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

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare September 26, 2025

Executive Summary

• DOJ Indicts Comey: The Department of Justice indicted former FBI Director James Comey, a move Democrats call a “constitutional crisis.” Critics label it a “retribution campaign” that President Trump vows will continue.
• Supreme Court Expands Executive Power: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court allowed President Trump to withhold $4B in foreign aid. The administration then petitioned the Court to rule on ending birthright citizenship.
• Shutdown Looms: A shutdown appears imminent as budget talks stall. The White House is threatening mass federal layoffs, causing “cracks” in Democratic unity.
• Epstein Files Controversy: House Democrats released new Epstein files naming prominent figures while accusing Republicans of obstructing further releases by delaying a lawmaker’s swearing-in.

1. The Administration, The Justice System, and The Judiciary

1.1. Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted in “Constitutional Crisis”

The Department of Justice has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on federal obstruction and perjury charges, a move Democrats quickly labeled a “constitutional crisis” [1]. The indictment, reportedly pursued under pressure from President Trump, is linked to a false statement from 2020 and is seen by critics as a key part of the administration’s push to prosecute political foes [2, 3]. The action has reportedly caused “uproar” within the DOJ, with some staff allegedly fuming over what they consider one of the “‘worst abuses in DOJ history’” [4]. In a video statement, Comey proclaimed his innocence and challenged the prosecution, stating, “Let’s have a trial” [5].

References [1] ‘Constitutional crisis’: Democrats hit Trump administration, DOJ over James Comey indictment, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/constitutional-crisis-democrats-hit-trump-administration-doj-james/story?id=125962402
[2] Former FBI Director James Comey indicted amid Trump push to prosecute foes, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/09/25/james-comey-indictment-fbi-director-justice-department/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com
[3] Ex-FBI Director James Comey indicted on criminal charges stemming from 2020 testimony, https://www.npr.org/2025/09/25/nx-s1-5552690/james-comey-indicted
[4] Attorney General Pam Bondi’s own staff fume at James Comey indictment: ‘Worst abuses in DOJ history’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/pam-bondi-comey-indictment-doj-b2834593.html
[5] Video: Former F.B.I. Chief Responds to Indictment: ‘Let’s Have a Trial’, https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/politics/100000010422950/comey-fbi-innocence-after-indictment.html

1.2. DOJ “Retribution Campaign” and “Domestic Terrorism” Strategy

Following the indictment, President Trump publicly cheered the action and warned “‘There’ll Be Others’,” intensifying concerns that his administration is escalating a “retribution campaign” against a perceived “Enemies List” [1, 2]. In a concurrent move, the President signed a memorandum directing federal agencies to probe “groups aiding ‘organized political violence’,” officially framed as “Countering Domestic Terrorism” [3]. Civil liberties advocates and political opponents fear the directive, which targets “Domestic Terrorism Networks,” is dangerously vague and will be used as a pretense for a “crackdown on the left” [4].

References [1] Cheering Comey indictment, Trump predicts ‘there will be others’, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/26/cheering-comey-indictment-trump-predicts-there-will-be-others-00582321
[2] ‘Totally out of control’: Who is next after Comey on Trump’s Enemies List … and how they got there, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-james-comey-doj-enemies-list-b2834387.html
[3] Trump signs memorandum ordering probes of groups aiding ‘organized political violence’, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/25/politics/trump-memorandum-probes-groups-aiding-political-violence?cid=android_app
[4] In Dangerous Attack on Left-Leaning Nonprofits, Trump Orders Government to Go After ‘Domestic Terrorism Networks’, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/trump-order-terrorism-network-left-leaning-nonprofits/

1.3. Supreme Court Expands Executive Power, Eyes Birthright Citizenship

The Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling that significantly expands executive authority, permitting President Trump to withhold $4 billion in foreign aid that Congress had previously approved and appropriated [1]. The decision weakens Congress’s traditional power of the purse. Immediately following the victory, the administration petitioned the Supreme Court to hear a case on whether the President has the authority to unilaterally end birthright citizenship [2]. These developments occurred as Associate Justice Clarence Thomas made a public statement that legal precedents are “not ’the gospel’,” a comment interpreted as signaling a potential willingness to revisit long-standing interpretations of law [3].

References [1] Supreme Court lets Trump withhold $4 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/26/politics/supreme-court-lets-trump-withhold-billions-in-foreign-aid
[2] Trump asks Supreme Court to decide whether he can end birthright citizenship, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/26/politics/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-trump-appeal
[3] Justice Clarence Thomas says legal precedents are not ’the gospel’, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/justice-clarence-thomas-legal-precedents-gospel/story?id=125967044

2. Executive-Legislative Standoff

2.1. Parties Harden Positions as Government Shutdown Looms

The federal government is hurtling toward a shutdown as negotiations remain deadlocked. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that Republicans will “own” any shutdown, while reports indicate Democrats are “digging in on health care demands” [1, 2]. On the other side, the White House is described as “shutdown-ready,” with President Trump publicly warning that Democrats “‘will pay a huge price for this’” and expecting them to “blink” [3]. A key White House tactic is a “mass firing memo” threatening “big shutdown layoffs” for federal workers, which has reportedly caused “cracks” to form in Senate Democratic unity [4]. In response, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has reportedly established a “private war room” to coordinate his party’s strategy [5].

References [1] Republicans own U.S. government shutdown if it happens, top Democrat Jeffries warns, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/25/jeffries-democrats-government-shutdown-republicans.html
[2] Inside the political pressure hurtling Democrats towards a shutdown, https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/democrats-government-shutdown-jeffries-schumer
[3] ‘They will pay a huge price for this’: Shutdown-ready Trump expects Democrats to blink, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/26/they-will-pay-a-huge-price-for-this-shutdown-ready-trump-expects-democrats-to-blink-00581812?utm_content=user/politico&utm_source=flipboard
[4] Cracks form among Senate Democrats as Trump threatens big shutdown layoffs, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5522680-schumer-trump-threat-federal-workers/
[5] Government shutdown: Inside Chuck Schumer’s private war room, https://www.axios.com/2025/09/26/schumer-government-shutdown-democrats-strategy

3. Congressional Investigations and Political Scandals

3.1. Epstein Files: New Revelations Met With Allegations of Obstruction

House Oversight Democrats released a third batch of documents from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, which reportedly include mentions of Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Steve Bannon, and Prince Andrew [1]. The release ignited a political firestorm, with Democrats accusing Republicans of actively blocking the release of further files. One report alleges this obstruction is specifically related to a scheduled 2014 visit by Musk to Epstein’s private island [2]. In a further escalation, another report claims the GOP is attempting to delay the swearing-in of a newly elected Democratic congresswoman, Adelita Grijalva, to prevent her from casting the potential tie-breaking vote to release more documents [3].

References [1] House Democrats release latest Jeffrey Epstein documents with Musk, Thiel, Bannon and Prince Andrew mentions, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/epstein-files-elon-musk-steve-bannon-b2834532.html
[2] This is why Republicans are Blocking the Epstein Files. Elon Musk was scheduled to visit Jeffrey Epstein’s notorious private island in 2014, according to files released on Friday., https://newrepublic.com/post/201013/republicans-blocking-epstein-files-elon-musk-ste
[3] The GOP effort to hide the Epstein Files just hit a disgusting new low: Republicans are attempting to delay swearing in a recently-elected Democratic member of Congress so she can’t become the tie-breaking vote to release the Epstein files., https://newrepublic.com/post/201005/gop-effort-hide-epstein-files-just-hit-disgusting-new-low-adelita-graijalva

3.2. Scrutiny of Administration Officials, Records, and Deals

A ProPublica investigation alleges Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem used her position to “fast-track millions in disaster aid” to a Florida tourist attraction after a “campaign donor intervened” [1]. Separately, House Democrats are demanding an investigation into the National Archives for an improper release of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s “unredacted military records,” an event which has plunged the N.J. governor’s race into “chaos” [2]. In another investigation, Senate staff probing the defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reported finding only “locked doors and windows covered with trash bags” at its former offices [3].

References [1] Kristi Noem Fast-Tracked Millions in Disaster Aid to Florida Tourist Attraction After Campaign Donor Intervened, https://www.propublica.org/article/kristi-noem-fema-florida-naples-sinan-gursoy
[2] N.J. governor race plunged into chaos after feds release Sherrill’s military docs. ‘No veteran’s record is safe.’, https://www.nj.com/politics/2025/09/nj-governor-race-plunged-into-chaos-after-feds-release-sherrills-military-docs-no-veterans-record-is-safe.html
[3] Senate staff probes DOGE, finds locked doors and windows covered with trash bags, https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/09/senate-staff-probes-doge-finds-locked-doors-and-windows-covered-with-trash-bags/

4. Foreign Policy and National Security

4.1. Hegseth Convenes Military Summit; U.S. Prepares Venezuela Military Options

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth “abruptly” summoned all top military commanders for what was described as a “rare” and “unusual” mass gathering in Virginia [1]. Subsequent reports revealed the “mysterious meeting” was for Hegseth to deliver a speech directly to the “top brass” on the “‘warrior ethos’” and issues of “grooming” in the military, bypassing the normal chain of command [2]. In a separate, significant development, sources report the U.S. is “preparing options for military strikes on drug targets inside Venezuela,” signaling a potential escalation of policy toward the nation [3].

References [1] Hegseth abruptly summons top military commanders to a meeting in Virginia next week, https://federalnewsnetwork.com/defense-main/2025/09/hegseth-abruptly-summons-top-military-commanders-to-a-meeting-in-virginia-next-week/
[2] Hegseth’s surprise gathering of top military brass to deliver speech on ‘warrior ethos,’ sources say, https://lite.cnn.com/2025/09/26/politics/hegseth-generals-meeting-warrior-ethos
[3] U.S. preparing options for military strikes on drug targets inside Venezuela, sources say, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/us-preparing-options-military-strikes-drug-targets-venezuela-sources-s-rcna233734

4.2. Major Policy Shifts on Mideast, Asia, and Intelligence

The administration has executed several major foreign policy reversals. President Trump unequivocally stated he “will not allow” Israel to annex the West Bank, a move that came after lobbying from allies [1]. This prompted House Democrats to prepare a letter urging the President to now recognize Palestinian statehood [2]. In another shift, Trump has reportedly “nixed” a $400 million military aid package to Taiwan, favoring “pushing future arms sales” instead [3]. Domestically, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard ordered a halt to all work on a major intelligence report assessing future threats to the U.S. [4].

References [1] Trump says he won’t allow Israel to annex the West Bank, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/09/25/trump-israel-west-bank/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com
[2] House Democrats to send letter to Trump on Friday urging US to recognize Palestinian statehood, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/25/house-democrats-trump-palestinian-statehood
[3] Trump nixed $400 million in Taiwan military aid, pushing future arms sales, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/09/18/trump-taiwan-arms-sales-military-aid/
[4] Gabbard Ends Intelligence Report on Future Threats to U.S., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/26/us/politics/gabbard-intelligence-report-cancellation.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

5. Economic And Trade Policy

5.1. Administration Announces Sweeping Tariffs Amid Economic Warnings

The administration announced a new round of tariffs on goods including heavy trucks, furniture, and pharmaceuticals [1]. The announced rates are 25% on trucks and 30% on furniture. A conditional 100% tariff on branded and patented drugs was also announced, which Trump said could be avoided if firms build new manufacturing plants in the U.S. [2]. The policies are reportedly already causing “huge financial losses” in rural America, and some shale oil executives claim they are hurting investment [3, 4]. Meanwhile, a presidential pledge of support for Argentina has stirred anger among some Republicans, with Senator Chuck Grassley raising alarms about harm to U.S. soybean farmers [5].

References [1] Trump announces new tariffs on furniture, trucks and pharmaceuticals, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/09/25/trump-tariffs-pharmaceuticals-trucks-furniture/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com
[2] U.S. to impose 100% tariff on branded, patented drugs unless firms build plants locally, Trump says, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/26/us-to-impose-100percent-tariff-on-branded-patented-drugs-unless-firms-build-plants-locally-trump-says.html?__source=iosappshare%7Ccom.apple.UIKit.activity.CopyToPasteboard
[3] With rural America starting to see huge financial losses from tariff policies, Trump offers vague aid package to farmers in the heartland, https://fortune.com/2025/09/25/donald-trump-tariffs-farmer-bailout-rural-america/
[4] Shale oil execs say Trump policies are hurting investment, ‘business is broken’, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/25/shale-oil-execs-say-trump-policies-are-hurting-investment-business-is-broken.html
[5] Grassley raises alarm about soybean farmers, Argentina ‘bailout’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5522503-grassley-trump-argentina-soybean-farmers/?fbclid=IwdGRjcANC11hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHspPQHDqf9v6_F0PyVVDAKSMP1JyBywjLaS6ypaseZjyFulbMnYUwhHV1kJq_aem_7o6ASC4DLui2pnvRSf4yBw

6. Domestic Policy and Social Issues

6.1. ICE Enforcement and Public Health Policy Shifts

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted several high-profile enforcement actions, including the arrest of the Des Moines public schools superintendent and a “sweeping” raid in a small New York town [1, 2]. Meanwhile, an ICE officer was placed on leave after a video showed him allegedly slamming a woman’s head onto a courthouse floor [3]. On health policy, the CDC removed “more than a dozen webpages” related to “sexual and gender identity” and “health equity,” as President Trump promoted “unproven medical advice” about Tylenol and vaccines [4, 5].

References [1] Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts arrested by ICE, district says, https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2025/09/26/dmps-superintendent-arrested-ice-ian-roberts-des-moines/86371069007/
[2] Sweeping ICE Raid Shakes Small New York Town as Dozens Remain “Disappeared”, https://truthout.org/articles/sweeping-ice-raid-shakes-small-new-york-town-as-dozens-remain-disappeared/?utm_source=Truthout&utm_campaign=8dd0729250-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_09_26_06_17_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bbb541a1db-ef1096ba09-650963661
[3] ICE Officer On Leave After Violently Slamming Woman’s Head Onto Courthouse Floor, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ice-agent-slams-woman-courthouse_n_68d6ada5e4b085d511c61a49?origin=home-latest-news-unit
[4] CDC takes down more than a dozen webpages on sexual and gender identity, health equity, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/26/cdc-webpages-on-sexual-gender-identity-health-equity-removed.html
[5] Trump pushes unproven medical advice around Tylenol and vaccines, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/trump-unproven-medical-advice-tylenol-vaccines-rcna233911

7. U.S. Political Climate and Public Discourse

7.1. Escalation of Violent Rhetoric and Threats

The national political discourse has intensified, featuring direct threats of violence. A Republican lawmaker in Arizona made a social media post reportedly calling for the “execution of a Democratic Congresswoman” [1]. Vice President JD Vance issued a “sinister new threat against free speech on TV,” though the headline did not specify the details [2]. President Trump contributed to the rhetoric, boasting that the political right is “’tougher’” than the left and reportedly declaring that anyone who does not support him is a “terrorist” [3, 4].

References [1] Republican Arizona Lawmaker Makes Post Calling for Execution of Democratic Congresswoman, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/26/john-gillette-pramila-jayapal-execution-post
[2] Vance Issues Sinister New Threat Against Free Speech on TV, https://www.thedailybeast.com/jd-vance-issues-sinister-new-threat-against-free-speech-on-tv/?via=mobile&source=Reddit
[3] Donald Trump Boasts Political Right Is ‘Tougher’ As He Warns Left Of Retaliation, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-right-tougher-left_n_68d631f9e4b0185d00684379
[4] Trump Declares Everyone Who Doesn’t Kiss His Ass Is A Terrorist, https://www.techdirt.com/2025/09/26/trump-declares-everyone-who-doesnt-kiss-his-ass-is-a-terrorist/

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