[Sunday, December 21] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-12-21 2708 words 13 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare
December 21, 2025

Executive Summary

A massive fraud scandal in Minnesota could now total $9B, with reports citing weak media coverage.
The U.S. has intensified actions against Venezuela, seizing a third “dark fleet” oil tanker to enforce sanctions.
Scrutiny of the Jeffrey Epstein case has escalated after reports of missing DOJ files and past FBI inaction.
A deadly shooting at Brown University is raising campus security alarms after the shooter was found deceased days after the event.
Deepening ideological rifts in the conservative movement became public at the AmericaFest conference, where early 2028 speculation is also emerging.

1. Justice System, Investigations, and Oversight

1.1. Epstein Case Developments and Scrutiny

Federal handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case is under renewed and severe scrutiny. A critical report indicates at least 16 files have vanished from the Department of Justice’s official webpage for documents related to the case [1]. This development coincides with the release of other documents allegedly showing the FBI was warned about Epstein’s involvement in child pornography but failed to act on the information for a decade [2]. The case also remains a political flashpoint, with one outlet reporting on what it describes as a failed “smear” attempt by Democrats involving a photo of President Trump and Epstein [3]. These developments raise questions of institutional competence and potential malfeasance.

References:
[1] At least 16 files have disappeared from the DOJ webpage for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-9290fcaad1cb6fcb1cbc1befabc01994
[2] FBI was warned that Jeffrey Epstein was into child porn — but ignored it for 10 years, docs show, https://nypost.com/2025/12/21/us-news/fbi-ignored-jeffrey-epstein-child-porn-warning-for-10-years-docs-show/
[3] Democrats’ Latest Epstein Effort About Photo of Trump Fails Again – There Are a Few Big Problems with Their Smear!, https://www.rightjournalism.com/democrats-latest-epstein-effort-about-photo-of-trump-fails-again-there-are-a-few-big-problems-with-their-smear/

1.2. Major Fraud and Corruption Cases

A massive fraud scandal in Minnesota is growing in scope and complexity. Federal sources now estimate the potential scale of the operation could reach an astonishing $9 billion [1]. Reporting has focused on an alleged “mastermind” at the center of the “Somali scandal,” who is accused of using “fake racism claims” as a shield against investigation [2]. This has sparked a crisis of confidence in local media, criticized for providing “poor coverage” of the scandal [3]. Critics suggest this weak coverage stems from a fear of “seeming ‘racist’,” potentially allowing the fraud to go underreported [1].

References:
[1] Feds say Minnesota fraud scandal could amount to $9B — as critics blame local media’s weak coverage on fears of seeming ‘racist’, https://nypost.com/2025/12/21/media/feds-say-minnesota-fraud-scandal-could-amount-to-9b-as-critics-cite-local-media-bias/
[2] Meet Minnesota’s fraud ‘mastermind’ accused of playing ‘God,’ wielding ‘fake’ racism claims in Somali scandal, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/meet-minnesotas-fraud-mastermind-accused-playing-god-wielding-fake-racism-claims-somali-scandal
[3] Local media blasted for poor coverage of Minnesota’s massive fraud scandal, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/media-complicity-blamed-as-feds-say-minnesota-fraud-crisis-could-reach-9b-shown-their-true-colors

1.3. Legal Proceedings and Debates (Non-Federal)

Tension surrounding the 2020 election continues to fuel legal and political battles in Georgia. In a development drawing significant attention, Fani Willis provided “three hours of often combative testimony” during a recent court hearing [1]. Concurrently, a separate report is being circulated as a “Georgia Bombshell” that allegedly “Explodes 2020 ‘Secure Election’ Claims” [2]. While the headlines do not explicitly link Willis’s testimony to this new claim, their simultaneous emergence underscores the persistent and unresolved conflicts over election integrity in the state.

References:
[1] Fani Willis provides three hours of often combative testimony, https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/politics/state/2025/12/18/both-sides-at-willis-questioning-accused-the-other-grandstanding/87825249007/
[2] Georgia Bombshell Explodes 2020 ‘Secure Election’ Claims – PJ Media, https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2025/12/19/georgia-bombshell-explodes-2020-secure-election-claims-n4947286

1.4. Federal Agency Conduct and Oversight

Allegations of misconduct within the FBI continue to surface. A new report claims to reveal “Two New Tales Of FBI Corruption” that it asserts “Should Make Everyone Furious” [1]. The headline does not provide specific details regarding the nature of these allegations, making it necessary to consult the source material for any substantive information.

References:
[1] Two New Tales Of FBI Corruption Should Make Everyone Furious, https://issuesinsights.com/2025/12/18/two-new-tales-of-fbi-corruption-should-make-everyone-furious/

2. Immigration and Border Issues

2.1. Crime Associated with Immigration

Federal agencies are publicly connecting non-citizens to a series of high-profile, violent crimes, creating significant pressure on local jurisdictions. The Department of Homeland Security issued a pointed public statement calling out Fairfax County, Virginia, for releasing a “Criminal Illegal Alien” who, despite an ICE detainer, reportedly “went on to Commit Murder the Next Day” [1]. In a separate case, ICE lodged a detainer for a non-citizen charged with strangling a cab driver in New York [2]. Federal operations also led to the arrest of an individual allegedly selling cocaine from a Virginia barbershop [3]. In a case with transnational implications, the Venezuelan gang “Tren de Aragua” has been charged in a “Massive ATM Malware Scheme,” described as direct fallout from a previous border crisis [4].

References:
[1] DHS Calls on Fairfax County Politicians to Honor ICE Detainer for Criminal Illegal Alien Previously Released Because of Their Sanctuary Policies Who Went on to Commit Murder the Next Day, https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/12/19/dhs-calls-fairfax-county-politicians-honor-ice-detainer-criminal-illegal-alien
[2] ICE Lodges Detainer for Criminal Illegal Alien Charged with Strangling Cab Driver to Death in New York, https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/12/20/ice-lodges-detainer-criminal-illegal-alien-charged-strangling-cab-driver-death-new
[3] ICE, local partners arrest criminal illegal alien allegedly selling cocaine out of Virginia barbershop, https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-local-partners-arrest-criminal-illegal-alien-allegedly-selling-cocaine-out
[4] Biden Border Crisis Fallout: Terror Gang Tren de Aragua Charged in Massive ATM Malware Scheme, https://www.breitbart.com/border/2025/12/20/biden-border-crisis-fallout-terror-gang-tren-de-aragua-charged-in-massive-atm-malware-scheme/

2.2. Border Policy and National Debate

The fundamental principle of birthright citizenship has become a central focus of the national immigration debate. A commentary citing a Wall Street Journal article argues that this debate is “Overdue,” pointing to the vast changes in “the world, technology, and immigration since the 19th century” [1]. The core argument questions “whether the Constitution can keep up” with modern realities, elevating a long-simmering legal and political issue to the forefront of policy discussions.

References:
[1] WSJ Article Shows Why the ‘Birthright Citizenship’ Debate Is Overdue — The world, technology, and immigration have changed a lot since the 19th century, and the ultimate question is whether the Constitution can keep up, https://cis.org/Arthur/WSJ-Article-Shows-Why-Birthright-Citizenship-Debate-Overdue

3. U.S. Politics and Governance

3.1. Congressional Activity and Legislation

Congress is facing severe dysfunction that threatens both government operations and bipartisan legislative efforts. Reports indicate that “another looming government shutdown” is imminent, with blame being placed squarely on Congress itself for failing to act [1]. This institutional paralysis is mirrored in specific legislative battles. Senator Bernie Sanders is receiving heavy criticism for “tanking” a bill aimed at helping pediatric cancer patients, with opponents accusing him of holding the bill hostage “‘For leverage’” in unrelated negotiations [2].

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
[2] Bernie Sanders blasted for tanking bill to help pediatric cancer patients: ‘For leverage’, https://nypost.com/2025/12/21/us-news/bernie-sanders-blasted-for-tanking-bill-to-help-pediatric-cancer-patients-for-leverage/

3.2. State Politics and Elections

The 2026 New York gubernatorial race is already seeing significant maneuvering. A day after Representative Elise Stefanik announced she would not run, former President Trump endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for the position [1]. This development has led to commentary suggesting that Stefanik’s withdrawal may free the incumbent, Governor Hochul, to “embrace a far-left agenda” without a prominent challenger on her right flank [2]. Separately, in an unnamed state, a Democratic Senate candidate is reportedly facing “backlash after [a] violent fantasy against conservative SCOTUS justices” became public [3].

References:
[1] Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman for NY governor — a day after GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik dropped out of race, https://nypost.com/2025/12/20/us-news/trump-endorses-bruce-blakeman-for-ny-governor-a-day-after-gop-rep-elise-stefanik-dropped-out-of-race/
[2] Elise Stefanik’s withdrawal could open the door for Hochul to embrace a far-left agenda, https://nypost.com/2025/12/20/opinion/michael-goodwin-elise-stefaniks-withdrawal-could-open-the-door-for-hochul-to-embrace-a-far-left-agenda/
[3] Dem Senate candidate faces backlash after violent fantasy against conservative SCOTUS justices goes viral, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dem-senate-candidate-faces-backlash-after-violent-fantasy-against-kavanaugh-barrett-goes-viral

3.3. Conservative Movement and Internal Debates

Deep ideological fissures are becoming visible within the conservative movement. At the recent Turning Point USA AmericaFest 2025 conference, reports noted a “deepening MAGA rift” [1]. This tension was personified by Senator Rand Paul, who openly criticized endorsements of Vice President JD Vance by figures including Erika Kirk and Marco Rubio. Paul argued the GOP needs leaders more aligned with “international trade, free-market capitalism, and low taxes,” and stated unequivocally that Vance does not fit that description [2]. In a contrasting move, TPUSA also hosted a surprise appearance by the rapper Nicki Minaj, who reportedly urged young attendees to “be more like Trump,” signaling an effort to expand the movement’s cultural reach amid internal policy disputes [3].

References:
[1] Deepening MAGA rift comes to a head at TPUSA’s AmericaFest 2025, https://www.foxnews.com/media/rift-maga-movement-full-display-tpusas-americafest-ben-shapiro-tucker-carlson-battle-out
[2] Rand Paul criticized endorsements of JD Vance by Erika Kirk and Marco Rubio, arguing the GOP needs leaders who support international trade, free-market capitalism, and low taxes. Asked whether Vance fits that mold, Paul replied: “No.”, https://x.com/PpollingNumbers/status/2002781568805539944
[3] Nicki Minaj makes surprise appearance with Erika Kirk at TPUSA’s America Fest — urges young men to be more like Trump, https://nypost.com/2025/12/21/us-news/nicki-minaj-makes-surprise-appearance-with-erika-kirk-at-tpusa-event/

3.4. 2024 Aftermath and 2028 Speculation

Early speculation for the 2028 presidential election is already taking shape. Attendees at the recent AmericaFest conference are reportedly predicting a head-to-head contest between Vice President JD Vance and Josh Shapiro [1]. The early positioning is notable, with one strategist offering an explanation for why figurehead Erika Kirk endorsed Vance for 2028 so far in advance of the election cycle [2].

References:
[1] AmericaFest attendees predict JD Vance, Josh Shapiro for 2028 election, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2028-lines-being-drawn-among-conservatives-two-top-names-emerge-among-americafest-activists
[2] Tyler Bowyer Explains Why Erika Kirk Endorsed JD Vance So Far Ahead Of 2028, https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/20/tyler-bowyer-erika-kirk-jd-vance-2028-endorsement/

4. Executive Branch and Federal Policy

The administration is actively pursuing a diverse domestic policy agenda. On the economic front, the White House has promised to deliver the “largest tax refunds in US history” as a measure to address public concerns over inflation [1]. In healthcare, a new commentary argues that after fifteen years, the Affordable Care Act is “Unraveling” due to a series of “Unintended Consequences” [2]. Meanwhile, on social policy, a move to reschedule marijuana is being met with opposition, with one analysis labeling it “the Wrong Call” [3]. Growing fiscal pressure at the local level is also evident, as a “Property Tax Revolt” is reportedly “Exploding Across US” among homeowners [4].

References:
[1] Trump admin promises largest tax refunds in US history amid inflation worries, https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/trump-economist-predicts-biggest-refund-cycle-ever-massive-checks-ahead
[2] The ACA’s Unraveling: Fifteen Years of Unintended Consequences, https://spectator.org/the-acas-unraveling-fifteen-years-of-unintended-consequences/
[3] Rescheduling Marijuana Is the Wrong Call, https://www.city-journal.org/article/trump-reschedule-marijuana-pot
[4] Property Tax Revolt Exploding Across US, https://hotair.com/betsy-mccaughey/2025/12/21/property-tax-revolt-exploding-across-us-n3810104

4.2. Federal Law Enforcement and Crime Initiatives

The administration is highlighting its federal law enforcement efforts. The White House recently unveiled a report detailing the “Year-End Success Of City Crime Crackdown” initiatives across the country [1]. This federal-level focus is also being framed as a way to bypass uncooperative local officials. A commentary piece focusing on New York City argues that President Trump’s federal authorities have the power to “end-run” politicians like Zohran Mamdani in order to directly combat crime [2].

References:
[1] White House Unveils Year-End Success Of City Crime Crackdown, https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/19/white-house-donald-trump-washington-dc-memphis-task-force-crime-national-guard/
[2] Trump’s feds can end-run Zohran Mamdani — and fight NYC crime, https://nypost.com/2025/12/21/opinion/trumps-feds-can-end-run-zohran-mamdani-and-fight-nyc-crime/

5. National Security and Foreign Relations

5.1. Relations with Venezuela and Latin America

The U.S. is intensifying its sanctions enforcement against the Maduro regime in Venezuela through direct maritime action. The U.S. Coast Guard is actively pursuing a third “dark fleet” oil tanker as part of a targeted strategy to disrupt the country’s sanctions evasion network [1], with a separate report confirming the seizure of a third vessel off the Venezuelan coast [2]. These operations are occurring as defectors are reportedly providing intelligence that has helped unravel a “Narco-Terrorism Plot Against America” orchestrated by the regime [3].

References:
[1] US Coast Guard pursues third ‘dark fleet’ oil tanker as Trump targets Venezuelan sanctions evasion network, https://www.foxnews.com/us/us-coast-guard-pursues-third-dark-fleet-oil-tanker-trump-targets-venezuelan-sanctions-evasion-network
[2] US Seizes Third Ship Off Coast of Venezuela, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/venezuela-coast-tankers/2025/12/20/id/1239094/
[3] Maduro’s Narco-Terrorism Plot Against America Unraveled by Defectors, https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/12/18/maduros-narco-terrorism-plot-against-america-unraveled-by-defectors/

5.2. Middle East Tensions and U.S. Involvement

The security situation in the Middle East remains volatile. Newly released footage has supposedly revealed a “Secret Iranian underground base” in Syria, exposing a key piece of Iran’s regional military infrastructure [1]. In parallel, diplomatic pressure on Hamas continues, with the UK government reportedly considering sanctions against an alleged member of the group [2]. At the same time, the narrative surrounding the humanitarian situation in Gaza is being fiercely contested; a commentary piece in one outlet asserts, “There Was No Famine In Gaza, Only A Modern Blood Libel” [3].

References:
[1] Secret Iranian underground base supposedly revealed in new footage from Syria | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-880898
[2] Alleged Hamas member may be sanctioned by UK gov’t | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/international/article-880916
[3] There Was No Famine In Gaza, Only A Modern Blood Libel, https://thej.ca/2025/12/19/there-was-no-famine-in-gaza-only-a-modern-blood-libel

5.3. Asia-Pacific Dynamics

Significant shifts are underway in both the economic and security postures of key U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific. On trade, Toyota has announced a landmark plan to begin importing U.S.-built vehicles into Japan starting in 2026, reversing traditional automotive trade flows [1]. From a security perspective, there is a growing concern regarding Taiwan. A new analysis suggests that while international “Friends are stepping up for Taiwan,” the island’s own political opposition “is signalling retreat,” a dynamic that could undermine its national defense strategy and U.S. regional policy [2].

References:
[1] Toyota to import U.S.-built vehicles to Japan from 2026, https://japantoday.com/category/business/update1-toyota-aims-to-import-u.s.-built-vehicles-to-japan-from-2026
[2] Friends are stepping up for Taiwan. Its opposition is signalling retreat, https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/friends-are-stepping-up-for-taiwan-its-opposition-is-signalling-retreat/

5.4. European and Global Affairs

The U.S. intelligence community has identified a primary global threat. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has publicly stated that “Radical Islamist Ideology” is the “‘Greatest Threat’ to American Freedom,” defining the administration’s top security priority [1]. Separately, a group of NFL players is publicly urging President Trump to intensify efforts to “Fight Christian Persecution In Nigeria,” calling current measures “‘No Longer Sufficient’” [2]. Meanwhile, confidence in European leadership appears to be waning in some circles, with one commentary describing Ursula von der Leyen’s European Commission as a “Broken and Defeated…Sinking Ship” [3].

References:
[1] DNI Tulsi Gabbard Torches Radical Islamist Ideology: The ‘Greatest Threat’ to American Freedom, https://redstate.com/rusty-weiss/2025/12/21/dni-tulsi-gabbard-torches-radical-islamist-ideology-the-greatest-threat-to-american-freedom-n2197350
[2] ‘No Longer Sufficient’ — NFL Players Urge Trump To Fight Christian Persecution In Nigeria, https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/19/nfl-players-letter-donald-trump-christian-persecution-nigeria/
[3] Broken and Defeated, Ursula von der Leyen’s European Commission is a Sinking Ship, https://europeanconservative.com/articles/commentary/broken-and-defeated-ursula-von-der-leyens-european-commission-is-a-sinking-ship/

6.1. Major Violent Crime Incidents

A deadly shooting at Brown University has claimed the lives of two students and is now raising serious questions about campus security [1, 3]. According to authorities, the alleged shooter was discovered deceased, having been so “For Days Before Discovery,” suggesting a significant lapse in campus awareness [2]. In the aftermath, a friend of one of the victims has publicly blasted the university’s security preparedness, bringing national attention to the incident and its handling [3].

References:
[1] University community mourns the loss of two beloved Brown students, https://www.brown.edu/news/2025-12-19/mourning-ella-cook-mukhammadaziz-umurzokov
[2] Brown University Shooter Dead For Days Before Discovery: Authorities, https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/20/brown-university-shooter-claudio-neves-valente-dead-days-discovery/
[3] Brown University murder victim’s friend blasts school security preparedness, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/former-brown-university-student-friend-ella-cook-blames-spending-priorities-lack-security

6.2. Societal and Cultural Debates

Discussions around American identity and national unity are prominent. A widely circulated quote from Vice President JD Vance states, “The only thing that we demand is that you be a Great American Patriot,” while also addressing issues of identity politics [1]. On a separate cultural front, a new poll reveals that a significant majority of Americans, 64%, support a ban on teenagers using social media, indicating widespread concern over technology’s impact on youth [2].

References:
[1] “In the United States of America, you don’t have to apologize for being White anymore,” says Vance. “We don’t persecute you for being male, for being straight, for being gay, for being anything. The only thing that we demand is that you be a Great American Patriot.”, https://x.com/i/status/2002823070676042090
[2] Poll: 64% of Americans Support Banning Teenagers from Social Media, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/12/20/poll-64-of-americans-support-banning-teenagers-from-social-media/

6.3. Public Infrastructure and Technology Issues

A major infrastructure failure in San Francisco has exposed the vulnerability of a technology-dependent urban environment. A power outage left 130,000 residents and businesses in the dark and had a direct, cascading effect on autonomous vehicles, causing Waymo cars to “stop in the street” and create further disruption [1]. The event serves as a critical case study on the interconnection between public utilities and emerging technologies.

References:
[1] San Francisco power outage puts 130,000 in the dark, causes Waymos to stop in the street, https://www.foxnews.com/us/san-francisco-power-outage-puts-130000-dark-self-driving-car-service-stops-vehicles-street