[Friday, November 14] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare November 14, 2025

Executive Summary

A major leak of Jeffrey Epstein’s emails has ignited a political firestorm, prompting President Trump to order a DOJ probe of his rivals and creating a crisis for House GOP leadership. Republican dissent is escalating, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene accusing Trump of “gaslighting” and Indiana state senators defying the White House. The administration has launched “Operation Southern Spear,” a domestic military action, as the Supreme Court weighs the legality of such troop use. Meanwhile, Trump-era election cases in Nevada and Georgia are advancing, and the President’s approval ratings have fallen sharply amid broad policy pushback.

1. The Epstein Files: A National Crisis

The Jeffrey Epstein scandal has exploded into a dominating national crisis, fueled by a major leak of his private emails and an aggressive, preemptive response from the White House. The fallout is creating severe turmoil within the Republican party, complicating the legislative agenda, and raising questions of executive overreach.

1.1. White House Directs DOJ to Investigate Foes Amid Damaging Leaks

In a move seen as an attempt to control the narrative, President Trump announced he would ask the Department of Justice to launch an investigation into the Epstein network, specifically targeting political rivals and financial institutions like Bill Clinton and JPMorgan [1]. Attorney General Pam Bondi later confirmed the U.S. will investigate Epstein’s ties to the President’s “political foes” at Trump’s urging [2]. Reports characterize this as the President weaponizing a federal investigation to target adversaries while excluding himself from its scope [3]. This action follows the leak of around 2,300 of Epstein’s private emails, which reportedly contain “many” mentions of President Trump and describe him in soured terms as “evil,” “nuts,” and “dangerous” [4, 5]. The emails also contain claims that the president “‘knew about the girls’,” which Trump has denied in “all caps,” while one of Epstein’s former girlfriends publicly alleged she was “delivered to Trump to be ‘groped’” [6, 7].

References:
[1] Trump says he will ask Justice Department to probe Epstein ties with Bill Clinton and others - Truth Social, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-will-ask-justice-department-probe-epstein-ties-with-bill-clinton-2025-11-14/
[2] At Trump’s urging, Bondi says US will investigate Epstein’s ties to Clinton and other political foes, https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-clinton-investigation-justice-department-d0ce8385cb7f42705ac068310e3231be
[3] Trump eyes federal Epstein investigation that targets his foes, but not himself, https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-eyes-federal-epstein-investigation-targets-foes-not-rcna243939?icid=latestpost_bot
[4] The Epstein Email Cache: 2,300 Messages, Many of Which Mention Trump, https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/the-epstein-email-cache-2-300-messages-many-of-which-mention-trump-5edf0226?st=Rro9g4&mod=wsjreddit
[5] ‘Evil,’ ‘nuts,’ ‘dangerous’: New Epstein emails detail his soured view of former close friend Donald Trump, https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/14/politics/epstein-emails-trump-kfile
[6] Trump gives all caps response after Epstein emails claim president ‘knew about the girls’: Live updates, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-epstein-email-live-updates-b2864731.html
[7] Model turned Epstein girlfriend says she was delivered to Trump to be ‘groped’ | ‘Clearly we are these objects, these trophies,’ Epstein’s former girlfriend said, ‘It’s horrifying’, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/epstein-girlfriend-stacey-williams-model-trump-b2865385.html

1.2. Congressional Turmoil and Political Fallout

The scandal is directly threatening the GOP’s legislative cohesion. An imminent congressional vote on releasing the Epstein files has President Trump applying “intense pressure” on Republicans to block it, a move seen as “potentially damaging” [1]. House leadership under Speaker Mike Johnson is reportedly shifting its strategy, bracing for “mass defections” from party members [2]. The controversy is fueling a surge in speculation about impeachment and is reportedly causing some Republicans to rethink their “absolute loyalty to Trump” [3, 4]. Democrats are already injecting the “Epstein files” into a special election, causing alarm within the GOP [5]. Meanwhile, Epstein survivors are publicly urging Congress to “Be Brave” and release all the files [6].

References:
[1] Trump puts intense pressure on Republicans to block release of Epstein files, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/14/republican-pressure-trump-epstein-files
[2] Johnson shifts strategy on Epstein files vote – as GOP leaders brace for mass defections, https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/13/politics/epstein-files-house-vote-johnson?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=missions&utm_source=reddit
[3] Donald Trump impeachment chances surge amid Epstein revelations, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-impeachment-chances-surge-amid-epstein-revelations-11045998
[4] As Epstein consumes the White House, Republicans are starting to think twice about absolute loyalty to Trump, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/epstein-trump-white-house-republicans-b2865108.html
[5] Democrats inject “Epstein files” into special election that’s scaring GOP, https://www.axios.com/2025/11/14/tennessee-special-election-epstein-files
[6] “Be Brave”: Epstein Victims Beg Congress to Release the Files, https://newrepublic.com/post/203235/epstein-victims-beg-congress-release-files

2. Executive Power and Policy Overhauls

The administration is moving forcefully on multiple fronts, deploying military power domestically, intervening in the economy to address inflation, intensifying immigration enforcement, and reshaping social welfare programs.

2.1. Domestic Military Action and Impending Supreme Court Ruling

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced “Operation Southern Spear,” a new military mission to combat “narco-terrorists” in the Western Hemisphere [1]. The legal justification for such operations reportedly rests on a secret “Boat Strike Memo,” which argues that troops are immune from prosecution because the target is illicit drugs, not the people transporting them—a defense legal experts doubt [2, 3]. The policy has drawn international criticism following U.S. strikes in Venezuela, with a Russian ally calling the U.S. a “colonial power” [4]. This comes as the Supreme Court is reportedly “about to rule on whether Trump can use troops against Americans,” a landmark decision with profound constitutional implications [5].

References:
[1] Hegseth announces operation ‘Southern Spear’ to quash ‘narco-terrorists’, https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5605091-joint-task-force-southern-spear/amp/
[2] Boat Strike Memo Justifies Killings By Claiming the Target Is Drugs, Not People, https://theintercept.com/2025/11/14/boat-strikes-immunity-legality-trump/
[3] ‘Just following orders’? Experts doubt legal memo shields troops from prosecution over Trump’s boat strikes, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-drug-boat-strikes-illegal-b2864851.html
[4] Putin Ally Attacks ‘Colonial Power’ US Over Venezuela Strikes, https://www.newsweek.com/putin-ally-attacks-colonial-power-us-over-venezuela-strikes-11048904
[5] The Supreme Court is about to rule on whether Trump can use troops against Americans, https://www.vox.com/politics/468705/supreme-court-trump-national-guards-chicago-ice-troops

2.2. Economic Actions and the “Affordability Crisis”

Facing an “affordability problem” and widespread “economic frustration,” the administration is pivoting its economic messaging [1]. President Trump has issued an executive order to cut or roll back his administration’s tariffs on food products like coffee and beef in a direct bid to lower consumer prices [2]. The action comes as reports indicate that foreclosures “are surging under Donald Trump,” challenging the economic promises that were key to his election [3]. In a separate trade matter, the U.S. finalized a deal with Switzerland to lower tariffs to 15% [4]. Meanwhile, following the recent government shutdown, key economic data that markets and the Federal Reserve rely on has not been released [5].

References:
[1] Economic promises helped Trump get elected. Now he has an affordability problem, https://www.npr.org/2025/11/14/nx-s1-5608348/trump-economy-affordability
[2] Trump cuts tariffs on goods like coffee, bananas, and beef in bid to slash consumer prices, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/14/trump-cuts-tariffs-goods-prices.html
[3] Foreclosures are surging under Donald Trump, https://www.newsweek.com/foreclosures-are-surging-under-donald-trump-11047159
[4] U.S. and Switzerland reach trade deal to lower tariffs to 15%, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/14/us-and-switzerland-reach-a-trade-deal-ustr-greer-says.html
[5] Government Reopens Without Data That Guides Markets and the Fed, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/business/economy-data-shutdown.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

2.3. Immigration Crackdown and Policy Shifts

The administration is expanding its immigration crackdown, with Border Patrol planning to deploy special agents and armored vehicles to cities including Charlotte, North Carolina [1]. The administration is also seeking new restrictions on foreign students and the media and is reportedly preparing to deport Ukrainians despite fears of their conscription upon return [2, 3]. These policies are drawing widespread condemnation, with the U.S. Bishops issuing a rare public message denouncing the “indiscriminate mass deportation” campaign [4]. Simultaneously, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that green card application processing is being accelerated [5].

References:
[1] Border Patrol plans to expand Trump’s immigration crackdown to Charlotte and New Orleans, with armored vehicles and special agents, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/charlotte-new-orleans-border-patrol-immigration-trump/
[2] Trump administration seeks new restrictions on foreign students and media, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/11/14/trump-administration-department-homeland-security-visa-foreign-students-media/87233166007/
[3] Trump administration preparing to deport Ukrainians despite fears of conscription, https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/11/14/ukraine-deportations-trump-zelensky/
[4] US Bishops Issue Rare Message Denouncing Trump’s ‘Indiscriminate Mass Deportation’ Campaign: “Not since the civil rights era—and never with such unanimity—have American bishops so directly challenged a president’s policies,” wrote one chronicler of the Catholic Church., https://www.commondreams.org/news/us-bishops-issue-rare-message-denouncing-trump-s-indiscriminate-mass-deportation-campaign
[5] Green card update: Kristi Noem says applications are being sped up, https://www.newsweek.com/green-card-update-kristi-noem-says-applications-being-sped-up-11038429?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_main

2.4. Social Program Overhauls and Other Executive Actions

The administration is pushing forward with significant changes to federal social safety nets. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has proposed a “drastic cut” to homelessness grants, shifting funds away from the ‘Housing First’ model [1]. For the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the administration will now require all participants to reapply for benefits, a move drawing sharp criticism [2, 3]. In a separate policy action, the President has signed a ban on THC, forcing the hemp industry to plan its next steps [4].

References:
[1] Trump Administration Proposes a Drastic Cut in Housing Grants: In a major shift, HUD’s plan would direct most of the $3.9 billion in homelessness funds away from Housing First to programs that prioritize work and drug treatment., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/us/politics/trump-homeless-funding.html
[2] Trump administration will require SNAP participants to reapply for benefits, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/14/trump-usda-snap-participants-reapply-benefits-00651874
[3] Trump ripped for invoking Bible’s command to care for children after fighting to keep SNAP food stamps from poorest kids, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-bible-children-snap-funding-b2865003.html
[4] Hemp industry plans next move after Trump signs THC ban, https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5605017-hemp-industry-regulations-future/

3. Justice System and Legal Battles

High-stakes legal fights continue to unfold, including the revival of a 2020 election case, ongoing investigations into administration officials, and a reversal of federal drug enforcement policy.

3.1. Trump-Era Election Cases Advance in Georgia and Nevada

Two major legal challenges stemming from the 2020 election are proceeding. The Nevada Supreme Court has revived the “fake electors” case, sending it back to a lower court and ensuring the prosecution will continue [1]. In a parallel development, what reports call the “last remaining criminal case against Trump,” the Georgia election interference case, will carry on under a newly appointed special prosecutor, replacing Fani Willis [2, 3].

References:
[1] Nevada Supreme Court revives Trump ‘fake electors’ case: What to know, https://www.newsweek.com/nevada-supreme-court-revives-trump-fake-electors-case-11047224?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_main
[2] Georgia prosecutor to take over last remaining criminal case against Trump, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/14/georgia-prosecutor-trump-election-interference-case
[3] Georgia election interference case against Trump and allies will carry on with new prosecutor to replace Fani Willis, https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/14/politics/trump-election-interference-case-continues-georgia?cid=ios_app

3.2. Investigations and Litigation

Administration officials are facing legal challenges and investigations. A ProPublica report claims a firm tied to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem secretly received money from DHS ad contracts, while another lawsuit has been filed against her by a TSA officer over a ban on transgender personnel conducting pat-downs [1, 2]. In a separate matter, a report alleges FBI Director Kash Patel personally waived the polygraph security screening for Dan Bongino and two other senior staff [3]. Concurrently, the Trump administration and DOJ have filed lawsuits to block California’s newly drawn U.S. House map in a clash that “could tip control of Congress” [4].

References:
[1] Firm Tied to Kristi Noem Secretly Got Money From $220 Million DHS Ad Contracts, https://www.propublica.org/article/kristi-noem-dhs-ad-campaign-strategy-group
[2] TSA officer sues Kristi Noem over trans personnel being banned from doing pat-downs, https://www.advocate.com/news/transgender-tsa-officer-sues-noem
[3] FBI Director Kash Patel Waived Polygraph Security Screening for Dan Bongino, Two Other Senior Staff, https://www.propublica.org/article/fbi-kash-patel-dan-bongino-waived-polygraph
[4] Justice Department sues to block California US House map in clash that could tip control of Congress, https://abc7.com/post/justice-department-sues-block-california-us-house-map-clash-could-tip-control-congress/18151944/

4. Congress and U.S. Politics

Deepening fractures within the Republican party are becoming a major storyline, as prominent figures defy the White House and President Trump’s approval ratings fall. In local elections, progressives are securing key victories.

4.1. GOP Dissent Becomes Public and Organized

Cracks in Republican unity are widening. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has become a vocal critic, accusing his administration of “gaslighting” Americans on affordability and publicly questioning “if Trump is still the ‘America First’ president” [1, 2]. This dissent is not limited to rhetoric; in a significant act of defiance, Republican state senators in Indiana have openly rejected a redistricting push from the White House, a move that comes despite direct pressure from President Trump and Vice President Vance [3]. The trend has led at least one conservative commentator to ask, “Is This When Trump Became a Lame Duck?” [4].

References:
[1] MTG Accuses Trump of “Gaslighting” America and Ignoring Common Sense - Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is pissed about the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files and the affordability crisis., https://newrepublic.com/post/203214/marjorie-taylor-greene-trump-gaslighting-epstein-economy
[2] Marjorie Taylor Greene questions if Trump is still the ‘America First’ president, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/marjorie-taylor-greene-questions-trump-america-first-foreign-trips-rcna243323
[3] Indiana Republican senators reject Trump’s redistricting push; won’t convene in December • Indiana Capital Chronicle, https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/11/14/indiana-republican-senators-reject-trumps-redistricting-push-wont-convene-in-december/
[4] Is This When Trump Became a Lame Duck?, https://www.theamericanconservative.com/is-this-when-trump-became-a-lame-duck/

4.2. Presidential Approval and Political Activism

Multiple polls show a clear downturn in President Trump’s popularity, with one report describing the “worst nose-dive yet” with “staggering losses among key groups” [1]. This has led to analysis suggesting the President is “losing his grip on MAGA” [2]. In response to administration policies, advocacy groups are mobilizing. The Sunrise Movement has launched a primary effort against “corporate Dems,” and a “Billionaires Eat First” campaign is criticizing GOP aid cuts [3, 4].

References:
[1] Trump approval takes worst nose-dive yet with staggering losses among key groups, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-approval-rating-down-republicans-maga-b2864774.html
[2] Trump is losing his grip on MAGA, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-is-losing-his-grip-maga-11045179
[3] ‘Time to Clear House’: Sunrise Movement Launches Major Primary Effort Against Corporate Dems, https://www.commondreams.org/news/sunrise-primary-campaign
[4] National ‘Billionaires Eat First’ Campaign Aims to Make Trump and GOP Pay for Aid Cuts: Organizers of the new campaign said Republicans are slashing nutrition assistance and other programs “after giving Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and other billionaires a massive tax break.”, https://www.commondreams.org/news/billionaires-eat-first-campaign

4.3. Election Results and Member Updates

In a significant municipal election, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell conceded his reelection bid to Katie Wilson, a “progressive activist” and “Democratic Socialist” whose victory is framed as a win for “affordability politics” [1]. In Congress, Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was hospitalized in Pittsburgh following a “heart episode” and a fall outside his home [2]. Within the Democratic party, there are “growing calls” for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to mount a primary challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer [3].

References:
[1] Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell concedes reelection fight to progressive activist Katie Wilson, https://apnews.com/article/seattle-mayor-harrell-wilson-mamdani-trump-progressive-c72020d92bf942cd7aaa3116ef60cb78?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=share
[2] Sen. Fetterman hospitalized in Pittsburgh after heart episode, fall outside his Braddock home, https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2025-11-13/sen-fetterman-hospitalized-heart-episode-fall
[3] Calls grow for AOC to launch primary challenge against Chuck Schumer: “We’ve got to get rid of him”, http://salon.com/2025/11/14/calls-grow-for-aoc-to-launch-primary-challenge-against-chuck-schumer-weve-got-to-get-rid-of-him

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