[Saturday, February 07] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2026-02-07 3024 words 15 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare February 7, 2026

Executive Summary

Justice & Security: The DOJ announced the arrest of a Benghazi attack suspect, while an Ohio man was charged with threatening VP Vance.
Immigration Escalation: DHS publicly called on California to turn over 33,000 criminal non-citizens, as federal courts affirmed the administration’s power to detain migrants without bond.
Foreign Policy: Tensions spiked as Estonia closed its Russian border at night and banned over 1,000 Russian soldiers from the Schengen zone.
Olympics Controversy: The Winter Olympics opening was marked by conflicting reports on the crowd’s reception of VP Vance, protests in Milan, and athletes’ comments on representing the U.S.
Administration Actions: The Pentagon cut academic ties with Harvard over “woke” ideology, and a controversial video featuring the Obamas was removed from White House social media.

1. Executive Branch Governance And Policy

1.1. Justice And Law Enforcement Actions

The Department of Justice is highlighting significant counter-terrorism and domestic law enforcement actions. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest and transfer to U.S. custody of a suspect in the Benghazi attack, stating that President Trump’s DOJ will find criminals “anywhere in this world” [1]. This arrest is reportedly bolstered by unseen footage placing the suspect at the scene of the 2012 attack [2]. Domestically, the DOJ has charged an Ohio man with threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance [3]. In a case concerning election integrity and fraud, the DOJ reports that a Colombian national used a stolen identity for over 20 years to vote in the 2024 election and fraudulently obtain over $400,000 in federal benefits [4].

References: [1] Benghazi attacker arrested and in US custody, AG Pam Bondi announces –“If you commit a crime against the American people anywhere in this world, President Trump’s Justice Department will find you. It might not happen overnight, but it will happen. You can run, but you cannot hide.”, https://nypost.com/2026/02/06/us-news/benghazi-attacker-arrested-and-in-us-custody-ag-pam-bondi-announces/#:~:text=Sen.,tragic%20episode%20%E2%80%9Cfull%20circle.%E2%80%9D

[2] Unseen footage puts Benghazi attack suspect at scene of crime that killed 4 Americans at US embassy, https://nypost.com/2026/02/07/us-news/unseen-footage-puts-benghazi-attack-suspect-at-scene-of-crime-that-killed-4-americans-at-us-embassy

[3] Ohio Man Charged With Threatening to Kill VP Vance, https://www.newsmax.com/us/jd-vance-ohio-assassination-threat/2026/02/06/id/1245210/

[4] DOJ: Colombian national who lived in US under stolen identity for 20+ years… used stolen identity to vote in the 2024 presidential election, obtain a Real ID, apply for passport, and receive $400K+ in federal benefits, https://x.com/dmanews1/status/2019860156004331765

1.2. Defense And National Security Directives

The administration is taking a firm line with defense contractors and academia. The White House issued an unspecified warning to defense contractors that “There’ll Be Consequences” for an unstated reason [1]. In a notable policy directive under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the “War Department” has cut ties with Harvard University, citing “‘woke’ ideology” as the reason for terminating the academic partnerships [2, 3]. Separately, F-22 fighter jets scheduled for a Super Bowl flyover were abruptly rerouted for “operational assignments,” the details of which have not been publicly disclosed [4].

References: [1] ‘There’ll Be Consequences’: Trump WH Warns Defense Contractors, https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/02/04/therell_be_consequences_trump_wh_warns_defense_contractors_153797.html

[2] War Department cuts ties with Harvard over ‘woke’ ideology under Hegseth, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hegseth-ending-military-education-ties-harvard-amid-trump-feud-we-train-warriors-not-wokesters

[3] ‘Harvard Is Woke; The War Department Is Not’: Pentagon Terminates Academic Partnerships With Ivy League University, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/07/harvard-university-woke-war-department-pentagon-pete-hegseth-terminates-academic-partnership/

[4] F-22s Pulled From Super Bowl Flyover, Rerouted At the Last Moment For ‘Operational Assignments’, https://www.dailywire.com/news/f-22s-pulled-from-super-bowl-flyover-rerouted-at-the-last-moment-for-operational-assignments

1.3. Economic And Regulatory Oversight

Federal agencies are actively pursuing fraud and exercising regulatory oversight. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has suspended approximately 111,000 California borrowers over allegations of pandemic-era fraud totaling billions of dollars [1]. In a financial regulation development, a crypto startup reportedly “inspired by ‘Lord of the Rings’” has become the first new bank approved during the current Trump administration [2]. In the media sphere, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reportedly launching a probe to “Crackdown on ABC’s The View Citing Equal Time” rules, though the specifics of the potential violation are not detailed [3].

References: [1] Trump Admin Suspends 111,620 ‘California Borrowers’ For Allegedly Committing Billions in Pandemic-Era Fraud, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/06/kelly-loeffler-sba-california-borrowers-billions-pandemic-fraud/

[2] Crypto startup inspired by ‘Lord of the Rings’ becomes first bank approved in Trump’s 2nd term, https://nypost.com/2026/02/06/business/crypto-startup-erebor-becomes-first-bank-approved-in-trumps-2nd-term/

[3] PROBE: The FCC Looks to Crackdown on ABC’s The View Citing Equal Time, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/nicholas-fondacaro/2026/02/06/probe-fcc-looks-crackdown-abcs-view-citing-equal-time

1.4. White House Communications And Personnel

The White House is navigating a significant media controversy and has taken action on an internal personnel matter. A social media video that reportedly depicted the Obamas as apes or gorillas was removed by the White House following criticism [1]. President Trump is said to have detailed a subsequent call with Senator Tim Scott, stating the senator “understood 100%” [2]. However, at least one outlet has described the incident as a “fake news hoax” [3]. Separately, the Department of Homeland Security has fired a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official for allegedly leaking sensitive personnel information to the press [4].

References: [1] White House removes social media video showing Obamas as apes after criticism, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-removes-social-media-video-showing-obamas-apes-critcism

[2] Trump details call with Tim Scott over video showing Obamas as gorillas: He ‘understood 100%’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/07/us-news/trump-details-call-with-rep-tim-scott-over-video-showing-obamas-as-gorillas-he-understood-100/

[3] About That ‘Racist’ Video the Trump Team Posted Featuring the Obamas…It’s a Fake News Hoax, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2026/02/06/everyone-is-going-bananas-over-the-video-posted-by-the-trump-team-everyone-simmer-down-n2670816

[4] DHS fires CBP official for leaking sensitive personnel information to press, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/homeland-security-fires-senior-cbp-official-leaking-sensitive-information

2. Immigration And Border Security

2.1. Federal-State Confrontations Over Immigration

Tensions between the federal government and California are escalating over the handling of criminal non-citizens. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a public statement calling on Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The DHS claims there are “33,179 criminal illegal aliens in Gavin Newsom’s custody with active ICE detainers” [1]. The statement accuses California’s sanctuary policies of “shielding illegal alien murderers, sex offenders, and drug traffickers,” with reports indicating ICE has formally asked the state not to release these individuals [1, 2].

References: [1] DHS: “There are currently 33,179 criminal illegal aliens in Gavin Newsom’s custody with active ICE detainers. DHS is calling on Newsom and California’s sanctuary politicians to stop shielding illegal alien murderers, sex offenders, and drug traffickers and turn them over to ICE.”, https://x.com/dhsgov/status/2019833258494615876

[2] ICE Asks Newsom Not to Release 33,000 Criminal Illegal Aliens, https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/02/06/ice-asks-newsom-not-to-release-33000-criminal-illegal-aliens-n4949211

2.2. Judicial Rulings On Immigration

The judiciary has delivered two significant rulings in favor of the administration’s immigration detention policies. An appeals court has reportedly blocked “liberal judges from releasing migrants,” a decision being framed as a major victory for the administration’s agenda [1]. In a related case, a federal court ruled that illegal immigrants can be detained without bond. This ruling has been described by proponents as a “‘Significant Blow Against Activist Judges’” and reinforces the executive branch’s authority in immigration enforcement [2].

References: [1] Big Win for Trump as Appeals Court Blocks Liberal Judges from Releasing Migrants, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/02/06/win-trump-appeals-court-blocks-judges-releasing-migrants/

[2] ‘Significant Blow Against Activist Judges’: Federal Court Rules Illegal Immigrants Can Be Detained Without Bond, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/07/fifth-circuit-illegal-immigrants-detained-bond-trump-victory-dhs/

2.3. Border Enforcement And Inter-Agency Cooperation

Efforts are underway to formalize cooperation between federal and local law enforcement on immigration matters. A figure identified as Tom Homan has reportedly secured agreements with “nearly all Minnesota counties” to facilitate the transfer of “violent illegal aliens” from local jails into federal custody [1]. The report, attributed to “Leavitt,” does not specify the official titles or capacities of either individual involved in securing these agreements.

References: [1] Leavitt: Tom Homan Has Struck Agreements with Nearly All Minnesota Counties to Hand Over Violent Illegal Aliens from Jails, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/02/07/exclusive-leavitt-tom-homan-has-struck-agreements-with-nearly-all-minnesota-counties-to-hand-over-violent-illegal-aliens-from-jails/

Activism surrounding immigration policy has resulted in arrests and is reportedly experiencing internal divisions. In New York City, more than a dozen “anti-ICE agitators” were arrested by the NYPD near Columbia University [1]. Concurrently, reports describe a “bitter internal rift” within the anti-ICE movement, with some organizations criticizing what they term “‘White Savior’ behavior” from predominantly white activists during ICE operations [2].

References: [1] More than a dozen anti‐ICE agitators hauled away by NYPD near Columbia University, https://www.foxnews.com/us/more-than-dozen-anti-ice-agitators-hauled-away-nypd-near-columbia-university

[2] ‘White saviors’’ use of whistles causes bitter internal rift inside anti-ICE movement - Organizations from Seattle to Maryland tell predominantly white activists to quit ‘White Savior’ behavior during ICE operations, https://www.foxnews.com/us/white-saviors-use-whistles-causes-bitter-internal-rift-inside-anti-ice-movement

3. Foreign Affairs And Global Relations

3.1. European Security And Russia Policy

Tensions on Europe’s eastern flank are escalating, with Estonia taking multiple concrete actions in response to Russian behavior. A significant public rift has appeared within the Estonian government, with the foreign minister opposing the president’s call for the EU to open diplomatic talks with the Kremlin [1]. Citing “‘irrational’ Russian behavior,” Estonia is closing its border crossing points at night and has separately banned over 1,000 more Russian soldiers from entering the Schengen zone [2, 3]. The commander of the Estonian Defence Forces stated that the pre-war peace is “unlikely to return,” reflecting a broader sentiment in Europe that a Russian strategic move could occur sooner than previously anticipated [4, 5].

References: [1] Estonian foreign minister rejects president’s call for EU talks with Kremlin | News, https://news.err.ee/1609931822/estonian-foreign-minister-rejects-president-s-call-for-eu-talks-with-kremlin

[2] Estonia to close border crossing points at night after ‘irrational’ Russian behavior, https://news.err.ee/1609932848/estonia-to-close-border-crossing-points-at-night-after-irrational-russian-behavior

[3] Estonia bans over 1,000 more Russian soldiers from entering Schengen zone, https://news.err.ee/1609934456/estonia-bans-over-1-000-more-russian-soldiers-from-entering-schengen-zone

[4] EDF commander: Peace that preceded war in Ukraine unlikely to return | News, https://news.err.ee/1609934375/edf-commander-peace-that-preceded-war-in-ukraine-unlikely-to-return

[5] Europe No Longer Believes Russia Will Wait Until 2029, https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/europe-no-longer-believes-russia-will-wait-until-2029/

3.2. Middle East Developments

Reports indicate potential instability within Iran’s security apparatus. A headline from The Jerusalem Post claims that “cracks” have emerged within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following an event referred to as the “Iran protest massacre” [1]. The report does not provide further details on the nature of the internal dissent or the specifics of the massacre event.

References: [1] Cracks emerge inside IRGC after Iran protest massacre, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-885858

3.3. U.S.-China Relations

A serious allegation has emerged regarding the FBI’s handling of intelligence related to China. FBI Director Kash Patel has claimed that during the previous administration, the Bureau “‘buried’ truth about CCP’s ties to biolab on US soil” [1]. The headline frames this as a “China Bombshell” but does not offer specifics on the location of the biolab, the nature of its work, or the evidence for the alleged connections to the Chinese Communist Party.

References: [1] China Bombshell: Patel says Biden-era FBI ‘buried’ truth about CCP’s ties to biolab on US soil, https://justthenews.com/government/security/biolab-buried-biden-current-fbi-all-ccp-inquiries-dropped-prior-admin-patel

3.4. U.S. Diplomatic Engagements

The administration’s foreign policy is being marked by both revised diplomatic assessments and assertive actions. The State Department has upgraded El Salvador’s travel safety ranking, with reports noting it is now considered safer than several European nations, including France [1]. In a separate, more confrontational event, a headline claims that President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “Sent the Marines” to retrieve a flag from the World Health Organization, though the context and details surrounding this incident remain unclear [2].

References: [1] U.S. State Department Raises El Salvador’s Safety Ranking, Making It Safer Than France and Other European Nations, https://londondaily.com/tvekze-u-s-state-department-raises-el-salvador-s-safety-ranking-making-it-safer-than-france-and-other-european-nations

[2] When the WHO Wouldn’t Return the Flag, Trump and Rubio Sent the Marines, https://pjmedia.com/david-manney/2026/02/07/when-the-who-wouldnt-return-the-flag-trump-and-rubio-sent-the-marines-n4949238

3.5. Broader International Issues

International governance and national sovereignty are subjects of pointed commentary. A proposal in France to allow non-French citizens to vote in local elections is being framed by critics as a “globalist” tactic to “import new voters” [1]. Separately, a New York Post op-ed calls for the “morally and financially bankrupt United Nations” to “perish” [2].

References: [1] France has voted to move forward a proposal to allow non-French citizens to vote in elections. This is how the globalists stay in power. They can’t control their own citizens anymore so they need to import new voters from abroad., https://x.com/basilthegreat/status/2019816807130136606

[2] Let the morally and financially bankrupt United Nations perish, https://nypost.com/2026/02/07/opinion/let-the-morally-and-financially-bankrupt-united-nations-perish

4. Domestic Economic And Fiscal Issues

4.1. Government Spending And Fraud

Significant concerns are being raised about the misuse of public funds at both state and federal levels. In Oregon, a case has emerged where members of the Tren de Aragua gang were allegedly living in a medicaid-funded drug rehabilitation facility, with facility owners suspected of laundering over $60 million [1]. At the federal level, a recently passed “Shutdown-Ending Funding Bill” is facing criticism for containing what are described as “Egregious Examples of Leftist Earmarks” [2].

References: [1] Oregon: Tren de Aragua members torture woman to steal her debit card info, are living in “drug rehab facility” receiving $2.3 million/year from Medicaid. Owners have likely stolen more than $60 million by laundering it through Rwanda. Local journalist says state officials know and simply don’t care., https://x.com/blakesneff/status/2019900528638194019

[2] 5 Egregious Examples of Leftist Earmarks in Shutdown-Ending Funding Bill, https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/06/shutdown-ending-funding-bill-directs-millions-pro-trans-hospitals-abortion-woke-activist-groups/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=5-egregious-examples-of-leftist-earmarks-in-shutdown-ending-funding-bill&_bhlid=ca702018eeb29f9b533de5d66d0619b0172b8998

4.2. State-Level Taxation And Business Climate

State-level economic policies, particularly in California, are drawing negative forecasts. An economist is predicting that a proposed “‘billionaire tax’” in California will prove “‘disastrous’” for the state’s economy and prompt an exodus of wealthy residents and capital [1].

References: [1] California’s ‘billionaire tax’ will be ‘disastrous’ and cause wealthy to flee, economist predicts, https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/californias-billionaire-tax-disastrous-cause-wealthy-flee-economist-predicts

5. Culture, Media, And Society

5.1. Academia, Education, And DEI Policies

The administration has secured a significant legal victory concerning its policies on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated a lower court’s blockade of President Trump’s executive action to eliminate federal DEI grants [1]. This development occurs alongside commentary asserting that “The end of college racial quotas is already making America more just,” suggesting a positive assessment of the impacts of recent changes to affirmative action in higher education [2].

References: [1] 4th Circuit Vacates Blockade On Trump’s Elimination Of DEI Grants, https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/06/4th-circuit-vacates-lower-court-blockade-on-trumps-elimination-of-dei-grants/

[2] The end of college racial quotas is already making America more just, https://nypost.com/2026/02/07/opinion/the-end-of-college-racial-quotas-is-already-making-america-more-just/

5.2. Politics At The 2026 Winter Olympics

The opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has become a political and cultural flashpoint. Conflicting reports have emerged about the crowd’s reception of Vice President JD Vance, with one headline stating he was “booed” [1]. In contrast, other outlets, citing video evidence and criticizing media coverage, reported “overwhelming cheers” [2] and stated there were “no boos in this at all” [3]. The ceremony was also followed by civil unrest, as “hundreds of hooded protesters” clashed with police in Milan [4]. Adding to the controversy, some Team USA skiers have sparked “boycott calls” after expressing “‘mixed emotions’ about representing America” [5].

References: [1] JD Vance, wife Usha booed by spectators during Olympic Games’ opening ceremony, https://nypost.com/2026/02/06/sports/jd-vance-wife-usha-booed-by-spectators-during-olympic-games-opening-ceremony/

[2] WATCH: Media Roasted for Emphasizing JD Was Vance Booed at Olympics, Ignoring Overwhelming Cheers, https://www.breitbart.com/the-media/2026/02/07/media-roasted-emphasizing-jd-vance-was-booed-olympics-ignoring-overwhelming-cheers/

[3] Matthew Boyle (@mboyle1) on X here is video of @JDVance @VP getting introduced at the Olympics and I’m not hearing any boos in this at all., https://x.com/mboyle1/status/2020143594930159756

[4] Hundreds of hooded protesters throw fireworks, clash with police after Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan, https://nypost.com/2026/02/07/sports/hundreds-of-hooded-protesters-throw-fireworks-clash-with-police-after-winter-olympics-opening-ceremony-in-milan

[5] Team USA skiers spark Olympic boycott calls after saying they have ‘mixed emotions’ about representing America, https://nypost.com/2026/02/07/sports/team-usa-skiers-spark-olympic-boycott-calls-after-saying-they-have-mixed-emotions-about-representing-america

Several prominent social debates are in the spotlight. The American Medical Association has reportedly changed its position on “‘Gender-Affirming’ Care for Kids,” a development one outlet described as a major shift in the debate [1]. In New York City, the appointment of a new antisemitism czar is generating controversy over a past statement where she was allegedly “‘floored’ at remarks condemning Hamas bombing Israel” [2]. Separately, reports claim that hosts of “The View” appear in the “Epstein files” [3].

References: [1] Another Domino Falls: The American Medical Association Changes Stance on ‘Gender-Affirming’ Care for Kids, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/02/04/ama-trans-surgeries-n2670666

[2] NYC’s new antisemitism czar once said she was ‘floored’ at remarks condemning Hamas bombing Israel, https://nypost.com/2026/02/07/us-news/nycs-new-antisemitism-czar-once-said-she-was-floored-at-remarks-condemning-hamas-bombing-israel/

[3] The View hosts appear in Epstein files as Whoopi Goldberg named the most, https://www.the-express.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/198302/view-hosts-appear-epstein-files/

5.4. Media And Entertainment Controversies

Heated rhetoric and controversy are impacting major media and entertainment entities. A New York Times columnist is facing criticism for a social media post suggesting that Vice President J.D. Vance’s “Addict Mom Should Have Sold Him for Drugs” [1]. In film news, the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes has publicly confirmed that the 99% audience score for a new film titled ‘Melania’ is authentic and not the result of bots or score manipulation [2].

References: [1] NY Times Columnist on Bluesky: J.D. Vance’s Addict Mom Should Have Sold Him for Drugs, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/tim-graham/2026/02/07/ny-times-columnist-bluesky-jd-vances-addict-mom-should-have-sold-him

[2] Rotten Tomatoes Confirms ‘Melania’ 99% Audience Score Is Real, Not Bots, https://www.dailywire.com/news/rotten-tomatoes-confirms-melania-99-audience-score-is-real-not-bots

6. Election Integrity And Political Strategy

6.1. Voter Identification Debates

The debate over voter ID laws continues, with critics pointing to perceived hypocrisy from opponents. Senator Jon Ossoff is being criticized for requiring an ID to attend his campaign rallies while opposing voter ID laws for elections [1]. The debate has also taken on an international dimension, with commentators contrasting opposition to voter ID in the U.S. with Somalia’s recent implementation of a mandatory voter ID card for its “one person, one vote” system [2].

References: [1] Sen. Ossoff to Require ID at Campaign Rally, Fights ID Requirements to Vote, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/06/sen-ossoff-to-require-id-at-campaign-rally-while-he-fights-id-requirements-to-vote/

[2] Ilhan Omar claims voter ID laws are “voter suppression.” Meanwhile, her home country of Somalia recently implemented a “one person, one vote” system. That system requires a voter ID card., https://x.com/collinsfortx/status/2019806875513151683

6.2. Political Party Platforms And Messaging

Commentary on political strategy includes historical allegations and current critiques. A report from RealClearInvestigations alleges that former President “Obama’s Fingerprints [Are] All Over Investigations of Trump And Clinton” [1]. Looking at current policy debates, Senator John Kennedy is quoted as saying the “Democrats’ defund-the-police plan failed, but here they go again,” suggesting a renewed push for policies he views as unsuccessful [2].

References: [1] Obama’s Fingerprints All Over Investigations of Trump And Clinton, https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2026/01/22/obamas_fingerprints_all_over_investigations_of_trump_and_clinton_1160121.html

[2] SEN JOHN KENNEDY: Democrats’ defund-the-police plan failed, but here they go again, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/sen-john-kennedy-democrats-defund-the-police-plan-failed-here-go-again

6.3. Allegations Of Election Irregularities

Questions surrounding the 2020 presidential election persist in some media outlets. A commentary piece from HotAir asks, “Could It Be That the 2020 Election Fraud Will Be Exposed?” [1]. The headline reflects an ongoing narrative questioning the election’s outcome, but it does not present any new information or specific evidence to substantiate the claim.

References: [1] Could It Be That the 2020 Election Fraud Will Be Exposed?, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2026/02/06/could-it-be-that-the-2020-election-fraud-will-be-exposed-n3811632