[Friday, January 23] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare January 23, 2026

Executive Summary

• U.S.-Iran Tensions Mount: President Trump announces a “massive” naval deployment and threatens a “crushing response” as reports detail a brutal internal crackdown by Tehran.
• Immigration Crisis Escalates: An Arizona official’s suggestion that residents could lawfully shoot federal agents sparks outrage amid nationwide anti-ICE protests and controversy.
• Historic U.S. Crime Drop: New data reveals the U.S. murder rate has fallen to its lowest point in over a century in the largest single-year decline ever recorded.
• Justice System Under Scrutiny: Politically charged legal battles erupt with the firing of FBI agents from Trump probes and a congressional push to impeach judges.
• Foreign Policy Realigned: The administration moves to access Venezuelan oil, recalibrates relations with the UK and Canada, and asserts U.S. dominance in the Arctic.

1. U.S.-Iran Confrontation

1.1. U.S. Military Posture and Presidential Warnings

The United States has initiated a significant military show of force aimed at Iran, accompanied by direct and forceful rhetoric from President Trump. Multiple reports confirm the deployment of a U.S. carrier strike group to the Middle East, a maneuver officials are considering bolstering with additional defense systems [1, 2]. President Trump publicly amplified the deployment, describing it as a “massive” armada heading toward Iran and separately threatening a “crushing response” to any Iranian aggression [3, 4]. The combination of military movement and presidential warnings signals a clear and escalating strategic message to Tehran’s leadership.

References: [1] US carrier group deploys to Middle East | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/international/article-884282
[2] Live - US says may deploy more defense systems as carrier strike group nears Mideast, https://www.iranintl.com/en/liveblog/202601148856
[3] Trump says a ‘massive’ armada is heading toward Iran, https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/us-news/trump-says-a-massive-armada-is-heading-toward-iran/
[4] Trump threatens Iran with crushing response as Tehran denies halting protest executions, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-threatens-iran-crushing-response-tehran-denies-halting-protest-executions

1.2. Iran’s Internal and Regional Pressures

Concurrent with heightened U.S. pressure, Iran faces a severe internal crisis and complex regional dynamics. The UN Human Rights Council has mandated an inquiry into what it calls a “brutal crackdown” on protests [1]. An Iranian human rights organization details “Mass Violent Arrests, Forced Confessions, [and] Lawyers Blocked,” contributing to an “Escalating Risk of Executions of Protesters” [2]. Accounts from refugees speaking to NewsNation confirm that executions are still taking place [3]. This situation has led analysts and officials to speculate that Iran may be approaching a “Nuremberg moment” of legal accountability [4] or even a “Berlin Wall’ Moment” of regime collapse [5]. However, this potential collapse is a source of anxiety for some regional powers, with reports that some Gulf states fear the instability that could follow the fall of the Iranian regime [6].

References: [1] UN rights council orders inquiry into Iran’s brutal crackdown on protests - Geneva Solutions, https://genevasolutions.news/human-rights/un-rights-council-orders-inquiry-into-iran-s-brutal-crackdown-on-protests
[2] Iran: Mass Violent Arrests, Forced Confessions, Lawyers Blocked, Escalating Risk of Executions of Protesters, https://iranhumanrights.org/2026/01/iran-mass-violent-arrests-forced-confessions-lawyers-blocked-escalating-risk-of-executions-of-protesters
[3] Iran executions still taking place, refugees tell NewsNation, https://www.newsnationnow.com/world/iran-protester-executions-refugees-trump
[4] Iran faces possible ‘Nuremberg moment,’ former UN prosecutor says, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601235085
[5] The Iran ‘Berlin Wall’ Moment Might Be Coming, https://www.19fortyfive.com/2026/01/the-iran-berlin-wall-moment-might-be-coming/
[6] Why Some GCC States Fear the Fall of the Iranian Regime - The Media Line, https://themedialine.org/top-stories/why-some-gcc-states-fear-the-fall-of-the-iranian-regime

2. State-Federal Crisis Over Immigration Enforcement

2.1. Arizona AG Ignites Controversy Over Federal Authority

Tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement have reached a flashpoint. Arizona’s Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes has “sparked outrage” by suggesting in a video that residents could potentially use the state’s self-defense and “Stand Your Ground” laws to lawfully shoot masked federal ICE agents, a statement the New York Post characterized as a “‘recipe for disaster’” [1, 2]. The assertion represents a provocative challenge to federal law enforcement jurisdiction and highlights a deepening and potentially volatile conflict over the implementation of immigration policy.

References: [1] Arizona ’s Democratic Attorney General Sparks Outrage by Suggesting Residents Could Lawfully Shoot Federal ICE Agents Dead, https://ijr.com/arizona-ag-sparks-outrage-by-suggesting-residents-could-shoot-masked-ice-agents/
[2] Arizona AG Kris Mayes wildly suggests residents can shoot masked ICE agents under state’s self-defense laws: ‘Recipe for disaster’, https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/us-news/arizona-ag-wildly-suggests-residents-can-shoot-masked-ice-agents-under-states-self-defense-laws/

2.2. ICE Operations and Public Firestorms

The actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are at the center of highly polarized debates. The administration is touting its performance, with reports claiming President Trump’s enforcement record surpasses the previous administration’s “by a lot” [1]. This is contrasted by a high-profile incident where DHS officials had to formally “debunk viral claims” that ICE used a 5-year-old boy as “bait,” with a counter-narrative alleging ICE personnel “Went Above and Beyond to Comfort” the child after his mother reportedly “Refused to Take Custody” [2, 3]. Meanwhile, some reports draw links between immigration policy and violent crime, with one headline alleging that “Illegal alien MS-13 gang members,” after being released by D.C. police, later killed a 14-year-old boy [4].

References: [1] How Trump’s ICE enforcement record blows Obama’s out of the water— by a lot, https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/opinion/how-trumps-ice-enforcement-record-blows-obamas-out-of-the-water-by-a-lot/
[2] DHS officials debunk viral claims ICE used 5-year-old boy as ‘bait’, https://nypost.com/2026/01/23/us-news/dhs-officials-debunk-viral-claims-ice-used-5-year-old-boy-as-bait-heres-what-they-say-really-happened
[3] ICE Went Above and Beyond to Comfort Abandoned 5-Year-Old After Mother Refused to Take Custody, https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/01/23/ice-went-above-and-beyond-to-comfort-abandoned-5-year-old-n4948653
[4] Illegal alien MS-13 gang members were arrested and released by DC police, then killed a 14-year old boy. This is the Democrats’ immigration policy in action., https://x.com/dhsgov/status/2014454976764878931

2.3. Coordinated Anti-ICE Activism

Organized anti-ICE activism is being reported nationwide. In Minnesota, a protest described as an “Axis of Anarchy” “shutdown” was reportedly backed by a coalition including the “DSA, Communists, unions, [and a] CCP-tied network” [1]. In New York, the city’s teachers union is planning a “day of action” in “solidarity” with Minneapolis activists to demand ICE stay out of the city [2]. An analysis in the Free Beacon frames these protests as a strategy by “Unions and Organized Leftist Groups” to “Rekindle the Anger and Disorder of BLM” [3]. Vice President JD Vance addressed the issue in Minneapolis, accusing “much of the media” of “lying” about the work of ICE agents [4].

References: [1] Axis of Anarchy: Minnesota antiICE ‘shutdown’ backed by DSA, Communists, unions, CCP-tied network, https://justthenews.com/nation/states/minnesota-anti-ice-shutdown-backed-dsa-communists-unions-activists-ccp-tied-singham
[2] NYC teachers union to hold day of action in ‘solidarity’ with Minneapolis, demand ICE stay out of city, https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/us-news/nyc-teachers-union-to-hold-day-of-action-in-solidarity-with-minneapolis-demand-ice-stay-out-of-city
[3] Nationwide AntiICE Protests Reveal How Unions and Organized Leftist Groups Aim To Rekindle the Anger and Disorder of BLM, https://freebeacon.com/america/nationwide-anti-ice-protests-reveal-how-unions-and-organized-leftist-groups-aim-to-rekindle-the-anger-and-disorder-of-black-lives-matter/
[4] Vance in Minneapolis: Much of Media ‘Lying’ About Work of ICE Agents, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/22/vance-in-minneapolis-much-of-media-lying-about-work-of-ice-agents/

3. Domestic Policy and The Economy

3.1. Historic Crime Drop and Policy Highlights

The administration is highlighting significant positive domestic data and policy initiatives. New reports show the U.S. murder rate has fallen to what is described as its lowest level in over a century, with murders plummeting by more than 20% last year in the single-largest one-year decrease ever recorded [1]. On the fiscal front, a new “$6,000 bonus exemption” for senior citizens has been announced as a component of the “Working Families Tax Cut” [2]. After prolonged negotiations, TikTok has also reportedly finalized a deal to form a “new American entity,” resolving long-standing national security concerns [3]. Separately, The Federalist reports that the federal government “Will No Longer Use Your Tax Dollars To Do Experiments On Aborted Babies’ Bodies,” indicating a major shift in health research policy [4].

References: [1] CBS News: Murders plummeted more than 20% from the year before, the single-largest one-year drop on record — and 2025’s might be the lowest murder rate in the U.S. since 1900, a new study found., https://x.com/cbsnews/status/2014307054979027170
[2] America’s seniors will see a new $6,000 bonus exemption as a part of the Working Families Tax Cut., https://x.com/SenateGOP/status/2014386604480331978
[3] TikTok finalizes deal to form new American entity, https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/tech/tiktok-finalizes-deal-to-form-new-american-entity/
[4] Feds Will No Longer Use Your Tax Dollars To Do Experiments On Aborted Babies’ Bodies, https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/22/feds-will-no-longer-use-your-tax-dollars-to-do-experiments-on-aborted-babies-bodies/

4. Congress and The Judiciary

4.1. Congressional Strife and Legislative Action

The House of Representatives is a theater for both deep partisan division and internal caucus friction. House Republicans are reportedly reviving a push to impeach “‘activist’ judges” with a “green light” from Speaker Johnson [1]. In a notable break from party lines, seven Democrats defied their leadership to join Republicans in a bill to fund ICE [2]. However, the GOP is facing its own internal challenges, with some House Republicans “slammed by conservatives” for allegedly siding with Democrats on a proposed “‘kill switch’ amendment” [3]. In a separate move, Representative Thomas Massie has introduced a proposal that would reportedly allow President Trump to “circumvent” a specific judicial ruling concerning alleged “rampant fraud” [4].

References: [1] SCOOP: House Republicans revive push to impeach ‘activist’ judges after Johnson’s green light, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-republicans-revive-push-impeach-activist-judges-after-johnsons-green-light
[2] Seven Democrats Defy Party To Fund ICE, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/22/seven-democrats-ice-dhs-spending-bill/
[3] House Republicans slammed by conservatives for siding with Dems on ‘kill switch’ amendment | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-gop-slammed-conservatives-joining-dems-controversial-kill-switch-amendment
[4] Massie proposal would allow Trump to ‘circumvent’ judge’s ruling on ‘rampant fraud’ in Minnesota and other Democratic states, https://www.theblaze.com/news/massie-proposal-judge-funds-fraud

4.2. Scrutiny of Federal Probes and Judiciary

Multiple reports indicate growing scrutiny of federal law enforcement and the judiciary. Breitbart reports that FBI Director Kash Patel has moved to fire FBI agents who were “Linked to Lawfare Against Trump” [1]. This follows Patel’s separate reveal that FBI officials on the Trump probe had “‘self-awarded’ themselves a bizarre trophy” as evidence of bias [2]. In a complex case in Minnesota, a federal judge refused to press charges against media figure Don Lemon in connection with a “church riot” [3]. A report noted a potential conflict of interest, stating the judge’s wife is an assistant AG for Minnesota’s Keith Ellison [4]. In a separate but related action, the FBI arrested a different activist from the same protest, and Lemon subsequently dared the DOJ to arrest him [5, 6].

References: [1] Director Kash Patel Fires FBI Agents Linked to Lawfare Against Trump, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/23/director-kash-patel-fires-fbi-agents-linked-lawfare-against-trump/
[2] FBI officials working on Trump probe ‘self-awarded’ themselves a bizarre trophy, Kash Patel reveals, https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/us-news/fbi-officials-working-on-trump-probe-self-awarded-themselves-a-bizarre-trophy-kash-patel-reveals/
[3] Federal Judge Refuses to Sign Complaint Against Don Lemon for Church Riot, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/22/nolte-federal-judge-refuses-sign-complaint-against-don-lemon-church-riot/
[4] Wife of judge who shut down charges against Don Lemon is an assistant AG to Keith Ellison: Report, https://www.theblaze.com/news/judge-wife-don-lemon-ellison
[5] Man arrested in Minnesota church riot after daring Bondi in profanity-laced rant, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/anti-ice-minnesota-agitator-arrested-days-after-daring-bondi-do-so
[6] Don Lemon Dares DOJ to Arrest Him After Church Protest Ruling. Apparently he’s above the law, https://x.com/i/trending/2014626071036232119

5. Foreign Affairs and National Security

5.1. Developments in the Americas

The administration is making significant moves related to key nations in the Western Hemisphere. According to reports, Venezuela is moving to open its oil sector to private investors “as demanded by Trump,” with the President stating at the World Economic Forum that U.S. companies will start drilling there “Very Soon” [1]. In a potentially explosive development suggestive of an internal power struggle, a report claims high-ranking Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez offered cooperation to Washington, D.C., contingent upon the detention of Nicolás Maduro [2]. In a separate diplomatic move, President Trump has rescinded Canada’s invitation to an entity described as the “Board of Peace” [3].

References: [1] Trump Says U.S. Companies Will Start Drilling Venezuelan Oil ‘Very Soon’, https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2026/01/23/trump-says-u-s-companies-will-start-drilling-venezuelan-oil-very-soon/
[2] Delcy Rodríguez offered DC cooperation once Maduro detained | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/international/article-884295
[3] President Donald Trump rescinds Canada’s Board of Peace invitation, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-snubs-canada-withdrawing-countrys-invite-join-most-prestigious-board-leaders-ever

5.2. Relations with Europe and Ukraine

U.S. relations with key European allies are facing public friction amid broader continental security debates. President Trump reportedly claimed “Britain and allies stayed ‘off the front lines’ in Afghanistan,” prompting a swift rebuke from the UK Prime Minister’s office, which stated Trump was “wrong to diminish the sacrifice of British troops” [1]. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued stark critiques of his European allies, describing the continent as a “fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers” and remarking that his repeated warnings feel like a “doom loop” [2]. This sentiment was echoed in a Telegraph column asserting, “It has finally dawned on Strasbourg’s blob that the European dream is dead” [3].

References: [1] Politics latest: Trump ‘wrong to diminish sacrifice of British troops’ in Afghanistan, says Downing Street | Politics News, https://news.sky.com/story/politics-latest-starmer-labour-trump-lammy-vance-tankers-greenland-threats-nato-12593360#10906631
[2] Zelenskyy drops brutal truth bombs upon European allies | Mr. Zelenskyy says Europe is a “fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers”, endlessly talking about what needs to be done, without doing it., https://news.sky.com/story/volodymyr-zelenskyy-europe-cant-act-without-us-leadership-and-is-stuck-in-a-groundhog-day-style-doom-loop-ukrainian-president-says-13497797
[3] It has finally dawned on Strasbourg’s blob that the European dream is dead, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/22/finally-dawned-strasbourg-blob-european-dream-dead/

5.3. Arctic Posturing and Information Warfare

The Arctic is a growing area of geopolitical focus. The U.S. is asserting its security interests, with Vice President Vance stating “US Power Protects Greenland” [1]. This comes as Finland ends its liaison officer mission there, following similar recent departures by Germany and the Netherlands [2]. In the information domain, multiple reports indicate a Russian propaganda campaign is altering Wikipedia entries, a “dangerous trend” as AI chatbots rely on the platform for data. Estonian volunteers are reportedly “struggling to protect Wikipedia” from these efforts [3].

References: [1] Vance to Newsmax: US Power Protects Greenland, https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/jd-vance-donald-trump-greenland/2026/01/22/id/1243203/
[2] Finnish liaison officers end mission in Greenland | Military officials from Germany and the Netherlands have also since departed Greenland., https://yle.fi/a/74-20206091
[3] Pro-Russian Narratives Target Wikipedia, Marking a Dangerous Trend for AI Chatbot Data, https://united24media.com/latest-news/pro-russian-narratives-target-wikipedia-marking-a-dangerous-trend-for-ai-chatbot-data-15230

6. Media, Culture, and Political Landscape

6.1. Media Controversies and Political Discourse

The media landscape continues to be a battleground. At CBS News, the jobs of anchors Sharyn Alfonsi and Scott Pelley are reportedly “on the line” after they resisted news division shakeups led by Bari Weiss [1]. The press is also facing criticism over its coverage of new crime data, with Dan Bongino “shredding media ‘idiots’ for downplaying historic drop in violent crime” [2]. In a separate incident, a nurse at Baptist Health SF is “No Longer Employed” after a social media post expressing a wish for harm upon Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt [3].

References: [1] Sharyn Alfonsi, Scott Pelley’s jobs are on the line after pushing back against Bari Weiss’ CBS News shakeups: sources, https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/media/sharyn-alfonsi-scott-pelleys-jobs-are-on-the-line-after-pushing-back-against-bari-weiss-cbs-news-shakeups-sources/
[2] Dan Bongino shreds media ‘idiots’ for downplaying historic drop in violent crime, https://www.foxnews.com/media/dan-bongino-shreds-media-idiots-downplaying-historic-drop-violent-crime
[3] The @BaptistHealthSF nurse who wants Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to suffer a severe 4th-degree tear during childbirth is “No Longer Employed.”, https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/2014734166818959748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2014734166818959748%7Ctwgr%5E94826fe3d38814a8de435a3959b844e85d067bd8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fohio-nurse-who-posted-disturbing-wish-upcoming-birth%2F

6.2. Cultural Flashpoints and Social Issues

Several cultural conflicts are gaining national attention. Reports claim a “Super Bowl 60 halftime show controversy” is brewing, alleging that performer Bad Bunny plans to wear a dress and honor “‘queer icons’” [1]. In a public falling out within the conservative movement, Turning Point USA has reportedly sent commentator Candace Owens a cease and desist letter [2]. In online media, children’s entertainer “Ms. Rachel” is facing backlash for an apology she offered after liking a controversial comment online [3]. Additionally, Jared Kushner has reportedly shown off renderings of a “futuristic Gaza” featuring skyscrapers and modern suburbs [4].

References: [1] Super Bowl 60 halftime show controversy: Report claims Bad Bunny plans on wearing dress, honoring ‘queer icons’, https://www.on3.com/pro/news/super-bowl-60-halftime-show-controversy-report-claims-bad-bunny-plans-on-wearing-dress-honoring-queer-icons/
[2] Candace Crashes Out After Receiving a Cease and Desist from TPUSA, https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2026/01/22/candace-crashes-out-after-receiving-a-cease-and-desist-from-tpusa-n3811133
[3] Kids’ YouTuber and Zohran Mamdani-ally Ms. Rachel is being slammed for offering a crocodile-tear apology for liking a vile comment, https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/us-news/ms-rachel-accused-of-blaming-the-jews-for-scandal-that-saw-her-like-antisemitic-comment
[4] Jared Kushner shows off renderings of futuristic Gaza with skyscrapers and suburbs, https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/us-news/jared-kushner-shows-off-renderings-of-futuristic-gaza/

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