[Monday, November 24] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-11-24 2922 words 14 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare November 24, 2025

Executive Summary

Civil-Military Crisis: The Department of War is investigating Sen. Mark Kelly for urging troops to defy orders, sparking a sedition accusation from President Trump and a debate on military obedience.
Major Legal Rulings: Indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and NY AG Letitia James were dismissed on procedural grounds, citing an “unlawfully appointed” prosecutor.
Ukraine Peace Talks: The U.S. and Ukraine have reportedly agreed on a new 19-point peace plan, with Secretary of State Rubio expressing optimism for a final deal.
Executive Branch Shifts: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been abruptly shut down.

1. National Security Crisis: Civil-Military Relations

1.1. ‘Unlawful Orders’ Controversy & Senator Kelly Investigation

A significant civil-military crisis is unfolding as the Department of War, also identified as the Pentagon, has initiated a misconduct investigation into Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) [1]. The probe follows the circulation of a video in which Senator Kelly, a retired U.S. Navy Captain, reportedly urged U.S. troops to “refuse illegal orders” [2]. Reinforcing the gravity of the situation, the Department’s official statement noted it has received “serious allegations of misconduct” and is proceeding in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) [3]. This formal action was launched in the wake of President Trump publicly accusing Senator Kelly of sedition [4]. In a move that could dramatically escalate the confrontation, reports suggest the Department of War is contemplating a recall of Senator Kelly to active duty. Such a step could potentially subject him to a court-martial for encouraging troops to defy orders from the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth [5]. This series of events represents a direct and potentially unprecedented clash between a sitting U.S. Senator with a military background and the executive branch’s chain of command.

References:
[1] Pentagon announces misconduct probe over video urging troops to ‘refuse illegal orders’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pentagon-threatens-court-martial-democratic-senator-over-refuse-illegal-orders-video
[2] Pentagon announces investigation into Sen Kelly for video urging troops to defy ‘illegal orders’, https://justthenews.com/government/federal-agencies/pentagon-announces-investigation-sen-kelly-video-urging-troops-defy
[3] The Department of War has received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.). In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. § 688, and other applicable regulations, https://x.com/search?q=department%20of%20war&src=typeahead_click
[4] Department of War opens misconduct probe into Sen. Mark Kelly after Trump accused him of sedition, https://nypost.com/2025/11/24/us-news/department-of-war-opens-misconduct-probe-into-sen-mark-kelly-after-trump-accused-him-of-sedition?utm_source=nypost&utm_campaign=android_nyp&utm_medium=social
[5] The Department of War is reportedly considering recalling Sen. Mark Kelly (D) to active duty for possible court-martial after he urged U.S. troops to defy orders from Trump and Hegseth., https://x.com/Breaking911/status/1993006181955387731?t=EIjRgRzvpwfGMZUMPwg1PQ&s=19

1.2. Political & Legal Responses to Military Tensions

The investigation into Senator Kelly has triggered sharp reactions from both sides of the aisle, escalating the political and legal discourse surrounding military obedience. Vice President JD Vance issued a direct statement, arguing that if a president has not issued illegal orders, then any member of Congress encouraging defiance “is by definition illegal” [1]. Notably, some Democratic senators appear to be undermining the premise of the controversy. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) explicitly admitted that President Trump “has not issued illegal orders” [2], an assertion echoed by another Democratic senator who stated they were “not aware” of any such directives having been given [3]. This has fueled a narrative from some commentators that “Democrats are openly calling for a military mutiny” [4]. The rhetoric has been intense, with one report noting that CNN’s analysis invoked the Nuremberg Trials in its discussion of the “unlawful orders” debate [5]. Separately, a headline suggests President Trump is seeking a “New Path to Probe Dems for Sedition and Coup” after efforts by Attorney General Pam Bondi allegedly stalled, though details are scant [6].

References:
[1] JD Vance- If the president hasn’t issued illegal orders, them members of Congress telling the military to defy the president is by definition illegal., https://x.com/JDVance/status/1992691333484736540
[2] Elissa Slotkin Admits Trump Has Not Issued Illegal Orders to U.S. Military, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/11/23/michigan-sen-elissa-slotkin-admits-that-trump-has-not-issued-illegal-orders-to-u-s-military/
[3] Democratic senator ’not aware’ if Trump gave any illegal military orders amid video controversy, https://www.foxnews.com/media/democratic-senator-not-aware-trump-gave-any-illegal-military-orders-amid-video-controversy
[4] Democrats are openly calling for a military mutiny, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/courage-strength-optimism/3893764/democrats-openly-calling-military-mutiny/
[5] CNN Invokes Nazis’ Nuremberg Trials Amid ‘Unlawful Orders’ Dust-Up, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/isaac-white/2025/11/22/cnn-invokes-nazis-nuremberg-trials-amid-unlawful-orders-dust
[6] Breaking: Trump Uncovers New Path to Probe Dems for Sedition and Coup After Bondi Stalls – Treason Hunt On!, https://www.rightjournalism.com/breaking-trump-uncovers-new-path-to-probe-dems-for-sedition-and-coup-after-bondi-stalls-treason-hunt-on/

2. Legal & Political Accountability

2.1. Dismissal of Comey & James Indictments

In a significant legal setback for the administration’s accountability agenda, a federal judge has dismissed the indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James [1, 2]. The cases were not decided on their merits but were thrown out on procedural grounds. The judge ruled that the prosecutor for the cases was “unlawfully appointed” [3]. According to one report, the prosecutor was identified as U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, and the specific judicial reasoning was that Halligan, as an appointee of President Trump, could not lawfully prosecute Comey in this particular matter [4]. This ruling effectively halts these high-profile prosecutions unless the government can find an alternative legal path forward. The dismissal represents a major development in the ongoing legal battles stemming from actions taken during and after the previous Trump administration.

References:
[1] Judge dismisses cases against ex-FBI Director James Comey, NY AG Tish James, https://nypost.com/2025/11/24/us-news/judge-dismisses-cases-against-ex-fbi-director-james-comey-ny-ag-tish-james?utm_source=nypost&utm_campaign=android_nyp&utm_medium=social
[2] Federal judge dismisses James Comey, Letitia James indictments, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-judge-dismisses-james-comey-letitia-james-indictments
[3] Judge finds prosecutor in Comey and James cases unlawfully appointed, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3897002/james-comey-letitia-james-indictments-tossed-lindsey-halligan/
[4] Judge Says US Attorney Lindsey Halligan Can’t Prosecute Comey Because Trump Appointed Her, https://thefederalist.com/2025/11/24/judge-says-us-attorney-lindsey-halligan-cant-prosecute-comey-because-trump-appointed-her/

2.2. Domestic Security & Designated Threats

The administration is actively pursuing its domestic security agenda on multiple fronts. President Trump has publicly vowed to officially designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization [1]. In a separate terrorism-related case, a Department of Justice staffer based in Texas was arrested for allegedly doxxing a federal agent during a law enforcement raid [2]. Concurrently, there is public criticism regarding the effectiveness of existing designations. Headlines suggest that despite its terrorist designation, “Antifa still runs wild,” with commentators pointing to recent violence at UC Berkeley as evidence and calling for “real action” from federal authorities [3, 4]. This indicates an ongoing debate about the practical impact of the administration’s counter-terrorism policies and whether they are being sufficiently enforced.

References:
[1] Trump vows to designate Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization, https://nypost.com/2025/11/23/us-news/trump-vows-to-designate-muslim-brotherhood-a-terrorist-organization/
[2] DOJ Staffer in Texas Arrested on Terrorism Charges After Doxxing Federal Agent During Raid, https://www.breitbart.com/border/2025/11/23/doj-employee-charged-with-terrorism-over-doxxing-of-federal-agent-during-raid-in-texas/
[3] Despite terrorist designation, Antifa still runs wild — and conservatives want real action, https://www.theblaze.com/shows/rufo-lomez/despite-terrorist-designation-antifa-still-runs-wild-and-conservatives-want-real-action
[4] Antifa violence exposes UC Berkeley’s hypocrisy on free speech and tolerance, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/antifa-violence-exposes-uc-berkeleys-hypocrisy-free-speech-tolerance

3. Foreign Policy & International Engagements

3.1. Ukraine Peace Negotiations

Reports indicate a major potential breakthrough in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The United States and Ukraine have reportedly reached a mutual agreement on a “new 19-point peace plan.” This framework is described as being “vastly different” from a previous proposal floated by President Trump, suggesting a significant evolution in the U.S. negotiating position [1]. Following a meeting with Ukrainian officials in Geneva, Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly expressed that he is “Very Optimistic” that a final peace agreement can be reached in the near future [2]. The diplomatic push is underscored by a plea from a former press secretary for Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who urged Ukraine to accept a deal, warning that the country is “bleeding out” [3]. These developments collectively suggest a coordinated and urgent international effort is underway to bring the conflict to a close.

References:
[1] US, Ukraine agree on new 19-point peace plan that’s vastly different from Trump’s previous one: reports, https://nypost.com/2025/11/24/world-news/us-ukraine-agree-on-new-19-point-peace-plan-thats-vastly-different-from-trumps-previous-one-reports?utm_source=nypost&utm_campaign=android_nyp&utm_medium=social
[2] Rubio ‘Very Optimistic’ a Peace Deal Can Be Reached After Meeting With Ukrainian Officials in Geneva, https://redstate.com/jenvanlaar/2025/11/23/results-of-ukraine-talks-in-geneva-n2196493
[3] Former Zelensky Press Secretary Calls for Ukraine to Take Peace Deal: Ukraine Is ‘Bleeding Out’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/11/23/former-zelensky-press-secretary-calls-ukraine-take-peace-deal/

3.2. Middle East & Global Strategy

A single but notable analysis piece suggests a fundamental reorientation of U.S. foreign policy may be underway. The article, published in Tablet Magazine, interprets a recent White House visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) as a “Farewell to the Abraham Accords” [1]. It further argues the event signals a “return to normalcy” in U.S.-Saudi relations and, more broadly, represents part of a strategic “U.S. pivot toward China.” It is critical to note that this is an interpretation from a single source, and information from other provided headlines is insufficient to corroborate or contextualize this potentially significant policy shift.

References:
[1] Farewell to the Abraham Accords — MBS’s White House visit marked a return to normalcy in the Middle East, and a U.S. pivot toward China, https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/israel-middle-east/articles/farewell-abraham-accords-lee-smith

4. Domestic Governance & Policy

4.1. Executive Branch Operations & Press Access

Changes are occurring within the executive branch structure and its relationship with the press. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a high-profile initiative established early in the administration and previously led by Elon Musk, has reportedly been shut down “with months left on its mandate,” an abrupt end to a key project [1]. In a separate development concerning press freedom, the Department of Justice is actively defending its decision to ban the Associated Press from White House access. The official rationale is described in one headline as being “All about access to the president,” signaling a restrictive posture on press engagement [2].

References:
[1] DOGE shuts down with months left on its mandate, https://nypost.com/2025/11/23/us-news/doge-doesnt-exist-ends-with-eight-months-left-on-mandate/
[2] All about access to the president: DOJ defends ban on Associated Press White House access, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3896956/justice-department-defends-ban-associated-press-white-house-access/

4.2. Immigration Policy & Debate

Immigration policy remains a legal and philosophical flashpoint. A coalition of state attorneys general has launched a legal challenge against USDA rules that prohibit some immigrants from receiving SNAP benefits [1]. The broader public discourse on the issue is also being shaped by commentary arguing for a reframing of the issue. One opinion piece asserts that the “Real Debate” isn’t “How Many” immigrants are admitted, but “Who” is admitted [2], while another argues that policies promoted as “‘Humane’… Ends in Cruelty” [3]. One report highlights a specific case of identity theft by an “Illegal Alien” and criticizes the New York Times for its alleged portrayal of the perpetrator as a victim [4].

References:
[1] Attorneys General Challenge USDA Rules Banning Some Immigrants From SNAP, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2025/11/23/attorneys-general-challenge-tightened-food-stamp-eligibility-rules-n2666889
[2] The Real Debate About Immigration Isn’t How Many. It’s Who., https://www.thefp.com/p/the-real-debate-about-immigration-is-who-politics-policy-international
[3] Why ‘Humane’ Immigration Policy Ends in Cruelty, https://www.thefp.com/p/tyler-cowen-why-humane-immigration-policy-ends-in-cruelty
[4] Illegal Alien Stole a Man’s Identity and Made His Life Hell; New York Times Calls The Illegal a Victim, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2025/11/24/illegal-alien-stole-a-mans-identity-and-made-his-life-hell-new-york-times-calls-the-illegal-a-victim-n3809207

5. Economic Outlook

5.1. National and State Economic Indicators

The economic narrative remains varied and contested. According to one GOP lawmaker’s claim during a Fox News appearance, a positive national trend has emerged in the first ten months of the Trump administration, with wages reportedly having “outpaced” inflation by “almost 4-5%” [1]. It is important to note that this is a singular claim from a partisan source, and no other macroeconomic data was present in the provided headlines to support or contradict it. At the state level, a recent study highlights a significant fiscal problem for California, which is reportedly “Losing a Taxpayer Every Minute” as residents and their tax dollars exit the state [2].

References:
[1] Wages have ‘outpaced’ inflation by almost 4-5% in Trump’s first 10 months: GOP lawmaker | Fox News Video, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6385497462112
[2] Tick, Tick , Tick: Study Shows California is Losing a Taxpayer Every Minute, https://jonathanturley.org/2025/11/23/tick-tick-tick-study-shows-california-is-losing-a-taxpayer-every-minute/

6. State & Local Governance

6.1. Crises in Major U.S. Cities and States

Significant challenges are plaguing state and local governments. In Chicago, public school officials are criticized for spending “millions on travel expenses” while grade-level reading proficiency among students is critically low [1]. The city also experienced a mass shooting in which eight teenagers were wounded. Following the incident, both Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson reportedly refused an offer of federal assistance from President Trump [2]. Elsewhere, a Somali sheriff in Minnesota has drawn sharp criticism for reportedly calling American officers “‘foreigners’” and stating that he “‘serves Somalis first’” [3]. At a broader state level, California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing potential legal jeopardy. The recent indictment of his Chief of Staff has prompted questions about whether the governor could be implicated in an alleged scheme to shield a top donor from legal scrutiny [4].

References:
[1] Chicago public schools blow millions on travel expenses while students can’t read at grade level, https://www.foxnews.com/us/chicago-public-schools-blow-millions-travel-expenses-while-students-cant-read-grade-level
[2] Mayhem in the Windy City: 8 Teens Shot Downtown in Sick Scene As Pritzker, Johnson Refuse Trump’s Help, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2025/11/22/mayhem-in-the-windy-city-8-teens-shot-downtown-in-sick-scene-as-pritzker-johnson-refuse-trumps-help-n2196480
[3] Somali Sheriff in Minnesota Just Called American Officers ‘Foreigners’ and Said He Serves Somalis First, https://twitchy.com/justmindy/2025/11/23/minnesota-sheriff-serves-somalia-and-his-homeland-n2422038
[4] How the Indictment of Gavin Newsom’s Chief of Staff Could Implicate the Governor in a Scheme To Shield a Top Donor From Legal Scrutiny, https://freebeacon.com/california/how-the-indictment-of-gavin-newsoms-chief-of-staff-could-implicate-the-governor-in-a-scheme-to-shield-a-top-donor-from-legal-scrutiny/

7. Public Discourse & Media Landscape

Major social media companies are under intense scrutiny for their internal practices and external influence. A court filing has emerged with the explosive allegation that Mark Zuckerberg’s company, Meta, deliberately “Shut Down Internal Research Suggesting Social Media Harms Users” [1]. In a move framed as a step toward transparency, Elon Musk’s platform, X, has implemented a new feature that publicly labels the geographic location of user accounts. This has led to reports claiming the feature is “Revealing MAGA Division Is Being Pushed by Foreigners” [2], which in turn has sparked user commentary and questions such as, “Am I the Only American on X?” [3]. These events highlight the ongoing deep distrust of platform operators and concerns about foreign manipulation of online discourse.

References:
[1] Court Filing: Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Shut Down Internal Research Suggesting Social Media Harms Users, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/11/24/court-filing-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-shut-down-internal-research-suggesting-social-media-harms-users/
[2] Elon Musk’s X Begins Labeling Account Locations, Revealing MAGA Division Is Being Pushed by Foreigners, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/11/24/elon-musks-x-begins-labeling-account-locations-revealing-maga-division-is-being-pushed-by-foreigners/
[3] Am I the Only American on X?, https://www.thefp.com/p/am-i-the-only-american-on-x

7.2. Public Opinion & Political Identity

Polling data reported by CNN indicates that President Trump currently commands “SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER in-party support” than his recent two-term predecessors, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, did in their own second terms, showing a figure of 87% [1]. Despite this strong base, the intense political climate surrounding the President continues to manifest publicly. A therapist, Jonathan Alpert, who authored a Wall Street Journal op-ed describing “Trump derangement syndrome” as a real “pathology,” claims to have received threats for his analysis [2]. Within the Republican party, headlines point to an ongoing internal conversation about its ideological direction, with articles discussing “The Marjorie Taylor Greene New Deal” [3] and others asking the fundamental question, “What Does The Republican Party Even Stand For?” [4].

References:
[1] CNN - President Trump has SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER in-party support versus Bush and Obama term 2 - a whopping 87%, https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/1993000769260257371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1993000769260257371%7Ctwgr%5E9e6e3e3c639bacf1b65391d761dccbdf3f4d8520%7Ctwcon%5Es1_
[2] Therapist says he received threats after calling ‘Trump derangement syndrome’ real ‘pathology’ - Jonathan Alpert faced backlash following Wall Street Journal op-ed about patients obsessed with president, https://www.foxnews.com/media/therapist-says-he-received-threats-after-calling-trump-derangement-syndrome-real-pathology
[3] The Marjorie Taylor Greene New Deal, https://spectator.org/the-marjorie-taylor-greene-new-deal/
[4] What Does The Republican Party Even Stand For?, https://thefederalist.com/2025/11/24/what-does-the-republican-party-even-stand-for/

7.3. Media Criticism & Partisan Rhetoric

The media environment remains a battleground of sharp criticism and polarized language. An individual named Mamdani, following a White House meeting, asserted it remains “Important” to view President Trump as a “Fascist” [1]. This type of rhetoric is itself a subject of debate, with other commentary arguing the term has been so overused as an insult that it “has lost all bite and meaning” [2]. In an unusual instance of media self-policing, CNN reportedly fact-checked Representative Jasmine Crockett during her attempt to “smear Trump over Epstein docs” [3]. In other critiques, commentator Scott Jennings blasted Kara Swisher for allegedly dismissing the controversy around the Hunter Biden laptop story as being “Just ‘Politics’” [4], and a separate commentary argues it is “Time for Derek Chauvin’s Conviction to Be Overturned” [5].

References:
[1] Mamdani Claims It’s ‘Important’ He Still Views Trump As ‘Fascist,’ ‘Threat To Democracy’ After White House Meeting, https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/23/zohran-mamdani-claims-important-view-donald-trump-fascist-threat-democracy-white-house-meeting-kristen-welker-meet-press/
[2] Political Punchline: ‘Fascist’ Is So Overused As an Insult, It Has Lost All Bite and Meaning, https://twitchy.com/warren-squire/2025/11/23/zohran-mamdani-trump-fascist-kristen-welker-meet-the-press-n2422031
[3] Lefty Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett gets fact-checked by CNN while failing to smear Trump over Epstein docs, https://nypost.com/2025/11/13/us-news/rep-jasmine-crockett-gets-fact-checked-by-cnn-fails-to-smear-trump-over-epstein-docs/
[4] Scott Jennings Blasts Kara Swisher for Calling Hunter Biden Laptop Cover-Up Just ‘Politics’, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2025/11/23/scott-jennings-blasts-kara-swisher-for-calling-hunter-biden-laptop-cover-up-just-politics-n2666891
[5] It’s Time for Derek Chauvin’s Conviction to Be Overturned, https://pjmedia.com/eric-florack/2025/11/23/it-is-time-for-the-derek-chavin-conviction-to-be-overturned-n4946310

The news feed reflects ongoing, deeply-felt cultural debates. In a major policy decision with nationwide implications for healthcare, Catholic bishops have voted to “Prohibit Sex Change Surgeries And Hormone Treatment In Catholic Hospitals” [1]. On a related theme of social bioethics, a majority of voters in the nation of Slovenia rejected a law that would have permitted assisted dying, a result one quoted source called a victory for the “culture of life” [2]. The media feed also included ideological and satirical content that colors the public discourse, such as a satirical article from the Babylon Bee headlined, “Trump To Execute All Turkeys Pardoned By Biden’s Autopen” [3], and an image post titled “Socialism - How It Works” [4].

References:
[1] Bishops Vote To Prohibit Sex Change Surgeries And Hormone Treatment In Catholic Hospitals, https://thefederalist.com/2025/11/24/bishops-vote-to-prohibit-trans-surgeries-and-hormone-treatment-in-catholic-hospitals/
[2] Majority of Slovenians Vote to Reject Assisted Dying Law – “We are witnessing a miracle. The culture of life has defeated the cult of death.”, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/11/24/majority-of-slovenians-vote-to-reject-assisted-dying-law/
[3] Trump To Execute All Turkeys Pardoned By Biden’s Autopen, https://babylonbee.com/news/trump-to-execute-all-turkeys-pardoned-by-bidens-autopen
[4] Socialism - How It Works, https://i.redd.it/mu739atym93g1.jpeg