[Wednesday, December 17] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare December 17, 2025

Executive Summary

Today’s top stories are dominated by a major escalation in foreign policy, significant domestic legal developments, and a leadership change at the FBI.

• Venezuela Crisis: President Trump ordered a total blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers after designating the regime a “FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.” Reports suggest Congress was briefed that “war is coming.”
• FBI Leadership: FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed his resignation, effective in January.
• Congressional Action: The Senate passed a $901B defense bill. The House deposed Special Counsel Jack Smith over his Trump prosecutions.
• Domestic Scandals: The Minnesota “ghost student” fraud scandal has deepened, with the Education Secretary calling for the governor’s resignation.
• Executive Power: A federal appeals court ruled President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in D.C. can continue.

1. Foreign Policy and National Security

1.1 Venezuela Crisis Escalates With U.S. Blockade and Terror Designation

The security situation with Venezuela has intensified dramatically into a full-blown crisis. President Trump has ordered a “total blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers” and has issued a demand that the regime cede national assets, including its oil, land, and other resources [1, 2]. This aggressive economic and military posture coincides with the administration’s official designation of the Venezuelan regime as a “FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION” [3]. The President’s justification for this action, shared publicly on Truth Social, explicitly linked the designation to “theft of our Assets, and many other reasons, including Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking” [3]. Adding to the gravity of the crisis, commentator Tucker Carlson has reportedly stated that members of Congress were recently briefed that a “war is coming” in Venezuela, signaling a high potential for imminent conflict [4].

References: [1] Trump orders total blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers amid crisis, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-declares-venezuelan-regime-foreign-terrorist-organization-orders-oil-tanker-blockade
[2] Trump orders blockade of oil tankers from Venezuela, demands regime cede oil, land and other assets, https://nypost.com/2025/12/16/us-news/trump-orders-blockade-of-oil-tankers-from-venezuela-demands-regime-cede-oil-land-and-other-assets/
[3] “For the theft of our Assets, and many other reasons, including Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking, the Venezuelan Regime has been designated a FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,” Trump wrote on Truth Social., https://www.jpost.com/international/article-880507
[4] Tucker Carlson said that members of Congress were briefed yesterday that a “war is coming” in Venezuela., https://x.com/i/status/2001374072970850583

1.2 Key International Diplomatic and Security Developments

Several global developments require attention. In U.S.-China relations, a diplomatic friction point has emerged as Senator Eric Schmitt is reportedly being sued by the Chinese government for $50 billion and has publicly refused to issue an apology [1]. In South America, what is being described in reports as the “resounding electoral victory” of conservative President-Elect Kast in Chile is signaling a regional political realignment [2], an outcome some analysts view as a significant blow to the continent’s political left [3]. Following his victory, Kast met with Argentine President Javier Milei and proclaimed that “Liberty Advances in Latin America” [4]. In the Middle East, tensions persist as Israeli authorities investigate potential Iranian involvement in the recent killing of a scientist [5]. On a related security front, Germany is reportedly investing in Israel’s Arrow defense system, a notable strategic partnership between the two nations [6].

References: [1] Sen. Eric Schmitt refuses to apologize as China sues him for $50 billion, https://www.foxnews.com/media/sen-schmitt-says-he-wont-apologizing-china-hits-him-50b-lawsuit
[2] The Market Probes the Scope of Kast’s Resounding Electoral Victory in Chile - Funds Society, https://www.fundssociety.com/en/news/markets/the-market-probes-the-scope-of-kasts-resounding-electoral-victory-in-chile
[3] Latin America’s left feels the blow of Kast’s victory in Chile, https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-16/from-nazi-to-moment-for-reflection-latin-americas-left-feels-the-blow-of-kasts-victory-in-chile.html
[4] Chile’s Conservative President-Elect Kast Visits Old Friend Javier Milei in Argentina and Proclaimed “Liberty Advances in Latin America.”, https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2025/12/17/chiles-conservative-president-elect-kast-visits-old-friend-javier-milei-argentina/
[5] Israel examines if Iran had role in killing of scientist | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-880573
[6] Germany invests in Israel’s Arrow defense system | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-880589

1.3 Terrorism Incident in Australia

Following the recent Bondi Beach attack, Australian police have officially charged the alleged attacker with 59 offenses, including the charge of terrorism [1]. In a related international development, the mayor of London has reportedly attempted to block a planned vigil for the victims of the attack [2].

References: [1] Australia police charge alleged Bondi Beach attacker with 59 offenses, including terror, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-880509
[2] London mayor tries to block vigil for Bondi terror victims | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-880493

2. The Executive Branch

2.1 Legal Scrutiny and Presidential Counter-Accusations

Legal and political pressure surrounding the administration is ongoing and contentious. Following reports of new FBI memos which allegedly “Drop [a] Bombshell About the Mar-a-Lago Ransacking” [1], President Trump has publicly called to “Arrest Wray, Garland, ‘And Many Others’” for their roles in the raid on his property [2]. Concurrently, Special Counsel Jack Smith remains a subject of scrutiny, with one headline characterizing a recent statement as “the Most Ridiculous Claim About His Investigation Into Trump” [3].

References: [1] New FBI Memos Drop Bombshell About the Mar-a-Lago Ransacking, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2025/12/16/new-fbi-memos-drop-a-new-bombshell-about-the-mar-a-lago-ransacking-n2667957
[2] Trump: Arrest Wray, Garland, ‘And Many Others’ for Mar-a-Lago Raid | Newsmax.com, https://www.newsmax.com/us/donald-trump-arrest-christopher-wray/2025/12/17/id/1238647/
[3] Jack Smith Just Made the Most Ridiculous Claim About His Investigation Into Trump, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/jeff-charles/2025/12/17/jack-smith-just-made-the-most-ridiculous-claim-about-his-investigation-into-trump-n2668050

2.2 High-Profile Resignation at the FBI

A significant leadership change is underway at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Dan Bongino has confirmed he is resigning from his post as FBI Deputy Director after serving for less than a year [1, 2]. Sources indicate he plans to formally announce his departure on December 19 and will not be returning to FBI headquarters this month [2]. President Trump commented on the move, stating, “‘He wants to go back to his show’” [3]. Reports suggest a replacement is already “waiting in the wings” to take over the role [4].

References: [1] Dan Bongino Confirms He’s Quitting as FBI Deputy Director, https://www.notus.org/trump-white-house/trump-dan-bongino-quit-retire-leaving-fbi-podcast-kash-patel
[2] Sources: Bongino leaving FBI after less than a year. He plans to announce his departure on December 19 and won’t return to headquarters this month., https://boingboing.net/2025/12/17/bongino-leaving-fbi-after-less-than-a-year.html/amp
[3] Trump on Bongino’s FBI exit: ‘He wants to go back to his show’, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3925048/trump-dan-bongino-fbi-exit-to-return-to-show/
[4] Dan Bongino looking to ditch FBI – with rumored replacement waiting in the wings, https://nypost.com/2025/12/17/us-news/dan-bongino-looking-to-ditch-fbi-with-rumored-replacement-waiting-in-the-wings

3. Congress and Legislation

3.1 Major Defense and Domestic Bills Advance

Key legislative priorities are moving through Congress. The Senate has passed a $901 billion defense bill and sent it to the President for his signature. The bill’s passage reportedly followed contentious “‘clashes over boat strike, DC airspace’” [1]. This issue was amplified by Senator Fetterman, who commented in a related context that the “Military Knows Who and What’s on Boats, ‘Quite Frequently’ Declines to Strike” [2]. On domestic policy, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued a favorable analysis of a House GOP healthcare bill, projecting it will save $35 billion and lower premiums by 11% [3]. In addition, Senator Tom Cotton has introduced two distinct bills on immigration: one aimed at enforcing stricter standards for asylum seekers and another designed to end in-state tuition benefits for illegal migrants [4].

References: [1] Senate sends $901B defense bill to Trump after clashes over boat strike, DC airspace, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-sends-901b-defense-bill-trump-after-clashes-over-boat-strike-dc-airspace
[2] Fetterman: Military Knows Who and What’s on Boats, ‘Quite Frequently’ Declines to Strike, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/12/16/fetterman-military-knows-who-and-whats-on-boats-quite-frequently-declines-to-strike/
[3] CBO: House GOP Healthcare Bill Saves $35 Billion, Lowers Premiums by 11%, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/16/cbo-house-republican-healthcare-bill-saves-35-billion-lowers-obamacare-premiums-by-11-percent/
[4] Sen. Tom Cotton Introduces Bills Enforcing Strict Asylum Seeker Standards, Ending In-State Tuition for Illegal Migrants, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/16/exclusive-sen-tom-cotton-introduces-bills-enforcing-strict-asylum-seeker-standards-ending-in-state-tuition-for-illegal-migrants/

3.2 Special Counsel Jack Smith Deposed by House

In a significant act of Congressional oversight, Special Counsel Jack Smith has sat for a deposition before the House of Representatives. The subject of the deposition was reportedly his office’s prosecutions of former President Trump, indicating a new phase of legislative scrutiny into the Justice Department’s actions [1].

References: [1] Jack Smith sits for House deposition over Trump prosecutions, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3923881/jack-smith-house-deposition-trump-prosecutions/

4. Domestic Policy and Legal Affairs

4.1 Judicial Rulings on Executive Authority and Presidential Projects

A critical legal decision has affirmed executive authority in the District of Columbia. A federal appeals court has halted a lower court’s order that had previously blocked President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C. This ruling means the deployment can proceed for the time being [1, 2]. In a separate civil matter, a federal judge denied a request from a preservation group seeking a temporary halt to the construction of a project referred to as “Trump’s Ballroom” [3].

References: [1] Appeals court halts order that blocked DC National Guard deployment, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3924132/appeals-court-halts-order-blocked-dc-national-guard-deployment/
[2] Trump’s National Guard deployment in Washington can continue for now, an appeals court says, https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-trump-washington-ruling-62fba696935165659aa63b0c4dc3dea5
[3] Federal Judge Will Not Temporarily Halt Trump’s Ballroom After Preservation Group Sued, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/16/federal-judge-not-temporarily-halt-trump-ballroom-preservation-group-sued/

4.2 Major Education Fraud Scandal Unfolds in Minnesota

A significant education fraud scheme has been uncovered in Minnesota, prompting a federal response and calls for accountability. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has publicly called for the resignation of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over the “‘ghost student’ fraud” [1]. The Department of Education reports the scheme involved the fraudulent acquisition of $12.5 million in state funds [2]. The Trump administration reinforced the call for the governor’s resignation, describing the situation in a statement as a “‘beachhead of criminality’” [3]. An opinion piece ties the scandal to a broader argument that the welfare system is broken due to a structure of “taxpayer cash, zero accountability” [4].

References: [1] Education Secretary Linda McMahon Calls for Tim Walz to Resign over Reports of Education Fraud, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/16/education-secretary-linda-mcmahon-calls-for-tim-walz-to-resign-over-reports-of-education-fraud/
[2] Ed Dept: ‘Ghost Students’ Fraudulently Received $12.5 Million In MN, https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/16/ed-department-nearly-2000-minnesota-ghost-students-fraudulently-received-12-5-million/
[3] ‘Beachhead of criminality’: Trump admin urges Walz to resign in light of ‘ghost students’ fraud scheme, https://www.theblaze.com/news/beachhead-of-criminality-mcmahon-urges-walz-to-resign-in-light-of-ghost-students-fraud-scheme
[4] Taxpayer cash, zero accountability: Minnesota fraud proves welfare is broken, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/taxpayer-cash-zero-accountability-minnesota-fraud-proves-welfare-broken

4.3 Developments in Major Crime Cases

A manhunt continues for a shooter at Brown University, with authorities releasing new surveillance footage to the public [1]. Media reports indicate that “intense social media speculation” has centered on a student named Mustapha Kharbouch, described as a Palestinian refugee who was raised in Lebanon [2]. In a separate case in Las Vegas, Jesus Ayala and Jzamir Keys have been sentenced for the killing of retired police chief Andreas Probst, a crime that gained notoriety through a viral video [3]. Near New York’s JFK Airport, a CBP officer reportedly discharged a weapon during a road rage incident, which is now under investigation [4].

References: [1] Manhunt for Brown University shooter continues; New surveillance footage released I Live Updates from Fox News Digital, https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/brown-university-mass-shooting-manhunt-gunman-12-17-2025
[2] Who is Mustapha Kharbouch, a Brown University foreign Muslim student who was born as Palestinian refugee and raised in Lebanon at the center of intense social media speculation as manhunt for shooter continues?, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/who-is-mustapha-kharbouch-a-brown-university-student-at-the-center-of-intense-social-media-speculation-as-manhunt-for-shooter-continues/articleshow/126022984.cms
[3] Vegas men Jesus Ayala and Jzamir Keys who killed retired police chief Andreas Probst in viral video sentenced | New York Post, https://nypost.com/2025/12/17/us-news/vegas-men-jesus-ayala-and-jzamir-keys-who-killed-retired-police-chief-andreas-probst-in-viral-video-sentenced/
[4] CBP officer fires weapon in road rage incident near JFK Airport, https://www.foxnews.com/us/cbp-officer-fires-weapon-during-road-rage-incident-near-jfk-airport-entrance-van-wyck

5. Economic and Fiscal Policy

5.1 Federal Revenue Collection and Spending Trends

On the fiscal front, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports having collected over $200 billion in tariffs since President Trump took office in January 2025, a significant revenue stream [1]. For context on long-term fiscal trends, a separate report published by The Federalist highlights that government spending per person has soared by 10,000 percent over the last century, framing it as a nation “Buried In Debt” [2].

References: [1] CBP collects over $200 billion in tariffs since Trump took office, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/cbp-announces-record-breaking-200-billion-tariff-revenue-amid-trump-administration-enforcement-push
[2] Buried In Debt: Report Finds Government Spending Per Person Soared 10,000 Percent Over Last Century, https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/17/buried-in-debt-report-finds-government-spending-per-person-soared-10000-percent-over-last-century/

5.2 Call for Moratorium on AI Data Center Construction

In technology regulation, Senator Bernie Sanders has issued a public demand for “an immediate moratorium on the construction of new AI data centers in the United States” [1]. The headlines do not specify his reasoning for the proposed halt on AI infrastructure development.

References: [1] Bernie Sanders demands an immediate moratorium on the construction of new AI data centers in the United States., https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/2001314722205831191

6. Immigration and Border Security

6.1 New Federal Travel Restrictions Implemented

The Trump administration has enacted new travel restrictions, referred to in one headline as the “New Trump Travel Ban 2025” [1]. In a statement accompanying the policy, the White House declared, “The Trump Administration Will Always Choose America First” [2]. The specific nations or criteria affected by the new restrictions are not detailed in the available reports, which advise readers on “Everything you need to know” [1].

References: [1] New Trump Travel Ban 2025: Everything you need to know, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/trump-travel-ban-british-tourists/
[2] White House on Trump’s Latest Travel Restrictions: ‘The Trump Administration Will Always Choose America First’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/16/exclusive-white-house-on-trumps-latest-travel-restrictions-the-trump-administration-will-always-choose-america-first/

6.2 Commentary on Immigration’s Social Impact

The social and cultural effects of immigration continue to be a subject of public discourse. In one example, the police chief of Minneapolis reportedly cited his Catholic faith while “comparing [the] holy family with illegal aliens” [1]. In a separate opinion piece from The Federalist, the case is made that mass migration from the third world without a strong emphasis on assimilation represents a form of “civilizational suicide” for Western nations, arguing the policy “has been, is, and will continue to be a complete failure” [2].

References: [1] Minneapolis police chief cites his Catholic faith when comparing holy family with illegal aliens | Blaze Media, https://www.theblaze.com/news/minneapolis-police-chief-cites-his-catholic-faith-when-comparing-holy-family-with-illegal-aliens
[2] The West’s Embrace Of Mass Third-World Migration Is Civilizational Suicide – The West’s mass importation of Third-Worlders with no emphasis on assimilation has been, is, and will continue to be a complete failure., https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/17/the-wests-embrace-of-mass-third-world-migration-is-civilizational-suicide/

7. Society, Culture, and Media

7.1 Race, Reparations, and Identity Politics

The issue of reparations is advancing at the state level. In Maryland, the state legislature has successfully voted to override a gubernatorial veto, thereby officially creating a reparations commission [1]. Elsewhere, a civil rights complaint has been filed in Portland, targeting a newly established “$16M race-focused education center” [2]. On Capitol Hill, Representative Jasmine Crockett has reportedly “backtrack[ed]” on prior comments she made regarding “picking cotton,” though the context of the backtrack is not specified [3].

References: [1] Maryland legislature overrides veto to create reparations commission, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/maryland-study-slavery-reparations-after-lawmakers-override-dem-governors-veto
[2] Civil rights complaint targets Portland’s $16M race-focused education center, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/education/3920092/civil-rights-complaint-portland-black-education-center/
[3] Jasmine Crockett Backtracks On ‘Picking Cotton’ Comments, https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/16/jasmine-crockett-cotton-slavery-james-talarico-backtracks-latino-hispanic-voters-texas/

7.2 Free Speech and ‘Culture War’ Incidents

Several incidents are being reported through the lens of ongoing cultural debates. A report in The Federalist claims that “State-Sanctioned Suicide Is The 4th Leading Cause Of Death In Canada” [1]. From the United Kingdom, reports indicate the Labour party is promoting what critics call an “Islamic blasphemy code” that “will imperil free speech” [2], while a pastor is separately facing trial for “preaching John 3:16 near an abortion clinic buffer zone” [3]. In the U.S., the University of Michigan is receiving criticism for its decision to honor Jack Kevorkian [4]. In a separate incident, a “foul-mouthed attack” on a Target employee over a customer’s Charlie Kirk ‘Freedom’ T-shirt has been documented in headlines [5].

References: [1] State-Sanctioned Suicide Is The 4th Leading Cause Of Death In Canada, https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/17/state-sanctioned-suicide-is-the-4th-leading-cause-of-death-in-canada/
[2] Labour’s Islamic blasphemy code will imperil free speech, https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/12/17/labours-islamic-blasphemy-code-will-imperil-free-speech
[3] UK pastor faces trial for preaching John 3:16 near abortion clinic buffer zone, https://www.foxnews.com/media/retired-pastor-faces-criminal-charges-preaching-gospel-sermon-near-northern-ireland-hospital
[4] University of Michigan slammed for honoring Jack Kevorkian, https://www.liveaction.org/news/university-michigan-slammed-honoring-jack-kevorkian
[5] Hаteful woman launches foul-mouthed attack on California Target employee over Charlie Kirk ‘Freedom’ T-shirt, https://nypost.com/2025/12/17/us-news/hatfeul-woman-launches-foul-mouthed-attack-on-california-target-employee-over-charlie-kirk-freedom-t-shirt/

7.3 Media Commentary and Personnel

Media criticism, as seen in today’s feed, is focused on the framing of the Bondi Beach attack. Headlines fault ABC News for “chang[ing] Tune” on its coverage [1], with one of the network’s journalists, Laura Tingle, being told she “ought to be ashamed” for claiming the attack had “nothing to do with religion” [2]. This follows reports that Wikipedia is also “struggl[ing] to determine” if the attack should be classified as terrorism [3]. In other media news, Norman Podhoretz, a prominent conservative intellectual, has passed away at the age of 95 [4]. It has also been announced that conservative commentators Scott Jennings and Alex Marlow are slated to take over Charlie Kirk’s syndicated radio time slot [5].

References: [1] CLEAN UP on Aisle ABC: Network Changes Tune on Absurd Sydney Coverage, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/curtis-houck/2025/12/16/clean-aisle-abc-network-changes-tune-absurd-sydney-coverage
[2] ABC journalist Laura Tingle ‘ought to be ashamed’ after claiming the actions of the alleged Bondi terrorists had ’nothing to do with religion’ | Sky News Australia, https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/abc-journalist-laura-tingle-ought-to-be-ashamed-after-claiming-the-actions-of-the-alleged-bondi-terrorists-had-nothing-to-do-with-religion/news-story/cc3904852c5e70083a3774510b527b14
[3] Wikipedia struggles to determine whether the Bondi beach attack was an act of terrorism, https://www.jns.org/wikipedia-debating-if-attack-targeting-jews-at-sydney-chanukah-event-was-terror
[4] Norman Podhoretz, 1930-2025, https://www.commentary.org/john-podhoretz/norman-podhoretz-1930-2025/
[5] Conservative Rock Stars Will Step in to Take Over Charlie Kirk Radio Time Slot: Scott Jennings and Alex Marlow., https://redstate.com/terichristoph/2025/12/17/conservative-favorite-steps-in-to-take-over-charlie-kirk-radio-time-slot-n2197209

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