[Wednesday, February 18] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare
February 18, 2026

Executive Summary

• Epstein Probe: Billionaire Les Wexner testified he was “‘conned’” by Jeffrey Epstein, a claim House Democrats doubt, as United Nations experts suggest the allegations could be “crimes against humanity.”
• Global Tensions: Fears of an imminent war with Iran grow amid U.S. military buildups, while a major diplomatic rift emerges with the UK over the strategic Diego Garcia military base.
• Immigration Crisis: ICE faces condemnation for a U.S. citizen’s death, an infant’s deportation, and a fatal crash, as federal judges criticize detainee conditions and cities move to block operations.
• Domestic Controversies: The administration contends with an asbestos crisis at DHS headquarters, appoints a prominent CDC critic to lead the agency, and prepares to loosen key EPA mercury regulations.
• Election Battles: Republicans are pushing new voting restrictions and face legal challenges over gerrymandering, while polling shows President Trump’s approval on immigration at a “new low.”

1. The Executive Branch and Administration

1.1. Cabinet and Agency Conduct & Controversies

Senior administration officials are embroiled in multiple controversies related to agency management and personal conduct. A critical health and safety emergency has emerged at the Department of Homeland Security, with reports indicating the demolition of historic buildings has released asbestos, causing “Asbestos Poisoning” throughout the headquarters under Secretary Kristi Noem [1]. Concurrently, a CNN report suggests that “many claims by Trump’s DHS have fallen apart” under scrutiny [2]. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is also facing criticism for reportedly ordering the ouster of a top Army secretary adviser and deploying a “misogynist pastor for troops’ worship” [3, 4]. Meanwhile, a new report alleges that one year of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s tenure as Secretary of Health and Human Services has “left public health devastated” [5]. Citing criminal defense lawyers, NPR notes a significant operational shift at the Department of Justice, which “is not acting like it used to” [6].

Citations
[1] Kristi Noem Gives the Entire DHS Asbestos Poisoning: The demolition of historic buildings at the Department of Homeland Security headquarters has released asbestos into the air., https://newrepublic.com/post/206698/kristi-noem-homeland-security-employees-asbestos-poisoning
[2] The many claims by Trump’s DHS that have fallen apart, https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/17/politics/dhs-ice-trump-tricia-mclaughlin
[3] Hegseth orders ouster of top Army secretary adviser: Reports, https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5741827-hegseth-ousts-top-army-advisor/
[4] Pentagon Pete Deploys Misogynist Pastor for Troops’ Worship, https://www.thedailybeast.com/pentagon-pete-deploys-misogynist-pastor-for-worship-with-troops/
[5] One Year of RFK Jr. Has Left Public Health Devastated, https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2026-02-18/rfk-jr-s-first-year-at-hhs-has-devastated-public-health?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc3MTQyMzU4NCwiZXhwIjoxNzcyMDI4Mzg0LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUQU5KWTRLSVVQVE4wMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiI0QjlGNDMwQjNENTk0MkRDQTZCOUQ5MzcxRkE0OTU1NiJ9.sQp47ytWPhRxaXrxNk6iFY0Sohp6dXHGO021xEAKGyk
[6] The Justice Department is not acting like it used to, criminal defense lawyers note, https://www.npr.org/2026/02/18/g-s1-110397/justice-department-tracker-abnormal-criminal-charges

1.2. Major Policy, Regulatory, and Personnel Changes

The administration is advancing significant regulatory shifts and key personnel appointments across federal agencies. The White House has tapped Jay Bhattacharya, a prominent “CDC critic,” to serve as the temporary acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [1]. This comes as the EPA, according to internal documents, “is preparing to loosen long-standing regulations on mercury emissions” [2] and is being sued by public health and environmental groups over its formal “repeal of rule supporting climate protections” [3]. In public health, the head of the FDA, identified as Marty Makary, has advocated for major deregulation, stating “’everything should be over-the-counter’ unless [a] drug is unsafe or addictive” [4]. On the emergency management front, the administration has restricted new FEMA disaster deployments during the ongoing DHS shutdown, raising questions about national response readiness [5].

Citations
[1] White House taps Jay Bhattacharya, CDC critic, to lead agency for now, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/18/jay-bhattacharya-cdc-director/
[2] E.P.A. Plans to Loosen Mercury Rules for Coal Plants, Documents Show, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/18/climate/epa-mercury-coal-plants.html
[3] Public health and green groups sue EPA over repeal of rule supporting climate protections, https://apnews.com/article/trump-climate-change-epa-clean-air-act-27a69e8e349bd8cc7091af202b81517c
[4] FDA chief Marty Makary says ’everything should be over-the-counter’ unless drug is unsafe or addictive, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/18/fda-chief-marty-makary-more-drugs-should-be-over-the-counter.html
[5] Trump administration restricts new FEMA disaster deployments during DHS shutdown, https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/18/politics/trump-dhs-fema-travel-restriction?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=missions&utm_source=reddit

1.3. Presidential Conduct, Directives, and Business

President Trump is personally at the center of major geopolitical statements, legal battles, and business activities. In a striking claim, President Trump stated that U.S. pilots “were ‘hit pretty bad in the legs’ during [a] Maduro capture mission,” suggesting a direct and potentially injurious military engagement related to the Venezuelan leader has occurred, though details remain unconfirmed [1]. On the diplomatic front, the President is reported to have told UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer he is making “a big mistake” on the lease for the strategic Diego Garcia military base, directly contradicting the official U.S. government position [2]. In domestic politics, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene claimed President Trump personally pressured her to stop her efforts to expose files related to Jeffrey Epstein [3]. Meanwhile, the President is being sued for $10 billion by the BBC, which has revealed its legal strategy to fight the case [4], and has taken steps to trademark his name for a potential renaming of the Palm Beach airport [5].

Citations
[1] Trump says US pilots were ‘hit pretty bad in the legs’ during Maduro capture mission, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-says-us-pilots-were-hit-pretty-bad-legs-during-maduro-capture-mission
[2] Trump says UK’s Starmer making ‘a big mistake’ on Diego Garcia lease, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-says-uks-starmer-making-a-big-mistake-diego-garcia-lease-2026-02-18/
[3] Marjorie Taylor Greene Says Trump Pressured Her To Stop Exposing Epstein Files, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marjorie-taylor-greene-trump-phone-call-epstein-files-friends_n_69949bd7e4b0b353292b5850
[4] BBC reveals how it will fight Trump’s $10bn lawsuit, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/bbc-trump-lawsuit-florida-tp2nx38l0
[5] Trump trademarks his name ahead of Palm Beach airport renaming, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/02/17/trump-trademark-name-palm-beach-airport-renaming/88725793007/

2. Immigration and Border Security

2.1. ICE Enforcement and Human Impact

Recent ICE enforcement actions have led to multiple fatal incidents and severe humanitarian crises. Newly released records confirm that an “ICE agent fatally shot US citizen in Texas last year” [1]. In a separate tragedy in Georgia, a teacher was killed when her car was struck by a man actively fleeing from ICE agents [2]. The treatment of migrant children is also under intense fire, with multiple reports on a two-month-old infant, Juan Nicolás, who fell critically ill in a Texas ICE detention center before being deported with his mother to Mexico [3, 4]. The human impact of enforcement is causing widespread distress, with TIME magazine reporting that Native American communities have been left in “‘a state of panic’” following arrests [5]. In a case highlighting legal paradoxes, a Pennsylvania man who was exonerated after 43 years in prison has been denied bail by immigration authorities and now faces a deportation fight [6].

Citations
[1] ICE agent fatally shot US citizen in Texas last year, records show, https://www.newsweek.com/ice-agent-fatally-shot-us-citizen-texas-dhs-records-11544225?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_main
[2] A teacher who ‘made you feel like you mattered’ was killed near her school after a man fleeing ICE crashed a car into hers, https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/17/us/linda-davis-ice-savannah-ga
[3] Mother speaks out after 2-month-old falls critically ill in Texas ICE detention center; Is Deported to Mexico, https://foxsanantonio.com/news/local/mother-speaks-out-after-2-month-old-falls-critically-ill-in-texas-ice-detention-center
[4] ‘Monstrous’: ICE Deports 2-Month-Old Juan Nicolás Hours After Hospitalization, https://www.commondreams.org/news/ice-deports-juan-nicolas
[5] ‘A State of Panic’: Native Americans Left in the Dark Weeks After ICE Arrests, https://time.com/7379166/ice-native-american-arrests-minneapolis-oglala-sioux-tribe/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial
[6] Pennsylvania man cleared after 43 years in prison for murder denied bail during deportation fight, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pennsylvania-man-cleared-43-years-prison-murder-denied-bail-deportatio-rcna259524

2.2. Detainee Conditions, Legal Rulings, and Agency Conduct

The federal judiciary and law enforcement are increasingly scrutinizing ICE’s conduct and detention standards. Federal judges are publicly decrying the treatment of “nursing and pregnant detainees in ICE custody,” signaling high-level judicial alarm [1]. In specific cases, a judge blocked the deportation of a high-profile Palestinian activist who led protests at Columbia University [2], while another ordered the U.S. government to facilitate the return of a college student deported in error [3]. The agency’s conduct has also led to criminal probes, with the FBI and St. Paul police investigating an ICE arrest that resulted in a civilian sustaining skull fractures [4]. In a significant reversal, the DOJ has dropped charges against two Minneapolis men after allegations arose that ICE agents lied in their case [5].

Citations
[1] Judges decry treatment of nursing and pregnant detainees in ICE custody, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/18/pregnant-nursing-ice-detainees-00784683
[2] Judge blocks deportation of Palestinian activist who led protests at Columbia, https://apnews.com/article/mohsen-mahdawi-trump-columbia-deportation-8d0746636b3f4baed4704283e0cadae3
[3] Judge Orders U.S. to Facilitate Return of College Student Who Was Deported in Error, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/us/politics/trump-immigration-babson-student-deported.html?unlocked_article_code=1.NFA.uwlx.1u4GZoZaBvX8&smid=re-share
[4] FBI, St. Paul police probing ICE arrest that resulted in skull fractures, https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minneapolis-hospital-ice-beating-assault-eb305587f58dfc8b97d844d0073411c2
[5] When ICE Agents Lie: DOJ Drops Charges Against 2 Minneapolis Men Falsely Accused of Attempted Murder, https://www.democracynow.org/2026/2/17/alfredo_alejandro_aljorna

2.3. Policy, Expansion, and Political Clashes

A major political and jurisdictional conflict is escalating over federal immigration policy. A report from The Intercept questions whether the administration’s plan for “warehouse immigrant detention camps” can be stopped [1], as “Democratic-led cities move to block ICE, setting up clash with Trump” [2]. Even traditionally conservative areas are pushing back, with a town in Georgia reportedly organizing against a proposed detention center [3]. These policy battles are occurring as one Arizona Republican proposal would require ICE agents to be stationed at all polling places [4].

Citations
[1] Can Trump’s Plan for Warehouse Immigrant Detention Camps Be Stopped?, https://theintercept.com/2026/02/17/warehouses-immigration-detention-camp-prisons-immigrants/
[2] Democratic-led cities move to block ICE, setting up clash with Trump, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/02/18/philadelphia-new-york-blue-cities-fight-ice/
[3] Conservative Georgia town pushes back against ICE detention center: ‘We are Americans after all’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/18/ice-detention-center-warehouse-georgia
[4] ICE at the polls: Arizona Republicans push plan to require agents at all polling places, https://azmirror.com/briefs/ice-at-the-polls-arizona-republicans-push-plan-to-require-agents-at-all-polling-places/

3. Investigations, Scandals, and Judiciary

3.1. The Jeffrey Epstein Investigation Fallout

The investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network is escalating dramatically, commanding congressional and international attention. Billionaire Les Wexner testified before Congress that he was “‘conned’” by Epstein and did “’nothing wrong’” [1]. However, U.S. House Democrats immediately responded with a formal statement saying they “don’t believe Les Wexner’s denials” [2]. The gravity of the case was amplified when UN experts suggested that allegations in the Epstein files may amount to “crimes against humanity” [3]. The probe is creating direct political pressure on the White House, with a new poll finding that 53% of Americans believe President Trump is attempting to “cover up” Epstein’s crimes [4]. Meanwhile, newly surfaced information from DOJ documents reveals that Steve Bannon once told Epstein that President Trump should be removed with the 25th Amendment [5].

Citations
[1] Billionaire Les Wexner tells lawmakers that he was ‘conned’ by Jeffrey Epstein and did ’nothing wrong’, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/billionaire-les-wexner-tells-lawmakers-was-conned-jeffrey-epstein-noth-rcna259573
[2] U.S. House Democrats say they don’t believe Les Wexner’s denials about ties to Jeffrey Epstein, https://www.wosu.org/politics-government/2026-02-18/u-s-house-democrats-say-they-dont-believe-les-wexners-denials-about-ties-to-jeffrey-epstein
[3] Epstein files allegations may amount to ‘crimes against humanity’: UN experts, https://thehill.com/policy/international/5743461-epstein-files-allegations-crimes-against-humanity-un/
[4] 53 percent in new poll think Trump is ‘trying to cover up’ Epstein’s crimes, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5742548-poll-trump-epstein-crimes/
[5] Steve Bannon told Epstein Trump should be removed with 25th Amendment, https://thehill.com/video/steve-bannon-told-epstein-trump-should-be-ousted-with-25th-amendment-doj-docs-rising/11528972/

3.2. Misconduct Allegations Against Political Figures

Several members of Congress are facing serious allegations of misconduct. U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales is reportedly defying calls to resign after an ex-staffer alleged he had an affair with an aide who later set herself on fire [1, 2]. Florida Representative Randy Fine is facing rebuke from fellow Jewish officials over a tweet that reportedly compared Muslims to dogs [3]. In a separate incident, Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, has been accused of directing a “sexist” and “disturbing” insult toward the female prime minister of Denmark [4].

Citations
[1] Tony Gonzales had affair with aide who set herself on fire, ex-staffer says, https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/tony-gonzales-affair-regina-santos-aviles-21357720.php
[2] U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales resists calls to resign over reported affair with staffer, https://www.expressnews.com/politics/article/tony-gonzales-regina-santos-aviles-brandon-herrera-21360740.php?utm_source=reddit
[3] More Jewish officials are rebuking Rep. Randy Fine over tweet comparing Muslims to dogs, https://forward.com/fast-forward/805903/more-jewish-officials-are-rebuking-rep-randy-fine-over-tweet-comparing-muslims-to-dogs/
[4] Trump Ally’s ‘Disturbing’ Insult to Female Leader Revealed - Sen. Lindsey Graham reportedly tried but failed to get a rise out of the Danish prime minister., https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-ally-senator-lindsey-grahams-disturbing-insult-to-female-leader-revealed/

4. Foreign Policy and National Security

4.1. Escalating Conflicts and Global Tensions

The administration’s posture is fueling concerns of escalating military conflicts on multiple fronts. An Axios headline makes the stark claim that President Trump “moves closer to a major war with Iran,” [1] a fear amplified by open-source reporting of increased U.S. military tanker movements in the Middle East, which has led analysts to fear a potential “imminent attack” [2]. This follows insider reports of a “‘Fed Up’ Trump Dangerously Close to Unleashing Major War” [3]. Separately, Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has publicly stated that he is facing “undue pressure” from President Trump [4], while the Vatican, under Pope Leo XIV, has formally rejected an invitation to the President’s “Board of Peace,” stating it backs the UN as the proper forum for resolving global crises [5].

Citations
[1] Trump moves closer to a major war with Iran, https://www.axios.com/2026/02/18/iran-war-trump-military-strikes-nuclear-talks
[2] ‘The Tankers Just Keep Coming’: US Military Movements Spike Fears of Imminent Attack on Iran, https://www.commondreams.org/news/trumps-war-with-iran
[3] Insiders Reveal ‘Fed Up’ Trump Dangerously Close to Unleashing Major War, https://www.thedailybeast.com/insiders-reveal-fed-up-trump-dangerously-close-to-unleashing-major-war/
[4] Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says Trump exerting undue pressure on him, https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraines-zelenskiy-says-trump-exerting-undue-pressure-him-2026-02-17/
[5] Pope Leo rejects Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ invite and backs UN to solve global crises, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/pope-leo-trump-board-of-peace-invite-gaza-b2922473.html

4.2. Relations with Alliances and International Trade

The administration’s diplomatic and trade agendas are producing a mix of successes and severe strains with allies. President Trump is celebrating a major agreement with Japan, which has pledged to invest $36 billion in American energy and mineral projects [1]. However, this is set against a backdrop of rising tensions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has offered to help build a “giant anti-Trump trade club” to counter U.S. policies [2]. A clash with Belgium has led the country to summon the U.S. ambassador over a post accusing its officials of antisemitism [3]. The administration’s tariff policies also remain a point of contention, with a new study finding they are set to cost the average household an extra $1,300 this year [4].

Citations
[1] Trump lauds Japan’s pledge to invest $36 billion in U.S. oil, gas and critical mineral projects, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/18/trump-us-japan-oil-gas-mineral-projects-trade-deal.html
[2] Carney offers to ‘broker a bridge’ to build giant anti-Trump trade club, https://www.politico.eu/article/mark-carney-trade-alliance-canada-eu-cptpp/
[3] Belgium summons U.S. ambassador over post accusing officials of antisemitism | The clash over an investigation into suspected unlicensed ritual circumcisions underscores heightened tensions between the United States and Europe under President Donald Trump., https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/02/17/belgium-trump-ambassador-circumcision-antisemitism/
[4] Trump’s tariffs are set to cost the average household an extra $1,300 this year, study finds, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-tariffs-cost-households-extra-study-b2922773.html

5. Elections, Voting, and Public Opinion

5.1. Voting Rights and Election Administration

Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, legal and political battles over voting access are intensifying. The New York Times reports that Republicans are pushing for new voting restrictions in Congress [1]. The RNC has also taken legal action to block a local vote in Virginia that was “aimed at countering Trump gerrymanders” [2]. In response, grassroots opposition is forming, with students in North Carolina organizing to fight “new GOP-led restrictions” [3]. In Missouri, volunteers gathering signatures for a ballot initiative have reportedly been harassed by paid GOP canvassers [4].

Citations
[1] Republicans, Braced for Losses, Push More Voting Restrictions in Congress, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/us/politics/republicans-vote-fraud-id-midterms.html
[2] RNC moves to block Virginia vote aimed at countering Trump gerrymanders, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/rnc-moves-to-block-virginia-vote-aimed-at-countering-trump-gerrymanders/
[3] Amid new GOP-led restrictions, North Carolina students lead a fight to vote during the midterm primary, https://www.democracydocket.com/analysis/north-carolina-student-early-voting-sites-college-campuses-elections-board-2/
[4] Missouri volunteers say they were harassed by paid GOP canvassers. It’s likely the same group accused of forging signatures in Utah, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/missouri-volunteers-say-they-were-harassed-by-paid-gop-canvassers-its-likely-the-same-group-accused-of-forging-signatures-in-utah/

5.2. Public Opinion and Midterm Dynamics

Recent polling indicates significant political headwinds for the administration and a volatile public mood. President Trump has reportedly hit his “lowest job approval rating today,” prompting discussions of impeachment [1], while a separate Reuters/Ipsos poll shows his approval on immigration handling has hit a “new low” [2]. This comes as top aides warn of “unpredictable” behavior from the President as he faces a “fracturing MAGA base” [3]. While one poll finds an “‘all-time high’ number of Americans” believe the Democratic party is “too liberal” [4], another analysis from The Washington Post points to a “cratering of Black MAGA” support [5]. In response to the political climate, at least twelve Democratic lawmakers plan to boycott the State of the Union address, with broader protests also being planned [6].

Citations
[1] Is Trump getting impeached? Trump hits lowest job approval rating today, https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2026/02/18/is-trump-getting-impeached-approval-rating-today-impeachment-odds-2026-midterm-election-predictions/88736062007/
[2] Trump’s immigration approval hits new low, according to Reuters/Ipsos poll, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-immigration-approval-hits-new-low-according-reutersipsos-poll-2026-02-17/
[3] Top White House Aides Warning Over ‘Unpredictable’ Trump - The West Wing strategy session came as the president faces sinking approval ratings and a fracturing MAGA base., https://www.thedailybeast.com/top-white-house-aides-warning-over-unpredictable-trump/
[4] ‘All-time high’ number of Americans believe Democrats are ‘too liberal’, poll says, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/democrats-too-liberal-poll-cnn-b2919693.html
[5] The cratering of Black MAGA, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/02/18/black-voters-maga-trump/
[6] At least 12 Democratic lawmakers plan to boycott Trump’s State of the Union address, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/democratic-lawmakers-plan-boycott-trumps-state-union-address-rally-rcna259552

6. Tributes

6.1. The Legacy of Jesse Jackson

The nation is marking the passing of civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate Jesse Jackson at the age of 84 [1]. Analysis of his legacy highlights his transformative role in American politics, with The Guardian noting that Jackson was instrumental in shifting “Black politics from the margins of the Democratic party to its center” [2].

Citations
[1] Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader, dies aged 84 | Jesse Jackson, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/17/jesse-jackson-civil-rights-icon-dies
[2] Jesse Jackson shifted Black politics from the margins of the Democratic party to its center, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/17/jesse-jackson-presidential-campaigns-democrats

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