[Monday, January 12] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare January 12, 2026

Executive Summary

Today’s major stories involve dramatic U.S. actions abroad and escalating conflict between government branches at home.

• Venezuela Intervention: U.S. military and cyber forces neutralized Venezuelan air defenses, leading to the reported ouster of Nicolás Maduro. President Trump subsequently declared himself the nation’s “‘acting president.’”
• Iran Uprising: A popular uprising in Iran intensifies with reports of mosque burnings and a death toll reaching 2,000. The U.S. has responded by imposing a 25% tariff on all countries trading with Iran.
• Government in Conflict: Unprecedented clashes erupt as a GOP senator blocks Fed picks over a probe into Chair Powell, and a Democratic senator sues the Secretary of Defense over an “‘unconstitutional’” censure.

1. Foreign Policy and National Security

1.1. U.S. Intervention in Venezuela Leads to Regime Change

The United States has engaged in a direct and significant intervention in Venezuela, culminating in a change of leadership. Reports detail a “lightning U.S. strike” in which military and cyber forces overwhelmed and “neutralize[d] Russian-made air defenses” within the country, in a major show of American power [1]. This action was immediately followed by the “ouster” of Nicolás Maduro from power.

In a subsequent and extraordinary move, President Donald Trump declared via an “online post” that he is now the “‘acting president’” of Venezuela [2]. This declaration, following the direct military action, signals a decisive U.S.-led effort to orchestrate a political transition in the nation. The development is being viewed internationally as a potential new model for dealing with adversaries, with the British Defence Secretary publicly stating a desire to “Capture Putin Like Maduro” [3].

[1] US flexes military and cyber muscles in Venezuela, neutralizes Russian-made air defenses, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/inside-lightning-us-strike-overwhelmed-venezuelas-defenses-seized-maduro
[2] Trump declares himself Venezuela’s ‘acting president’ in online post after Maduro ouster, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-declares-himself-venezuelas-acting-president-online-post-after-maduro-ouster
[3] British Defence Secretary Says He Wants to Capture Putin Like Maduro, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/01/12/british-defence-secretary-says-he-wants-to-capture-putin-like-maduro/

1.2. The Iran Crisis: Violent Uprising and U.S. Response

A major popular uprising continues to unfold across Iran, marked by escalating violence and a brutal crackdown. Protestors are reportedly burning down mosques as they express a clear desire to oust the nation’s clerical rulers [1]. An analysis in Tablet Magazine suggests years of “American and Israeli hard power” have successfully “exposed the regime’s weakness” and fueled the current historic protests [2]. While the regime claims the protests are “‘Under Control,’” credible estimates reported in the media suggest the government’s crackdown has killed as many as 2,000 people, a dramatic increase from earlier reports of 544 [3, 4]. To suppress dissent, the regime has also shut down internet access, with reports that even satellite services like Starlink are being jammed [5].

The Trump administration is escalating its response on multiple fronts. The U.S. State Department confirmed President Trump is watching the events “‘incredibly closely’” as his administration reviews “very strong” options [6, 7]. President Trump stated that Iran is crossing U.S. “red lines” and announced a new, punitive economic measure: a “25% tariff on all countries doing business with Iran” [8, 9]. This comes as the administration confirms direct talks with Iranian opposition leaders [10]. The international community remains divided. The European Parliament has barred Iranian diplomatic staff from its premises, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly refused to ban the IRGC [11, 12]. Meanwhile, the exiled son of the last Shah has promised to build international support for the protestors [13].

[1] Iranians Burn Down Mosques, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/12/iranians-burn-ayatollah-khamenei-trump-iran-protests/
[2] Is This Time Different in Iran? — After decades of treating the Islamic Republic with kid gloves, American and Israeli hard power exposed the regime’s weakness and fueled historic protests, https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/israel-middle-east/articles/is-this-time-different-iran-protests
[3] Estimates Say Iran Has Killed up to 2,000 as Regime Claims Protests ‘Under Control’, https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2026/01/12/estimates-say-iran-has-killed-up-to-2000-as-regime-claims-protests-under-control/
[4] Trump says Iran wants to negotiate as the death toll in protests rises to at least 544, https://www.breitbart.com/news/trump-says-iran-wants-to-negotiate-as-the-death-toll-in-protests-rises-to-at-least-544/
[5] As Iranian Regime Shuts Down Internet, Even Starlink Likely Jammed, https://www.etvbharat.com/en/international/iranian-regime-shuts-down-internet-starlink-likely-jammed-enn26011104754
[6] US State Department says Trump watching Iran protests ‘incredibly closely’, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601129247
[7] Trump weighing ‘very strong options’ for US response on Iran as protest death toll swells, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/4414278/trump-weighing-very-strong-options-us-response-iran/
[8] Trump says Iran starting to cross US red lines amid deadly protests, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-says-iran-starting-to-cross-us-red-lines-protesters-die-government-crackdown
[9] Trump announces 25% tariff on all countries doing business with Iran, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/all-things-trump/trump-announces-25-tariff-all-countries-doing-business-iran
[10] US president says in talks with Iran opposition leaders, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601126230
[11] European Parliament bars Iranian diplomatic staff from its premises, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601126227
[12] [UK Prime Minister Keir] Starmer refuses to ban IRGC, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/01/11/ban-iran-islamic-revolutionary-guards-terrorists-starmer
[13] Iran protests intensify as exiled son of last Shah promises international support; Israel on alert, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sy27t2wb11e#autoplay

2. Government Conflicts and Investigations

2.1. Federal Reserve Chair Investigation Sparks Political Blockade

A federal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has triggered a major political conflict between the White House and Senate Republicans. Reports confirm Powell is “under investigation over [a] headquarters renovation” [1]. Some outlets, specifically Fox Business, have characterized this as a “criminal investigation” [2].

The probe has prompted a direct response from Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), who has publicly stated he will “block any of Trump’s Fed picks” until an investigation is conducted [3]. This move places a key Republican senator in direct opposition to the President’s ability to shape the leadership of the nation’s central bank, creating significant friction within the GOP and threatening to stall key economic appointments.

[1] Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell under investigation over headquarters renovation, https://nypost.com/2026/01/11/business/federal-reserve-chair-jerome-powell-under-investigation-over-headquarters-renovation-report/
[2] Federal Reserve Chair Powell under criminal investigation over HQ renovation, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/federal-reserve-chair-powell-under-criminal-investigation-over-hq-renovation-report
[3] GOP Sen. Thom Tillis says he will block any of Trump’s Fed picks over investigation into Powell | New York Post, https://nypost.com/2026/01/12/business/gop-sen-thom-tillis-says-he-will-block-any-of-trumps-fed-picks-over-investigation-into-powell/

2.2. High-Stakes Inter-Branch Disputes

Multiple deep fissures have appeared between the branches of the federal government.

• Executive vs. Judiciary: President Trump has issued a public warning that “we’re screwed” if the Supreme Court rules against his use of emergency tariffs, directly questioning the Court’s authority on a signature executive policy [1].
• Legislative vs. Executive: Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) has filed a federal lawsuit against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The suit seeks to stop what Kelly describes as an “‘unconstitutional’ pay cut, [and] censure” against him. This legal action reportedly followed the senator’s release of a video in which he discussed what he termed “‘illegal orders’” from the administration [2].

[1] Trump warns ‘we’re screwed’ if Supreme Court rules against emergency tariffs, https://nypost.com/2026/01/12/us-news/trump-warns-were-screwed-if-supreme-court-rules-against-emergency-tariffs/
[2] Mark Kelly sues Pete Hegseth to stop ‘unconstitutional’ pay cut, censure after he released video about ‘illegal orders’, https://nypost.com/2026/01/12/us-news/mark-kelly-sues-pete-hegseth-to-stop-unconstitutional-pay-cut-censure/

2.3. Fiscal Integrity and Federal Probes

The Trump administration is focusing heavily on fiscal accountability. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made the startling claim that his department estimates “on average, around 10 percent of the budget, around $300-600 billion, is stolen every year” through fraud and waste [1, 2]. Following this revelation that as much as “10% of [the] US budget [is] stolen each year,” the White House has issued a “Call for [a] Federal Fraud Team,” signaling a new government-wide initiative to combat the issue [3, 4]. Separately, Newsmax reports that a “New Federal Probe [has been] Opened Into N.Y. AG Letitia James” [5].

[1] Wait, How Much of the US Budget Is Stolen Every Year? Scott Bessent Dropped an Estimate: on average, around 10 percent of the budget, around $300-600 billion, is stolen every year., https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2026/01/12/scott-bessent-drops-an-estimate-on-how-much-fraud-occurs-every-year-n2669307
[2] Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reveals up to 10% of US budget stolen each year, https://nypost.com/2026/01/12/us-news/treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-reveals-up-to-10-of-us-budget-stolen-each-year/
[3] White House Call for Federal Fraud Team - Washington Trade & Tariff Letter, https://www.wttlonline.com/stories/untitiled,14674
[4] New Federal Probe Opened Into N.Y. AG Letitia James, https://www.newsmax.com/us/federal-probe-ny/2026/01/11/id/1241730/

3. Domestic Unrest and Security

3.1. Minneapolis Becomes a National Flashpoint

A confluence of crises has made Minneapolis, Minnesota, a center of national attention.

• Violent Anti-ICE Protests: An “Anti-ICE Mob” in the city reportedly attacked journalists Nick Sortor and Cam Higby in their vehicle as they tried to flee a chaotic scene [1]. The protests come as a local activist group, ‘ICE Watch,’ allegedly distributed a manual on how to “de-arrest” people from police custody, comparing the tactics to “‘a micro-intifada’” [2].
• Massive Criminal Investigation: Separately, U.S. authorities have launched a major investigation after “$700 million in cash was discovered in suitcases at Minneapolis airport” [3]. The source and purpose of the funds are not yet public.
• Political and Media Context: This unrest occurs against the backdrop of a major Minnesota fraud scandal. While Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has stated, “The fraud is real. The fraud is very real,” Representative Ilhan Omar reportedly said there was “‘No Justification’” for the Trump administration’s fraud crackdown [4, 5]. The media narrative has also become contentious, with a CNN panel sparking a “firestorm” after anchor Abby Phillip referred to Somali families involved as “‘victims’” of the fraud [6].

[1] Minneapolis Anti‐ICE Mob Attacks Journalists Nick Sortor, Cam Higby In Vehicle As They Flee Chaotic Scene, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/12/minneapolis-anti-ice-mob-attack-journalists-nick-sortor-cam-higby-in-vehicle-as-they-flee-chaotic-scene/
[2] Minnesota ‘ICE Watch’ group shared ‘de-arresting’ manual comparing tactics for fighting cops to ‘a micro-intifada’, https://nypost.com/2026/01/12/us-news/minnesota-ice-watch-group-shared-de-arresting-manual-comparing-tactics-for-fighting-cops-to-a-micro-intifada/
[3] U.S. authorities have launched investigations after $700 million in cash was discovered in suitcases at Minneapolis airport, https://x.com/osint613/status/2010697371634806855
[4] Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey after months of Democrats claiming there’s no fraud: “Everybody could have done more to prevent fraud. The fraud is real. The fraud is very real.”, https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/2010614252940485012
[5] ‘Only Doing It For PR Purposes’: Ilhan Omar Says ‘No Justification’ For Trump Admin’s Somali Fraud Crackdown | The Daily Caller, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/11/ilhan-omar-somali-minnesota-fraud-trump-admin/
[6] CNN Panel Sparks Firestorm After Abby Phillip Calls Somali Families ‘Victims’ of Minnesota Fraud, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2026/01/11/cnn-panel-sparks-firestorm-after-abby-phillip-calls-somali-families-victims-of-minnesota-fraud-n2669289

3.2. Immigration Enforcement and Confrontations

Tensions over immigration enforcement are flaring nationwide. In a stark jurisdictional dispute, the Director of ICE publicly challenged the Sheriff of Philadelphia over an alleged threat to arrest federal agents, stating, “‘Try It’” [1]. The Dept. of Homeland Security also issued a formal “Fact Check” to counter a claim from Rep. Omar that ICE is “‘disappearing’ US Citizens” [2]. Adding to the federal-local friction, Portland’s police chief reportedly grew emotional while conceding that DHS “was right” about the “Tren de Aragua” gang affiliations of an individual in a recent CBP shooting [3]. Separately, an incident of apparent political violence occurred in Los Angeles, where a U-Haul truck was reportedly driven into a crowd of Iran protesters [4].

[1] ‘Try It’: ICE Director Comes in Hot on Philadelphia Sheriff’s Absurd Threat to Arrest Agents, https://redstate.com/mike_miller/2026/01/12/try-it-ice-director-comes-in-hot-on-philadelphia-sheriffs-absurd-threat-to-arrest-ice-agents-n2198035
[2] DHS Fact Checks Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Claim ICE Is ‘Disappearing’ US Citizens, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/11/department-homeland-security-tricia-mclaughlin-fact-checks-ilhan-omar-claim-immigration-customs-enforcement-disappearing-american-citizens/
[3] Portland police chief cries while admitting DHS was right about Tren de Aragua ties in CBP shooting, https://www.aol.com/articles/portland-police-chief-cries-while-admitting-155409718.html
[4] U-Haul truck driven into Iran protesters in Los Angeles, https://www.foxnews.com/us/driver-appears-ram-u-haul-truck-through-crowd-during-iran-protest-los-angeles

4. Domestic Policy, Politics, and Legal Affairs

4.1. State Policy, Judicial Rulings, and Political Climate

On the economic front, reports indicate the national average gas price has fallen to $2.79, the “Lowest Since 2021” [1]. In state-level policy, a contentious battle over housing is unfolding in New York. A federal judge dealt an “early legal setback” to a “housing market intervention” promoted by activists whose plan would allegedly “End Private Housing” by making apartment buildings unsustainable [2, 3]. The proposal has sparked backlash from Black homeowners, who publicly challenged one of the radical advocates [4]. In a separate legal development, a federal court ruled that Washington State “Can’t Force [a] Christian Mission To Hire Non-Christians,” reinforcing religious freedom protections in hiring [5].

The political climate remains deeply polarized. DNC Chair Ken Martin ignited controversy by comparing the U.S. to Iran, claiming the Trump administration is “‘killing protesters’” [6]. Amid this rhetoric, a new poll finds that a “Record number of Americans identify as political independents” [7]. On internal party matters, President Trump denounced “Antisemites in the GOP” with the statement, “‘I Think We Don’t Like Them’” [8].

[1] Nolte: National Gas Price Average Falls to $2.79, Lowest Since 2021, https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2026/01/12/nolte-national-gas-price-average-falls-to-2-79-lowest-since-2021/
[2] Federal judge delivers Mamdani early legal setback on housing market intervention, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/federal-judge-delivers-mamdani-early-legal-setback-housing-market-intervention?dicbo=v2-qC3EKju
[3] How Mamdani and Cea Weaver Plan to End Private Housing. Their proposals would make many apartment buildings impossible to sustain. That’s by design., https://www.wsj.com/opinion/how-mamdani-and-cea-weaver-plan-to-end-private-housing-c1bec4e7
[4] Black New York homeowners blast Mamdani’s radical tenant advocate Cea Weaver: ‘White supremacy? I’m not white’, https://nypost.com/2026/01/11/us-news/black-new-york-homeowners-blast-mamdanis-radical-tenant-advocate-cea-weaver-white-supremacy-im-not-white/
[5] Court: Washington State Can’t Force Christian Mission To Hire Non-Christians, https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/12/court-washington-state-cant-force-christian-mission-to-hire-non-christians/
[6] DNC chair Ken Martin likens US to Iran, claims Trump admin is ‘killing protesters’, https://nypost.com/2026/01/12/us-news/dnc-chair-ken-martin-likens-us-to-iran-claims-trump-admin-is-killing-protesters/
[7] Record number of Americans identify as political independents, rejecting 2 major parties, poll finds, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/record-number-americans-identify-political-independents-rejecting-2-major-parties-poll-finds
[8] Trump Denounces Antisemites in the GOP: ‘I Think We Don’t Like Them’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/11/trump-denounces-antisemites-in-the-republican-party-i-think-we-dont-like-them/

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