[Saturday, November 22] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare November 22, 2025

Executive Summary

• Political Shock: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene will resign, criticizing President Trump and lamenting MAGA’s failures in a departure video.
• Ukraine Ultimatum: A U.S. peace plan giving Russia most of its demands faces fierce allied and bipartisan opposition; Ukraine must accept by Nov. 27.
• Official Threats: Democratic officials, including Sen. Slotkin, face bomb threats after being singled out by presidential rhetoric.
• Executive Actions: The administration moves to dismantle the Dept. of Education, cancels the October inflation report, and ends Somali migrant protections.
• Judicial Moves: SCOTUS allows a GOP-favored Texas congressional map, blocking a lower court’s racial gerrymandering finding.

1. The Trump Administration & Executive Branch

1.1. Major Departmental & Policy Actions

The administration has launched a series of significant and controversial policy initiatives across multiple departments. The White House has officially begun the process of dismantling the Department of Education, a move reportedly causing widespread fear and uncertainty about potential disruptions for schools nationwide [1]. In a separate, unprecedented action, the U.S. data agency cancelled the October inflation report as the Federal Reserve weighs a decision on interest rates [2].

In public health, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., announced that he “personally directed” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue new guidance regarding a purported link between vaccines and autism [3]. The move, described by some outlets as adding “anti-vax misinformation” to the CDC website, has reportedly been met with internal backlash, with CDC employees calling the new content “embarrassing” and “horrifying” [4]. Other health policy concerns are emerging as doctors at the Indian Health Service accuse the agency of censorship for flagging their vaccine-related speech, and experts warn that basic HIV protections are being unraveled by the degradation of key programs [5, 6].

On environmental policy, the EPA has approved new pesticides, described as “‘forever chemicals’,” for use on food products [7]. In immigration, President Trump announced an end to temporary deportation protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota [8]. In a related but potentially conflicting development, while the administration is reportedly moving to resume sharing Medicaid data with ICE, a federal judge has issued an order blocking the IRS from sharing taxpayer data with DHS for immigration enforcement [9, 10].

References
[1] Schools fear disruptions as the White House begins dismantling the Education Department, https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-dismantle-close-66cf202e2d3629f9f75d264cbad46bc4
[2] US data agency cancels October inflation report as Fed considers whether to cut rates, https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/21/october-inflation-report-cancelled-fed-rate
[3] RFK Jr says he personally directed CDC’s new guidance on vaccines and autism, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-22/rfk-jr-says-he-directed-cdc-on-vaccines-and-autism/106040486
[4] “Embarrassing” and “Horrifying”: CDC Workers Describe the New Vaccines and Autism Page, https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/11/embarrassing-and-horrifying-cdc-workers-describe-the-new-vaccines-and-autism-page/
[5] The Indian Health Service Is Flagging Vaccine-Related Speech. Doctors Say They’re Being Censored., https://www.propublica.org/article/indian-health-service-vaccine-censorship
[6] America’s most basic HIV protections are in danger as a decade of progress unravels. Health experts are alarmed as Republicans degrade the country’s pivotal HIV programs — and break promises made during Trump’s first term., https://www.advocate.com/health/hiv-protections-lost-trump
[7] EPA just approved new ‘forever chemical’ pesticides for use on food, https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/11/22/forever-chemicals-pesticides/
[8] Trump says he is ending temporary deportation protections for Somalis in Minnesota, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-is-ending-temporary-deportation-protections-somalis-minnesota-2025-11-22/
[9] Trump admin moves to resume sharing Medicaid data with ICE, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/21/trump-medicaid-data-ice-00665923
[10] Judge blocks IRS from sharing data with DHS for immigration enforcement, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/11/21/judge-blocks-irs-dhs/

1.2. Presidential Conduct & Political Engagements

President Trump held an unexpectedly cordial White House meeting with New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani, a summit described by observers as a “lovefest” that left some Trump allies “shocked” [1, 2]. Following the meeting, the President reversed his previous stance on punishing New York City, stating he would now be “cheering” for Mamdani [3]. The meeting also provided a platform for Mamdani, who accused Israel of committing “‘genocide’ with US funding” during his White House appearance [4].

The President’s public statements continue to draw intense scrutiny. After accusing Democrats of “‘seditious behavior, punishable by death,’” he later clarified he was “not threatening” them, though a Democratic lawmaker has asked the Capitol Police to formally investigate the posts [5, 6]. This stands in contrast to his reported refusal to send federal disaster aid to Chicago following two devastating storms [7]. Meanwhile, some reports have focused on the President’s personal state, with one alleging he is “losing control of himself” [8]. In a separate matter, a report alleges the White House “blew past legal concerns” to authorize deadly strikes on suspected drug boats [9].

References
[1] Trump and Mamdani Set Aside Differences During White House Meeting, https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-and-mamdani-set-aside-differences-during-white-house-meeting-d9b45464?mod=e2fb&utm_social_handle_id=2282&utm_social_post_id=587360475&mod=e2fb
[2] Trump and Mamdani’s White House Lovefest Leaves Trump Allies “Shocked,” Says Source | “Let’s just say I didn’t have Mamdani and Trump having a cordial Oval Office meeting and presser on my 2025 MAGA Bingo card,” said one Trump ally, https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/mamdanis-white-house-lovefest-leaves-trump-allies-shocked
[3] Trump no longer plans to punish NYC, will be ‘cheering’ for Mamdani after ‘great’ White House meet, https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/21/trump-no-longer-plans-to-punish-nyc-will-be-cheering-for-mamdani-after-great-white-house-meet/
[4] Mamdani accuses Israel of ‘genocide’ with US funding during White House meeting with Trump, https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-874761
[5] Trump says he wasn’t threatening Democrats he accused of ‘seditious behavior, punishable by death’, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/rcna245156
[6] Democrat asks Capitol Police to investigation Trump sedition posts, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5618043-trump-social-media-posts-capitol-police/
[7] Trump refused to send disaster aid to Chicago after 2 devastating storms, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/22/trump-refused-to-send-disaster-aid-to-chicago-despite-devastating-damage-00655716
[8] The President Is Losing Control of Himself, https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2025/11/trump-truth-social-control/685019/?gift=b1TVGoOGw2__Ke7lVEm1wVw1w2Mei_4zp9rLYLw5VHo
[9] White House blew past legal concerns in deadly strikes on drug boats, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/11/22/drug-boats-strikes-cia-legal-concerns/

2. Congress & U.S. Political Dynamics

2.1. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Resignation & MAGA Schism

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has announced her intention to resign from Congress, effective in January, sending shockwaves through the Republican party [1]. In a “shocking resignation video,” Greene heavily criticized President Trump, stating she would not be a “battered wife” following a public dispute over the release of the Epstein files [2]. Her resignation letter reportedly “laments MAGA’s failures” [3]. The President’s reaction has been mixed; he was reported to be “gloating over ’traitor’ MTG’s decision,” while also publicly stating he would “love” to see her return to politics [4, 5]. Allies of Greene have stated she has considered a presidential run in 2028 [6].

Greene’s departure highlights broader ideological fissures within the conservative movement. The Federalist Society is reportedly “torn between its legal philosophy and Trump’s demands,” while the “architect of Project 2025 was ousted” and now reportedly “wants revenge” [7, 8].

References
[1] Marjorie Taylor Greene Says She Plans to Resign in January, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/us/politics/marjorie-taylor-greene-resigns.html
[2] Marjorie Taylor Greene Slams Trump in Shocking Resignation Video - The Georgia Republican said she won’t be a “battered wife” after a public spat with Donald Trump over the Epstein files., https://newrepublic.com/post/203546/marjorie-taylor-greene-trump-epstein-resignation
[3] Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Resignation Letter Laments MAGA’s Failures, https://time.com/7336228/marjorie-taylore-greene-resignation-letter-trump/
[4] Trump gloats over ‘traitor’ MTG’s decision to quit as MAGA left reeling, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-maga-reacts-marjorie-taylor-greene-resignation-b2870481.html
[5] Trump says he would ’love’ to see Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene return to politics at some point, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/donald-trump-marjorie-taylor-greene-resignation-rcna245307?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma&taid=6921eb56962aa90001404519&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
[6] Marjorie Taylor Greene Has Considered Running for President in 2028, Allies Say, https://time.com/7336273/marjorie-taylor-greene-2028/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=221125
[7] The Federalist Society Is Torn Between Its Legal Philosophy and Trump’s Demands, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/us/trump-federalist-society.html?unlocked_article_code=1.3E8.qxGk.sdeZKJO6MwML
[8] The architect of Project 2025 was ousted. Now he wants revenge, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/11/20/project-2025-architect-trump-for-senate/

2.2. Domestic Security: Threats Against Officials

A deeply concerning “surge” in death threats has targeted Democratic officials who have been publicly criticized by President Trump [1]. The Michigan home of Sen. Elissa Slotkin received a bomb threat shortly after the President labeled her a “traitor” and she urged the military to “refuse illegal orders” [2, 3]. The New Hampshire office of Rep. Maggie Goodlander was also targeted with a bomb threat [4]. Additionally, a Pennsylvania lawmaker’s office received a bomb threat after Trump accused her of “seditious behavior,” and an anonymous threat was made against an Indiana state senator’s business in what local sources called a “’troubling pattern’” of intimidation [5, 6].

References
[1] Death Threats Surge Against Democrats Targeted by Trump, https://www.axios.com/2025/11/21/democrats-trump-threats-posts-military-video
[2] Sen. Elissa Slotkin receives bomb threat after urging military to ‘refuse illegal orders’, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-elissa-slotkin-receives-bomb-threat-urging-military-refuse-illegal-rcna245288
[3] Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s home targeted with bomb threat after being labeled ‘traitor’ by Trump, https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/11/sen-elissa-slotkins-home-targeted-with-bomb-threat-after-being-labeled-traitor-by-trump.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor
[4] Bomb threat investigated at NH office of Representative Maggie Goodlander, https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/21/metro/new-hampshire-maggie-goodlander-bomb-threat-office/
[5] Pa. lawmaker says office received bomb threat after Trump accused her of ‘seditious behavior’, https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/politics/pa-lawmaker-who-trump-accused-of-seditious-behavior-says-offices-received-threats/4306069/
[6] Indiana senator’s business faces bomb threat in ’troubling pattern’ as GOP urges civility, https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/21/senators-business-faces-bomb-threat-in-troubling-pattern/87395558007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z115753p115150c115150d00----v115753b0062xxd006265&gca-ft=161&gca-ds=sophi&fbclid=IwdGRjcAON4hpjbGNrA43hyGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHjFdBq7Ut0n45ndkjOY9jLM7aCanwic-BsbuCEAPuQC9_UAYbTZNhqgp3cGj_aem_qOSx_wUwslKTGlOhDW-juw&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

3. U.S. Foreign Policy & International Relations

3.1. Ukraine Peace Plan Crisis

The Trump administration’s new Ukraine peace proposal has ignited a major international firestorm. The plan is characterized as giving Russia “nearly everything it wants,” and the U.S. has reportedly informed NATO allies that Ukraine must agree to the terms by a November 27 deadline or “face worse in future” [1, 2]. Figures including Kirill Dmitriev, a “‘ruthlessly ambitious’ Kremlin figure,” are reported to be central to the plan’s formulation, and President Trump was quoted as saying Ukrainian President Zelenskyy “will have to like” it [3, 4].

The proposal has been met with harsh condemnation. European allies are reportedly “fuming” at a component that involves profiting from frozen Russian assets [5]. At home, the plan has faced bipartisan backlash, with Republican Senators McConnell and Wicker panning it for “rewarding Russian butchery” [6]. The integrity of the process is also under a cloud following reports that Trump officials met with a Russian national in Miami to discuss the proposal [7]. Despite the widespread criticism, some Western leaders have publicly stated the plan could serve as a “basis for peace that needs work” [8].

References
[1] Trump’s Ukraine Peace Plan Gives Russia Nearly Everything It Wants | The White House has reverted to type, the president’s administration tries to force Putin’s desired outcome on Zelensky, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-ukraine-peace-plan-russia-1235470803/
[2] US tells Nato if Zelenskyy does not sign peace deal Ukraine will face worse in future, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/22/ukraine-zelenskyy-peace-deal-us-nato-meeting
[3] Kirill Dmitriev: ‘ruthlessly ambitious’ Kremlin figure behind Ukraine plan, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/21/who-is-kirill-dmitriev-draft-plan-ukraine-war-russia
[4] Trump says Zelensky ‘will have to like’ Ukraine peace plan ahead of Nov. 27 deadline, https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/22/trump-says-zelensky-will-have-to-like-ukraine-peace-plan-ahead-of-nov-27-deadline-a91210
[5] ‘Witkoff needs a psychiatrist’: Europeans fume at Trump’s plan to profit from frozen Russian assets, https://www.politico.eu/article/steve-witkoff-needs-a-psychiatrist-europeans-fume-at-donald-trump-plan-to-profit-from-frozen-russian-assets/
[6] McConnell, Wicker pan Trump plan for Ukraine as rewarding Putin, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5618181-trump-russia-ukraine-plan-criticized/
[7] Trump officials’ meeting with Russian in Miami spurs questions about latest Ukraine proposal, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-officials-meeting-with-russian-miami-spurs-questions-about-latest-ukraine-2025-11-22/
[8] Western leaders say US plan a basis for peace that needs work, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/western-leaders-race-agree-response-us-peace-plan-ukraine-2025-11-22/

3.2. International Summits and Allied Relations

U.S. international relations are showing signs of significant strain. The United States boycotted the G20 summit in South Africa, where other world leaders signed a statement endorsing the Paris climate agreement in a move seen as an act of defiance against President Trump [1, 2]. Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized Canada, “roasting” the CBC and the country’s “immigration insanity” [3].

Regarding the Middle East, Congressional Democrats and the widow of Jamal Khashoggi are demanding the release of the transcript of a call between President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, following a warning from an individual identified as Vindman about its “shocking” contents [4, 5].

References
[1] G20 leaders meet in South Africa seeking agreement, despite US boycott, https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/g20-leaders-meet-south-africa-seeking-agreement-despite-us-boycott-2025-11-22/
[2] G20 defies Donald Trump, with leaders jointly signing statement endorsing Paris agreement, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-23/g20-defies-trump-with-leaders-jointly-signing-statement/106041342
[3] J.D. Vance roasts CBC and Canada’s ‘immigration insanity’, https://torontosun.com/news/national/j-d-vance-roasts-cbc-and-canadas-immigration-insanity
[4] Khashoggi’s widow and Democrats demand release of call transcript with Trump and Saudi crown prince, https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-jamal-kashoggi-widow-6d1a2a99c0bb6ef17f1b5419a8c83632
[5] Trump, MBS had “shocking” phone call after Khashoggi murder, Vindman warns, https://www.axios.com/2025/11/21/trump-saudi-arabia-vindman-murder-khashoggi?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

4. Legal, Judicial, and Electoral Affairs

4.1. Supreme Court and Redistricting Battles

Fierce legal battles over congressional redistricting are intensifying. Justice Samuel Alito has temporarily blocked a lower court order and allowed Texas to reinstate a “pro-Republican” congressional map that a lower court found to be “likely racially biased” [1]. The map could deliver the GOP an additional five House seats [2]. In a separate case in Missouri, the state’s Attorney General is accused of using ICE to target signature gatherers for a referendum aimed at repealing a Republican-drawn gerrymander, prompting a lawsuit alleging a “scheme to sabotage” the effort [3, 4]. These events unfold as observers await a major redistricting decision from the Supreme Court [5].

References
[1] Supreme Court blocks order that found Texas congressional map is likely racially biased, https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-texas-redistricting-trump-republicans-discrimination-c1bbf88e2a1f7d49cda512b8ef165750
[2] Alito lets Texas reinstate gerrymandered House map that could give GOP 5 more seats, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/21/texas-supreme-court-map-case-00665951
[3] Missouri AG Now Siccing ICE on Gerrymander Referendum Signature Gatherers, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/missouri-gop-now-siccing-ice-on-gerrymander-referendum-signature-gatherers/
[4] Lawsuit details alleged scheme to sabotage referendum on Missouri congressional map, https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/21/lawsuit-details-alleged-scheme-to-sabotage-referendum-on-gerrymandered-missouri-congressional-map/
[5] Eric Holder to tear into Supreme Court as major redistricting decision looms, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/22/eric-holder-supreme-court-speech-redistricting-00666073

4.2. Developments in High-Profile Cases & State-Level Rulings

Several prominent federal cases are progressing. The prosecution of James Comey is reportedly “on the ropes” after his lawyers filed a motion to dismiss his indictment, alleging “‘fundamental errors’” in the grand jury process [1, 2]. In the Luigi Mangione case, federal prosecutors have argued that public comments by Attorney General Pam Bondi should not affect death penalty considerations [3]. In a definitive statement from prison, Ghislaine Maxwell has announced that she will not cooperate with the ongoing federal probe into Jeffrey Epstein’s network [4].

In state-level legal action, abortion is now “banned again in North Dakota” after a state court reversed a lower judge’s decision that had previously protected access [5]. Conflicts over religion in public life are also escalating, with new friction reported over the placement of the Ten Commandments in Texas classrooms and a Jewish group reviving a court battle over a religious charter school in Oklahoma [6, 7].

References
[1] Comey Prosecution on the Ropes After Series of Missteps, https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/james-comey-case-doj-challenges-0c1c2bb2
[2] Comey seeks to dismiss charges, alleging “fundamental errors” before grand jury, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/comey-seeks-dismissal-grand-jury-indictment-errors/
[3] Federal prosecutors say Bondi’s comments shouldn’t affect Luigi Mangione’s death penalty case, https://apnews.com/article/mangione-bondi-unitedhealthcare-killing-death-penalty-849024a79b87c3158119d7119ddce517
[4] Ghislaine Maxwell Announces She Won’t Cooperate in Epstein Probe, https://newrepublic.com/post/203541/ghislaine-maxwell-wont-cooperate-epstein-probe-plead-fifth
[5] Abortion banned again in North Dakota after court reverses a judge’s earlier decision, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/abortion-banned-again-in-north-dakota-after-court-reverses-a-judges-earlier-decision
[6] Beliefs clash among students, parents and teachers as the Ten Commandments go up in Texas classrooms, https://apnews.com/article/ten-commandments-texas-schools-f16713552035212c4c5430e988dfcf82
[7] Jewish group revives religious charter school fight in Oklahoma, months after test case stalled at Supreme Court, https://forward.com/fast-forward/785188/jewish-group-revives-religious-charter-school-fight-in-oklahoma-months-after-test-case-stalled-at-supreme-court/

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