[Tuesday, February 03] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2026-02-03 2449 words 12 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare
February 3, 2026

Executive Summary

Trump Administration takes aim at Fed Chair Powell, Harvard University, and a “Gold Card” program facing a lawsuit. New policies include a $12B critical mineral stockpile and a halt to small business loans for foreign nationals.
Immigration remains a flashpoint, with reports of attacks on DHS vehicles, and a judicial block on the administration’s policy regarding Haitian migrants. DHS is deploying body cameras to agents in Minneapolis amid protests.
Foreign Policy sees a major U.S. strategic gain as a Chinese-linked firm loses Panama Canal port access. Tensions with Iran escalate with a failed tanker boarding and a warning from President Trump.
Congressional Probes advance as Bill and Hillary Clinton agree to testify in the House Epstein investigation.
Domestic News includes a murder charge against Jill Biden’s ex-husband and a $30M liability ruling against Seattle for a death in a 2020 protest zone.

1. Executive Branch And Administration Policy

1.1 Presidential Directives And Investigations

President Trump is actively engaged in multiple high-stakes investigations and is facing new legal challenges. The President has publicly affirmed that a Department of Justice criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will not be dropped [1]. In a separate matter targeting academia, President Trump demanded $1 billion from Harvard University to settle ongoing investigations, which he characterized as targeting a “strongly antisemitic” institution [2]. Concurrently, the administration’s “Trump Gold Card” program is now the subject of a lawsuit alleging it functions as an “unlawful pay-to-play scheme” [3].

Citations
[1] Trump says he will not drop DOJ criminal probe into Fed chair Jerome Powell, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-says-he-wont-drop-investigation-fed-chair-powell

[2] Trump says he wants $1B from ‘strongly antisemitic’ Harvard to settle investigations, https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/trump-seeks-1-billion-from-harvard-university-in-damages/

[3] Trump Gold Card Is Unlawful Pay-to-Play Scheme, Suit Says (1), https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/trump-gold-card-is-unlawful-pay-to-play-visa-scheme-suit-says

1.2 Economic And Trade Policy

The administration has launched a major initiative to enhance control over strategic resources by establishing a $12 billion stockpile for critical minerals [1]. On the international trade front, a deal has reportedly been finalized with India that includes a reduction of U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18% [2].

Citations
[1] Trump to Establish $12 Billion Critical Mineral Stockpile, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/02/trump-to-establish-12-billion-critical-mineral-stockpile-to-reduce-reliance-on-chinese-rare-earths/

[2] U.S. Will Cut Tariffs on India to 18% in Trade Deal, https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2026/02/02/u-s-will-cut-tariffs-on-india-to-18-in-trade-deal/

1.3 Justice Department And Law Enforcement Actions

Federal law enforcement operations have uncovered a significant security concern in Las Vegas, where agents seized 1,000 biological samples from an illegal lab [1]. This lab is reportedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party and an individual previously implicated in the Reedley, California biolab case. In personnel matters, reports have clarified that Ed Martin will remain in his position as the DOJ pardon attorney, countering earlier rumors of a demotion [2]. The DOJ is also investigating an act of vandalism at a Catholic school in Long Beach [3].

Citations
[1] Feds Seize 1000 Samples From Illegal CCP Biolab in Las Vegas Owned by Defendant in Reedley Case, https://redstate.com/jenvanlaar/2026/02/02/feds-raid-suspected-biolab-in-las-vegas-connected-to-ccp-linked-owner-of-reedley-lab-n2198762

[2] Ed Martin to remain DOJ pardon attorney after reported demotion, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4443498/ed-martin-remain-doj-pardon-attorney-after-reported-demotion/

[3] DOJ investigating vandalism of Catholic school in Long Beach, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4444271/doj-investigating-vandalism-catholic-school-long-beach/

1.4 Cabinet And Departmental Policy

The Trump Administration has initiated a policy to suspend the issuance of small business loans to all foreign nationals [1]. In a directive with cultural and military implications, the Department of Defense (referred to in the headline as the “War Dept”) has mandated that the organization Scouting America must eliminate its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies to maintain its federal support [2]. A separate report on fiscal integrity highlights potential Medicare fraud, alleging that nearly 20% of all national spending on home healthcare is concentrated within a single, unspecified county [3].

Citations
[1] Trump Administration Stops Giving Small Business Loans to Foreign Nationals, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/03/trump-administration-halts-small-business-loans-foreign-nationals-requires-full-american-ownership/

[2] War Dept says Scouting America must scrap DEI policies to keep federal support, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/scouting-america-on-clock-roll-back-dei-war-dept-says

[3] FRAUD: Almost 20% of All Medicare Home Healthcare Spending Is in ONE County, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2026/02/03/fraud-almost-20-of-all-medicare-home-healthcare-spending-is-in-one-county-n3811493

2. Immigration And Border Security

2.1 Protests And Opposition To Immigration Enforcement

Resistance to federal immigration enforcement is intensifying, with reports of direct confrontations and organized opposition. One Erie police officer was terminated for suggesting “headshots” on ICE law enforcement officers [1]. Attacks on DHS vehicles by what are described as “crazed agitators” are reportedly occurring at an “alarming rate” [2]. Investigations allege that some of these anti-ICE protests are funded by “leftist billionaires” and “China-Linked ‘Communist Splinter Groups’” [3]. Organized efforts include an “ICE Watch Network” in Minneapolis, while visible opposition is also seen in schools, with one California elementary school teacher displaying an “Abolish ICE” sign in a classroom [4].

Citations
[1] Erie Police Officer Fired After Suggesting “Headshots” on ICE Law Enforcement Officers, https://www.longmontleader.com/colorado-news/erie-police-officer-fired-after-suggesting-headshots-on-ice-law-enforcement-officers-11830299

[2] Crazed agitators attacking DHS vehicles at an alarming rate: ‘Incited violence’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/crazed-agitators-attacking-dhs-vehicles-at-an-alarming-rate-incited-violence/

[3] Report: Anti‐ICE Protests Funded by Leftist Billionaires, Including China-Linked ‘Communist Splinter Groups’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/03/report-anti-ice-protests-funded-by-leftist-billionaire-donors-including-china-linked-communist-splinter-groups/

[4] California Elementary School’s Activist Lefty Teacher Flips American Flag, Puts Up “Abolish ICE” Sign in Classroom, https://www.inquisitr.com/california-elementary-school-teacher-flips-american-flag-puts-up-abolish-ice-sign-in-classroom

2.2 Federal Enforcement And Policy Implementation

To address the escalating tensions, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that federal immigration agents operating in Minneapolis will be outfitted with body cameras [1]. The public nature of enforcement actions remains a flashpoint, exemplified by a video showing ICE agents pursuing a migrant at a church food drive as onlookers cheered for the individual’s escape [2].

Citations
[1] DHS Deploying Body Cameras To Minneapolis Federal Immigration Agents, Kristi Noem Says, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/02/dhs-body-cameras-minneapolis-minnesota-illegal-immigration-alex-pretti/

[2] Wild moment ICE agents chase down illegal migrant at church food drive – as kids cheer on his escape, https://nypost.com/2026/02/02/us-news/video-shows-ice-agents-chase-down-illegal-immigrant-at-los-angeles-church-food-drive/

Reports are highlighting the intersection of immigration and criminal justice. One asserts that the “Democrat-led” government in New York released nearly 7,000 “criminal illegal aliens” [1]. In Maryland, ICE deported several individuals, including convicted gang members, who had allegedly received lenient sentences from “rogue activist lefty judges” [2]. At the state level, Tennessee has released what are termed “staggering stats on migrant crime” [3]. In a local incident, an ICE operation in New Orleans resulted in the arrest of a police recruit who was allegedly in the U.S. illegally [4].

Citations
[1] Democrat-led New York Released Almost 7,000 Criminal Illegal Aliens, https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/02/02/new-york-released-almost-7k-criminal-illegal-aliens-n4949034

[2] Federal ICE deports convicted gangbangers & child sex abuser after Maryland’s rogue activist lefty judges gave them lenient prison sentences, https://www.wmar2news.com/news/region/baltimore-county/ice-deports-convicted-gang-member-child-sex-abuser-after-maryland-judges-gave-them-lenient-prison-sentences

[3] Tennessee Releases Staggering Stats on Migrant Crime, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/02/02/tennessee-releases-staggering-stats-migrant-crime/

[4] ICE arrests New Orleans police recruit accused of being in U.S. illegally, https://www.fox8live.com/2026/02/03/ice-arrests-new-orleans-police-recruit-accused-being-us-illegally/

2.4 Cultural And Political Debates On Immigration

The national discourse on immigration is being shaped by public opinion and cultural flashpoints. A recent poll indicates that likely 2026 voters favor deporting illegal immigrants by a two-to-one margin [1]. A specific point of contention has arisen around singer Billie Eilish’s statement, “No One is Illegal on Stolen Land” [2]. The comment drew a direct rebuke from the Native American tribe on whose ancestral land the singer’s mansion is reportedly located, with the tribe sending her what headlines describe as a “stinging message” [3].

Citations
[1] Poll: Likely 2026 Voters Support Deporting Illegals By 2:1 Margin, https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/02/poll-likely-2026-midterm-voters-support-deporting-illegal-aliens-by-21-margin/

[2] Billie Eilish Says “No One is Illegal on Stolen Land” – The Tribe Whose Land Her Mansion Is On Just Sent Her a Stinging Message!, https://www.rightjournalism.com/billie-eilish-says-no-one-is-illegal-on-stolen-land-the-tribe-whose-land-her-mansion-is-on-just-sent/

[3] Native American tribe that owns land under Billie Eilish’s LA mansion has message for virtue-signaling singer, https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/native-american-tribe-has-message-for-billie-eilish-after-grammys-speech/

3. Foreign Policy And International Relations

3.1 U.S. Geopolitical Strategy (China, Iran)

The administration has secured a significant strategic victory in Central America, where a Panama Supreme Court ruling has removed the Hong Kong-based shipping firm CK Hutchison from operating key ports at the Panama Canal [1]. This development is being interpreted in one report as a maneuver that will “cement US dominance over China” in the critical maritime chokepoint [2]. In the Middle East, military tensions with Iran are escalating. Iranian gunboats made an unsuccessful attempt to board a U.S. oil tanker, and President Trump issued a stark public warning to Iran that “BAD things will happen” if a new deal is not reached [3, 4].

Citations
[1] Panama court kicks Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison out of canal ports, https://www.ft.com/content/4922a630-ed8a-4b1d-bbee-56b18cd08587

[2] Donald Trump’s control of the Panama Canal will cement US dominance over China, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/02/01/trumps-control-panama-canal-cement-dominance-over-china

[3] Iranian gunboats unsuccessfully attempt to board US oil tanker as Trump builds military presence, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/iranian-gunboats-unsuccessfully-attempt-board-us-oil-tanker-trump-builds-military-presence

[4] Trump warns Iran ‘BAD things will happen’ if no deal is reached | Fox News Video, https://share.google/XtDOTvBHoy3nk2S96

3.2 Global Developments And International Organizations

The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) has reportedly begun making significant cutbacks, a move headlines directly attribute to the “lack of U.S. taxpayer dollars” following administration policy changes [1]. Security concerns persist in West Africa, where an Islamic State terrorist attack on an airport in Niger was reportedly more deadly than officially disclosed [2]. In the United Kingdom, reports claim the government is actively promoting “multiculturalism on the British countryside,” with one headline specifying this is because some may find traditional pubs “unwelcoming” [3].

Citations
[1] W.H.O. Begins Cutbacks as Lack of U.S. Taxpayer Dollars Bites Hard, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/02/03/w-h-o-begins-cutbacks-as-lack-of-u-s-taxpayer-dollars-bites-hard/

[2] Islamic State Terrorist Attack on Niger Airport Potentially More Deadly Than Government Revealed, https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/02/02/islamic-state-terrorist-attack-niger-airport-potentially-more-deadly-government-revealed/

[3] Britain plans to make countryside ’less white’ because Muslims find pubs ‘unwelcoming’, https://www.the-express.com/news/world-news/197954/english-speaking-nation-plans-make-countryside-less-white-after-report-finds-muslims-feel

3.3 European Security And Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Regarding the war in Ukraine, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas has urged that a peace deal must include caps on the size of Russia’s army, its defense spending, and its nuclear arsenal; these demands have been characterized by critics as “impossible” [1]. Meanwhile, a report on Russia’s military production capacity describes conditions inside its “only tank factory” as fraught with “convicts, chaos and cut throats” [2].

Citations
[1] Kaja Kallas Urges Caps on Russia’s Army and Nuclear Arsenal for Ukraine Peace. Critics: “Kallas demanded that Russia reduce its army, defense spending, and nuclear weapons as part of a deal on Ukraine. Those are impossible demands.”, https://x.com/i/trending/2018464907826798665

[2] Convicts, Chaos And Cut Throats: Inside Russia’s Only Tank Factory, https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2026/02/03/convicts-chaos-and-cut-throats-inside-russias-only-tank-factory/

4. Congressional And Judicial Affairs

4.1 Congressional Investigations And Hearings

A House probe related to Jeffrey Epstein has gained significant momentum, with both Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton agreeing to testify [1]. In parallel, members are calling for new inquiries. Kevin Kiley is demanding a congressional investigation into fraud in California [2], while Senator Josh Hawley is urging the DOJ to probe the funding sources of anti-ICE protestors [3].

Citations
[1] Bill and Hillary Clinton agree to testify in House Epstein probe, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/clintons-agree-testify-after-house-threatens-contempt-jeffrey-epstein-probe

[2] Kiley calls for Congressional investigation into California fraud, https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/kiley-calls-for-congressional-investigation-into-california-fraud/

[3] Hawley urges DOJ probe into ICE protestor funding, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4444703/josh-hawley-doj-letter-ice-protests/

4.2 Judicial Rulings And Supreme Court

A federal judge, identified in a headline as a “Biden Judge,” has blocked the Trump administration’s move to cancel “temporary” amnesty and deportation protections for Haitian migrants [1]. The Department of Homeland Security publicly criticized the decision [2]. In a separate case viewed as a victory for free speech, a judge has blocked a censorship law in Hawaii [3].

Citations
[1] Biden Judge Blocks Trump’s Cancellation of Haitian Migrants’ ‘Temporary’ Amnesty, https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2026/02/03/biden-judge-blocks-trump-cancellation-of-haitian-migrants-tps-amnesty/

[2] DHS slams judge for blocking Trump admin’s efforts to end deportation protections for Haitian migrants, https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/dhs-slams-judge-for-blocking-trump-admins-efforts-to-end-deportation-protections-for-haitian-migrants/

[3] A Big Win For Free Speech: Judge Blocks Hawaii Censorship Law, https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/02/in-a-big-win-for-free-speech-judge-blocks-hawaii-law-censoring-political-satire/

5. Domestic Issues And Governance

5.1 General Crime And Public Safety

A report from early February 2026 claims that crime in Washington, D.C., has fallen to “historic lows,” though the headline does not provide reasons [1]. In a developing case, Jill Biden’s ex-husband has been charged with the first-degree murder of his new wife [2]. Separately, the defense team in the murder trial for the killing of Charlie Kirk is seeking to block videos of the incident, claiming they are biased [3].

Citations
[1] Why DC Crime Has Reached Historic Lows in 2026, https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/02/why-dc-crime-has-reached-historic-low/

[2] Jill Biden’s ex-husband charged with first-degree murder of new wife, https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/jill-bidens-ex-husband-william-stevenson-charged-with-first-degree-murder-of-new-wife/

[3] Defense Seeks to Block Videos of Charlie Kirk’s Killing in Murder Case, Claims Bias, https://www.newsmax.com/us/charlie-kirk-biased-jurors-robinson/2026/02/03/id/1244623/?ns_mail_uid=fd327749-6369-446a-a5eb-ed0baad7a79a&ns_mail_job=DM914791_02032026&s=acs&dkt_nbr=010502f9ylkm

5.2 State And Local Governance

The city of Seattle has been found liable for $30 million over a death that occurred within the 2020 protest zone, an event one headline refers to as the “Summer of Love” [1]. New York City’s public finances are under strain, with a report indicating its healthcare fund is “out of cash” [2]. In Indiana state politics, Rep. Ed Clere has left the GOP and was subsequently expelled from the Republican House Caucus [3].

Citations
[1] Chopped: Seattle Found Liable for $30 Million Over Death During the “Summer of Love”, https://jonathanturley.org/2026/02/03/chopped-seattle-found-liable-for-30-million-over-death-during-the-summer-of-love/

[2] Waste of the Day: NYC Healthcare Fund is Out of Cash, https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2026/01/30/waste_of_the_day_nyc_healthcare_fund_is_out_of_cash_1160319.html

[3] Indiana Rep. Ed Clere leaves GOP, expelled from Republican House Caucus, https://www.wlky.com/article/indiana-rep-ed-clere-expelled-republican-house-caucus-leaving-gop/70226845

5.3 Election Integrity And Procedures

Legal battles over the 2020 election persist, as Fulton County is expected to file a new court challenge regarding the legality of the FBI’s seizure of its 2020 election records [1]. Regarding voting rules, a graphic citing CNN claims that 83% of all voters support a photo ID requirement [2].

Citations
[1] Fulton County expected to make new court filing challenging legality of FBI’s seizure of 2020 election records, https://www.reddit.com/r/Conservative/comments/1quawne/fulton_county_expected_to_make_new_court_filing/

[2] Even CNN is saying it… 83% of all voters want photo ID required to vote, https://i.redd.it/nekl47f3wahg1.jpeg

6. Public Discourse And Media

6.1 Media Criticism And Alleged Bias

Accusations of media malfeasance are circulating. A study alleges that broadcast networks are actively “hiding” a grand jury indictment of an individual named “Lemon” from their audiences [1]. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was reportedly the target of a “hit piece” from the Wall Street Journal, which was allegedly based on complaints that “weren’t credible” [2]. Another report claims the media has lied about ICE on at least eight occasions [3].

Citations
[1] STUDY: Broadcast Networks Are Hiding Lemon’s Grand Jury Indictment from their Audiences, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/bill-dagostino/2026/02/03/study-broadcast-networks-are-hiding-lemons-grand-jury-indictment

[2] WSJ Hit Piece On Gabbard Based On Complaints That ‘Weren’t Credible’, https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/03/wsj-anonymous-hit-piece-on-gabbard-is-based-on-complaints-that-werent-credible/

[3] Eight Shocking Times the Elitist Media Lied About ICE, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/brittany-hughes/2026/02/02/eight-shocking-times-elitist-media-lied-about-ice

6.2 Cultural Commentary And Events

The upcoming Super Bowl is being framed as occurring at a “tinderbox moment” in the nation, defined by the intersection of football, politics, and protest [1]. In response, Turning Point USA has announced plans for its own halftime show focused on “American culture, freedom, and faith” [2].

Citations
[1] Football, politics and protest: This year’s Super Bowl comes at a tinderbox moment in the US, https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-bad-bunny-trump-politics-1447163cfa820cbb0c96973c20ccd976

[2] How to watch Turning Point USA Super Bowl halftime show — ‘American culture, freedom, and faith’, https://www.theblaze.com/align/tpusa-super-bowl-halftime-show