[Wednesday, February 04] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare February 4, 2026

Executive Summary

• Minnesota De-escalation: The Trump administration withdraws 700 federal agents from Minnesota following violent unrest, with the President signaling a “softer touch” on immigration.
• Election Control Battle: President Trump’s call to “nationalize” elections sparks sharp bipartisan backlash, as a federal judge blocks the administration’s demand for California’s complete voter rolls.
• Looming DHS Shutdown: Congress faces a February 13 deadline for a partial government shutdown amid a partisan clash over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• Epstein Fallout Intensifies: Pressure mounts on President Trump over newly released files, with a congressman claiming child rape accusations and a bipartisan effort to subpoena Bill Gates.
• Major Legal & Security Shifts: The man convicted of attempting to assassinate Trump is sentenced to life, while the U.S. will reportedly operate without a nuclear treaty with Russia.

1. Immigration and Federal Enforcement

1.1. Minnesota Standoff Ends in Abrupt Federal Withdrawal

A tense and violent standoff over federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota has culminated in a sudden de-escalation by the administration. Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan, announced the immediate withdrawal of 700 federal immigration officers from the state, representing a 25% reduction of ICE agents in Minneapolis [1]. While 2,000 federal agents will remain, future deployments are now said to be contingent on “cooperation” from local authorities [2]. This policy reversal follows a period of intense unrest, with federal agents drawing guns on activists and reports describing an “occupation of Minneapolis” that brought the Justice Department to a breaking point [3, 4]. Over 300 former federal prosecutors have since urged the DOJ to allow state-level investigations into recent killings and shootings [5]. The gravity of the situation was underscored when a DHS panel on use of force held a 3 minute, 26 second moment of silence in connection with the “Renee Good shooting” [6].

References:
[1] Trump’s border czar announces 700 immigration officers to immediately leave Minnesota, https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-drawdown-minnesota-homan-963adf341325d7f6eb5673e1c00d3c2a
[2] 700 Immigration Officers Are Leaving Minneapolis. The Rest Will Depend on “Cooperation.”: The announcement still leaves 2,000 federal agents in the Twin Cities., https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/02/tom-homan-immigration-officers-leaving-minneapolis-thousands-left/
[3] Immigration agents draw guns, arrest activists following them in Minneapolis, https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-02-03/immigration-agents-draw-guns-arrest-activists-following-them-in-minneapolis
[4] Trump’s occupation of Minneapolis has broken the Justice Department, https://www.vox.com/politics/477913/trump-minneapolis-minnesota-justice-department-broken-julie-le
[5] 300-plus former prosecutors urge DOJ to allow Minnesota probes of killings, https://www.newsweek.com/former-federal-prosecutors-letter-pam-bondi-minnesota-ice-shootings-renee-good-alex-pretti-11467369?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_influencers
[6] Renee Good shooting: Panel on DHS use of force holds 3 minutes, 26 seconds of silence, https://www.fox9.com/news/renee-good-shooting-panel-dhs-use-force-holds-3-minutes-26-seconds-silence

1.2. Widespread State and Local Resistance

Across the country, a front of resistance to federal immigration directives is forming. In Minnesota, multiple school districts have jointly filed a lawsuit to prevent ICE from accessing school premises [1]. Similar actions are underway elsewhere, with New York’s Governor Hochul seeking to ban local police cooperation with ICE, while in Virginia, an official has ordered state agencies to terminate existing agreements [2, 3]. In contrast, some states are moving to increase assistance; Tennessee is reportedly preparing to enlist state agencies in enforcement, and a Utah bill would require Medicaid and SNAP offices to function as “ICE tip lines” [4, 5].

References:
[1] Minnesota school districts sue over ICE raids, https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5722277-minnesota-schools-ice-raids-dhs/
[2] N.Y. Gov. Hochul seeks to ban police cooperation deals with ICE, https://www.npr.org/2026/02/03/nx-s1-5695800/new-york-kathy-hochul-ice-legislation
[3] Spanberger orders Virginia state agencies to end ICE cooperation agreements, https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/virginia/spanberger-virginia-ice-cooperation-agreements-287g-executive-directive/291-d55e50c9-adf7-4c4f-87bd-1beb3530667b
[4] Tennessee to test Stephen Miller’s plan of enlisting states for immigration enforcement, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/stephen-miller-trump-immigration-plan
[5] New Utah Bill Would Turn Medicaid and SNAP Offices into ICE Tip Lines, https://utahpolitics.news/new-utahbill-would-turn-medicaid-and-snap-offices-into-ice-tip-lines/

1.3. Internal Strain and Shifting Administration Rhetoric

Following the events in Minneapolis, President Trump has publicly stated his administration could adopt “a softer touch” on immigration [1]. This comment comes amid evidence of severe internal pressures on federal agencies. In a widely reported incident, a DOJ attorney facing accusations that ICE was ignoring court orders told a judge, “This job sucks,” and asked to be held in contempt so she could “sleep.” She was subsequently removed from her position [2, 3].

References:
[1] After the Minneapolis shootings, Trump says his administration could use ‘a softer touch’ on immigration, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/minneapolis-shootings-trump-says-administration-use-softer-touch-immig-rcna257459
[2] ‘This job sucks’: DOJ lawyer asks to be held in contempt so she can sleep after judge accuses ICE of blowing court orders, https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/government-attorney-tells-judge-this-job-sucks-in-ice-case/4345107/
[3] Lawyer Who Said ‘System Sucks’ at Immigration Hearing Is Ousted From DOJ Job, https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/justice-department-lawyer-says-the-system-sucks-at-immigration-hearing-8926f90b?st=wvZuUS&mod=wsjreddit

2. Elections, Voting, and Redistricting

2.1. Trump’s “Nationalize Elections” Proposal Sparks Bipartisan Backlash

President Trump has ignited a national controversy by calling for a federal takeover of state-run elections, sparking “backlash and warnings” across the political spectrum [1]. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) publicly broke with the President, stating, “That’s not what the Constitution says” [2]. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) issued a stark rebuke: “Get Lost… We will never let that happen” [3]. The rhetoric has been amplified by strategist Steve Bannon, who claimed President Trump would “have ICE surround the polls,” prompting condemnation from Democrats who called it a “red alert moment” [4].

References:
[1] Trump call for nationalizing elections sparks backlash, warnings, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5721428-trump-nationalize-election-backlash/
[2] Rand Paul on Trump call to ‘nationalize’ elections: ‘That’s not what the Constitution says’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5722041-rand-paul-trump-call-to-nationalize-elections/
[3] Hakeem Jeffries Takes Aim At Trump Over Call To Nationalize Election: ‘Get Lost’ | “We will never let that happen,” Jeffries added, https://www.latintimes.com/hakeem-jeffries-takes-aim-trump-over-call-nationalize-election-get-lost-594251
[4] Escalating Threats to Midterm Elections, Bannon Says Trump Will ‘Have ICE Surround the Polls’ | “This is a red alert moment,” said Sen. Ed Markey. “We have to start working to protect polling places from Trump’s paramilitary ICE goons before it’s too late.”, https://www.commondreams.org/news/bannon-trump-ice-polls

2.2. Federal-State Legal Battles over Election Records

Direct federal-state confrontations over election administration are intensifying in the courts. In Georgia, Fulton County has filed a legal challenge to the FBI’s seizure of its 2020 election ballots and records, demanding their immediate return [1]. In a separate, significant case, a federal judge has rejected the Trump administration’s demand for California’s complete voter rolls, a request that included sensitive information such as Social Security numbers [2].

References:
[1] Georgia’s Fulton County seeks return of 2020 election documents seized by FBI, https://apnews.com/article/fbi-georgia-elections-fulton-county-2020-ballots-532b6daf318c79c471cd7f145c9f2215
[2] Trump administration’s demands for California’s voter rolls, including Social Security numbers, rejected by federal judge, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-15/judge-dismisses-doj-lawsuit-demanding-california-voter-rolls

2.3. Supreme Court Upholds Democratic-Leaning California Map

The U.S. Supreme Court has delivered a significant victory for Democrats in their bid to control the House of Representatives, allowing California to use its new “Democratic-friendly congressional map” for the 2026 midterm elections [1]. The court refused to block the new districts, a decision widely seen as a “boost” for Democrats and a political “blow” for President Trump, who opposed the map [2, 3].

References:
[1] The Supreme Court lets California use its new, Democratic-friendly congressional map, https://www.npr.org/2026/02/04/nx-s1-5691890/supreme-court-california-redistricting-map
[2] Supreme Court allows California to use new congressional map, giving Democrats a boost, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/supreme-court-allows-california-use-new-congressional-map-democrats-rcna257036
[3] Donald Trump dealt blow from Supreme Court over California election map, https://www.newsweek.com/supreme-court-california-midterm-elections-trump-voting-map-11466612

3. Justice System and Major Investigations

3.1. The Epstein Case: Trump Under Pressure Amid Calls for New Subpoenas

The continued release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein is escalating legal and political pressure on the President and other high-profile figures. Congressman Ted Lieu has publicly claimed that President Trump is “accused of raping children in the Epstein Files” [1]. The President has urged the country to “move on” while also proclaiming the files have “nothing on him” [2]. The BBC has publicly questioned why the extensive document releases have not yet resulted in any new federal prosecutions [3]. In Congress, a bipartisan push led by Representatives Ro Khanna and Nancy Mace is calling for a subpoena to be issued to Bill Gates for questioning [4]. Newly revealed files also show that Epstein messaged with former CIA Director Bill Burns [5].

References:
[1] Rep. Ted Lieu Claims President Trump is Accused of Raping Children in the Epstein Files, https://www.c-span.org/clip/news-conference/rep-ted-lieu-claims-president-trump-is-accused-of-raping-children-in-the-epstein-files/5191713
[2] Trump says country should move on from Epstein files after latest release, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5721706-trump-epstein-files-move-on/
[3] Why is no one being prosecuted over the Epstein files?, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cd9e3nzzw3zo
[4] Ro Khanna, Nancy Mace Call for Bill Gates to be Subpoenaed Over Epstein Files: ‘I Have Questions’, https://www.latintimes.com/ro-khanna-nancy-mace-call-bill-gates-subpoenaed-over-epstein-files-i-have-questions-594267
[5] Jeffrey Epstein messaged with former CIA director Bill Burns, files show, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/jeffrey-epstein-bill-burns-cia-messages

3.2. Trump Assassination Attempt Case Concludes with Life Sentence

The legal case concerning the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump has concluded. Ryan Routh, the man convicted of the crime, has been sentenced to life in prison [1]. In a separate matter, a judge is considering a motion to move President Trump’s New York hush money conviction from state to federal court [2].

References:
[1] Ryan Routh, convicted of attempting to assassinate Trump, sentenced to life in prison, https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/man-convicted-attempting-assassinate-trump-be-sentenced-2026-02-04/?utm_source=braze&utm_medium=notifications&utm_campaign=2025_engagement
[2] Judge to consider moving Trump’s New York hush money conviction to federal court, https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-moving-trumps-new-york-hush-money-conviction/story?id=129849574

4. Executive and Congressional Affairs

4.1. DHS Shutdown Looms Amid Partisan Clash Over ICE Funding

Congress faces an imminent February 13 deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security, with reports indicating that prospects for a deal are “souring” [1]. The central point of contention is Democratic demands related to funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with one top Democrat declaring that neither DHS nor ICE should receive “‘a single penny more’” [2]. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has accused Democratic leadership of being “‘afraid of their shadows’” as the risk of a shutdown affecting agencies like the TSA and Coast Guard grows [3].

References:
[1] Prospects for ICE deal sour on Capitol Hill as shutdown deadline nears for critical agency, https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/04/politics/congress-ice-deal-dhs-shutdown-deadline
[2] Top Oversight Dem: Shouldn’t give DHS or ICE ‘a single penny more’, https://www.ms.now/ana-cabrera-reports/watch/top-oversight-dem-shouldn-t-give-dhs-or-ice-a-single-penny-more-2485274691541
[3] Thune blasts Jeffries, Schumer as ‘afraid of their shadows’ as DHS funding fight heats up, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/thune-blasts-jeffries-schumer-afraid-shadows-dhs-funding-fight-heats-up

4.2. Scrutiny on Cabinet Officials and Administration Personnel

Senior administration officials are facing intense scrutiny. A whistleblower complaint against Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has reportedly “got a whole lot worse for her” after being shared with Congress following a monthslong delay [1]. Separately, Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) has called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign, be fired, or be impeached, while a recent poll showed majority support for her impeachment [2, 3]. Meanwhile, a Wall Street Journal report claims that senior advisor Stephen Miller “Stokes Trump’s Boundary-Pushing Impulses” [4].

References:
[1] Tulsi Gabbard’s Whisteblower Case Just Got a Whole Lot Worse for Her: The director of national intelligence tried to defend holding up a whistleblower report for eight months., https://newrepublic.com/post/206135/tulsi-gabbard-whistleblower-report-defense-worse
[2] Slotkin calls for Homeland Security chief to resign, be fired or impeached, https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2026/01/28/michigan-elissa-slotkin-calls-for-homeland-security-chief-kristi-noem-to-resign-be-fired-impeached/88402749007/
[3] Impeaching Kristi Noem Has Majority Support in US, Poll Shows, https://www.newsweek.com/impeaching-kristi-noem-has-majority-support-in-us-poll-shows-11461787
[4] How Stephen Miller Stokes Trump’s Boundary-Pushing Impulses, https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/ice-stephen-miller-pretti-trump-2448e779

4.3. Congressional Health and Legislative Maneuvers

Senator Mitch McConnell, 83, has been hospitalized with “flu-like symptoms,” raising concerns about his health [1]. On the legislative front, the House Ethics Committee is reportedly considering an “’extremely rare’ televised trial” for Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick [2]. On the Senate floor, Majority Leader John Thune has announced that Republicans will discuss using a “‘standing filibuster’” to advance voting reform [3].

References:
[1] Mitch McConnell, 83, Hospitalized, https://www.thedailybeast.com/mitch-mcconnell-83-hospitalized/?utm_campaign=owned_social&utm_medium=socialflow&utm_source=twitter_owned_tdb&via=twitter_page
[2] House Ethics eyes “extremely rare” televised trial for Cherfilus-McCormick, https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/cherfilus-mccormick-ethics-committee-trial-public
[3] Thune: Senate GOP will discuss using ‘standing filibuster’ to help pass voting reform, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5720504-senate-republicans-standing-filibuster-vote/

5. Foreign Policy and National Security

5.1. End of US-Russia Nuclear Treaty Marks Major Security Shift

A critical pillar of global security has reportedly been removed. According to one report, for the “First Time in Half a Century,” the United States will operate without a nuclear treaty in place with Russia [1]. The analysis asserts that this marks a dramatic change in strategic stability and alleges that President Trump is “Totally Unprepared” for the new reality of a potential arms race.

References:
[1] For the First Time in Half a Century, We Won’t Have a Nuclear Treaty With Russia. Trump Is Totally Unprepared., https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2026/02/trump-russia-new-start-nuclear-arms-race.html

5.2. Diplomatic Setbacks and Shifting Alliances

A significant diplomatic effort has failed, with planned nuclear talks between the United States and Iran reportedly canceled due to disagreements over location and agenda [1]. This occurs amid a broader analysis suggesting European nations have begun a “slow retreat from US dependence,” signaling a potential long-term shift in strategic alignment [2]. The administration has also caused “outrage in Mexico” after President Trump praised the “’legendary’ 19th-century US invasion” [3].

References:
[1] US-Iran nuclear talks reportedly canceled over location and agenda disagreements - i24NEWS, https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/iran-eastern-states/artc-us-iran-nuclear-talks-reportedly-canceled-over-location-and-agenda-disagreement
[2] Europe begins its slow retreat from US dependence, https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-begins-retreat-united-states-dependence-donald-trump-rocks-transatlantic-relationship/
[3] Outrage in Mexico at Trump praise for ‘legendary’ 19th-century US invasion, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/03/mexico-leaders-react-trump-invasion

6. Economy and Domestic Policy

6.1. Economic Headwinds and Criticism of Administration Policy

The administration’s economic policies are facing sharp criticism. A Wall Street Journal analysis contends that U.S. manufacturing is “in retreat” and that President Trump’s tariffs have failed to produce their intended results [1]. A recent poll indicates that a majority of Americans believe the economy is worse off now than under the previous administration [2]. Separately, President Trump is facing new accusations of personal enrichment after billionaire investor Ken Griffin accused the Trump White House of “’enriching’ itself” [3].

References:
[1] U.S. Manufacturing Is in Retreat and Trump’s Tariffs Aren’t Helping | Levies on imports were supposed to bring back a golden age of U.S. manufacturing. They haven’t worked, so far., https://www.wsj.com/economy/u-s-manufacturing-is-in-retreat-and-trumps-tariffs-arent-helping-d2af4316
[2] Majority of Americans Say Economy Worse Off Under Trump Than Biden, https://www.newsweek.com/poll-americans-economy-worse-trump-biden-11456737
[3] Billionaire US investor Ken Griffin accuses Trump White House of ‘enriching’ itself, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/ken-griffin-citadel-republican-donor-donald-trump-critic-white-house

6.2. Conflicts over Federal Appointments and Interstate Funding

President Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve is facing a difficult path in the Senate, with some lawmakers objecting to what they characterize as the President’s “attacks on [the] Federal Reserve” [1]. In a separate fiscal dispute, New York and New Jersey have filed a joint lawsuit against the administration over a “funding freeze” for the critical Hudson River tunnel project, with officials declaring, “‘See you in court’” [2].

References:
[1] Kevin Warsh faces Senate battle as lawmakers object to Donald Trump’s attacks on Federal Reserve, https://www.ft.com/content/c93d25f5-2f35-4320-9fab-05e963086733?segmentid=c50c86e4-586b-23ea-1ac1-7601c9c2476f
[2] Trump admin sued by New York, New Jersey over Hudson River tunnel funding freeze: ‘See you in court’, https://www.foxnetws.com/politics/trump-admin-sued-new-york-new-jersey-over-hudson-river-tunnel-funding-freeze-see-you-court?intcmp=fb_fnc&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=Iwb21leAPv7VZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR60hYUSLKHIO5hgqJLIchIRuIgfdFzhB5I3h0lJxDVjYAsFMPXFZ-P66eVfw_aem_qZptrMpQr0XaHjESbo9MEA

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