[Saturday, December 20] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

This is an experimental AI project. We are continuously improving it, but errors can still appear. Feel free to contact us if you spot an error.

DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare December 20, 2025

Executive Summary

• Epstein Files: DOJ releases new files with photos implicating former President Bill Clinton among “powerful figures,” a development seen as damaging for Democrats.
• National Security: U.S. military launches a “massive strike” on ISIS in Syria after American troops were killed and seizes a second Venezuelan oil tanker.
• Judicial Rulings: Delaware’s Supreme Court reinstates Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package. A Milwaukee judge is found guilty of obstructing ICE.
• Congressional Alert: A report warns of a looming government shutdown, blaming Congress.
• Party Infighting: Both parties show internal fractures, with reports of discord from Kamala Harris, Ben Shapiro, and Mitt Romney.

1. Justice, Law Enforcement & Immigration

1.1. New Epstein Files from DOJ Create Political Fallout

The Department of Justice has released a new trove of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, creating immediate and significant political fallout. The files reportedly detail the discovery of numerous “powerful figures” and specify that there are more than 1,200 victims, signaling a vast scale of abuse [1]. Central to the developing story are newly revealed photographs. Some of these photos allegedly show former President Bill Clinton with Jeffrey Epstein [1]. One specific image, published by the New York Post, is described as depicting a “half-naked Bill Clinton” in a hot tub and also swimming with co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell and an unidentified woman [2]. The headlines frame the release as politically damaging for the Democratic party [3], with some sources claiming that Epstein’s victims are displeased with Democrats, though the specific reasons require reviewing the source material for full context [4].

References: [1] Epstein files explode open as DOJ details discovery of powerful figures and more than 1,200 victims: The files include new photos of former President Bill Clinton and Epstein, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/epstein-files-explode-open-doj-details-discovery-powerful-figures-more-than-1200-victims
[2] Half-naked Bill Clinton relaxes in hot tub, swims with Ghislaine Maxwell and mystery woman in new Epstein file photo, https://nypost.com/2025/12/19/us-news/epstein-files-reveal-bill-clinton-with-mystery-women-mick-jagger/
[3] Epstein Files Have Been Released, And Democrats Won’t Like These Photos, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/12/19/epstein-files-released-and-democrats-wont-like-these-photos-n4947310
[4] Epstein Victims Aren’t Happy With Democrats. Here’s Why., https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/12/20/epstein-victims-arent-happy-with-democrats-heres-why-n4947319

1.2. Major Judicial Rulings on Musk Pay, ICE Obstruction, and Free Speech

Several significant judicial rulings are making headlines. In a landmark corporate law decision, the Supreme Court of Delaware has ordered the reinstatement of Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package from 2018, overturning a lower court’s decision [1]. In a separate, high-profile case with political overtones, a court has found Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of obstructing federal ICE operations [2]. That verdict follows reports that a CNN-affiliated attorney, identified as Gene Rossi, had allegedly promised commentator Scott Jennings that the criminal charges against Dugan would never make it to a jury trial [3] [4]. In another legal development impacting free speech, a court ruling has affirmed a professor’s First Amendment right to create and use satire of “land acknowledgments,” protecting such speech on campus [5].

References: [1] In a massive ruling, the Supreme Court of Delaware rules that Elon Musk’s $56 billion 2018 pay package must be reinstated., https://x.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2002129229274886264
[2] Court Finds Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan Guilty Of Obstructing ICE, https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/19/court-finds-milwaukee-judge-hannah-dugan-guilty-of-obstructing-ice/
[3] Attorney promised Scott Jennings that Judge Hanah Dugan charges would never make it to a jury, https://rumble.com/v7392mc-attorney-promised-scott-jennings-that-judge-hanah-dugan-charges-would-never.html
[4] Meet Gene Rossi at CNN, the guy who told Scott Jennings that the Hanah Dugan case would never make it to trial, https://x.com/ScottJenningsKY/status/2002076382495756764
[5] Court Upholds Prof’s Right To Make Fun Of Land Acknowledgments, https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/19/9th-circuit-protects-professors-first-amendment-right-to-make-fun-of-land-acknowledgments/

1.3. Immigration Reports Focus on Crime and Demographic Change

Today’s headlines on immigration highlight specific crimes and broader demographic trends. A report from the New York Post alleges that an “illegal immigrant” from Guatemala was responsible for the death of a cab driver in New York City after choking him to “settle a score” [1]. Other reports raise concerns about existing immigration policies. One source states the Diversity Visa Lottery program results in the legal entry of nearly 500,000 migrants to the U.S. every ten years [2]. A separate story from TheBlaze reports on an emerging trend of Chinese men allegedly using American surrogacy to create “‘mega-families’” whose numerous children are automatically granted U.S. citizenship [3].

References: [1] Exclusive | Man who choked a cabbie to death in NY to settle score is an illegal immigrant Guatemala | New York Post, https://nypost.com/2025/12/20/us-news/man-who-choked-a-cabbie-to-death-in-ny-to-settle-score-is-an-illegal-immigrant-guatemala/
[2] Diversity Visa Lottery Imports Nearly 500 K Migrants to U.S. Every Decade, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/19/diversity-visa-lottery-imports-nearly-500000-migrants-us-every-decade/
[3] ‘50 high-quality sons’: Chinese men are siring US citizen ‘mega-families’ via surrogacy: Report, https://www.theblaze.com/news/50-high-quality-sons-chinese-elites-are-siring-armies-of-babies-in-us-via-surrogates-report

1.4. D.C. Police Chief Resigns; ICE Agent Doxxer Arrested

Local and federal law enforcement actions are prominent today. The reports are led by the resignation of D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith, who is reportedly accused of falsifying crime statistics. Headlines characterize her resignation speech as a “meltdown” in which she confronted her critics [1] [2]. In a separate federal matter, Jack D. Quillin, the owner of the social media account “@LAScanner,” was arrested. The arrest took place six months after he was “exposed for doxing ICE agents,” and a source claims DHS was “possibly involved” in the airport arrest [3]. Other crime-related headlines include the rescue of children from forced restaurant labor in Tennessee [4] and an unconfirmed report from sources alleging that Conan O’Brien discouraged guests from calling 911 on an individual named Nick Reiner hours before he committed murders [5].

References: [1] D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith accused of falsifying criminal stats has MELTDOWN during resignation speech., https://x.com/tpantheman/status/2002163339112153428?s=46
[2] Disgraced D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith Tells Her Critics ‘Eff You!’ – PJ Media, https://pjmedia.com/tim-o-brien/2025/12/19/disgraced-dc-police-chief-pamela-smith-tells-her-critics-f-you-n4947312
[3] Jack D Quillin, the owner of @LAScanner was just ARRESTED and is currently in jail, 6 months after being exposed for doxing ICE agents AND being a convicted felon. He was arrested at the airport while visiting LA, with a source claiming that “DHS was possibly involved in the arrest.”, https://x.com/InsiderWire/status/2002104284914266113
[4] Children forced to work in Tennessee restaurant rescued by police, https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2025/12/19/tennessee-human-trafficking-smithville-children-smuggled-mexico/87843076007/
[5] Conan O’Brien Stopped Party Guests From Calling 911 On Nick Reiner Hours Before Murders: Sources, https://www.dailywire.com/news/conan-obrien-stopped-party-guests-from-calling-911-on-nick-reiner-hours-before-murders-sources

2. National Security & Foreign Policy

2.1. U.S. Strikes ISIS in Syria, Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tankers

The U.S. military is reportedly conducting significant and overt operations on two foreign fronts. In the Middle East, reports indicate the U.S. has launched a “massive strike” against ISIS targets in Syria. This action is explicitly framed as a direct response to the recent killing of American soldiers in the region [1]. Concurrently, in South America, the U.S. is actively enforcing a naval blockade against Venezuela. This enforcement has led to the seizure of a first ship off the Venezuelan coast [2], an action that was quickly followed by the capture of a “second Venezuelan oil tanker” by the U.S. military [3]. An associated analysis piece from The Jerusalem Post questions whether these military strikes in Syria can be an effective catalyst for long-term, positive change in the war-torn country [4].

References: [1] US launches ‘massive strike’ on ISIS in Syria after American troops killed, https://nypost.com/2025/12/19/us-news/us-launches-massive-strike-on-isis-in-syria-after-american-troops-killed/
[2] US seizes ship off of Venezuelan coast | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/international/article-880829
[3] Second Venezuelan oil tanker seized by US military in blockade enforcement, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/second-tanker-seized-near-venezuela-us-enforces-oil-blockade
[4] Can US strikes on ISIS help bring change to Syria? - analysis | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-880830

2.2. U.S. Diplomacy Reportedly Working on Gaza Peace Board

In diplomatic news, reports indicate the U.S. has ongoing efforts focused on the Middle East peace process. An individual named Steve Witkoff is cited as stating that the U.S. is “working to establish [a] Gaza Board of Peace soon,” suggesting a new administrative body for the region is under consideration [1]. On a broader diplomatic stage, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a public warning to European nations, cautioning them against domestic policies that he argues risk destroying the “‘shared culture’ of the West” [2]. Meanwhile, a speculative headline from Ynetnews questions whether the Iranian regime may be “nearing collapse,” pointing to “silent death” as a sign of continued internal fragility [3].

References: [1] Steve Witkoff: US working to establish Gaza Board of Peace soon | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-880832
[2] Rubio Warns Europe Risks Destroying ‘Shared Culture’ of the West, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/12/20/rubio-warns-europe-risks-destroying-shared-culture-of-western-civilization/
[3] ‘Silent death’: Is Iran’s regime once again nearing collapse?, https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/hjub9vqxbx

2.3. Hezbollah Expands Presence in Venezuela; Senator Kelly Comments on Narcoterrorists

Terrorism-related reports indicate that the Iran-backed group Hezbollah is expanding its operational footprint on a Venezuelan island controlled by the Maduro regime. One headline describes the location as a “terror island” and notes the expansion is occurring as tourism to the area has dried up [1]. In domestic politics, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) has entered the debate on counter-terrorism strategy. He reportedly argued against killing “narcoterrorists,” with one source quoting him as saying it does not improve American safety because they are “‘only’ carrying cocaine.” The full context of the remark is not available in the provided headline [2].

References: [1] Hezbollah expands on Maduro’s ‘terror island’ as tourism dries up, https://www.foxnews.com/world/hezbollah-shifts-operations-closer-us-border-israel-strikes-force-strategic-retreat-venezuela
[2] Mark Kelly says killing narcoterrorists doesn’t make us safer because they are ‘only’ carrying cocaine, https://x.com/GarretLewis/status/2000998973914669091?s=20

3. White House & Federal Administration

3.1. Presidential Directives Target Moon Base, Criticize Obamacare

President Trump has issued a major new directive for the nation’s space program, ordering NASA to land humans on the Moon again by the year 2028. The ambitious order also includes a mandate for the development of a permanent lunar base powered by nuclear energy, with a completion target of 2030 [1]. In a separate communication, the President took aim at the Affordable Care Act in a statement published on Breitbart, asserting that “Barack Hussein Obamacare Was Created to Make Insurance Companies Rich” [2].

References: [1] Trump orders return to Moon by 2028, lunar base with nuclear power by 2030 - AeroTime, https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/trump-moon-2028-lunar-base-golden-dome
[2] Trump: ‘Barack Hussein Obamacare Was Created to Make Insurance Companies Rich’, https://www.breitbart.com/health/2025/12/19/trump-obamacare-created-make-insurance-companies-rich/

3.2. DHS Communication on Holiday-Timed ICE Arrests

A specific action by a cabinet department is highlighted in one report. The Department of Homeland Security allegedly issued a communication that “packages latest ICE arrests as ‘Christmas gift to Americans’” [1]. The headline suggests a specific framing of recent enforcement actions to coincide with the holiday season, though further details on the nature and number of the arrests are not available in the report.

References: [1] DHS packages latest ICE arrests as ‘Christmas gift to Americans’, https://www.foxnews.com/us/dhs-packages-latest-ice-arrests-christmas-gift-americans

3.3. Senator Fetterman Comments on ACA Subsidy Design

In a headline focused on federal policy debate, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) commented on the structure of the Affordable Care Act. He is quoted as stating, “Remember, Dems Passed Obamacare and Designed Subsidies to Expire” [1]. This remark appears to place responsibility on the Democratic party for the built-in expiration of the law’s subsidy provisions, though the broader context of the debate is not provided.

References: [1] Fetterman: Remember, Dems Passed Obamacare and Designed Subsidies to Expire, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/12/20/fetterman-remember-dems-passed-obamacare-and-designed-subsidies-to-expire/

4. Congressional & Partisan Politics

4.1. Report Warns of Looming Government Shutdown

A headline from the New York Post is issuing a stark warning to the public to “brace for… another looming government shutdown.” The article explicitly assigns responsibility for the potential impasse to Congress [1]. Further details regarding the specific legislative conflicts, policy disagreements, or a potential timeline for the shutdown are not available in the provided feed.

References: [1] Brace for and blame Congress for another looming government shutdown, https://nypost.com/2025/12/20/opinion/brace-for-and-blame-congress-for-another-looming-government-shutdown/

4.2. Significant Intra-Party Conflicts Emerge in Both Parties

Reports highlight significant friction and strategic divergence within both major political parties. On the Republican side, Elise Stefanik has reportedly withdrawn from the New York gubernatorial race, with the reason cited as a “lack of Trump support” [1]. Concurrently, commentator Ben Shapiro delivered a fiery speech criticizing what he called the “frauds and grifters” and “charlatans” within the conservative movement [2], while Utah Senator Mitt Romney reportedly stated that “it’s time to tax the rich” [3]. In a sign of alignment with the White House, the RNC affirmed it will not defy President Trump’s strategic preferences on mail-in voting [4]. Within the Democratic party, former Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly criticized the prior Biden administration for a “lack of ‘support’” during her past presidential campaign [5]. In another sign of internal dissent, Rep. Seth Moulton is quoted as admitting his party is “out of touch” with voters [6].

References: [1] Elise Stefanik drops out of NY governor race over lack of Trump support, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/inside-stefaniks-exit-and-how-the-trump-endorsement-that-never-came-was-biggest-piece-of-the-puzzle
[2] ‘Frauds and Grifters’: Ben Shapiro Torches ‘Charlatans’ of Conservative Movement in Fiery AmFest Speech, https://redstate.com/terichristoph/2025/12/19/ben-shapiro-at-amfest-n2197299
[3] Mitt Mamdani? Romney says it’s time to tax the rich, https://ksltv.com/local-news/mitt-mamdani-romney/859586/
[4] RNC Says It Won’t Defy Trump On Mail-In Voting Despite Legacy Media Reports, https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/19/republican-national-committee-mail-in-voting-trump-election-integrity-2026-midterms/
[5] Kamala Harris knocks Biden admin for lack of ‘support’ in doomed presidential bid, https://nypost.com/2025/12/19/us-news/kamala-harris-needed-more-support-from-biden-in-doomed-presidential-bid/
[6] Democrat Rep Seth Moulton Admits His Party Is ‘Out Of Touch’, https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/19/seth-moulton-democrats-out-of-touch/

4.3. Post-Election Polls and Partisan Rhetoric

A recent poll from Breitbart suggests a majority of respondents believe Democrats should adopt a “‘wait and see attitude’” regarding the actions of President Trump’s new administration, rather than engaging in “blindly oppose” tactics [1]. Partisan rhetoric persists, however, with one report from the New York Post claiming that “gun-control wackos” are placing blame on President Trump for a recent shooting incident at Brown University [2]. Additionally, a vague headline references an unspecified event related to the 2020 election, stating, “That Thing We Were Told Didn’t Happen… Happened After All,” but provides no specific details to clarify its meaning or subject [3].

References: [1] Poll: Majority Say Democrats Should Take ‘Wait and See Attitude’ on Trump Actions Rather than Blindly Oppose, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/20/poll-majority-democrats-take-waitandsee-attitude-trump-actions/
[2] Gun-control wackos are actually blaming TRUMP after the shooting at Brown, https://nypost.com/2025/12/19/opinion/gun-control-wackos-are-actually-blaming-trump-after-the-shooting-at-brown/
[3] That Thing We Were Told Didn’t Happen During the 2020 Election Happened After All, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2025/12/19/fulton-ga-didnt-follow-rules-in-2020-election-n2668182

5. Media, Culture & Society

5.1. Education Issues Center on Campus Security and Curriculum

Following a shooting at Brown University, the university’s president is reported to have simultaneously praised the police response and condemned the “doxxing” that occurred in the incident’s aftermath [1]. The event has prompted a broader discussion in news reports about the overall preparedness of America’s elite universities for such targeted acts of violence on their campuses [2]. On a separate education-related front, a Fox News report claims that lecture materials leaked from an unnamed public university have exposed an overtly “far-left curriculum” being taught to undergraduate students [3].

References: [1] Brown University President Spikes the Football After Botched Shooting Response, Praising Police and Condemning ‘Doxxing’, https://freebeacon.com/campus/brown-university-president-spikes-the-football-after-botched-shooting-response-praising-police-and-condemning-doxxing/
[2] Are elite US universities prepared for targeted shootings?, https://www.foxnews.com/us/brown-university-mit-shootings-elite-us-universities-prepared-targeted-violence
[3] Far-left curriculum at public university exposed after lecture material leaked, https://www.foxnews.com/us/university-illinois-lesson-materials-push-leftist-race-class-struggles-future-teachers-leaked-lectures

5.2. Scrutiny of Media and Past Political Statements

Media entities and past political claims are under scrutiny in today’s news cycle. Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales is accused of hypocrisy for allegedly denying that the platform bans right-leaning sources, while simultaneously describing a policy that effectively serves as such a ban [1]. Separately, a video post highlighted a “montage of Democrats” from a prior period claiming a COVID-19 vaccine was “100% effective” and could completely stop the virus [2]. Commentary pieces discuss the “wrong lesson” on gun control from the Bondi Beach Attack [3] and speculate on whether modern society can revert to a “Dark Ages” [4]. The feed also contained satirical articles and memes, which offer pointed commentary rather than factual reporting [5] [6].

References: [1] Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales Claims No Ban on Right-Leaning Sources, Describes One Anyway, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/free-speech/tom-olohan/2025/12/19/wikipedias-jimmy-wales-claims-no-ban-right-leaning-sources
[2] Montage of Democrats claiming 1 covid vaccine stops the virus, 100% effective, https://rumble.com/v7392hk-montage-of-democrats-claiming-1-covid-vaccine-stops-the-virus-100-effective.html
[3] It’s Not About the Guns: The Wrong Lesson From the Bondi Beach Attack, https://spectator.org/its-not-about-the-guns-the-wrong-lesson-from-the-bondi-beach-attack/
[4] Can the Dark Ages Return?, https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/12/19/can_the_dark_ages_return_153650.html
[5] Tucker Carlson Interrupts Speech For Evening Prayer To Mecca, https://babylonbee.com/news/tucker-carlson-interrupts-speech-for-evening-prayer-to-mecca?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAOyxLFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAae81a7Jd15fcbT6ngMQfoQGeIhymzgZ4cF5TLkhpK45zQGaZIGUAY928vzj2Q_aem_UzjOkN4rGOyMBffowUlayA
[6] Australian Man Who Wrestled Gun Away From Terrorist Charged With Unlawful Firearm Possession, https://babylonbee.com/news/australian-man-who-wrestled-gun-away-from-terrorist-charged-with-unlawful-firearm-possession

6. Economy & Energy

6.1. Reports Claim “Collapse” of Electric Vehicle Market

Headlines concerning energy policy suggest a significant and sharp downturn for the electric vehicle market. One source declares an “Electric Vehicle Collapse” and adds the commentary, “Wow, That Was Quick!” suggesting the speed of the decline was unexpected [1]. Another opinion-based headline makes the broad assertion that “The Eco-Zealots Were Wrong Again,” tying the alleged market failure to broader environmental policy critiques [2]. The provided feed lacks specific data reports to substantiate these claims or provide market context. No significant news on corporate finance or technology was submitted in today’s feed.

References: [1] The Electric Vehicle Collapse: Wow, That Was Quick!, https://www.manhattancontrarian.com/blog/2025-12-17-the-electric-vehicle-collapse-wow-that-was-quick
[2] The Eco-Zealots Were Wrong Again, https://issuesinsights.com/2025/12/19/the-eco-zealots-were-wrong-again/

==