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

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare December 21, 2025

Executive Summary

• Epstein Files Ignite Constitutional Crisis: The DOJ’s handling of the Epstein document release has provoked bipartisan outrage, with House members drafting rare “inherent contempt” charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi over mass redactions and thousands of withheld files, actions seen as defying transparency law.
• Venezuela Tensions Escalate: The U.S. continues its maritime blockade, pursuing a third Venezuelan oil tanker. This has drawn a “prelude to war” warning from Republican Senator Rand Paul, even as President Trump threatens to shoot down interfering jets.
• Economic Blowback from Trade Policy: The administration’s tariff strategy is causing direct economic damage, evidenced by a Jim Beam distillery shutdown. The policy also faces legal peril, with warnings of a potential “tariff refund problem” from the Supreme Court.
• GOP Fissures Over 2028 Emerge: A major conservative conference has showcased public “infighting” and “discord” among potential successors to President Trump, signaling an early and contentious battle for the 2028 nomination.

1. The Epstein Files: DOJ and Congress on a Collision Course

1.1. Bipartisan “Inherent Contempt” Charges Drafted Against AG Bondi

An extraordinary constitutional conflict is escalating as a bipartisan group of House members prepares to charge Attorney General Pam Bondi with “inherent contempt” of Congress for the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein document release. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are reportedly drafting the charges, which would leverage a rarely used congressional power to levy daily fines against Bondi until the DOJ fully complies with the “Epstein Files Transparency Act” [1]. This move reflects deep frustration from both parties, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) demanding a “full and complete investigation” into the matter [2]. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) questioned the level of secrecy, stating, “How can you block out an entire document? It makes no sense” [3]. Some reports also noted that representatives were preparing broader impeachment articles against the Attorney General [4].

References:
[1] ‘Inherent contempt’ charges are being drafted now to fine AG Pam Bondi for each day that full Epstein files aren’t released, congressmen say, https://fortune.com/2025/12/21/inherent-contempt-charges-attorney-general-pam-bondi-epstein-files-massie-khanna/
[2] Jeffries calls for ‘full and complete investigation’ into redacted Epstein documents, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5658916-jeffries-epstein-files-release-investigation/
[3] Rep. Jamie Raskin blasts DOJ for redacting so much in Epstein files - “How can you block out an entire document? It makes no sense,” he says., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/21/justice-department-faces-accusations-of-a-cover-up-in-release-of-epstein-files-00702194
[4] Massie, Khanna Say DOJ Is Illegally Withholding Epstein Files. Reps Are Preparing Impeachment Articles Against Bondi, https://thenewamerican.com/features/massie-khanna-say-doj-is-illegally-withholding-epstein-files-reps-are-preparing-impeachment-articles-against-bondi/

1.2. DOJ Accused of Defiance Over Redactions and Withheld Documents

The DOJ’s document release is being characterized as an act of defiance against a transparency law signed by President Trump. Reports indicate the department is holding back “hundreds of thousands of documents” and the public files contain “glaring gaps” [1]. The department’s actions have been inconsistent; at least 16 files, including a photograph of President Trump, were reportedly removed from the public website before a backlash led to the photo’s restoration [2]. An unnamed top administration official defended the “partial release” against Democratic criticism [3]. Victims have expressed outrage, with one survivor stating, “Ghislaine Maxwell has had more communication with this DOJ than any of us” [4]. The “incomplete disclosure” is a growing concern for some Republicans, who fear it will “loom over [the] midterms” [5]. Even with heavy redactions, the files revealed the FBI allegedly failed to investigate a 1996 report made against Epstein [6].

References:
[1] DOJ Ignores Epstein Transparency Law: In defiance of a law requiring the Trump administration to release all its Epstein files, DOJ has held back hundreds of thousands of documents while promising to make them available at a later date., https://whowhatwhy.org/politics/us-politics/doj-ignores-epstein-transparency-law/
[2] At least 16 files disappear from DOJ site for Epstein documents, including Trump photo, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/at-least-16-files-disappear-from-doj-site-for-epstein-documents-including-trump-photo
[3] Top Trump administration official defends partial release of Epstein files as Democrats cry foul, https://apnews.com/article/blanche-epstein-trump-justice-department-files-democrats-85450de690a7e17ebe208f30db49b68e
[4] ‘Ghislaine Maxwell has had more communication with this DOJ than any of us’: Epstein survivor, https://www.ms.now/weekends-with-alex-witt/watch/ghislaine-maxwell-has-had-more-communication-with-this-doj-than-any-of-us-epstein-survivor-2477871683979
[5] Republican critics fear incomplete disclosure of Epstein files will loom over midterms, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republican-critics-fear-incomplete-disclosure-epstein-files-will-loom-over-2025-12-20/
[6] Sister of Epstein victim reported him in 1996, but FBI failed to investigate, files reveal, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/21/epstein-fbi-maria-farmer-annie-farmer

2. The Presidency and Executive Branch

2.1. Critical Scrutiny of Presidential Power and Fitness

Multiple media analyses assert that the administration is fundamentally altering the nature of the executive branch. Headlines claim President Trump is taking the “‘Imperial Presidency’ to a New Level” and that 2025 was “The year Trump broke the federal government” [1, 2]. Another outlet warns of “America’s Emerging Plutocracy” [3]. Concurrent reports have focused on the President’s personal conduct and health. Author Michael Wolff has alleged that aides are “concealing the truth about his health” [4]. Concerns have also been raised that his primary use of Truth Social, a platform used by only 3% of Americans, creates an information gap for the public regarding his performance and mental state [5].

References:
[1] Trump Takes America’s ‘Imperial Presidency’ to a New Level, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/us/politics/trump-imperial-presidency.html?unlocked_article_code=1.-U8.hXXx.hgy6KNgrG-nA&smid=nytcore-android-share
[2] The year Trump broke the federal government, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2025/trump-federal-government-workers-doge/
[3] America’s Emerging Plutocracy, https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/05/united-states-rich-meritocracy-wealth-trump-vance-billionaire/
[4] Trump Aides Are Concealing the Truth About His Health: Wolff, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-aides-are-secretly-prepping-for-his-downfall-wolff/
[5] Trump does presidency via Truth Social – what are Americans missing out on? | Since just 3% of Americans use platform Trump owns, public may be unaware of his mental state and performance, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/21/trump-truth-social-presidency-use

2.2. Allegations of Misconduct and Politicization in Federal Agencies

Serious allegations of misconduct have emerged concerning senior administration personnel. The acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reportedly failed a polygraph test, prompting a broader investigation into career staff at the critical agency [1]. Separately, a report alleges a U.S. Attorney dropped a FIFA bribery case at the specific request of an unnamed Trump administration official, raising questions about prosecutorial independence [2]. A headline also reports President Trump bragged about demanding taxpayer funds over the Mar-a-Lago search, allegedly stating, “I hereby give myself $1B” [3].

References:
[1] Acting CISA director failed a polygraph. Career staff are now under investigation., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/21/cisa-acting-director-madhu-gottumukkala-polygraph-investigation-00701996?utm_content=politico/magazine/Politics&utm_source=flipboard
[2] US Attorney Dropped FIFA Bribery Case at Trump Official’s Behest, https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/us-attorney-dropped-fifa-bribery-case-at-trump-officials-behest
[3] Trump Brags About Demanding His Own Government Giving Him Taxpayer Money Over Mar-a-Lago Search: ‘I hereby give myself $1B’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-billion-government-money-b2888414.html

2.3. Immigration Enforcement: Crackdown Plans and Detention Concerns

The administration is reportedly planning to “expand [its] immigration crackdown in 2026” with proposals for more workplace raids and billions in new funding for ICE and Border Patrol [1]. This comes as federal data shows deaths in ICE custody hit a 20-year high in 2025, with four detainee deaths reported this week alone, including an African man at a Pennsylvania processing center [2]. In a separate and concerning development, a CBS News report states that “Dozens of Native Americans report being questioned or detained by ICE,” though further details on the circumstances were not provided [3].

References:
[1] Trump set to expand immigration crackdown in 2026 despite brewing backlash | Trump plans more workplace raids and billions of dollars in ICE and Border Patrol funding., https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-set-expand-immigration-crackdown-2026-despite-brewing-backlash-2025-12-21/
[2] Four died in ICE custody this week as 2025 deaths reach 20-year high, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/four-died-ice-custody-this-week-2025-deaths-reach-20-year-high-2025-12-19/
[3] Dozens of Native Americans report being questioned or detained by ICE, https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/dozens-of-native-americans-report-being-questioned-or-detained-by-ice/

3. Foreign Policy and National Security

3.1. Venezuela: Maritime Escalation Prompts “Prelude to War” Warning

U.S. pressure on Venezuela has intensified in the Caribbean Sea, sparking internal GOP dissent. The U.S. Coast Guard is reportedly pursuing a third oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast as part of its sanctions enforcement [1]. The aggressive posture drew a sharp rebuke from Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), who warned the administration’s “seizure of oil tankers in the Caribbean” could be a “prelude to war” [2]. The warning comes as President Trump issued his own military threat, stating that any Venezuelan jets endangering U.S. ships “will be ‘shot down’” [3].

References:
[1] US pursuing third oil tanker near Venezuela, officials say, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-intercepts-another-vessel-near-venezuela-officials-say-2025-12-21/
[2] Rand Paul says seizure of oil tankers in Caribbean a ‘prelude to war’, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/rand-paul-seizure-oil-tankers-caribbean-prelude-war/story?id=128597160
[3] Trumps says Venezuelan jets will be ‘shot down’ if they endanger US ships, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr70511v774o

3.2. Middle East Policy and Defense Oversight

The administration has floated ambitious plans for Gaza, with reports of a “Project Sunrise” aimed at turning the area into a “high-tech metropolis” [1]. President Trump is also reportedly “leaning on son-in-law Jared Kushner for difficult diplomacy” more broadly [2]. On domestic defense matters, the Pentagon has failed its financial audit for the eighth consecutive year, signaling persistent systemic accounting failures [3]. A separate security report identified a Syrian national who killed U.S. soldiers as a security guard with suspected ISIS links, raising concerns about vetting procedures [4].

References:
[1] U.S. Pitches ‘Project Sunrise’ Plan to Turn Gaza Into High-Tech Metropolis, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/u-s-pitches-project-sunrise-plan-to-turn-gaza-into-high-tech-metropolis-ebbd96ae?st=CwJEh7
[2] Trump is leaning on son-in-law Jared Kushner for difficult diplomacy, https://apnews.com/article/kushner-trump-gaza-ukraine-witkoff-russia-01739d7b665d07867c411c394179e9c6
[3] Pentagon fails financial audit for 8th year in a row, https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/12/19/pentagon-fails-financial-audit-for-8th-year-in-a-row/
[4] Syrian who killed US soldiers was security guard suspected of IS links, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/14/syrian-killed-us-soldiers-security-guard-suspected-is-links/

4. Economic Conditions and Domestic Policy

4.1. Trade Policy Blowback: Economic Damage and Legal Risks

The “America First” trade strategy is producing tangible economic consequences and facing significant legal headwinds. Jim Beam announced it is “shutting down bourbon production at a Kentucky distillery for a year,” citing falling sales from retaliatory tariffs linked to the administration’s trade wars [1]. In a move analyzed as a de facto tax, President Trump is also reportedly demanding a cut of Nvidia’s profits from its China business, creating uncertainty for international commerce [2]. Top White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett has publicly warned that the Supreme Court could create a “tariff refund problem,” where a ruling could force the government to refund billions in collected tariffs [3].

References:
[1] Jim Beam shutting down bourbon production at Kentucky distillery for a year as Trump’s trade wars hit sales, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/jim-beam-distillery-trump-tariffs-b2888451.html
[2] Don’t call it a tax hike? Trump’s demand for a cut of Nvidia’s China profits raises novel questions., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/21/dont-call-it-a-tax-hike-trumps-demand-for-a-share-of-nvidias-china-profits-raises-novel-questions-00689077
[3] Hassett Says Supreme Court Risks Creating Tariff Refund Problem, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-21/hassett-says-supreme-court-risks-creating-tariff-refund-problem

4.2. Economic Disconnect: White House Messaging vs. Public Hardship

A stark disconnect is emerging between the administration’s economic messaging and the financial reality for many Americans. While the White House continues to discuss proposals like “$2,000 tariff checks,” a recent poll finds that “less than a fifth of Americans” feel they have personally benefited from the President’s policies [1, 2]. This coincides with a government inflation report facing scrutiny for “data problems” and on-the-ground reports from key states where the President’s “‘A+++++’ economy” claims are colliding with the struggles of residents, such as long lines at food pantries [3, 4].

References:
[1] Top White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett says $2,000 tariff checks for Americans will depend on Congress, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kevin-hassett-white-house-trump-tariff-checks-congress/
[2] Less than a fifth of Americans say Trump has benefited their wallets: Poll, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5659177-trump-policies-financial-impact/
[3] The Data Problems in Thursday’s Inflation Report Will Linger for Months, https://www.wsj.com/economy/the-data-problems-in-thursdays-inflation-report-will-linger-for-months-2319c7e7?st=yuNDWV
[4] Trump’s ‘A+++++’ economy collides with reality in a Pennsylvania city critical to the midterms, https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-2026-election-allentown-republicans-ccfc8351c2c081693ce763c1be34e749

4.3. Healthcare Stalemate and Divisive Social Policies

Congress has adjourned for the year without a healthcare deal, an outcome that will force “premium hikes” and is seen as a political risk for Republicans threatening their House majority [1]. Despite the impasse, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed optimism that an Obamacare subsidy extension “will pass with a bipartisan majority” in the future [2]. In other domestic policy, the administration is drawing criticism for social policies, with opponents accusing it of “trying to legislate trans people out of existence” via a proposed gender-affirming care ban [3]. Separately, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has advocated for states to ban junk food, a proposal complicated by the lack of a clear definition for the term [4].

References:
[1] Congress leaves town until 2026 with no health care deal, forcing premium hikes, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna249817
[2] Hakeem Jeffries says Obamacare subsidy extension ‘will pass with a bipartisan majority’, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/21/hakeem-jeffries-obamacare-subsidy-extension-00702216
[3] The Trump administration is trying to legislate trans people out of existence, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/21/trump-administration-trans-people
[4] RFK Jr. wants states to ban junk food. No one knows what counts., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/20/rfk-snap-state-junk-food-bans-00698790

5. U.S. Politics, Elections, and Judiciary

5.1. GOP Infighting: 2028 Succession Battle Creates Early Fissures

Though the presidential election is three years away, a recent Turning Point USA conference has highlighted significant “discord” and “infighting” among potential 2028 Republican contenders [1]. Public clashes over the future of the MAGA movement are creating challenges for hopefuls like Vice President JD Vance. The intra-party tension has already produced direct opposition, with Senator Rand Paul signaling he “would not back Vance for president in 2028,” pointing to a potential schism between the party’s libertarian and nationalist factions [2]. A new poll finds that half of all Americans are already thinking about the 2028 race [3].

References:
[1] Turning Point showcases the discord that Republicans like Vance will need to navigate in the future, https://apnews.com/article/turning-point-charlie-kirk-vance-republicans-2028-e28a332d7f55eb44346ef9d47e8906e4
[2] Rand Paul signals he would not back Vance for president in 2028, https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5659184-rand-paul-opposes-jd-vance/
[3] Trump may have 3 years left but half of Americans already thinking about 2028: poll, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-2028-election-candidates-poll-b2888646.html

5.2. Governance, Parties, and Regulation

Former lawmakers are sounding an “alarm on the health of the House,” with one quoted as saying “Congress is in a coma” [1]. Among Democrats, leadership is reportedly irritated by a “surge of left-wing challengers” to incumbents, which could threaten party unity [2]. At the state level, President Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman for New York governor after Rep. Elise Stefanik dropped her bid [3]. Shifting to regulatory and judicial matters, the Delaware Supreme Court has restored Elon Musk’s contested $56 billion Tesla pay package [4]. In a separate decision, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a mail-in ballot ruling that a headline suggests “Could Affect Voters,” though details were not specified [5].

References:
[1] ‘Congress is in a coma.’ Former lawmakers sound alarm on health of the House, https://www.npr.org/2025/12/21/g-s1-101741/congress-is-in-a-coma-former-lawmakers-sound-alarm-on-health-of-the-house
[2] ‘They’re attacking their own’: DC Democrats irked by surge of left-wing challengers with House majority on the line, https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/21/politics/house-democrats-primary-challenges-left-wing
[3] Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor race after Elise Stefanik drops bid, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/trump-endorses-bruce-blakeman-new-york-governor-race-elise-stefanik-dr-rcna250275
[4] Elon Musk’s $56B Tesla pay package restored by Delaware Supreme Court, https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/19/elon-musks-56b-tesla-pay-package-restored-by-delaware-supreme-court/
[5] How the Supreme Court’s Mail-In Ballot Ruling Could Affect Voters, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/us/politics/supreme-court-mail-in-ballots-election-day.html

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