[Thursday, November 20] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare November 20, 2025

Executive Summary

• DOJ charges Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick with $5M FEMA fraud.
• Trump signs law to release Epstein files; release may be incomplete due to ongoing DOJ inquiry.
• White House is reportedly “quietly working” on a Russia-Ukraine peace plan.
• Trump harshly criticizes Fed Chair Powell and calls six Democrats “traitors” over their statements to the military.
• HHS issues a report condemning child gender-transition procedures as “malpractice.”
• Escalating civil unrest includes an antisemitic mob at an NYC synagogue and an assault on a journalist in Dearborn.
• Supreme Court permits deportations under the Alien Enemies Act to proceed.

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1. Justice System, Crime, & Investigations

1.1. Political Corruption & Misconduct Investigations

The Department of Justice is actively pursuing high-profile political corruption cases. This week, the DOJ officially charged U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of South Florida in a major fraud case [1, 2]. According to the indictment, she is alleged to have stolen $5 million in federal disaster funds from FEMA. Reports indicate these taxpayer funds were allegedly funneled into illegal campaign contributions that financed her political operations [3]. This case represents a significant federal action against a sitting member of Congress and is centered on the misuse of public relief funds for political gain.

References

[1] South Florida Congresswoman Charged with Stealing $5 Million in FEMA Funds and Making Illegal Campaign Contributions, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/south-florida-congresswoman-charged-stealing-5-million-fema-funds-and-making-illegal

[2] South Florida Congresswoman Charged with Stealing $5 Million in FEMA Funds and Making Illegal Campaign Contributions, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/south-florida-congresswoman-charged-stealing-5-million-fema-funds-and-making-illegal

[3] Florida Congresswoman Indicted for Stealing $5 Million in Taxpayer Funds To Bankroll Her Campaign, https://freebeacon.com/democrats/florida-congresswoman-indicted-for-stealing-5-million-in-taxpayer-funds-to-bankroll-her-campaign/

1.2. The Jeffrey Epstein Case: Document Release & Political Fallout

The investigation surrounding Jeffrey Epstein continues to generate significant federal action and political controversy. President Trump has signed a law authorizing the public release of sealed documents related to the case [1]. However, the scope of this disclosure may be limited, as reports indicate the release is “likely to be incomplete” due to an active and ongoing Department ofJustice inquiry based in New York [2]. As the document release nears, related accusations have surfaced, including a headline from the Daily Caller claiming that “Democrat Stacey Plaskett Admits Epstein Was Pulling Her Strings” [3]. The specifics of this claim are not detailed in the headline.

References

[1] Epstein files to go public as Trump signs law authorizing release of records, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/epstein-files-go-public-trump-says-he-signed-law-authorizing-release-records

[2] Epstein files likely to be incomplete due to active DOJ inquiry in New York, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3892433/epstein-files-likely-to-be-incomplete-due-to-active-doj-inquiry-in-new-york/

[3] Democrat Stacey Plaskett Admits Epstein Was Pulling Her Strings, https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/19/democrat-stacey-plaskett-admits-epstein-pulling-her-strings/

1.3. National Security, Espionage, & U.S.-China Tensions

Several national security investigations are underway, involving both domestic political figures and foreign adversaries. Special Counsel Smith has acquired the phone records of former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, an action confirmed by AT&T [1]. There is no information in the headlines regarding the focus or purpose of this data collection. In a separate counter-espionage effort, the Department of Justice has charged three Chinese nationals for their alleged role in a scheme to illegally ship computer chips to China, a critical national security concern [2]. On a related front concerning U.S.-China relations, the Chinese government has reportedly escalated its “Crackdown on Religious Freedom” by arresting 18 Christian church leaders [3].

References

[1] AT&T Confirms Special Counsel Smith Acquired Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s Phone Records, https://jonathanturley.org/2025/11/20/att-confirms-special-counsel-smith-acquired-former-speaker-kevin-mccarthys-phone-records/

[2] DOJ Charges Three Chinese Nationals With Shipping Chips To China, https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/20/doj-charges-3-chinese-nationals-nvidia-chips-smuggling-china/

[3] China Arrests 18 Church Leaders in Crackdown on Religious Freedom, https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2025/11/20/china-arrests-18-church-leaders-in-crackdown-on-religious-freedom/

1.4. General Crime, Public Safety, & Judicial Rulings

A federal judge has issued a significant ruling in antitrust law, with Judge Boasberg determining that Mark Zuckerberg’s company, Meta, does not hold monopoly power over the social media market [1]. At the state and local level, judicial decisions related to public safety are drawing scrutiny. In California, a judge’s decision to free a murder suspect without bail led the local District Attorney to issue a public warning that “‘people’s lives’ are at risk” [2]. A similar situation is reported out of Chicago, where a man with 22 prior arrests, who had been released by a judge, is now accused of setting a woman on fire on a train [3]. In New Jersey, a police sergeant and a former Democratic mayor are facing charges for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a child they encountered online [4].

References

[1] Judge Boasberg Rules Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Does Not Have Monopoly Power in Social Media, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/11/19/judge-boasberg-rules-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-does-not-have-monopoly-power-in-social-media/

[2] California’s liberal judge frees murder suspect without bail, DA warns ‘people’s lives’ are at risk, https://nypost.com/2025/11/18/us-news/judge-frees-murder-suspect-without-bail-da-warns-of-risk/

[3] Chicago repeat offender suspect charged with setting woman ablaze on train | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/us/blue-city-suspect-numerous-prior-arrests-federally-charged-after-allegedly-setting-woman-ablaze-train

[4] New Jersey police sergeant, former Democrat mayor allegedly drugged, sexually assaulted child he met online, https://www.foxnews.com/us/new-jersey-police-sergeant-former-dem-mayor-allegedly-drugged-sexually-assaulted-child-he-met-online

2. Foreign Policy & National Security

2.1. Russia-Ukraine Peace Plan

There are indications that the Trump administration is actively pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine. According to reports, the administration is “‘Quietly Working’ On A Russia-Ukraine Peace Plan” [1]. The framework of this initiative is said to mirror a recent “Gaza Deal,” although no specific details about either plan are provided in the headlines. A separate report attributes a statement to the White House describing the potential peace plan as being “‘good’ for both Russia and Ukraine” [2]. These developments suggest a significant, though non-public, diplomatic effort is underway.

References

[1] Trump Admin ‘Quietly Working’ On A Russia-Ukraine Peace Plan That Mirrors Gaza Deal, https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-admin-quietly-working-on-a-russia-ukraine-peace-plan-that-mirrors-gaza-deal?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Zach+Jewell&category=News&elementPosition=1&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Trump+Admin+‘Quietly+Working’+On+A+Russia-Ukraine+Peace+Plan+That+Mirrors+Gaza+Deal

[2] WH: Peace plan ‘good’ for both Russia and Ukraine, https://www.breakingthenews.net/news/details/65226875

2.2. Counter-Terrorism & International Security

A domestic fraud investigation has revealed a potential link to international terrorism financing. A probe into Minnesota’s Somali Medicaid program has reportedly found evidence of a connection to the terror group Al-Shabaab, with one report alleging that the “Minnesota Taxpayer” has effectively become the “‘Largest Funder of Al-Shabaab’” through this fraudulent activity [1]. In a direct legislative response to terror threats, Senator Ted Budd has introduced a new bill aimed at preventing terror supporters from entering the United States [2].

References

[1] Report: MN Somali Medicaid Fraud Investigation Reveals Terrorist Link — ‘Largest Funder of Al-Shabaab is the Minnesota Taxpayer’, https://www.breitbart.com/crime/2025/11/20/report-mn-somali-medicaid-fraud-investigation-reveals-terrorist-link-largest-funder-of-al-shabaab-is-the-minnesota-taxpayer/

[2] Sen. Budd Introduces Bill To Block Terror Supporters From Entering US, https://freebeacon.com/national-security/exclusive-budd-introduces-bill-to-block-terror-supporters-from-entering-us/

3. Executive Branch & Presidential Affairs

3.1. Presidential Statements & Policy Actions

President Trump has made several notable public statements and policy moves. In a pointed critique of the nation’s monetary policy, the President stated that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has “‘mental problems’” and instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “‘work on this guy,’” adding, “‘I’d love to fire his ass’” [1]. On economic messaging, the President declared, “‘Affordability Should Be Our Word, Not Theirs’” [2]. On the policy front, President Trump signed the bill authorizing the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein [3]. Separately, an opinion piece characterized the President’s use of the National Guard as “Successful–and Welcome,” though the context for this deployment is not specified [4].

References

[1] Trump says Powell has ‘mental problems,’ urges Bessent to ‘work on this guy:’ ‘I’d love to fire his ass’, https://nypost.com/2025/11/20/business/trump-says-powell-has-mental-problems-urges-bessent-to-work-on-this-guy-id-love-to-fire-his-ass/

[2] Trump’s McDonald’s Moment: ‘Affordability Should Be Our Word, Not Theirs’, https://amgreatness.com/2025/11/19/trumps-mcdonalds-moment-affordability-should-be-our-word-not-theirs/

[3] Trump Signs Epstein Bill, https://i.redd.it/vx8s4m4keb2g1.png

[4] Trump’s Use of National Guard Has Been Successful–and Welcome, https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/11/17/trumps_use_of_national_guard_has_been_successful--and_welcome_153538.html

3.2. White House Personnel & Political Engagements

Recent White House activities highlight shifting political alliances and social engagements. The relationship between President Trump and Elon Musk is reportedly “back on” after a previous public feud, with the President giving Musk “three, shout-outs” during a recent speech attended by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman [1]. The President and Vice President JD Vance also hosted a dinner attended by figures including Melania Trump, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Apple CEO Tim Cook [2]. In a notable social exclusion, however, reports from multiple outlets state that both President Trump and Vice President Vance were not invited to the funeral of former Vice President Dick Cheney, which was held at the National Cathedral [3].

References

[1] Trump, Elon Musk bromance back on: Inside how the president, mogul ended their nasty feud – Trump gave Musk not one, but three, shout-outs during a business-focused speech before Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman., https://nypost.com/2025/11/19/us-news/bromance-back-on-inside-how-trump-and-elon-musk-ended-their-feud/

[2] 🚨 JUST IN: Incredible moment as President Trump sits down for dinner with MELANIA, Cristiano Ronaldo, JD Vance, Apple CEO Tim Cook and others at the White House, https://rumble.com/v71zje4--trump-sits-down-for-dinner-with-melania-cristiano-ronaldo-jd-vance-apple-c.html

[3] Trump not invited to Dick Cheney funeral at National Cathedral service: Report, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-not-invited-dick-cheney-funeral-report

4. Economic Conditions & Policy

4.1. National Employment & Economic Indicators

The latest federal jobs data indicates unexpected strength in the labor market. The government’s delayed September jobs report shows that U.S. employers added a “surprisingly solid” 119,000 jobs, a figure that exceeded analyst expectations [1]. Commenting on the state of the economy, Vice President JD Vance stated that native-born citizens are the primary drivers of recent economic growth, adding that “Jobs Are Going to American Workers For a Change” [2]. This suggests the administration is framing economic gains as a success for domestic labor.

References

[1] U.S. employers added surprisingly solid 119,000 jobs in September, government says in delayed report, https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-trump-tariff-bf603d63e13d6dc1083e9a6616c7ffee

[2] JD Vance: Native-Born Citizens Are Driving Growth — ‘Jobs Are Going to American Workers For a Change’, https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2025/11/20/jd-vance-native-born-citizens-are-driving-growth-jobs-are-going-to-american-workers-for-a-change/

4.2. State & Local Economic Issues

Significant fiscal challenges are emerging at the state and local levels. California is reportedly “facing a projected $18B deficit” as Governor Newsom enters his final year in office, signaling a major budgetary crisis for the state [1]. At the municipal level, homeowners in “Democrat-led Chicago” are experiencing “big spikes in property tax bills,” according to a local report, indicating rising financial pressure on residents in that city [2].

References

[1] California facing projected $18B deficit as Newsom heads into his last year as governor, https://apnews.com/article/california-budget-deficits-gavin-newsom-953d44b398541267d76fed101a65a2e4

[2] Democrat-led Chicago homeowners see big spikes in property tax bills, report shows, https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-property-tax-bill-spikes

4.3. Healthcare & Social Program Costs

Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums are reportedly reaching record highs. A report on “Obamacare sticker shock” identifies three core policy factors as primary drivers of these cost increases: “guaranteed coverage, the community rating rule and mandated service coverage” [1]. The report explicitly states these influences are separate from and in addition to the effects of expiring COVID-era subsidies, pointing to structural cost pressures within the ACA framework.

References

[1] Obamacare sticker shock: Three factors beyond the expiring COVID subsidies that are pushing premiums to record highs: guaranteed coverage, the community rating rule and mandated service coverage., https://www.foxnews.com/politics/obamacare-sticker-shock-three-factors-pushing-premiums-record-highs

5. Immigration & Border Security

5.1. Immigration Enforcement, Deportation, & Demographics

The administration is taking significant steps in immigration enforcement, supported by the judiciary. The Supreme Court has lifted a lower court’s injunction, thereby allowing deportations to proceed under the powers of the Alien Enemies Act [1]. At the state level, California has reportedly revoked 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) held by “Illegal Aliens” after Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy threatened the state with fines [2]. Meanwhile, broader demographic shifts are being reported, with one headline claiming a new “Golden Age” in which America’s foreign-born population has fallen by 2.3 million so far during the Trump presidency [3].

References

[1] Supreme Court Lifts Injunction Barring Deportations Under Alien Enemies Act; Brennan Center Reacts | Brennan Center for Justice, https://www.brennancenter.org/supreme-court-lifts-injunction-barring-deportations-under-alien-enemies-act-brennan-center-reacts

[2] California Revokes 17,000 Illegal Alien CDLs After Sec. Duffy Threatens Fines, https://legalinsurrection.com/2025/11/california-revokes-17000-illegal-alien-cdls-after-sec-duffy-threatens-fines/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=california-revokes-17000-illegal-alien-cdls-after-sec-duffy-threatens-fines

[3] Golden Age: America’s Foreign-Born Population Drops by 2.3 Million Thus Far Under Trump, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/11/20/golden-age-americas-foreign-born-population-drops-by-2-3-million-under-trump/

5.2. Crime & Social Issues Associated with Immigration

Several criminal cases are being linked to immigration status in news reports. Federal authorities in Michigan have alleged that a Plymouth couple generated $74 million in revenue by employing over 240 undocumented immigrant workers [1]. In Texas, an individual described as an “illegal immigrant,” who was wanted for a brutal murder, was arrested after re-crossing the southern border [2]. These cases are being framed in the context of criminal activity connected to unauthorized immigration.

References

[1] Plymouth couple made $74 millions using more than 240 undocumented immigrant workers, feds say, https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/michigan-couple-accused-knowingly-employing-240-undocumented-workers-housing-them-overcrowded-spaces

[2] Illegal immigrant wanted for murdering an innocent American woman by brutally slicing open her lower abdomen in her bathtub is arrested in Texas after crossing the southern border again, https://www.foxnews.com/us/illegal-immigrant-wanted-brutal-bathtub-murder-arrested-texas-after-crossing-southern-border-again

6. Congressional Affairs & Partisan Politics

6.1. Partisan Disputes & Controversial Statements

Political rhetoric has escalated sharply, with the President and members of Congress engaging in heated exchanges. President Trump has publicly labeled six Democrats as “traitors” and stated they should be arrested for telling U.S. troops to refuse what they deem “unlawful orders,” an act the President called “seditious behavior” [1]. Separately, Representative Jasmine Crockett is facing criticism for claiming that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin was funded by “Jeffrey Epstein.” She later clarified that she meant “A Jeffrey Epstein” and admitted she “hadn’t checked” if it was “THAT Jeffrey Epstein” before making the public accusation [2].

References

[1] Trump labels 6 Democrats who told troops to refuse unlawful orders ’traitors’ who should be arrested | President Donald Trump said the video constituted ‘seditious behavior’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-labels-6-democrats-who-told-troops-refuse-unlawful-orders-traitors-who-should-arrested

[2] ‘Genius’ Jasmine Crockett says ‘Jeffrey Epstein’ funded Lee Zeldin — but files show it wasn’t THAT Epstein, https://nypost.com/2025/11/19/us-news/genius-jasmine-crockett-says-jeffrey-epstein-funded-lee-zeldin-files-show-it-wasnt-that-epstein/

6.2. Legal Challenges to Political Processes

A significant legal battle over electoral maps is unfolding in Texas. A judge has authored a “scathing dissent” in a recent Texas redistricting ruling, condemning the majority decision. The dissent characterizes the ruling as “blatant judicial activism” and alleges that it harms the interests of Texans while primarily benefiting “George Soros and Gavin Newsom” [1]. This highlights ongoing, deeply partisan conflicts being waged through the court system over the drawing of political boundaries.

References

[1] Texas Judge Writes Scathing Dissent in Texas Redistricting Ruling – Condemns the ruling as blatant judicial activism that harms Texans while benefiting George Soros and Gavin Newsom., https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2025/11/19/texas-judge-writes-scathing-dissent-in-texas-redistricting-ruling-n2666729

7. Domestic Protests & Social Issues

7.1. Protests, Civil Unrest, & Antisemitism

Public spaces are becoming sites of intense and sometimes violent civil unrest. In New York City, an “antisemitic mob” descended on a historic synagogue, with protesters reportedly urging the “‘resistance’ to ’take another settler out’” and chanting to “‘Globalize the Intifada!’” [1]. In Dearborn, Michigan, a protest described as “total lawlessness” resulted in an assault on a “conservative journalist influencer” named Cam Higby, who was reportedly stalked and pepper-sprayed [2]. At a CUNY interfaith event, an Imam reportedly instructed Muslim students to leave because a “‘Zionist’ is present” [3].

References

[1] Antisemitic mob descends on historic NYC synagogue – urging the ‘resistance’ to ’take another settler out’ | New York Post, https://nypost.com/2025/11/20/us-news/antisemitic-mob-descends-on-historic-nyc-synagogue-urging-the-resistance-to-take-another-settler-out/

[2] ‘Total lawlessness:’ Journalist influencer says he was stalked, later assaulted at chaotic Dearborn protest, https://www.foxnews.com/media/total-lawlessness-journalist-influencer-says-he-stalked-later-assaulted-chaotic-dearborn-protest

[3] Imam tells CUNY Muslim students to leave interfaith event because a ‘Zionist’ is present | New York Post, https://nypost.com/2025/11/19/us-news/imam-tells-cuny-muslim-students-to-leave-interfaith-event-because-a-zionist-is-present/

7.2. Youth, Gender, & Healthcare Debates

The debate over medical treatments for transgender youth has intensified following a new federal report. The Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released what is described as a “damning report” intended to halt the “child sex-change regime” [1]. The findings are summarized in one headline with the conclusion that such procedures are “‘Not medicine — it’s malpractice’” [1]. This HHS action signals a major policy shift at the federal level concerning healthcare for transgender minors.

References

[1] ‘Not medicine — it’s malpractice’: Trump HHS buries child sex-change regime with damning report, https://www.theblaze.com/news/not-medicine-its-malpractice-trump-hhs-buries-child-sex-change-regime-with-damning-report

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