Contents

[Friday, September 26] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

This is an experimental AI project. We are continuously improving it, but errors can still appear. Feel free to contact us if you spot an error.

DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare September 26, 2025

Executive Summary

  • The Justice Department indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of lying to Congress, fueling a national debate on “political retribution.”
  • Reports allege the DOJ has directed prosecutors to ready probes into George Soros’s foundation.
  • The Supreme Court expanded executive authority, allowing the Trump administration to freeze $4 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid.
  • The White House is “going all-in” on trade wars, imposing tariffs up to 100% on some goods as a government shutdown looms.
  • Newly released Epstein documents from House Democrats have named prominent figures including Elon Musk, Steve Bannon, and Peter Thiel.

1. Justice System & Federal Investigations

1.1. DOJ Escalates High-Profile Actions: Comey Indicted, Soros Foundation Targeted

The Department of Justice has initiated a series of high-profile, politically explosive actions. The most significant is the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey on charges of lying to Congress and obstruction of justice [1, 2]. President Donald Trump reacted to the news on Truth Social, declaring “JUSTICE IN AMERICA!” [3] and later stated it is his opinion “there will be others” to follow [4]. The indictment prompted sharp partisan division, with Representative Jasmine Crockett asserting that Trump’s followers “Can’t Call Themselves Patriotic if They Cheer Comey Indictment” [5]. In the immediate aftermath, Comey’s son-in-law reportedly resigned from his federal prosecutor position [6].

Augmenting the sense of an expanding investigative focus, a Breitbart report claims the DOJ has directed prosecutors to “Ready Probes of George Soros’s Foundation” [7]. The combined actions against a former top official of a previous administration and a major Democratic donor have ignited a fierce debate over “political retribution.” One commentary piece in The Federalist argues, “Retribution Isn’t A Dirty Word. It’s Imperative” [8], while the satirical site The Babylon Bee captured the political climate with the headline, “Democrats Warn Prosecuting Political Enemies May Set Dangerous Precedent” [9].

References:
[1] Former FBI Director James Comey indicted, https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/james-comey-indicted-trump-administration
[2] Former FBI Director James Comey indicted on charges of lying to Congress, obstruction of justice, https://nypost.com/2025/09/25/us-news/former-fbi-director-james-comey-indicted-on-charges-of-lying-to-congress/
[3] Trump celebrates James Comey indictment in scathing Truth Social post: ‘JUSTICE IN AMERICA!’, https://nypost.com/2025/09/25/us-news/trump-celebrates-james-comey-indictment-in-scathing-truth-social-post/
[4] President Trump says it’s his opinion “there will be others” after former FBI Director James Comey’s indictment, https://x.com/FoxNews/status/1971606100740079634?t=lsUpbJLi7DtjGrOd5BPE8A&s=19
[5] Crockett: Trump’s Followers Can’t Call Themselves Patriotic if They Cheer Comey Indictment, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/09/25/crockett-trumps-followers-cant-call-themselves-patriotic-if-they-cheer-comey-indictment/
[6] James Comey’s son-in-law resigns from federal prosecutor position just minutes after ex-FBI director’s indictment, https://nypost.com/2025/09/26/us-news/james-comeys-son-in-law-resigns-from-federal-prosecutor-gig-after-indictment/
[7] DOJ Directs Prosecutors to Ready Probes of George Soros’s Foundation, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/09/26/doj-directs-prosecutors-to-ready-probes-of-george-soross-foundation/
[8] Retribution Isn’t A Dirty Word. It’s Imperative, https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/26/retribution-isnt-a-dirty-word-its-imperative/
[9] Democrats Warn Prosecuting Political Enemies May Set Dangerous Precedent, https://babylonbee.com/news/democrats-warn-prosecuting-political-enemies-may-set-dangerous-precedent

1.2. New Details on FBI’s January 6 Presence

A “bombshell” report, citing an unnamed “congressional source,” is circulating with new allegations about the FBI’s role during the January 6, 2021, Capitol event. Reports from multiple outlets claim the bureau “‘Secretly Deployed’ 274 Plainclothes Agents” who were embedded within the crowds that day [1, 2]. One report adds a critical detail, alleging that many of these agents later complained internally that they felt they had been used as political “pawns” in the operation [2]. The headlines do not specify the nature of the agents’ mission or their complaints.

References:
[1] Report: FBI ‘Secretly Deployed’ 274 Plainclothes Agents to U.S. Capitol on January 6, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/26/report-fbi-secretly-deployed-274-plainclothes-agents-to-capitol-on-january-6/
[2] FBI Bombshell: 274 agents sent to Capitol for J6, many later complained they were political ‘pawns’, https://justthenews.com/accountability/fbi-bombshell-274-agents-sent-capitol-j6-many-later-complained-they-were-political

1.3. New Epstein Documents Implicate Musk, Bannon, Thiel

House Democrats have released a new tranche of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, which reportedly name several high-profile individuals [1]. According to a Fox News report, the names of tech mogul Elon Musk, former Trump advisor Steve Bannon, and venture capitalist Peter Thiel appear in the files. A New York Post article focuses specifically on Musk, stating that documents show he “was scheduled to visit Jeffrey Epstein’s ‘Pedo Island’ in 2014” [2].

References:
[1] Epstein documents released by House Democrats name Elon Musk, Steve Bannon and Peter Thiel, https://www.foxnews.com/us/epstein-documents-released-house-democrats-name-elon-musk-steve-bannon-peter-thiel
[2] Elon Musk was scheduled to visit Jeffrey Epstein’s ‘Pedo Island’ in 2014, documents show, https://nypost.com/2025/09/26/us-news/elon-musk-was-scheduled-to-visit-jeffrey-epsteins-pedo-island-in-2014-documents-show/

1.4. Other High-Profile Arrests and Prosecutorial Decisions

Several other legal cases are drawing national attention. Federal authorities have arrested Howard Rubin, described as an “ex-NYC financier with ties to George Soros,” on charges of sex-trafficking women to a “‘sex dungeon’ penthouse” [1]. In a separate case, authorities arrested a woman known as “‘La Diabla’ Martha Aguilar” for her alleged role in baby trafficking and organ harvesting rings [2]. Meanwhile, the office of New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg is facing criticism for having “Quietly Dismissed Charges Against Woman Who Assaulted Pro-Life Activist,” an incident reportedly captured on camera [3].

References:
[1] Howard Rubin, ex-NYC financier with ties to George Soros, arrested for allegedly sex-trafficking women to ‘sex dungeon’ penthouse: feds, https://nypost.com/2025/09/26/us-news/howard-rubin-arrested-for-allegedly-sex-trafficking-women-to-sex-dungeon-penthouse-feds/
[2] ‘La Diabla’ Martha Aguilar arrested for alleged baby trafficking, organ harvesting rings, https://nypost.com/2025/09/25/world-news/la-diabla-martha-aguilar-arrested-for-alleged-baby-trafficking-organ-harvesting-rings/
[3] Alvin Bragg’s Office Quietly Dismissed Charges Against Woman Who Assaulted Pro-Life Activist, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2025/09/26/alvin-bragg-tosses-charges-against-woman-who-assaulted-nyc-pro-life-activist-n2663998

2. Executive Branch & Federal Operations

2.1. Supreme Court Upholds Presidential Power to Freeze Foreign Aid

In a major ruling on the separation of powers, the Supreme Court has sided with the executive branch on fiscal authority. The Court will allow the Trump administration to withhold $4 billion in foreign aid funding that had been previously approved by Congress [1, 2]. The decision effectively grants the President the power to freeze the disbursement of these congressionally appropriated funds, representing a significant victory for the administration in its disputes with the legislative branch over control of the federal budget and foreign policy.

References:
[1] “Supreme Court allows Trump administration to withhold $4 billion in foreign aid funding that had been approved by Congress.” (X/@NBCNews), https://x.com/NBCNews/status/1971680483537764837
[2] Supreme Court Lets Trump Withhold $4B in Foreign Aid, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/supreme-court-foreign-aid-trump/2025/09/26/id/1228070/

2.2. Shutdown Looms as White House and Senate Democrats Shift Tactics

With a government shutdown deadline fast approaching, both sides of the negotiations are engaging in high-stakes maneuvering. President Trump is reportedly increasing pressure by threatening “big shutdown layoffs” for federal workers [1]. This tactic was initially reported to be causing “cracks” among Senate Democrats. However, a newer report from Fox News indicates that “Senate Democrats reverse course on shutdown,” a strategic shift that occurred despite the “earlier Trump mass firing concerns” [2]. The specific factors driving the Democratic reversal are not detailed.

References:
[1] Cracks form among Senate Democrats as Trump threatens big shutdown layoffs, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5522680-schumer-trump-threat-federal-workers/
[2] Senate Democrats reverse course on shutdown despite earlier Trump mass firing concerns, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/schumer-democrats-face-heat-shifting-stance-government-shutdown-threat

2.3. New Executive Orders Issued; Hegseth Convenes Mystery Pentagon Meeting

The White House has issued at least two new Executive Orders. One is aimed at “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence” [1], while a separate order has the stated goal of “Saving TikTok while Protecting National Security” [2]. Details on the implementation of these orders were not provided in the announcements. In a parallel development, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has scheduled what is being described as a “high-stakes, unprecedented meeting” with the military’s top generals and admirals. Referred to as the “‘Come to Pete’ meeting,” the September 30 gathering in Quantico is reportedly “shrouded in mystery” [3].

References:
[1] EO: Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/enforcing-the-death-penalty-laws-in-the-district-of-columbia-to-deter-and-punish-the-most-heinous-crimes/
[2] EO: Saving TikTok while Protecting National Security, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/saving-tiktok-while-protecting-national-security/
[3] So What Is This ‘Come to Pete’ Meeting, Exactly? – Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is set to gather senior generals and admirals in Quantico Sept. 30 for a high-stakes, unprecedented meeting shrouded in mystery., https://amgreatness.com/2025/09/26/so-what-is-this-come-to-pete-meeting-exactly/

3. Congressional & Partisan Politics

3.1. Physical Confrontation Erupts in House Immigration Hearing

Tensions over immigration policy boiled over into a physical altercation during a congressional committee hearing. According to a Fox News report, the hearing descended into “chaos” when a Democratic member “lunge[d]” at the chairman’s gavel while shouting, “I’m tired of you” [1]. The names of the representatives involved and the specific committee were not provided in the headline.

References:
[1] Chaos erupts during immigration hearing as Democrat lunges at chairman’s gavel: ‘I’m tired of you’ ‘, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/chaos-erupts-during-immigration-hearing-democrat-lunges-chairmans-gavel-im-tired-you

3.2. President Trump Intensifies Attacks on Democratic Congresswomen

President Trump has continued his strategy of singling out political opponents with personal attacks. In recent remarks, he referred to Representative Jasmine Crockett as a “’low IQ’” individual [1]. During the same event, he joked about a conversation with the “head of Somalia” in which he offered to have the leader take Representative Ilhan Omar “back home,” to which the Somali leader allegedly replied, “I don’t want her” [1, 2].

References:
[1] Trump blasts Rep. Jasmine Crockett as ‘low IQ,’ jokes Somalia should ‘take back’ Ilhan Omar, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-blasts-rep-jasmine-crockett-low-iq-jokes-somalia-should-take-back-ilhan-omar
[2] President Trump says he offered the head of Somalia to take Rep. Ilhan Omar back home. — “I suggested maybe he’d like to take her back… He said, ‘I don’t want her.’”, https://x.com/collinrugg/status/1971321461714604120?s=61

4. Foreign Policy & Geopolitics

4.1. Volatile Diplomatic Signals Over Gaza War

The diplomatic and military situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile. President Trump has injected a note of optimism, stating, “I think we have a deal” in reference to the Gaza war [1], aligning with reports that the Qatari Prime Minister views Trump as the “‘only one’ who can achieve peace” in the conflict [2]. However, this is sharply contrasted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations, where he vowed Israel must “finish the job” against Hamas and warned the international body, “You Can’t Appease Your Way Out of Jihad” [3, 4]. Separately, President Trump has also made a definitive declaration that he “will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank” [5].

References:
[1] Trump says ‘I think we have a deal’ on Gaza war, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-says-i-think-we-have-deal-gaza-war
[2] Qatari Prime Minister: Donald Trump Is ‘Only One’ in the World Who Can Achieve Peace in Gaza, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/25/exclusive-qatari-prime-minister-donald-trump-is-the-only-one-in-world-who-can-achieve-peace-in-gaza/
[3] Netanyahu shrugs off UN walkout, says Israel must ‘finish the job’ against Hamas in Gaza, https://nypost.com/2025/09/26/us-news/netanyahu-shrugs-off-un-walkout-says-israel-must-finish-the-job-against-hamas-in-gaza/
[4] Netanyahu to UN: ‘You Can’t Appease Your Way Out of Jihad’, https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2025/09/26/netanyahu-to-un-you-cant-appease-your-way-out-of-jihad-n3807227
[5] Trump says he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank, https://apnews.com/article/trump-israel-gaza-annex-west-bank-284f2db5b5e549cfecb6b24b26d98460

4.2. Tensions Rise in Europe: UK Mandates Digital ID, NATO Protects Protest Flotilla

In a significant policy shift, the UK government is reportedly making Digital IDs mandatory for employment, with one report quoting a government source stating, “You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have a digital ID” [1]. Elsewhere, climate activist Greta Thunberg’s “Gaza Flotilla” continues to cause controversy. One report notes her “selfie fleet” was “blasted with ABBA music” by counter-protesters [2], while another, more startling report claims that “NATO Nations Send Ships to Protect Greta Thunberg’s ‘Gaza Flotilla’” [3]. Social tensions appear to be rising, with a report from Jihad Watch alleging that British police threatened to arrest a Jewish man because a Muslim crowd was angered by his presence [4].

References:
[1] UK government makes Digital IDs mandatory: ‘You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have a digital ID, it’s as simple as that.’, https://x.com/TheInsiderPaper/status/1971528359516766624?t=zBAikEV8OQboYFN62I02mg&s=19
[2] Greta Thunberg’s Selfie Fleet Blasted With ABBA Music, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/09/25/watch-greta-thunbergs-selfie-fleet-blasted-with-abba-music-n2194398
[3] NATO Nations Send Ships to Protect Greta Thunberg’s ‘Gaza Flotilla’, https://redstate.com/streiff/2025/09/26/nato-nations-send-ships-to-protect-greta-thunbergs-gaza-flotilla-n2194413
[4] British Police Threaten to Arrest Jewish Man Because Muslim Crowd is Angered by his Presence, https://jihadwatch.org/2025/09/uk-cop-tells-jewish-man-at-pro-hamas-demo-you-are-quite-openly-jewish-if-you-remain-here-youll-be-arrested

5. Economic & Trade Policy

5.1. Trump “Goes All-In” on Tariffs; US Economy Shows Strong Growth

The Trump administration is dramatically escalating its protectionist trade policies. According to a Fox Business report, the President is “going all-in” by implementing tariffs of up to 100% on targeted foreign goods, including drugs, heavy trucks, and home goods [1]. The move is being praised by supporters like former trade advisor Peter Navarro, who stated that President Trump “Has Proven We Can Turn Around U.S. Trade Deficit with Tariff Revenues” [2]. This aggressive trade action comes as a separate report indicates the U.S. economy is growing at its “fastest pace in nearly two years” as consumer spending “roars back” [3].

References:
[1] Trump goes all-in: Tariffs up to 100% on foreign drugs, heavy trucks and home goods, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-goes-all-in-tariffs-up-100-foreign-drugs-heavy-trucks-home-goods.amp
[2] Exclusive — Peter Navarro: Trump Has Proven We Can Turn Around U.S. Trade Deficit with Tariff Revenues, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/25/exclusive-peter-navarro-trump-proven-turn-around-u-s-trade-deficit-tariff-revenues/
[3] US economy grows at fastest pace in nearly two years as spending roars back, https://nypost.com/2025/09/25/business/us-economy-grows-at-fastest-pace-in-nearly-two-years-in-second-quarter/

A Daily Caller “scoop” alleges that the maker of Tylenol “Privately Admitted Evidence Was Getting ‘Heavy’ For Autism Risk In 2018,” suggesting a discrepancy between internal corporate knowledge and public statements [1]. This follows a separate headline from PJ Media alleging that Elon Musk’s former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) “Uncovered the Biggest Health Care Heist in American History,” though no details of the alleged “heist” were provided [2]. In a separate economic discussion, Eric Trump has reportedly endorsed cryptocurrency, arguing why it is “America’s financial future” [3].

References:
[1] SCOOP: Tylenol Maker Privately Admitted Evidence Was Getting ‘Heavy’ For Autism Risk In 2018, https://dailycaller.com/2025/09/26/scoop-internal-docs-tylenol-maker-janssen-autism-risk/
[2] Elon Musk’s DOGE Uncovered the Biggest Health Care Heist in American History, https://pjmedia.com/victoria-taft/2025/09/24/the-biggest-health-care-heist-that-you-probably-never-heard-of-n4944085
[3] Eric Trump on why crypto is America’s financial future, https://nypost.com/2025/09/26/business/eric-trump-on-why-crypto-is-the-financial-future/

6. Media, Culture, & Society

6.1. Fallout and Developments in “Charlie Kirk Memorial” Controversy

The aftermath of a “Charlie Kirk memorial,” the context for which remains unspecified in headlines, continues to generate widespread reaction. Vice President JD Vance stated he would “’love’ Jimmy Kimmel to apologize to Erika Kirk” following the late-night host’s return from a “recent suspension” [1]. In a subsequent development, Sinclair has reportedly lifted its ban on Kimmel’s show [2]. Meanwhile, actor Tim Allen shared that Erika Kirk’s memorial speech inspired him to forgive his father’s killer after 60 years [3]. On college campuses, Tucker Carlson is now scheduled to replace Charlie Kirk as the speaker for an event at Indiana University [4].

References:
[1] JD Vance says he would ’love’ Jimmy Kimmel to apologize to Erika Kirk after return from recent suspension, https://www.foxnews.com/media/jd-vance-love-jimmy-kimmel-apologize-erika-kirk-return-suspension
[2] Sinclair ends Jimmy Kimmel ban, https://www.foxnews.com/media/sinclair-ends-jimmy-kimmel-ban-after-sidelining-host-amid-charlie-kirk-controversy
[3] Tim Allen says Erika Kirk’s memorial speech inspired him to forgive his father’s killer – “I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad. I will say those words now as I type: ‘I forgive the man who killed my father.’ Peace be with you all. “, https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/tim-allen-says-erika-kirks-memorial-speech-inspired-him-forgive-his-fathers-killer
[4] Tucker Carlson replacing Charlie Kirk as speaker at Indiana University event, https://www.wlky.com/article/tucker-carlson-speaker-indiana-turning-point-usa-tour/68067051

6.2. Immigration Enforcement and Local Tensions

Federal immigration enforcement actions continue to be a source of tension. In a high-profile incident, the Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, Ian Roberts, was reportedly arrested by ICE [1]. Similar arrests were also reported in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin [2]. In a separate cultural flashpoint, the mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, Abdullah Hammoud, has reportedly refused to apologize for telling a visiting Christian minister that he was “’not welcome here’” [3].

References:
[1] Des Moines Iowa Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts arrested by ICE, https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2025/09/26/dmps-superintendent-arrested-ice-ian-roberts-des-moines/86371069007/
[2] Manitowoc County ICE arrests, pastor talks ministry’s connections, https://www.fox6now.com/news/wisconsin-immigration-raids-ice-fbi-manitowoc
[3] Dearborn mayor Abdullah Hammoud refuses to apologize for telling Christian minister he was ’not welcome here’, https://www.foxnews.com/us/dearborn-mayor-refuses-apologize-telling-christian-minister-not-welcome-here

==