HeadlineSquare[Tuesday, November 25] US News Headlines from r/politics
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DAILY BRIEFING
By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare
November 25, 2025
Executive Summary
Today’s intelligence reveals a severe constitutional stress test as the executive branch aggressively asserts its power, sparking direct confrontations with Congress and encountering widespread resistance.
- The White House has declared all presidential military orders legal, prompting an FBI investigation into Democratic lawmakers who urged defiance.
- A U.S.-led peace plan for Ukraine is reportedly advancing with a core condition that Ukraine must cede territory to Russia.
- The Republican party faces internal turmoil as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene reportedly resigns after clashing with President Trump.
- The administration battles a 20-state lawsuit over federal housing cuts and an intra-party revolt that killed a key healthcare plan.
1. The Presidency and the Military: ‘Illegal Orders’ Probe Sparks Crisis
A constitutional crisis is escalating between the White House and Congress over presidential military authority, ignited by a directive that declares all of President Trump’s orders to the military legal [1]. This assertion of sweeping executive power was swiftly followed by action, as the FBI began seeking interviews with Democratic lawmakers who had previously urged U.S. troops to defy any “illegal orders” from the administration [2].
Democrats have condemned the investigation as a politically motivated “intimidation campaign” [3]. The probe is heavily focused on Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a former astronaut and military veteran, after he appeared in a video urging service members not to obey unlawful commands. This has reportedly led President Trump to accuse the senator of treason [4]. The investigation prompted a furious rebuke from his Arizona colleague, Senator Ruben Gallego, who slammed the administration, reportedly stating: “‘F–k You And Your Investigation’” [5]. Later, on the Senate floor, Gallego directed a sharp attack at Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for his role in the inquiry, stating, “‘You, Sir, Are A Coward’” [6]. The legal framework for this broad interpretation of power was articulated by a figure identified as Leavitt, who asserted that “All” military orders from the President “must be presumed to be legal” by the armed forces [7].
References:
[1] White House Declares All of Trump’s Orders to Military Are Legal, https://newrepublic.com/post/203628/white-house-declares-trump-orders-military-legal
[2] FBI seeks interviews with Democratic lawmakers who urged US troops to defy illegal orders, https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-congress-80c1a1ffbbaa3a12e63745356f2377f3?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-11-25-Breaking+News
[3] Democrats accuse Trump of ‘intimidation’ campaign as FBI seeks interviews, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/25/democrats-trump-fbi-intimidation-campaign
[4] Why is Trump accusing a former astronaut of treason?, https://www.vox.com/politics/470504/mark-kelly-nasa-trump-treason
[5] Ruben Gallego Slams Trump Admin Over Investigation Into Mark Kelly Over Video Urging Military Members To Not Obey Unlawful Orders: ‘F–k You And Your Investigation’, https://www.latintimes.com/ruben-gallego-slams-trump-admin-over-investigation-mark-kelly-over-video-urging-military-members-591923
[6] ‘You, Sir, Are A Coward’: Senate Dem Torches Hegseth Over Newly Announced Investigation, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ruben-gallego-torches-pete-hegseth-mark-kelly-investigation_n_6925aa85e4b063285310b05f?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main
[7] Leavitt Says “All” Military Orders by Trump Must Be “Presumed to Be Legal”, https://truthout.org/articles/leavitt-says-all-military-orders-by-trump-must-be-presumed-to-be-legal/
2. Foreign Policy and National Security
2.1. Ukraine Peace Plan Advances with ‘Ceding Land’ Condition
A U.S.-led diplomatic push to end the war in Ukraine is solidifying around a controversial peace plan requiring Ukrainian territorial concessions. U.S. and Russian officials, including Army Secretary Driscoll, have met directly in the UAE [1], and Ukrainian officials have subsequently stated they agree in principle to “Trump’s peace plan” [2].
New reports reveal the plan’s core tenet. A figure described as a “Trump envoy” is said to have directly communicated to a Kremlin official that Ukraine “must cede land for a peace deal” [3]. This diplomatic effort appears to be managed through unconventional channels, with a Trump-connected businessman named Witkoff reportedly advising Russian officials on how to best pitch the plan to the President [4]. The strategy is seen as reflecting the President’s desire for “peace in Ukraine, no matter what a deal looks like” [5], a position that has drawn sharp criticism from analysts [6].
References:
[1] Army Secretary Driscoll meeting with Russians in UAE as Trump administration presses for Ukraine peace deal, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/army-secretary-driscoll-meeting-with-russians-in-uae-as-trump-administration-presses-for-ukraine-peace-deal
[2] Ukraine agrees to Trump’s peace plan, US media reports, https://inews.co.uk/news/world/ukraine-agrees-trumps-peace-plan-us-media-4065230
[3] Trump envoy reportedly told Kremlin official that Ukraine must cede land for peace deal, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/25/trump-envoy-on-russia-ukraine-peace-deal
[4] Witkoff Advised Russia on How to Pitch Ukraine Plan to Trump, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-25/witkoff-advised-russia-on-how-to-pitch-ukraine-plan-to-trump?srnd=homepage-americas
[5] Trump wants peace in Ukraine, no matter what a deal looks like, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/25/trump-wants-peace-in-ukraine-no-matter-what-a-deal-looks-like-00668136
[6] The Wrong Way to Peace in Ukraine by Timothy Snyder, https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/russia-us-trump-peace-plan-for-ukraine-is-dangerous-creates-conditions-for-conflict-by-timothy-snyder-2025-11
2.2. Venezuela Tensions Escalate; China Dialogue Continues
The situation with Venezuela has reached a critical point. The United States has officially declared Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a terrorist, a dramatic diplomatic escalation [1]. This designation is paired with military posturing, including reports of U.S. B-52 bombers flying near Venezuelan airspace [2]. The aggressive policy has found vocal support among some U.S. lawmakers, with one quoted as saying, “‘Venezuela, for the American Oil Companies, Will Be a Field Day’” [3]. In another hemispheric development, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call where Xi reportedly raised the future of Taiwan [4].
References:
[1] The US declares Maduro a terrorist amid escalating military tensions with Venezuela, https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-24/the-us-declares-maduro-a-terrorist-amid-escalating-military-tensions-with-venezuela.html
[2] What B-52 bombers flying near Venezuela could tell us about Trump’s next move, https://inews.co.uk/news/world/what-b52-bombers-flying-near-venezuela-trump-next-move-4064115
[3] ‘Venezuela, for the American Oil Companies, Will Be a Field Day,’ Says US Lawmaker Pushing Invasion, https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-venezuela-oil
[4] China’s Xi Jinping raises future of Taiwan in call with Donald Trump, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/25/china-taiwan-xi-jinping-call-with-donald-trump
3. Domestic Politics and Institutional Battles
3.1. Republican Party Fractures as Rep. Greene Exits, Allies Rebel
The Republican party is grappling with deep internal strife, epitomized by a public falling-out between President Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). After the President attacked her, Greene reportedly told him to “Sit Down and Shut Up” and is now said to be resigning from Congress, a move that could create “trouble for Speaker Johnson” [1, 2]. This specific feud is symptomatic of wider discontent; a number of GOP members are reportedly considering quitting early, citing a climate of “death threats and infighting” [3]. Adding to the pressure, a newspaper owned by Rupert Murdoch published a scathing critique of President Trump’s ongoing “Revenge Tour,” branding it a “Total Bust” and signaling a potential fissure with a key conservative media ally [4].
References:
[1] MTG Tells Trump to Sit Down and Shut Up Instead of Attacking Her, https://newrepublic.com/post/203597/marjorie-taylor-greene-donald-trump-attacks
[2] Marjorie Taylor Greene’s exit from Congress could spell trouble for Speaker Johnson, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5621261-marjorie-taylor-greene-speaker-johnson-house-gop/
[3] Republicans consider quitting Congress early over death threats and infighting, https://www.axios.com/2025/11/25/congress-retirements-mtg-threats-censures-trump
[4] Murdoch Paper Roasts Trump’s Revenge Tour Turning Into a Total Bust, https://www.thedailybeast.com/rupert-murdoch-paper-roasts-donald-trumps-revenge-tour-turning-into-a-total-bust/
3.2. DOJ and FBI Face Politicization Crisis
Federal law enforcement is in turmoil amid reports President Trump is secretly considering the dismissal of FBI Director Kash Patel over a series of ‘blunders’—claims the White House has officially denied [1]. Patel also faces scrutiny for publicly “cast[ing] doubt on the full release of Epstein files” [2]. This is compounded by a lawsuit from a veteran DOJ official, who alleges they were fired in a “complete set-up” after being secretly recorded predicting the Trump administration would protect its allies on the “Epstein list” [3]. The friction follows warnings from departing DOJ staff who accused President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi of causing “‘Irreversible Damage’” and asking staff to put “loyalty to the President over the Constitution” [4].
References:
[1] Trump Secretly Considering Firing Kash Patel as Blunders Pile Up, https://newrepublic.com/post/203673/trump-considers-firing-kash-patel-fbi-director
[2] Kash Patel casts doubt on full release of Epstein files, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/11/25/kash-patel-epstein-file-release/
[3] ‘Complete Set-Up’: Veteran DOJ Official Sues After Being Fired for Predicting Trump Admin Would Protect its Friends on ‘Epstein List’ in Secret Video, https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/complete-set-up-veteran-doj-official-sues-after-being-fired-for-predicting-trump-admin-would-protect-its-friends-on-epstein-list-in-secret-video/
[4] DOJ Staff Rip Trump and Bondi’s ‘Irreversible Damage’ in Tell-All Farewell Notes - Unhappy staff are “being asked to put loyalty to the President over the Constitution.”, https://www.thedailybeast.com/departing-doj-staffers-warn-of-irreversible-damage-trump-is-doing/
3.3. Broad Legal and State-Level Resistance to Administration
The administration is encountering significant, organized resistance. A coalition of 20 states has sued the Trump administration over deep cuts to federal funding for permanent housing programs for the homeless [1]. One report notes the plaintiffs represent “nearly half the country,” and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has publicly stated the HUD cuts place $100 million in state funds at risk [2]. In the courts, the administration has faced a sharp defeat, as a judge forcefully dismissed President Trump’s “extraordinary” case against former FBI Director James Comey, quoted as saying, “That cannot be the law” [3]. Separately, the Associated Press is in court seeking to restore its special access to the White House, though an appeals panel “seems likely to side with Trump” [4].
References:
[1] 20 states sue the Trump administration over cuts to homeless permanent housing funding, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/25/states-trump-administration-hud-housing-cuts-00668178
[2] Shapiro says HUD cuts risk $100M that supports housing, prevents homelessness in Pa., https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2025/11/25/shapiro-hud-trump-administration/stories/202511250070
[3] “That cannot be the law”: Judge tosses Trump’s “extraordinary” case against James Comey, http://salon.com/2025/11/24/that-cannot-be-the-law-judge-tosses-trumps-extraordinary-case-against-james-comey
[4] Appeals panel seems likely to side with Trump in clampdown on AP access, https://thehill.com/homenews/5620387-ap-lawsuit-white-house-access/
4. Domestic Policy Rollouts and Reversals
4.1. Health and Science Controversies
The administration’s health and science agencies are sites of major controversy. A “doctor critical of vaccines,” identified as Louisiana health official Ralph Lee Abraham, has been quietly appointed as second-in-command at the CDC [1]. The move comes as his new boss, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., faces a call for his impeachment for allegedly ordering the CDC to promote “autism and vaccination lies” [2]. Meanwhile, a key administration healthcare initiative was abruptly halted when President Trump’s plan to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies was pulled after a “significant congressional backlash” from within his own Republican party [3]. In environmental policy, the EPA is seeking to “scrap tougher soot limits”—a move critics warn poses health risks—while a broader overhaul of the Department of Energy is breaking up offices dedicated to clean energy [4, 5].
References:
[1] Doctor Critical of Vaccines Quietly Appointed as C.D.C.’s Second in Command, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/health/cdc-ralph-lee-abraham-vaccines.html
[2] RFK Jr. should be impeached for ordering CDC to promote autism and vaccination lies, https://www.cleveland.com/letters/2025/11/rfk-jr-should-be-impeached-for-ordering-cdc-to-promote-autism-and-vaccination-lies.html
[3] Trump pulled Obamacare extension after ‘significant congressional backlash’: report, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-congress-obamacare-republicans-massie-b2871724.html
[4] US EPA seeks to scrap tougher soot limits, critics warn of health risks, https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-epa-seeks-scrap-tougher-soot-limits-critics-warn-health-risks-2025-11-25/
[5] A Trump Overhaul of the Energy Dept. Breaks Up Clean Energy Offices, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/climate/clean-energy-department-offices.html?unlocked_article_code=1.3E8.GkuD.95zM28Bk6JJZ
4.2. Economic Interventions and Negative Data
The administration has initiated an unorthodox economic strategy, acquiring over $10 billion in ownership stakes in private firms [1]. Simultaneously, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is publicly challenging the Federal Reserve’s control over the nation’s interest rate system [2]. These aggressive moves coincide with the release of grim labor data: blue-collar employment has plunged by 59,000 jobs, the first such decline since the pandemic and a significant blow to the administration’s stated goal of reshoring manufacturing [3].
References:
[1] $10 Billion and Counting: Trump Administration Snaps Up Stakes in Private Firms, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/us/politics/trump-intel-steel-minerals-china.html?unlocked_article_code=1.308.P1YQ.aoFaJnNvJMq-&smid=url-share
[2] US Treasury secretary takes aim at Fed’s interest rate control system, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-treasury-secretary-takes-aim-feds-interest-rate-control-system-2025-11-25/
[3] Despite Trump’s best efforts to reshore manufacturing, blue-collar employment is plunging for the first time since the pandemic with 59,000 lost jobs, https://fortune.com/2025/11/25/jobs-report-manufacturing-reshoring-tariffs-factor-job-loss/
4.3. AI Policy Push Sparks Internal MAGA Revolt
President Trump’s directive for federal agencies to “embrace AI” has created a new fault line on the right [1]. A leaked executive order draft revealed a failed attempt by tech billionaire David Sacks to “kill state AI laws” and install himself as “America’s AI policy gatekeeper” [2]. Simultaneously, the administration’s broader push for an “AI revolution” is meeting internal resistance from influential figures like Steve Bannon, who is warning that the issue could become a political liability for Republicans in the 2026 and 2028 elections [3].
References:
[1] Trump directs science agencies to embrace AI, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/24/trump-directs-science-agencies-to-embrace-ai-00667318
[2] David Sacks tried to kill state AI laws — and it blew up in his face | A leaked executive order draft reveals the tech billionaire making a power play to become America’s AI policy gatekeeper, https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/829179/david-sacks-ai-executive-order
[3] Inside MAGA’s growing fight to stop Trump’s AI revolution | Steve Bannon is warning the issue could cost Republicans in 2026 and 2028, https://abcnews.go.com/US/inside-magas-growing-fight-stop-trumps-ai-revolution/story?id=127824351
5. U.S. Politics and Public Sphere
5.1. Public Opinion Sours as Disapproval Climbs
President Trump is facing significant public opinion headwinds. His disapproval rating is reportedly higher now than at any point during his first term, according to analyst Nate Silver [1]. This is reflected in new data from the Pew Research Center, which finds a majority of Latino voters disapprove of the President and report their situation is “worse under Trump,” correlating with a “spike” in pessimism among the group [2, 3]. Separately, The New York Times is reporting on the President’s “shorter days” and “signs of fatigue” as he confronts the “realities of aging in office” [4].
References:
[1] Disapproval of Donald Trump now higher than his first term—Nate Silver, https://www.newsweek.com/disapproval-donald-trump-higher-first-term-nate-silver-11097039?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_main
[2] Majority of Latino voters disapprove of Trump, Pew study finds, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/24/trump-latino-voters-pew
[3] Most US Latinos feel their situation is worse under Trump, Pew poll finds, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/most-us-latinos-feel-their-situation-is-worse-under-trump-pew-poll-finds-2025-11-24/
[4] Shorter Days, Signs of Fatigue: Trump Faces Realities of Aging in Office, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/us/politics/trump-age-health.html?unlocked_article_code=1.308.l4CF.rmJsFNxcXKFa&smid=url-share
5.2. Democratic Strategy and Early 2028 Positioning
The Democratic party is pursuing a dual strategy of local victories and national messaging debates. At the local level, Democrats are reportedly succeeding in “taking back school boards” across the country as voters grow tired of “Republican culture wars” [1]. At the national level, a strategic pivot is under discussion, with longtime Democratic strategist James Carville urging the party to adopt a “Platform of Pure Economic Rage” [2]. Looking further ahead, early maneuvering for the 2028 race appears underway, as Erika Kirk of Turning Point has stated that the organization’s support for a potential bid by Vice President JD Vance is “‘in the works’” [3].
References:
[1] Democrats are taking back school boards as voters tire of Republican culture wars. Dozens of Democrats have flipped seats across the country., https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/11/democrats-are-taking-back-school-boards-as-voters-tire-of-republican-culture-wars/
[2] U-Turn by Establishment as Corporate Dem Guru Carville Pushes ‘Platform of Pure Economic Rage’, https://www.commondreams.org/news/james-carville-democrats-populism
[3] Erika Kirk says Turning Point’s support of JD Vance in 2028 is ‘in the works’, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/erika-kirk-turning-points-support-jd-vance-2028/story?id=127847720
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