[Thursday, December 18] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-12-18 2765 words 13 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare December 18, 2025

Executive Summary

Policy Shifts: President Trump orders marijuana reclassification and expanded access, facing GOP backlash. Concurrently, HHS cracks down on “child sex-rejecting procedures,” threatening to pull hospital and Medicaid funding.
University Shootings: Manhunts are active at Brown University and for the killer of an MIT professor. Investigators are probing links between the cases, with reports that Israeli intelligence is investigating a possible Iranian role in the MIT murder.
Major Business Deal: Trump Media announces a $6 billion merger deal with a nuclear fusion technology firm.
Legislative Action: House Republicans pass a last-minute healthcare bill after an internal revolt.
Symbolic Change: The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is officially renamed the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”

1. The Executive Branch

1.1 Drug and Healthcare Directives

The Trump administration has enacted two major and divergent policy shifts. President Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous substance and expand public access, a move reportedly facing some “backlash” from within the GOP [1, 2]. Concurrently, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has initiated what is described as a “sweeping crackdown” on “child ‘sex-rejecting procedures’” [3]. The department is threatening to withdraw both hospital funding and Medicaid funding from institutions that perform these procedures, which Secretary Kennedy has publicly condemned, stating, “It is malpractice” [4].

References: [1] Trump expands access to cannabis in a major shift in drug policy, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8z684r6vlo
[2] Trump signs order to reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug amid GOP backlash, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-signs-order-reclassify-marijuana-less-dangerous-drug-amid-gop-backlash
[3] HHS unleashes sweeping crackdown on child ‘sex-rejecting procedures,’ threatens hospital, Medicaid funding, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hhs-unleashes-sweeping-crackdown-child-sex-rejecting-procedures-threatens-hospital-medicaid-funding-e
[4] Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says HHS won’t fund ‘sex-rejecting procedures’: ‘It is malpractice’, https://nypost.com/2025/12/18/us-news/robert-f-kennedy-jr-says-hhs-wont-fund-sex-rejecting-procedures-it-is-malpractice/

1.2 Presidential Initiatives and National Address

President Trump has launched “Freedom 250,” a major national campaign aimed at igniting celebration for America’s 250th birthday in 2026 [1]. This initiative was a feature of a recent chart-filled, primetime national address in which the President told the nation, “I’m fixing’ Biden’s mess” [2]. During the address, he also promoted the country’s economic recovery and military strength [3].

References: [1] Trump launches massive ‘Freedom 250’ push to ignite America’s 250th birthday celebration, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-launches-massive-freedom-250-push-ignite-americas-250th-birthday-celebration
[2] Trump tells America: ‘I’m fixing’ Biden’s mess in chart-filled primetime address, https://nypost.com/2025/12/17/us-news/trump-tells-america-im-fixing-bidens-mess-in-chart-filled-primetime-address/
[3] Trump touts economy recovery and military strength in national address, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-touts-bringing-country-back-from-brink-ruin

1.3 Military and Veterans Affairs

The administration has announced a significant, one-time payment for U.S. troops before Christmas. President Trump declared that “over one million” military service members will receive what is being termed a “$1,776 ‘warrior dividend’” [1, 2]. In separate news concerning veteran support, a program named ‘Operation Song’ was highlighted for its mission to empower veterans by helping them process their experiences through songwriting, with the program’s director stating it is “saving lives and blessing families” [3].

References: [1] Trump: Over 1 Million Military Service Members to Get ‘Warrior Dividend’ of $1,776 Before Christmas., https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/17/trump-more-than-1-million-u-s-military-service-members-to-receive-warrior-dividend/
[2] Trump announces service members will get $1,776 ‘warrior dividend’ for Christmas, https://nypost.com/2025/12/17/us-news/trump-announces-service-members-will-get-1776-warrior-dividend-for-christmas/
[3] ‘Operation Song’ Director Shares How Helping Veterans Tell Their Stories Through Music Is Saving Lives and Blessing Families – “Our mission is to empower veterans and active duty service members and their families to tell their stories through the process of songwriting.”, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/12/18/exclusive-operation-song-director-shares-how-helping-veterans-tell-their-stories-through-music-is-saving-lives-and-blessing-families/

1.4 Trump Media Merger

A significant business deal involving Trump Media has been reported. An exclusive report from the Wall Street Journal claims the company is poised to merge with an unspecified nuclear fusion firm. The deal is valued at approximately $6 billion [1]. The provided headlines do not offer additional details about the fusion company, its identity, or the terms of the agreement.

References: [1] Trump Media to Merge With Nuclear Fusion Firm in $6 Billion Deal, https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/trump-media-tae-technologies-merger-ai-fusion-power-b9ac22a5?mod=mhp

1.5 Personnel and Symbolic Changes

A notable symbolic change has officially taken place in Washington, D.C., as a board described as “Trump-handpicked” has voted to rebrand the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to the “Trump-Kennedy Center” [1, 2]. In a personnel update, reports indicate that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is set to leave his position, with rumors that a successor is “waiting in the wings” [3].

References: [1] Trump’s handpicked board votes to rename Washington performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center, https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-performing-arts-8b7159067174f3a0070b877c149ff0a7?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-12-18-Breaking+News
[2] Kennedy Center officially rebrands as ‘Trump-Kennedy Center’, https://nypost.com/2025/12/18/us-news/kennedy-center-officially-rebrands-as-trump-kennedy-center/
[3] Dan Bongino to leave FBI deputy director job — 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/

2. Domestic Crime and Security

2.1 Shootings at MIT and Brown University

Two high-profile shootings at American universities are commanding national attention and raising security concerns. Following the murder of MIT nuclear professor Nuno Loureiro, multiple reports state that Israeli intelligence is actively investigating whether Iran played a role in the killing [1, 2]. In a separate incident at Brown University, a manhunt is ongoing for a suspect in a deadly shooting, with police reporting that “physical evidence” has been found [3]. Investigators are now reportedly probing for links between the two separate cases [4]. The Brown incident has led to “mounting criticism” of the university’s president, particularly after one report alleged that campus CCTV cameras were disabled in August at the request of “anti-ICE groups” to protect protesters and undocumented individuals [5].

References: [1] Israel investigating whether Iran had role in MIT professor shooting: Report, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/crime/3925291/israel-iran-role-shooting-death-mit-professor
[2] Israel investigating whether Iran was involved in murder of MIT nuclear prof Nuno Loureiro: report, https://nypost.com/2025/12/18/world-news/israel-investigating-whether-iran-was-involved-in-murder-of-mit-nuclear-prof-nuno-loureiro-report
[3] Brown University shooting suspect still at large; Police report physical evidence found I Live Updates from Fox News Digital, https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/brown-university-mass-shooting-manhunt-gunman-12-18-2025
[4] Investigators probing ties between Brown University and MIT professor shootings days into separate manhunts, https://nypost.com/2025/12/18/us-news/investigators-probing-ties-between-brown-university-and-mit-professor-shootings-days-into-separate-manhunts
[5] Brown University disabled its campus CCTV cameras in August at the request of anti‑ICE groups to protect leftist protesters and illegals, https://x.com/Rightanglenews/status/2001683507613966427

2.2 Political and Hate-Motivated Crimes

Reports indicate two recent incidents are being treated as potential hate crimes, both occurring on university-affiliated sites. In San Francisco, a man has been arrested for an alleged arson attack at a Hillel center [1]. Separately, UC Santa Barbara is facing a lawsuit which claims the university “did nothing to stop Islamist attacks against student” [2].

References: [1] Man arrested for arson at San Francisco Hillel | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-880550
[2] Exclusive | UC Santa Barbara did nothing to stop Islamist attacks against student: lawsuit, https://nypost.com/2025/12/11/us-news/uc-santa-barbara-did-nothing-to-stop-antisemitic-attacks-against-student-lawsuit

3. International Relations and Geopolitics

3.1 U.S. Foreign Policy Shift

Recent developments suggest a strategic pivot in U.S. foreign policy toward a more nationalist posture. A major deal concerning Panama’s ports has reportedly stalled after China made new demands for its approval [1]. In South America, questions are being raised about whether Venezuelan President Maduro can survive a “full-force US blockade” on his nation’s oil revenue [2]. This aligns with commentary arguing that the U.S. will no longer operate as a “‘reverse Empire’” that sacrifices its own security and sovereignty for other nations [3]. Reinforcing this theme, one analysis suggests the U.S. missing the COP 30 climate summit was a sensible avoidance of what the source article called a “‘UN climate shakedown’” [4].

References: [1] Exclusive | Panama Ports Deal Hits Impasse as China Makes New Demands for Its Approval, https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/panama-ports-deal-hits-impasse-as-china-makes-new-demands-for-its-approval-ff741523
[2] Can Maduro survive a full-force US blockade on the oil money he depends on?, https://www.foxnews.com/world/can-maduro-survive-trumps-oil-pressure-campaign-hits-his-regimes-weak-spot
[3] Miller: For years the United States operated as a “reverse Empire,” using its military to enrich foreign nations and foreign peoples, sacrificing our wealth, security and sovereignty for the sole benefit and advancement of those beyond our borders. All we got in return were migrants. No more., https://x.com/StephenM/status/2001421552496087246
[4] Don’t Be Sorry the U.S. Missed the COP 30 Party – “The UN climate shakedown is a road to nowhere, right through the rainforest.”, https://townhall.com/columnists/michael-chamberlain/2025/12/18/dont-be-sorry-the-us-missed-the-cop-30-party-n2668067

3.2 Global Security Operations and Crises

The U.S. is engaged in direct military actions against transnational threats. A joint U.S.-Ecuadorian military operation has been launched to combat “narco-terrorism” in the South American nation [1]. In a separate direct action, U.S. military forces struck a “’narco-trafficking’ vessel” in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in four deaths [2]. Meanwhile, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan, where the seizure of a refugee camp by the RSF paramilitary group has reportedly led to over 1,000 deaths [3]. In Nigeria, Christian communities in Kogi state are said to be “under siege” from terror attacks during the Christmas period [4].

References: [1] Ecuador Launches Joint-U.S. Military Operation to Fight ‘Narco-Terrorism’, https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2025/12/18/ecuador-launches-joint-u-s-military-operation-to-fight-narco-terrorism/
[2] BREAKING: US forces strike ’narco-trafficking’ vessel in Pacific, killing 4: Dept. of War, https://x.com/ElectionWiz/status/2001470518336368946
[3] Over 1,000 killed in Sudan after RSF seizes refugee camp | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/international/article-880646
[4] Christmas Under Siege in Kogi as Christians Face Terror Attacks, https://truthnigeria.com/2025/12/christmas-under-siege-in-kogi-as-christians-face-terror-attacks/

3.3 European Security Tensions

Tensions with Russia are heightened on NATO’s eastern border. An Estonian minister has stated that Russian border guards crossed into Estonian territory, though their motives remain “unclear” [1]. In a public address, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that the West’s strategic plans have failed, while disparagingly referring to Europeans as “’little pigs’” who sought to gain from Russia’s struggles [2].

References: [1] Russian border guards crossed into Estonia with unclear motives, minister says, https://news.err.ee/1609888417/russian-border-guards-crossed-into-estonia-with-unclear-motives-minister-says
[2] Putin exposes West’s failed plans, says ‘European little pigs’ tried to profit from Russia’s fall, https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/world-news/putin-exposes-west-s-failed-plans-says-european-little-pigs-tried-to-profit-from-russia-s-fall-101765988471313.html

3.4 Middle East Developments

Strategic calculations continue to evolve in the Middle East. A report suggests that Saudi Arabia is currently facing a “critical decision” regarding its relationship with Iran [1]. Separately, the personal toll of regional conflict is being brought to the forefront, as Omer Shem Tov, a survivor of the October 7th attacks who was held in captivity for 505 days, is scheduled to speak at a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) conference to warn that “’evil is spreading’” [2].

References: [1] Saudi Arabia faces a critical decision on Iran | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-880549
[2] Oct. 7 survivor Omer Shem Tov to warn TPUSA conference ‘evil is spreading’ after 505 days in captivity, https://nypost.com/2025/12/18/us-news/oct-7-survivor-omer-shem-tov-to-warn-tpusa-conference-evil-is-spreading-after-505-days-in-captivity/

4. Immigration and Border Security

4.1 Enforcement Policy and Recruitment

The administration is taking firm steps to tighten immigration enforcement. President Trump is reportedly pursuing a policy to “strip naturalized citizenship from immigration fraudsters” [1]. To support this and other enforcement efforts, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a new national recruitment campaign called “‘Defend the Homeland,’” with the objective of adding 10,000 agents to its force [2].

References: [1] Trump Seeks to Strip Naturalized Citizenship from Immigration Fraudsters, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/18/trumps-uscis-sets-plan-to-strip-citizenship-of-naturalized-americans-engaged-in-fraud/
[2] ‘America Needs You:’ ICE Launches ‘Defend the Homeland’ Campaign to Recruit 10,000 Agents, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2025/12/17/exclusive-america-needs-you-ice-launches-defend-homeland-campaign-recruit-10000-agents/

The societal and economic impacts of immigration are subjects of ongoing debate. In California, the state plans to move forward with a plan to reissue “contested driver’s licenses” to thousands of immigrants [1]. At the federal level, HUD Secretary Scott Turner has claimed that 59% of what one source calls “Illegal Alien Families” are utilizing one or more welfare programs [2]. Amid these developments, a recent poll suggests a “plurality” of those surveyed support either less or zero legal migration into the U.S. [3].

References: [1] California Plans to Reissue Contested Driver’s Licenses to Thousands of Immigrants, https://www.kqed.org/news/12067557/california-plans-to-reissue-contested-drivers-licenses-to-thousands-of-immigrants
[2] HUD Secretary Turner: 59% of Illegal Alien Families on One or More Welfare Programs, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/12/17/exclusive-hud-secretary-turner-59-of-illegal-alien-families-on-one-or-more-welfare-programs/
[3] Poll: Plurality Want Less or Zero Legal Migration, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2025/12/17/poll-plurality-want-less-or-zero-legal-migration/

5. Congress and Legislative Affairs

5.1 GOP Healthcare Bill Passage

House Republicans have passed a new healthcare bill, overcoming significant internal party divisions to do so. The legislation was reportedly passed at the “last-minute” after a “revolt” from moderate Republicans was resolved [1]. Proponents, including the House Budget Committee, claim the bill consists of reforms that will “lower health care premiums and restore accountability” [2].

References: [1] House Passes Last-Minute GOP Healthcare Bill After Moderates Revolt, https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/17/house-passes-gop-healthcare-bill/?_gl=1zh5tju_upMQ.._gaMTIzNDU5MDA2MC4xNzY2MDcyMDQ0_ga_B906X4P4C5*czE3NjYwNzIwNDMkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjYwNzIwNDckajU2JGwwJGgw
[2] House Republicans Pass Reforms to Lower Health Care Premiums and Restore Accountability, https://budget.house.gov/press-release/house-republicans-pass-reforms-to-lower-health-care-premiums-and-restore-accountability

A recent vote in the House of Representatives has highlighted deep partisan divides on social issues. One headline reports that “over 200 House Dems” voted in opposition to a measure that aimed to criminalize what the report describes as “alternate sex surgery for not adults” [1]. The precise legal language and scope of the proposed bill are not detailed in the headline.

References: [1] Over 200 House Dems vote against criminalizing alternate sex surgery for not adults, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/over-200-house-dems-vote-against-criminalizing-transgender-surgery-kids

5.3 Legislative Actions and Oversight

Congress has taken action on transportation safety and is seeing new oversight developments. The Senate approved a bill requiring military aircraft to broadcast their location, a law inspired by a past plane crash in Washington, D.C. [1]. In oversight matters, newly released FBI memos reportedly contain details of “a half dozen pay-to-play allegations involving Hillary Clinton and her foundation” [2]. In a separate development, a headline states that Senator Mark Kelly has been informed that he is “under investigation by the Navy,” though the reason for the investigation is not provided [3].

References: [1] Senate approves bill inspired by DC plane crash to ensure military aircraft will broadcast location, https://nypost.com/2025/12/17/us-news/senate-approves-anti-crash-bill-requiring-military-aircraft-broadcast-their-locations/
[2] FBI memos detail a half dozen pay-to-play allegations involving Hillary Clinton and her foundation, https://justthenews.com/government/security/fbi-files-clinton-foundation-show-scrutiny-potential-foreign-influences-us
[3] Mark Kelly was just informed that he’s under investigation by the Navy, https://x.com/Chicago1Ray/status/2001435783866036447

6. U.S. Politics and Elections

6.1 Intra-Conservative Discourse

A significant ideological rift is publicly playing out among high-profile conservative commentators. Ben Shapiro, during a speech at the Heritage Foundation, reportedly denounced Tucker Carlson as an “‘opponent of conservatism’” [1].

References: [1] Ben Shapiro denounces Tucker Carlson in Heritage Foundation speech: ‘Opponent of conservatism’, https://nypost.com/2025/12/17/us-news/ben-shapiro-rails-against-tucker-carlson-in-heritage-foundation-speech/

6.2 Constitutional and Election Debates

Discussions surrounding constitutional law and past election integrity continue to feature in political discourse. Prominent lawyer Alan Dershowitz has been quoted as saying the U.S. Constitution is “unclear” on the question of a third presidential term for Donald Trump [1]. Meanwhile, regarding the 2020 election, a report claims that an official from Fulton County, Georgia, stated, “‘We Don’t Dispute’ that 315,000 counted ballots lacked the required signatures from poll workers [2].

References: [1] Dershowitz says Constitution unclear about Trump third term, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/3926879/alan-dershowitz-constitution-unclear-possibility-trump-third-term/
[2] Fulton County: ‘We Don’t Dispute’ 315,000 Votes Lacking Poll Workers’ Signatures Were Counted In 2020, https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/17/fulton-county-we-dont-dispute-315000-votes-lacking-poll-workers-signatures-were-counted-in-2020/

6.3 2028 Election Outlook

Early positioning for the 2028 presidential race appears to have begun. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has publicly claimed that she would “‘stomp’” Vice President JD Vance in a hypothetical presidential election matchup [1].

References: [1] Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: I would ‘stomp’ JD Vance in a presidential election, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/12/18/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-jd-vance-presidential-election/

7. Economy and Society

7.1 COVID Vaccine Research

In medical research news, a new study from Stanford University reportedly reveals the underlying mechanism for why COVID-19 vaccines may cause rare instances of heart inflammation [1]. The headline does not elaborate on the specific scientific findings of the study.

References: [1] Stanford study reveals why COVID vaccines cause rare heart inflammation, https://www.foxnews.com/health/major-study-reveals-why-covid-vaccine-can-trigger-heart-issues-especially-one-group

7.2 Conflicting Economic Signals

Economic news presents a conflicting outlook. One report from the source subreddit celebrates that the inflation rate has fallen to 2.7%, calling this figure “dramatically lower than expected” and the lowest point since 2021 [1]. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) credited Trump administration policies for the positive shift, stating the economy is “turning a corner” [2]. In stark contrast, a more pessimistic viewpoint is offered in an analysis from the Hoover Institution that invokes the 1929 stock market crash and asks, “Are We Doing This Again?” [3].

References: [1] The inflation rate has fallen to 2.7% - dramatically lower than expected. This is the lowest since 2021., /r/Conservative/comments/1ppt001/the_inflation_rate_has_fallen_to_27_dramatically/
[2] Sen. James Lankford, (R-OK): Economy Turning Corner as Trump Policies Kick In., https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/james-lankford-donald-trump-economy/2025/12/18/id/1238823/
[3] 1929: Are We Doing This Again? With Andrew Ross Sorkin, https://www.hoover.org/research/are-we-doing-again-andrew-ross-sorkin-1929-and-goodfellows-2025

7.3 Cultural Debates on DEI

The national debate over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives continues with intensity. Vice President JD Vance has publicly characterized DEI as “a deliberate program of discrimination primarily against white men” [1]. This view aligns with legislative action at the state level, where six GOP-led states are reportedly advancing “sweeping bans on public funding for DEI programs” [2].

References: [1] JD Vance: A lot of people think “DEI” is lame diversity seminars or racial slogans at NFL games. In reality, it was a deliberate program of discrimination primarily against white men. [Jacob Savage’s “Lost Generation”] is an incredible piece that describes the evil of DEI and its consequences., https://x.com/JDVance/status/2001404279517478927
[2] Six GOP-led states push sweeping bans on public funding for DEI programs, https://www.campusreform.org/article/six-gop-led-states-push-sweeping-bans-public-funding-dei-programs/29155