Declarations

The administration’s public health pronouncements have ignited a fierce backlash. President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. have publicly linked Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy to autism, with the President advising pregnant women to avoid the medication [1]. Medical experts immediately condemned the claims as “irresponsible,” labeling the event a “‘Reckless’ Tylenol Tirade” peddling “junk science” [2, 3]. International allies rebuked the claims; the UK government advised its citizens to “‘Don’t Pay Attention’” to the President’s advice, and the EU formally dismissed the assertions [4, 5]. The controversy deepened with reports that a key scientist behind the claims was paid $150,000 to give evidence against the drug’s manufacturer [6].

References: [1] Trump tells pregnant women ‘don’t take Tylenol’, contradicting standard guidance, https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5516462-trump-acetaminophen-autism-warning/
[2] ‘Ignorance Dressed Up As Policy’: Medical Experts Go Off On Trump’s ‘Reckless’ Tylenol Tirade, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-tylenol-medical-experts_l_68d2acf1e4b03fb4d9341baa?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main
[3] Trump’s Tylenol Briefing Peddled Junk Science, https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-09-23/trump-s-tylenol-and-autism-briefing-peddled-junk-science
[4] UK Tells Patients ‘Don’t Pay Attention’ to Trump on Tylenol, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-23/uk-tells-patients-don-t-pay-attention-to-trump-on-tylenol
[5] EU dismisses Trump claim linking autism to paracetamol use in pregnancy, https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-dismiss-donald-trump-claim-autism-paracetamol-use-pregnancy/
[6] Scientist behind Trump’s Tylenol claims was paid to give evidence against drug maker, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/autism-scientist-tesitify-andrea-baccarelli-havard-aceraminophen-paracetamol-wvvzznhsf

2. Foreign Policy & National Security

2.1. Major U.S. Policy Shift on Russia-Ukraine War

President Trump has executed a “major shift” in U.S. policy regarding the war in Ukraine. In a significant declaration, the President stated for the first time that he believes Ukraine can and should “win back all of its territory” from Russia, including areas that have been “long held by Russia” [1, 2]. This move was accompanied by a more hawkish military posture, with President Trump calling on NATO to “shoot down” any Russian jets that violate the airspace of alliance members [3].

References: [1] In major shift, Trump says he now thinks Ukraine can win back all of its territory taken by Russia, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/major-shift-trump-says-ukraine-can-win-back-land-from-russia-rcna233287
[2] Trump Says Ukraine Can Take Back All Lost Territory, https://www.wsj.com/world/trump-says-ukraine-can-take-back-all-lost-territory-6d8e7be7?mod=e2tw
[3] Donald Trump Says NATO Should Shoot Down Russian Aircraft Entering Airspace, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-nato-airspace-shoot-down-russia-aircraft-10476796

2.2. Middle East Tensions and Strained Allied Relations

The administration’s actions are contributing to growing divisions with U.S. allies and a shifting approach to the Middle East. The U.S. imposed a highly specific ban on Iranian diplomats, barring them from purchasing items such as “$1.50 Costco hotdogs” and “Hermes handbags” [1]. Regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict, a group of House Democrats is now pushing for the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers to protect aid convoys [2]. Broader diplomatic strains are evident, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reportedly “snubbed” from the President’s meeting schedule in New York and a Canadian political figure describing U.S.-Canada relations as a “‘storm’” [3, 4].

References: [1] U.S. bans Iran diplomats from $1.50 Costco hotdogs, Hermes handbags, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/09/23/iran-costco-united-nations/
[2] House Democrats call for U.N. peacekeepers to protect Gaza aid convoys, https://jewishinsider.com/2025/09/house-democrats-u-n-peacekeepers-gaza-aid-convoys-guterres/
[3] Anthony Albanese snubbed from Donald Trump’s official meeting schedule in New York, https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/albanese-snubbed-from-trump-s-official-meeting-schedule-in-new-york-20250923-p5mx53.html
[4] Potential presidential candidate says U.S.-Canada relations going through ‘storm’ provoked by Trump government, https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/buttigieg-canada-us-relations-1.7640989

3. Justice, Investigations & Homeland Security

3.1. Verdict in Trump Assassination Attempt; Defendant Attempts Self-Harm in Court

The federal trial concerning the attempted assassination of Donald Trump has concluded with a dramatic and violent turn. A jury found the defendant, Ryan Routh, guilty “on all charges” for the attack on a golf course last year [1]. Immediately after the verdict was read, Routh attempted to “stab himself in neck” with an object before being subdued by authorities in the courtroom [2].

References: [1] Jury convicts Ryan Routh on all charges in attempted assassination of Donald Trump, https://www.npr.org/2025/09/23/nx-s1-5551072/ryan-routh-convicted-attempted-trump-assassination
[2] Would-be Trump assassin tries to stab himself in neck after guilty verdict, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/23/politics/ryan-routh-trump-attempted-assassination-guilty

3.2. Probes Into “Border Czar” Bribery Allegations Intensify

Congressional Democrats have launched probes into Tom Homan, the administration’s “border czar,” over allegations that he accepted a $50,000 bribe delivered in a paper bag [1]. The White House has reportedly shifted its explanation regarding the incident, intensifying scrutiny [2]. When questioned about the alleged payment, Homan did not deny it, stating only, “‘I did nothing criminal’” [3].

References: [1] Democrats Launch Probes of Trump Border Czar After He Reportedly Took $50K Bribe, https://www.commondreams.org/news/tom-homan-bribery-investigation
[2] White House shifts explanation on Tom Homan, U.S. border czar accused of taking $50,000 in a paper bag, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/us-homan-bribery-allegation-1.7640932
[3] Homan sidesteps question on alleged $50,000 payment saying, ‘I did nothing criminal’, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5517204-tom-homan-border-czar-50k-payment/

3.3. Antifa Designated “Domestic Terrorist Organization”

President Trump signed an executive order officially designating Antifa as a “domestic terrorist organization” [1]. The move was immediately met with criticism from civil liberties advocates and legal experts, who warn the order provides a “permission slip” that could be weaponized to broadly target and suppress left-wing speech and protests [2]. One analysis warned the order is not an isolated event but “the start of something much more dangerous” [3].

References: [1] Trump signs order labeling Antifa ‘domestic terrorist organization’, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5516744-antifa-domestic-terrorism-order-trump/
[2] Trump’s Antifa order gives ‘permission slip’ to target left-wing speech, experts warn, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-antifa-executive-order-terrorist-organization-b2832093.html
[3] Trump‘s new anti-antifa panic is the start of something much more dangerous, https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-antifa-executive-order-terrorist-organization-rcna233011

3.4. Executive Power & DOJ/DHS Scrutiny

The balance of power between the branches of government and the conduct of federal departments are under intense scrutiny. A Supreme Court ruling expanded presidential authority, allowing President Trump to fire a Democratic member of a trade commission, a decision one analysis claimed “knocked down one of the final guardrails against dictatorship” [1]. Meanwhile, unease is reportedly growing within the Department of Justice amid an overt “pressure campaign” from the President to target his rivals [2]. At the Department of Defense, Secretary Pete Hegseth has “axe[d] [a] panel that encourages women to enter military” [3]. The Department of Homeland Security also faces controversy over a report it “has been collecting US citizens’ DNA for years” and an incident where ICE was accused of holding an autistic child to lure his father from his home [4, 5].

References: [1] The Supreme Court Just Knocked Down One of the Final Guardrails Against Dictatorship, https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/09/supreme-court-ruling-trump-dictatorship.html
[2] Unease grows at the Justice Department as Trump’s threats get even more blunt, https://www.npr.org/2025/09/22/nx-s1-5550132/trump-justice-department-comey-letitia-james-virginia
[3] Hegseth axes panel that encourages women to enter military, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/23/hegseth-anti-women-military-00576783
[4] DHS Has Been Collecting US Citizens’ DNA for Years, https://www.wired.com/story/dhs-has-been-collecting-us-citizens-dna-for-years/
[5] ‘Truly Evil’: ICE Accused of Holding Autistic 5-Year-Old to Lure Dad Outside Home | “This outrageous act by immigration officials is inexcusable,” said an advocacy group for children with disabilities and medical complexities., https://www.commondreams.org/news/immigrant-family

4. Congress, Media & Domestic Politics

4.1. Freedom of Speech Flashpoint: The Jimmy Kimmel-FCC Controversy

A significant First Amendment battle is escalating after Nexstar and Sinclair, two of the nation’s largest broadcast groups, announced they will not air Jimmy Kimmel’s scheduled return to ABC’s late-night programming [1]. The conflict intensified dramatically when FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr publicly sided with the Sinclair-led boycott [2]. Critics have denounced Commissioner Carr’s statements as “unconstitutional threats” and an improper use of federal authority to influence broadcast content, while some Trump supporters have justified the move by citing what they allege was “Biden ‘Censorship’” at tech companies [3].

References: [1] Nexstar, Sinclair Stations Will Not Air Jimmy Kimmel Return to ABC, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sinclair-preempt-jimmy-kimmel-live-return-abc-1236377475/
[2] FCC Boss Brendan Carr Sides With Sinclair Over Jimmy Kimmel Boycott, https://www.businessinsider.com/fcc-chair-responds-to-jimmy-kimmels-reinstatement-2025-9
[3] Trump Supporters Are Lying About Biden ‘Censorship’ To Justify Brendan Carr’s Unconstitutional Kimmel Threats, https://www.techdirt.com/2025/09/23/trump-supporters-are-lying-about-biden-censorship-to-justify-brendan-carrs-unconstitutional-kimmel-threats/

4.2. Democratic Politics and The Re-emergence of Kamala Harris

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is publicly carving out a new political identity, criticizing both the current and previous administrations. In a new book, she calls the Biden administration’s response to the Gaza conflict “inadequate,” and in a separate interview, she admitted it was “‘reckless’” of her not to have challenged President Biden’s decision to run for reelection [1, 2]. While she has labeled President Trump a “‘communist dictator,’” her re-emergence is met with some skepticism; a CNN data analyst has warned that polls indicate “People Are Sick of Her,” and her endorsement of Zohran Mamdani for New York mayor was described as “tepid” [3, 4].

References: [1] Biden response to Gaza was “inadequate,” Harris says in book, https://www.axios.com/2025/09/22/harris-biden-book-gaza-israel-trump
[2] Harris admits she was ‘reckless’ in not challenging Biden’s decision to run for reelection, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/harris-admits-reckless-challenging-bidens-decision-run-reelection/story?id=125845609
[3] CNN Data Guru Warns Kamala Harris People Are Sick of Her, https://www.thedailybeast.com/cnn-data-guru-harry-enten-warns-kamala-harris-of-2028-bid-catastrophe/
[4] Kamala Harris gives Zohran Mamdani a tepid endorsement: ‘I endorse the Democrat in the race’, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/kamala-harris/kamala-harris-gives-zohran-mamdani-tepid-endorsement-endorse-democrat-rcna233135?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma&taid=68d29b87945e7c000110f8c8&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

4.3. State-Level Flashpoints and Legislative Deadlines

Divergent policies at the state level and pressing federal deadlines are creating new political friction points. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott signed a new law restricting bathroom access for “trans, nonbinary, [and] intersex people,” while California is moving to “curb ultraprocessed foods in school cafeterias” [1, 2]. At the federal level, a new report warns that nearly 5 million people could become uninsured if Congress fails to extend expiring healthcare subsidies [3]. In Alabama, the economic impacts of immigration raids are reportedly causing construction builders to rethink their support for deportations after their immigrant workforce disappeared [4]. Meanwhile, a special election in Arizona is being framed as a crucial vote that could determine whether the “Epstein files” are released [5].

References: [1] Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs law restricting bathroom use by trans, nonbinary, intersex people. The Republican Legislature passed the anti-trans legislation earlier this month., https://www.advocate.com/texas-bathroom-bill-signed-abbott
[2] California Moves to Curb Ultraprocessed Foods in School Cafeterias, https://capitalandmain.com/california-moves-to-curb-ultraprocessed-foods-in-school-cafeterias
[3] Close to 5M could become uninsured if Congress doesn’t extend subsidies, report says, https://stateline.org/2025/09/22/close-to-5m-could-become-uninsured-if-congress-doesnt-extend-subsidies-report-says/
[4] Alabama builders rethink deportations as raids disappear hundreds of their ‘God-fearing, family-oriented’ immigrant workers | Fortune, https://fortune.com/2025/09/23/alabama-rethinks-deportations-immigrants-construction-worker-shortage/
[5] Tuesday’s special election in Arizona set to deliver a decisive US House vote for Epstein files release, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/23/politics/arizona-special-election-epstein-files?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=missions&utm_source=reddit

5. Economy & Culture

5.1. Federal Reserve Cuts Rates Amid Economic Pressures

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced an interest rate cut, citing a “slowing labor market” as the primary reason for the policy adjustment [1]. In his remarks, Powell warned of a “‘challenging situation’” ahead for the economy. The move comes amid sustained public “pressure” from President Trump for rate cuts [2]. The broader economic climate shows signs of stress, with a new survey finding that most CEOs believe President Trump’s policies have harmed their businesses [3]. This sentiment has been framed as the “agony” of corporate leaders who feel they are facing “regular shakedowns” from the executive branch [4].

References: [1] Powell says slowing labor market prompted rate cut, sees ‘challenging situation’ ahead, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/23/powell-says-slowing-labor-market-prompted-rate-cut-sees-challenging-situation-ahead.html?__source=iosappshare%7Ccom.apple.UIKit.activity.CopyToPasteboard
[2] Jerome Powell Gives Interest Rate Cuts Update Amid Trump Pressure, https://www.newsweek.com/interest-rates-today-jerome-powell-speech-donald-trump-10476624
[3] Most CEOs say Trump policy has harmed their businesses, new survey finds, https://www.axios.com/2025/09/22/trump-tariffs-immigration-ceos
[4] The Agony of Trump’s Oligarchs | They signed on for tax cuts and deregulation. They didn’t expect regular shakedowns., https://newrepublic.com/article/200775/agony-trump-oligarchs

5.2. The Aftermath of Charlie Kirk and Rise of Christian Nationalism

The killing of “divisive far-right podcaster” Charlie Kirk continues to generate national political and cultural resonance. President Trump headlined Kirk’s memorial service, where themes of “Christian nationalism upstaged the president’s vindictiveness” and fueled analyses that “the US veers toward Christian nationalism” [1, 2]. Commentators are questioning why Kirk is being “rebranded as a national hero,” while symbolic overtures, including a resolution for a national day of remembrance, are being advanced [3, 4]. The influence of Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, is also expanding, with Oklahoma’s State Superintendent directing that a TPUSA-affiliated chapter be established at every high school in the state [5].

References: [1] Trump couldn’t win over Charlie Kirk’s mourners | Despite crowning himself the headliner of Kirk’s memorial service, Christian nationalism upstaged the president’s vindictiveness., https://www.theverge.com/policy/783707/charlie-kirk-memorial-christian-nationalism-maga
[2] The US veers toward Christian nationalism, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/22/politics/kirk-funeral-trump-christianity-government-analysis
[3] Charlie Kirk was a divisive far-right podcaster. Why is he being rebranded as a national hero?, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/23/charlie-kirk-bigoted-far-right-podcaster
[4] Congressman Patronis Introduces a Resolution Establishing National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, https://patronis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-patronis-introduces-a-resolution-establishing-national-day-of-remembrance-for-charlie-kirk
[5] Ryan Walters says every Oklahoma high school will have a Turning Point USA Club America chapter, https://www.koco.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-usa-oklahoma-schools-ryan-walters/68017787

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