[Sunday, October 26] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare October 26, 2025

Executive Summary

• President Trump’s Asia tour yields a Cambodia-Thailand peace treaty and his arrival in Malaysia.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent announces a U.S.-China deal for the sale of TikTok.
• The State Department officially dismantles its “Disinformation” agency.
• Partisan tensions escalate as Rep. Jeffries warns GOP rhetoric may “get someone killed” and Rep. Swalwell targets a new White House project.
• Gov. Newsom confirms his 2028 presidential ambitions.
• Law enforcement reports 1,500 arrests in a Chicago operation and the “dismantling” of Antifa in Portland.
• Fiscal warnings emerge for California and Chicago over high taxation.

1. Foreign Policy & International Relations

1.1 U.S. Diplomatic Engagements & Treaties

President Trump’s diplomatic tour of Asia is yielding significant results, marking a key part of what some analysts are calling the administration’s “Asia Pivot” [1]. The President has arrived in Malaysia for the next leg of his tour [2]. A major highlight has been his direct involvement in resolving a regional conflict; the President participated in and witnessed the formal signing of peace and trade deals between Cambodia and Thailand [3]. This development is explicitly described as an “expansion” of a ceasefire he successfully brokered several months prior, solidifying the U.S. role as a key mediator in Southeast Asian stability [4]. During the ceremony, President Trump pointedly criticized the United Nations, stating the international body “didn’t get involved” in resolving the long-standing conflict, thereby contrasting his administration’s active engagement with perceived global inaction [5].

References: [1] How Trump’s Asia Pivot Can Pack a Punch, https://freebeacon.com/columns/how-trumps-asia-pivot-can-pack-a-punch/
[2] Trump Arrives in Malaysia for Asia Tour, https://www.thefrank.com/article/trump-arrives-in-malaysia-for-asia-tour
[3] President Trump Participates in Cambodia-Thailand Peace Treaty Signing, https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-participates-in-cambodia-thailand-peace-treaty-signing/667710
[4] Trump witnesses Thailand, Cambodia sign peace expansion months after brokering ceasefire, https://www.foxnews.com/world/trump-witnesses-thailand-cambodia-sign-peace-expansion-months-brokering-ceasefire
[5] Trump signs peace and trade deals ending conflict between Cambodia and Thailand — rips UN: ‘Didn’t get involved’, https://nypost.com/2025/10/26/us-news/trump-signs-peace-and-trade-deals-ending-conflict-between-cambodia-and-thailand-rips-un-didnt-get-involved/?utm_source=chrome&utm_campaign=android_nyp

1.2 International Trade & Technology Agreements

The administration is capitalizing on its diplomatic engagements in Asia to forge major economic agreements. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced a breakthrough deal between the United States and China that will permit the sale of the social media platform TikTok [1]. According to Bessent, the high-level deal is set to be “consummated” directly by President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling a potential resolution to a long-standing issue with significant economic and national security implications. In parallel, the White House has formalized its economic outreach in the region by releasing joint statements confirming the establishment of new reciprocal trade agreements with both Cambodia and Malaysia, underscoring a broader strategy of strengthening bilateral economic partnerships across Southeast Asia [2, 3].

References: [1] US, China reach deal to allow TikTok sale, Bessent says — with Trump and Xi set to ‘consummate’ agreement, https://nypost.com/2025/10/26/us-news/us-china-reach-deal-to-allow-tiktok-sale-bessent-says/?utm_source=chrome&utm_campaign=android_nyp
[2] Joint Statement on United States-Cambodia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/10/joint-statement-on-united-states-cambodia-agreement-on-reciprocal-trade/
[3] Joint Statement on United States-Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/10/joint-statement-on-united-states-malaysia-agreement-on-reciprocal-trade/

1.3 Global Geopolitics & U.S. National Security

A critical national security vulnerability concerning U.S. early-warning capabilities is being highlighted by defense analysts. A report published by Defense News warns that U.S. radar installations in Greenland are strategically vulnerable to attack from modern hypersonic missiles [1]. This critique points to a specific and technologically advanced threat vector that could potentially neutralize key components of U.S. missile defense and strategic surveillance infrastructure. The vulnerability of this forward-deployed equipment to next-generation weaponry presents a pressing challenge for the Department of Defense’s strategic posture in the Arctic region.

References: [1] Greenland radars vulnerable to hypersonic missiles, critics warn, https://www.defensenews.com/land/2025/10/24/greenland-radars-vulnerable-to-hypersonic-missiles-critics-warn/

1.4 Foreign Events & Commentary

Several international events and commentaries provide context on global political currents. In Canada, a secessionist movement appears to be gaining momentum, with reports of thousands rallying for Alberta’s independence at the provincial Legislature [1]. From France, a tragic postscript to a high-profile crime has emerged; the father of Lola Daviet, a young girl murdered by a migrant, has reportedly “died of grief,” intensifying the public debate around immigration and crime in the country [2]. Broader geopolitical commentary is also present in opinion media, with one piece arguing “What the West could learn from Israel” [3] and another contending that, following lessons learned by the West from its own defeats, “So Must Islamic Civilization” [4].

References: [1] Thousands rally for Alberta independence at Legislature, https://www.junonews.com/p/thousands-rally-for-alberta-independence
[2] Lola Daviet’s father ‘died of grief’ after she was raped, beheaded by migrant in France, https://nypost.com/2025/10/26/world-news/lola-daviets-father-died-of-grief-after-she-was-raped-beheaded-by-migrant-in-france/
[3] What the West could learn from Israel, https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/10/26/what-the-west-could-learn-from-israel/
[4] The West Learned From Defeat. So Must Islamic Civilization., https://spectator.org/the-west-learned-from-defeat-so-must-islamic-civilization/

2. Executive Branch & Federal Administration

2.1 Federal Agency Operations & Restructuring

A significant organizational change has been enacted within the State Department. A Breitbart report states that the department has now officially dismantled its “Disinformation” agency [1]. This move represents a concrete reversal of the previous administration’s approach and signals a major shift in the U.S. government’s strategy for managing public information and countering what it defines as foreign influence campaigns.

References: [1] Report: State Department Officially Dismantled ‘Disinformation’ Agency, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/10/26/report-state-department-officially-dismantled-disinformation-agency/

2.2 Economic & Fiscal Management

The strategic thinking behind the recent government shutdown is coming into focus. According to a Politico report, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought explicitly promised to leverage the shutdown as a tool to “shutter the bureaucracy” [1]. This suggests a deliberate, ideologically driven effort to use the appropriations lapse to achieve administrative restructuring goals. However, the report also concludes that the effort “didn’t go as planned.” The provided headline is incomplete, ending with “So…”, leaving the ultimate consequences and specific failures of this strategy unclear without further information from the source article.

References: [1] Politico reports: OMB Director Russell Vought promised to use the shutdown to shutter the bureaucracy. It didn’t go as planned. So…, https://www.reddit.com/r/Conservative/comments/1ogxizf/politico_reports_omb_director_russell_vought/

3. Law, Justice, & Society

3.1 Law Enforcement & Civil Unrest

Federal and local law enforcement are reporting significant operational successes in major U.S. cities. The Department of Homeland Security announced that “Operation Midway Blitz” has resulted in 1,500 arrests in the Chicago area as of October 8, a substantial figure indicating a large-scale crackdown on crime [1]. In a separate development, a report published under the headline “Breaking: Antifa in Shambles—The Thugs Are Officially Dismantled in Portland as Law and Order Triumphs Over Chaos!” claims a definitive victory over organized street-level activism in the Oregon city [2].

References: [1] Operation Midway Blitz has arrested 1,500 in the Chicago area as of Oct 8 (DHS), https://www.reddit.com/r/Conservative/comments/1oge73j/operation_midway_blitz_has_arrested_1500_in_the/
[2] Breaking: Antifa in Shambles—The Thugs Are Officially Dismantled in Portland as Law and Order Triumphs Over Chaos! (Video), https://www.rightjournalism.com/breaking-antifa-in-shambles-the-thugs-are-officially-dismantled-in-portland-as-law-and-order-triumphs-over-chaos-video/

3.2 Crime & Public Safety

Reports of violent crime continue to surface across the country. A mass shooting at a Lincoln University homecoming event resulted in at least four people being injured, bringing renewed attention to the issue of gun violence in public spaces [1]. Separately, an incident in North Carolina is being reported with clear political overtones. According to Fox News, a person described in the headline as a “Georgia leftist” has been arrested for allegedly shooting at a home after tearing down a Trump banner on the property, highlighting a dangerous escalation of political disputes into violent confrontation [2].

References: [1] At least 4 people injured in mass shooting at Lincoln University homecoming event, https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/us-news/lincoln-university-mass-shooting-leaves-at-least-5-injured-during-homecoming-event/
[2] Georgia leftist arrested for allegedly shooting at North Carolina home after tearing down Trump banner, https://www.foxnews.com/us/georgia-man-arrested-allegedly-shooting-north-carolina-home-tearing-trump-banner

3.3 Cultural & Campus Debates

University campuses continue to be flashpoints for intense cultural and ideological debates. One report from Fox News details how a university dropped a job posting after its requirement for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement was publicly exposed. The controversy was amplified when a professor from the institution commented on the matter, stating, “I would not be hired” under such criteria today [1]. At Utah Valley University (UVU), campus activism is focused on a specific historical symbol. Protesters are reportedly taking active measures to block the installation of a “Kirk Memorial,” with a headline on Jonathan Turley’s blog quoting their clear stance: “We Don’t Want his Likeness on Campus” [2].

References: [1] University drops job posting after DEI requirement exposed, professor says ‘I would not be hired’ today, https://www.foxnews.com/us/university-drops-job-posting-after-dei-requirement-exposed-professor-says-i-would-not-be-hired-today
[2] “We Don’t Want his Likeness on Campus”: Protesters Move to Block Kirk Memorial at UVU, https://jonathanturley.org/2025/10/25/we-dont-want-his-likeness-on-campus-protesters-move-to-block-kirk-memorial-at-uvu/

4. Domestic Policy & Governance

4.1 Immigration & Border Security

Immigration policy remains a central and highly active area of focus for the administration and a source of economic debate. The Trump administration is reportedly moving forward with a high-profile deportation, with plans to deport an individual named Abrego Garcia to Liberia “within days” [1]. Concurrently, the economic impacts of immigration are being debated within the logistics industry. According to TheBlaze, truckers are actively pushing back on what they describe as a driver-shortage “myth.” They argue this narrative has been used to justify a “flood of foreigners” into the long-haul industry, impacting wages and working conditions for domestic drivers [2]. The broader societal discourse is also evolving, with one post noting the deliberate linguistic shift over time from the legal term “illegal alien” to the political term “undocumented immigrant” [3].

References: [1] Trump Admin Plans To Deport Abrego Garcia To Liberia Within Days, https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/24/trump-to-deport-abrego-garcia-to-liberia/
[2] Truckers push back on driver-shortage ‘myth’ that has led to a flood of foreigners in long-haul industry, https://www.theblaze.com/news/truckers-push-back-on-driver-shortage-myth-that-has-led-to-flood-of-foreigners-in-long-haul-industry
[3] First they change the term from illegal alien to “undocumented immigrant”., https://x.com/america/status/1982329371034603819

4.2 Energy & Technology Policy

State-level legislative action and national policy advocacy are in the spotlight. In Maine, state Democrats reportedly rejected a bill specifically designed to target AI-generated child pornography, raising questions about the legislative response to rapidly advancing technology [1]. On the energy front, an opinion piece from RedState makes a forceful case for maximizing domestic oil production, arguing under the headline, “Yes, Let’s Take Every Last, Wondrous Drop of Oil” for an aggressive national energy extraction strategy [2].

References: [1] Maine Democrats reject bill targeting AI-generated child pornography, https://justthenews.com/nation/states/maine-democrats-reject-bill-targeting-ai-generated-child-pornography
[2] Yes, Let’s Take Every Last, Wondrous Drop of Oil, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/10/25/yes-lets-take-every-last-wondrous-drop-of-oil-n2195487

4.3 State & Local Governance

Several states and major cities are confronting significant fiscal and political challenges. A report claims that “cash-strapped” California spent $140 million to support Planned Parenthood abortion clinics, a decision drawing fiscal criticism [1]. A Federalist report alleges that Catholic Charities is being newly “targeted” in Wisconsin, though the specifics of the headline, “Wisconsin Finds A New Way To ‘Target’ Catholic Charities,” are not detailed further [2]. Meanwhile, one commentary offers a dire warning, suggesting that the fiscal paths of both California and the city of Chicago are leading them toward a “Taxation Armageddon” [3]. In a separate matter, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is quoted calling out “extreme gerrymandering” in blue states, adding a prominent voice to the debate on electoral fairness [4].

References: [1] Cash-Strapped California Spends $140 Million to Shore Up Planned Parenthood Abortion Clinics, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/10/23/cash-strapped-california-spends-140-million-to-shore-up-planned-parenthood-abortion-clinics/
[2] Wisconsin Finds A New Way To ‘Target’ Catholic Charities, https://thefederalist.com/2025/10/24/after-losing-at-scotus-wisconsin-finds-a-new-way-to-target-catholic-charities/
[3] California and Chicago Move Toward Taxation Armageddon, https://jonathanturley.org/2025/10/26/california-and-chicago-move-toward-taxation-armageddon/
[4] Arnold Schwarzenegger calls out the “extreme gerrymandering” in blue states., https://x.com/RNCResearch/status/1982484926906986838

4.4 Social & Healthcare Policy

The debate over healthcare subsidies and their beneficiaries continues. An analysis from Townhall.com claims that Democratic efforts to protect healthcare subsidies are disproportionately benefiting “rich people” [1]. The article’s full headline challenges the political narrative that these measures primarily aid the poor, arguing that tax revenue is subsidizing coverage for wealthier individuals.

References: [1] These Are the People Democrats Want to Tax You to Pay for – They’ll tell you they are concerned about poor people losing their health care, but we aren’t talking about poor people. They’re fighting for rich people., https://townhall.com/columnists/derekhunter/2025/10/26/these-are-the-people-democrats-want-to-tax-you-to-pay-for-n2665474

5. Political Landscape & Elections

5.1 Election News & Campaigning

The 2028 presidential race is already taking shape, with California Governor Gavin Newsom now having officially confirmed his presidential ambitions [1]. At the local level, early indicators from ongoing and upcoming elections show significant trends. In New York City’s mayoral race, the first day of early voting saw an “impressive five time increase” in turnout compared to the last cycle, suggesting heightened voter engagement [2]. In New Jersey, the gubernatorial race has seen a “historic shift,” as Lakewood’s influential Jewish councils have unanimously endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli [3]. Meanwhile, a recent poll indicates a Republican has taken the lead in the California Governor race, a potentially major development in a traditionally blue state [4]. Adding to the complex electoral picture, a HotAir report citing the NAACP states that some white Democratic voters “Will Not Vote for Black Candidates” [5].

References: [1] Gavin Newsom finally confirms 2028 presidential ambitions, https://nypost.com/2025/10/26/us-news/gavin-newsom-finally-confirms-2028-presidential-ambitions/
[2] NYC voters run to the polls on first day of early voting — with impressive five time increase to last mayoral race, https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/us-news/nyc-voters-run-to-the-polls-on-first-day-of-early-voting-with-impressive-five-time-increase-to-last-mayoral-race/
[3] Lakewood Jewish Councils Unanimously Endorse Jack Ciattarelli for Governor in Historic Shift - VINnews, https://vinnews.com/2025/10/25/lakewood-jewish-councils-unanimously-endorse-jack-ciattarelli-for-governor-in-historic-shift/
[4] Poll: Republican Takes Lead in California Governor Race, https://www.thefrank.com/article/poll-republican-takes-lead-in-california-governor-race
[5] NAACP: White Democrat Voters ‘Will Not Vote for Black Candidates’, https://hotair.com/larry-elder/2025/10/26/naacp-white-democrat-voters-will-not-vote-for-black-candidates-n3808197

5.2 Partisan Conflict & Political Rhetoric

The rhetoric between political parties is escalating to a level of direct accusation and threat. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, speaking on CNN, leveled a grave charge, stating his belief that Republican rhetoric will “get someone killed” [1]. Conversely, a New York Post editorial directly accuses Democrats of propagating “lies” on Obamacare as a pretext for their position on the government shutdown [2]. A new White House ballroom project undertaken by President Trump has become an intense flashpoint. Representative Eric Swalwell has publicly and repeatedly demanded that all 2028 Democratic presidential candidates must pledge to demolish the project if elected [3, 4]. Separately, the term “illegal alien” remains a point of contention, with a Daily Wire report stating that the Mayor of Chicago “spazzed out” over the “racist” term [5].

References: [1] CNN Gets Jeffries to Say Republican Rhetoric Will ‘Get Someone Killed’, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/isaac-white/2025/10/24/cnn-gets-jeffries-say-republican-rhetoric-will-get-someone-killed
[2] Ignore Dem lies on Obamacare and their excuse for the gov’t shutdown collapses, https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/opinion/ignore-dem-lies-on-obamacare-and-their-excuse-for-the-govt-shutdown-collapses/
[3] Swalwell demands 2028 Dem candidates vow to destroy Trump’s White House ballroom project, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/swalwell-demands-2028-democratic-candidates-vow-destroy-trumps-white-house-ballroom-project
[4] Eric Swalwell Says Candidates Must Pledge to Demolish Trump Ballroom, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/10/26/eric-swalwell-wants-candidate-litmus-test-must-pledge-to-demolish-the-trump-ballroom/
[5] Chicago Mayor Spazzes Out Over ‘Racist’ Term ‘Illegal Alien’, https://www.dailywire.com/news/chicago-mayor-spazzes-out-over-racist-term-illegal-alien

5.3 Media & Political Discourse

Major media outlets are facing accusations not only of bias but of direct participation in political operations. A report in The Federalist makes the serious claim that “NBC Is Helping Run Anti‐ICE Ops For Dems,” alleging operational collusion between the network and a political party [1]. Separately, Newsbusters reports that CNN’s “Inside Politics” program actively questioned the need for election integrity measures, framing such efforts as potentially unnecessary [2]. In a highly unusual media development that defies typical partisan lines, an editorial in The Washington Post has seemingly defended President Trump’s controversial White House ballroom project. The unexpected nature of this defense from a typically critical outlet prompted the conservative blog HotAir to report on it with the headline, “Hell Froze Over” [3].

References: [1] NBC Is Helping Run Anti‐ICE Ops For Dems, https://thefederalist.com/2025/10/24/nbc-is-helping-run-anti-ice-ops-for-dems/
[2] CNN’s Inside Politics Questions Need for Election Integrity Measures, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/isaac-white/2025/10/25/cnns-inside-politics-questions-need-election-integrity-measures
[3] Hell Froze Over: WaPo Defends Ballroom in Editorial, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2025/10/26/hell-froze-over-wapo-defends-ballroom-in-editorial-n3808233

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