[Thursday, February 19] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare February 19, 2026

Executive Summary

• U.S. Poised for Iran Strike: President Trump is set to decide on military action against Iran within 10 days. The U.S. has moved a second carrier and a specialized fighter squadron into the region but faces a UK ban on using its bases and a bipartisan congressional effort to block unilateral war.
• Epstein-Andrew Fallout: The UK arrest of former Prince Andrew ignited political blowback in the U.S., fueling criticism of the DOJ. New reports allege the DOJ scrubbed a Trump accuser’s records from Epstein files, and a House panel revealed billionaire Les Wexner gave Epstein “about a billion dollars.”
• Immigration Crackdown: New directives grant ICE powers to arrest legal refugees, a policy a federal judge called “’terror’.” Enforcement has sparked international incidents, including the arrest of journalists reporting on a “Secret Deportation Compound in Cameroon.”
• Economic & Domestic Tensions: The U.S. trade deficit hit a record high in 2025 despite tariffs, stoking administration infighting. An explosive device was found at a North Carolina early voting site, as talks to fund Homeland Security collapsed, raising the threat of a shutdown.

1. National Security and Foreign Affairs

1.1 U.S. Weighs Military Action Against Iran Amid International and Domestic Hurdles

The United States military is positioned for potential strikes against Iran, with President Trump announcing he will decide on military action within the next 10 days [1]. The Pentagon has moved additional weaponry into the Middle East, including a second aircraft carrier and a fighter jet squadron reportedly sent to “kick the door down” [2, 3, 4]. President Trump publicly warned of “bad things” if Tehran does not agree to a deal, a declaration that contributed to a jump in global oil prices [5, 1].

This military posture faces significant roadblocks. United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has barred the U.S. from using Royal Air Force bases for strikes on Iran, a major logistical and diplomatic complication [6]. Russia has formally warned that the American buildup is heightening regional tensions, even as it conducts joint naval exercises with Iran [7]. Domestically, a bipartisan coalition in the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, plans to force a vote on a resolution to block the president from launching an attack without prior congressional consent [8].

Citations: [1] Trump to decide whether to attack Iran in next 10 days — oil prices jump, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/19/trump-to-decide-whether-to-attack-iran-in-next-10-days-oil-prices-jump.html
[2] U.S. military pushes more weaponry into the Middle East for possible strikes on Iran, https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/us-military-pushes-weaponry-middle-east-possible-strikes-iran-rcna259632
[3] Trump warns of ‘bad things’ if Iran doesn’t make a deal, as second US carrier nears Mideast, https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-russia-drill-nuclear-talks-aircraft-carrier-0456903e0d7a24cfcdc33d53732dee2f
[4] Trump sends fighter jet squadron to ‘kick the door down’ in Iran, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/18/us-military-aircraft-heading-towards-iran/
[5] U.S. says Tehran would be ‘very wise’ to make a deal as Russia, Iran hold naval drills, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/19/trump-us-iran-nuclear-talks-oil-prices-russia.html?__source=androidappshare
[6] Starmer blocks Trump from using RAF bases to strike Iran, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/02/19/starmer-blocks-trump-from-using-raf-bases-to-strike-iran/
[7] As Trump Marches US Toward Iran War, Critics Ask: Where’s the ‘Pushback’ From Dems and Media?, https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-iran-war-pushback
[8] Khanna, Massie Push to Block Trump’s Ability to Strike Iran Without Congressional Consent, https://www.commondreams.org/news/iran-war-powers-act

1.2 The “Board of Peace” Initiative and U.S. Middle East Policy

In a parallel diplomatic effort, President Trump convened the first meeting of his newly created “Board of Peace,” pledging $10 billion in U.S. taxpayer funding for the initiative, which is reportedly focused on the Gaza situation [1, 2]. The effort is being met with wariness from some key U.S. allies [3]. Meanwhile, leaked files reportedly show that administration officials are planning the construction of a major, 5,000-person U.S. military base in Gaza, a project described as a “horrifying military plan” [4]. In Congress, 15 Democratic senators are urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to hold Israel accountable for the nine-month detention of a Palestinian-American minor [5].

Citations: [1] Trump vows $10 billion from U.S. for his ‘Board of Peace,’ as he leans into global role, https://www.nbcnews.com/world/gaza/trump-board-of-peace-first-meeting-gaza-un-israel-rcna259509
[2] Trump Reveals He’s Taking $10 Billion From Taxpayers For His New Board, https://newrepublic.com/post/206790/donald-trump-10-billion-dollars-board-of-peace-slush-fund
[3] Trump gathers members of Board of Peace for first meeting, with some US allies wary of new body, https://apnews.com/article/trump-board-of-peace-first-meeting-22e587df67e27cd1e1d96e446cb88378
[4] Trump officials plan to build 5,000-person military base in Gaza, files show, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/19/trump-gaza-military-plan
[5] 15 Democrats Urge Rubio to Hold Israel Accountable for Palestinian-American Minor’s 9-month Detention, https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2026-02-18/ty-article/.premium/15-democrats-call-on-rubio-to-hold-israel-accountable-for-palestinian-americans-detention/0000019c-71d1-d759-a7bf-ffdb664c0000

1.3 Alliance Strains and Other Foreign Policy Developments

Reports indicate mounting friction with key U.S. allies. A new poll shows a majority of Canadians now view the U.S. under President Trump as a greater threat than Russia [1]. In Asia, there is reported fear within Taiwan of a potential “betrayal as Trump bows to Xi” [2]. The administration is also reportedly pressing other NATO members to block Ukraine from full participation at an upcoming summit, despite Ukrainian forces making their “fastest gains in years” on the battlefield [3]. In a separate military policy shift, a federal appeals court has reinstated the Pentagon’s ban on enlisting individuals who have HIV [4].

Citations: [1] Canadians Trash Trump’s America as a Bigger Threat Than Russia: Most Canadians believe the U.S. leader is stoking conflicts around the world for no good reason., https://www.thedailybeast.com/canadians-trash-trumps-america-as-a-bigger-threat-than-russia/
[2] Taiwanese fear betrayal as Trump bows to Xi, https://www.thetimes.com/world/asia/article/trump-xi-arms-deal-taiwan-wgfjq79px
[3] US reportedly presses allies to block Ukraine from full participation at NATO summit, https://kyivindependent.com/us-reportedly-moves-to-sideline-ukraine-at-nato-summit-alongside-other-allies/
[4] Federal appeals court sides with Pentagon against science, reinstating U.S. military’s HIV enlistment ban, https://www.advocate.com/news/hiv-military-ban-upheld?1

2. Immigration and Homeland Security

2.1 Administration Expands Power to Arrest and Detain Refugees

The administration has significantly expanded immigration enforcement against refugees living in the U.S. New memos from the White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have broadened the authority of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), instructing agents to begin arresting refugees and granting the agency new powers to detain them for “aggressive ‘rescreening’,” including those awaiting green cards [1, 2, 3]. The policies prompted a scathing ruling from a federal judge, who accused the administration of engaging in “’terror’ against immigrants” [4]. This enforcement has had international consequences: four journalists, three from the Associated Press, were arrested while reporting on a “Secret Deportation Compound in Cameroon,” where one was allegedly beaten [5].

Citations: [1] Trump administration gives ICE broader powers to detain legal refugees, citing security concerns, https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/trump-administration-gives-ice-broader-powers-to-detain-legal-refugees-citing-security-concerns/
[2] DHS Instructs Immigration Agents to Arrest Refugees in New Memo, https://www.notus.org/immigration/dhs-memo-detention-refugees-green-card
[3] White House grants ICE power to detain refugees for aggressive ‘rescreening’ | Trump administration, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/19/trump-administration-memo-ice-dhs-refugees-screening
[4] Federal judge accuses Trump administration of ’terror’ against immigrants in scathing ruling, https://apnews.com/article/immigration-trump-detention-bond-judge-50a5da122aa51eed77cace0830548df3
[5] Reporters Arrested at Trump’s Secret Deportation Compound in Cameroon: Four journalists, including three from the Associated Press, have been locked up—and one was allegedly beaten by police—while attempting to interview the detainees., https://newrepublic.com/post/206771/reporters-arrested-trump-secret-deportation-compound-cameroon

2.2 DHS Spending, Operations, and State-Level Pushback

Major spending and infrastructure plans at DHS are drawing scrutiny and local resistance. ICE is moving forward with a $38 billion detention plan, and DHS has opened a new billion-dollar contract with the data-mining firm Palantir [1, 2]. Secretary Kristi Noem is reportedly seeking to purchase a luxury jet for deportation operations where “’no expense has been spared’” [3]. These moves face pushback, with governors and local leaders in Maryland and New Mexico passing laws to ban ICE contracts, and opposition mounting against a planned ICE facility in Michigan and border wall construction in Big Bend National Park [4, 5]. In Minnesota, a judge held a federal attorney in civil contempt of court in an immigration-related case, a first in the second Trump term [6].

Citations: [1] ICE’s $38 Billion Detention Plan Risks Sidelining Private Prisons, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-19/trump-s-immigration-push-to-warehouses-could-cut-out-corecivic-geogroup
[2] DHS Opens a Billion-Dollar Tab With Palantir, https://www.wired.com/story/department-homeland-security-ice-billion-dollar-agreement-palantir/
[3] ‘No expense has been spared’: Inside a luxury jet DHS wants to buy for deportations, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/no-expense-spared-luxury-jet-dhs-wants-buy-deportations-rcna259425
[4] Hogan says law enforcement will ‘ignore’ ICE legislation backed by Wes Moore, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/19/larry-hogan-wes-moore-ice-immigration-maryland-00788693
[5] ‘We will not accept a warehouse prison’: Michigan leaders blast planned ICE site in Romulus, https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2026/02/we-will-not-accept-a-warehouse-prison-michigan-leaders-blast-planned-ice-site-in-romulus.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor
[6] Minnesota judge holds federal attorney in civil contempt, a first in Trump’s second term, https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/19/politics/trump-attorney-contempt-minnesota-immigration

3. Justice System and Investigations

3.1 Arrest of Former Prince Andrew Sparks Major Fallout in Epstein Case

The arrest of former Prince Andrew by British authorities in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein case has ignited significant political fallout in Washington. President Trump reacted to the news by calling the arrest “very sad” and “a shame” [1]. The development has fueled sharp criticism of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Department of Justice for its perceived inaction, with commentators questioning why British police took action first [2]. Rep. Ruben Gallego called President Trump a “‘Pedo Protector in the Oval Office’” in response to the news [3]. The arrest has also spurred new legal action in the U.S., with the New Mexico Attorney General reopening a criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch [4].

Citations: [1] Trump on former Prince Andrew arrest: ‘I think it’s very sad’, https://thehill.com/homenews/5746028-trump-responds-prince-andrew-arrest/
[2] The Arrest of Former ‘Prince’ Andrew Makes Trump’s DOJ Look Pathetic: ‘The British police have taken action. Where on Earth is Pam Bondi’s DOJ?’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/andrew-arrest-epstein-trump-doj-b2923827.html
[3] Ruben Gallego Calls Trump ‘Pedo Protector in the Oval Office’ While Reacting To Arrest Of Former Prince Andrew, https://www.latintimes.com/ruben-gallego-calls-trump-pedo-protector-oval-office-while-reacting-arrest-former-prince-594821
[4] New Mexico Attorney General reopens criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch • Source New Mexico, https://sourcenm.com/briefs/new-mexico-attorney-general-reopens-criminal-investigation-into-jeffrey-epsteins-zorro-ranch/

3.2 Scrutiny of DOJ and New Epstein-Related Disclosures

The Department of Justice is facing new allegations regarding its handling of Epstein-related evidence. A report claims the DOJ “scrubbed” records of FBI interviews with a victim who alleged Donald Trump assaulted her when she was underage from the official Epstein files [1]. Separately, a House Panel reported that billionaire Les Wexner gave Epstein “about a billion dollars” over their association [2]. Wexner told lawmakers he was “conned,” but House Democrats who heard his deposition have since accused him of lying [3]. Meanwhile, a large banner with President Trump’s face was displayed on the exterior of the Justice Department headquarters [4].

Citations: [1] DOJ Scrubs Record of Interviews With Trump Accuser From Epstein Files | The FBI interviewed one of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims four times over her allegation that Donald Trump assaulted her when she was underage., https://newrepublic.com/post/206765/department-justice-fbi-interviews-donald-trump-accuser-epstein
[2] House Panel: Wexner Gave Epstein ‘About a Billion Dollars’, https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/house-oversight-committee-panel-les-leslie-wexner-jeffrey-epstein-billion-dollars-l-brands-limited-victorias-secret-new-albany-billionaire-columbus-ohio
[3] After deposition, U.S. House Democrats accuse Les Wexner of lying about Epstein ties, https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/politics/ohio-politics/after-deposition-u-s-house-democrats-accuse-les-wexner-of-lying-about-epstein-ties
[4] Large banner featuring Trump’s face is displayed on Justice Department headquarters, https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-banner-justice-department-pam-bondi-13f3d901c9bd6d179e206475adadc28a

3.3 Other Federal Investigations and Major Lawsuits

A serious allegation has emerged that the Federal Bureau of Investigation “straight up lied to a judge” to obtain a warrant to seize Georgia voting records related to the 2024 election [1]. In separate matters, FBI Director Patel stated that investigators have identified funding sources for antifa [2]. In civil litigation, a U.S. federal agency is suing a Coca-Cola bottler, alleging gender discrimination over a work event that excluded men [3]. Concurrently, a landmark case is underway in which Silicon Valley is on trial over youth social media addiction [4].

Citations: [1] It Looks Like the FBI Straight Up Lied to a Judge to Get Permission to Seize Georgia Voting Records, https://www.techdirt.com/2026/02/19/it-looks-like-the-fbi-straight-up-lied-to-a-judge-to-get-permission-to-seize-georgia-voting-records/
[2] FBI Director Patel says investigators have found antifa funding sources, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4461949/fbi-patel-antifa-funding-investigation/
[3] US agency sues Coca-Cola bottler over employee event that excluded men, https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-agency-sues-coca-cola-bottler-over-employee-event-that-excluded-men-2026-02-18/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6996e88ecfaa450001b18fb6&utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawQEQkdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJaNHNpVXRxalFTa1Z1STJ2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnFBgGduY2afMxP2W_YNwt11kCLHof0GHXwu17Yu62l8FiaYrqMI91sT3IZx_aem_SkICFx0l1aVYRDALW95nEQ
[4] “Predatory Tech”: Silicon Valley on Trial in Landmark Youth Social Media Addiction Case, https://www.democracynow.org/2026/2/19/social_media_addiction

4. Economic Policy and Trade

4.1 Record Trade Deficit and Tariff Blowback Fuel Administration Infighting

Economic data reveals the administration’s signature tariff policy has not reduced the U.S. trade deficit, which remained high at $901 billion in 2025, while the trade deficit in goods specifically swelled to a record high [1, 2]. A JPMorganChase Institute study found that tariffs paid by midsized American companies tripled last year [3]. This has reportedly created significant friction within the administration. Top advisor Kevin Hassett was reportedly furious after Federal Reserve researchers published a report concluding that Americans bear the cost of the tariffs, calling for the staff to be “disciplined” and vowing to punish them [4]. Amid this, officials are reportedly considering a major overhaul of the North American trade pact that could potentially exclude Canada [5].

Citations: [1] U.S. trade deficit totaled $901 billion in 2025, barely budging despite Trump’s tariffs, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/19/us-trade-deficit-totaled-901-billion-in-2025-despite-trumps-tariffs.html?__source=androidappshare
[2] In 2025, Trade Deficit in Goods Reached Record High, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/business/economy/imports-tariffs-trade-deficit.html
[3] Tariffs paid by midsized US firms tripled last year, new analysis from JPMorganChase Institute shows, https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-midsized-companies-costs-consumers-2a25158ff1d06bd7f72d909a8ec64f25
[4] Top Trump advisor furious about true cost of tariffs being revealed, vows to punish New York Fed for “worst paper” ever in history, https://fortune.com/2026/02/18/how-much-do-americans-pay-for-tariffs-trump-adivsor-fumes/?preview_id=4421868
[5] Trump Mulls a North American Trade Pact Without Canada | U.S. officials are threatening major changes to a trade agreement with Mexico and Canada that could upend the way business is done and leave Canada on the outs, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/business/economy/trump-canada-mexico-usmca-trade.html

5. Domestic Policy and Regulation

5.1 Major Shifts in Environmental, Agricultural, and Health Policy

The administration is implementing significant reversals in environmental and scientific regulation. The EPA reportedly plans to loosen mercury emission regulations for coal plants [1], and the U.S. has formally instructed the International Energy Agency to cease its focus on climate change [2]. In agricultural policy, a presidential mandate to increase production of the herbicide glyphosate has drawn opposition from a group identified as “MAHA” [3], though HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly defended the order [4]. In public health, the FDA has reportedly stopped issuing warnings about certain ineffective autism treatments, including “chlorine dioxide” and “raw camel milk” [5].

Citations: [1] US EPA plans to loosen mercury rules for coal plants this week, NYT reports, https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-epa-plans-loosen-mercury-rules-coal-plants-this-week-nyt-reports-2026-02-18/
[2] U.S. Tells International Energy Agency to Drop Its Focus on Climate Change, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/climate/us-tells-international-energy-agency-to-drop-its-focus-on-climate-change.html?unlocked_article_code=1.NVA.q5fE.s6qvBgt19-kj&smid=re-share
[3] Trump seeks to boost controversial herbicide glyphosate, drawing MAHA ire, https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5745981-glyphosate-trump-order-maha-opposition/
[4] Kennedy defends Trump glyphosate order; MAHA erupts as midterms approach, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/19/trump-kennedy-glyphosate-maha-midterms-rfk-jr.html
[5] Chlorine Dioxide, Raw Camel Milk: The FDA No Longer Warns Against These and Other Ineffective Autism Treatments, https://www.propublica.org/article/rfk-jr-fda-removes-autism-treatments-warning

5.2 New Policies Target LGBTQ+ and Reproductive Rights

New federal and state policies are targeting LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive health. The federal prison system has officially barred gender-affirming care for transgender individuals [1]. At the state level, Kansas lawmakers overrode the governor’s veto of an anti-trans “bathroom bounty” bill [2], a Tennessee bill would permit businesses to refuse recognition of same-sex marriages [3], and an Alabama bill seeks to ban schools from teaching students how to access birth control or abortions [4].

Citations: [1] Federal Prisons Bar Gender-Affirming Care for Trans People, https://www.themarshallproject.org/2026/02/19/transgender-federal-prisons-care-ban-policy?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tmp-reddit
[2] Kansas lawmakers override governor’s veto of anti-trans ‘bathroom bounty’ bill, https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/kansas-overrides-bathroom-bill-veto
[3] Tennessee bill lets businesses and people refuse to recognize same-sex marriages, https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/tennessee-undermine-marriage-equality
[4] Alabama schools would be banned from teaching how to get birth control or abortions under new bill, https://www.al.com/news/2026/02/alabama-schools-would-be-banned-from-teaching-how-to-get-birth-control-or-abortions-under-new-bill.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=redditsocial&utm_campaign=redditor

6. U.S. Politics and Elections

6.1 Election Security Threats and Intensifying Legal Battles Over Voting

A major election security incident has been reported in North Carolina, where police found a “flash-bang explosive device” at an early voting site [1]. Simultaneously, legal battles over voting laws and congressional maps are escalating. A new gerrymandering case before the Supreme Court is being characterized as “nightmare fuel for Democrats” [2]. In New York, a court has allowed a “Dem-friendly” redraw of the state’s congressional map to proceed, leaving the Supreme Court as the final avenue for a Republican appeal [3]. The RNC has also petitioned the high court to rule on a case involving voting restrictions in Arizona [4].

Citations: [1] Flash-bang explosive device found at North Carolina early voting site, police say, https://www.wral.com/news/nccapitol/flashbang-found-near-early-voting-site-aberdeen-moore-county-nc-feb-2026/
[2] A new Supreme Court gerrymandering case is nightmare fuel for Democrats, https://www.vox.com/politics/479580/supreme-court-new-york-gerrymandering-williams-malliotakis
[3] New York appellate court allows redraw of congressional map to move forward, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/new-york-appellate-court-allows-redraw-of-congressional-map-to-move-forward/?utm_source=reddit
[4] RNC asks Supreme Court to weigh in on Arizona voting restrictions, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/rnc-asks-supreme-court-to-weigh-in-on-arizona-voting-restrictions/?utm_source=reddit

6.2 Party Dynamics, Political Scandals, and Looming DHS Shutdown

Congressional negotiations over Department of Homeland Security funding have “hit a wall,” with GOP members reportedly “fuming” and raising the immediate possibility of a shutdown [1]. Republicans are also facing what reports describe as “angst” and fears of a “MAGA wipeout” due to a “deflated base refusing to show up to vote” in state and local races [2, 3]. A significant personal scandal has also emerged, with Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) being accused by the widower of a former aide of having a fatal affair, an allegation the congressman claims is “blackmail” [4]. In a separate development, the FCC chairman has launched an investigation into the ABC talk show ‘The View’ for a potential violation of the ’equal time’ rule for political candidates [5].

Citations: [1] DHS shutdown talks hit a wall as GOP fumes, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5744390-dhs-shutdown-talks-white-house-democrats/
[2] GOP angst over voter turnout builds as losses pile up. Republicans are getting crushed in scores of state and local races, raising deep concerns about a deflated base refusing to show up to vote even in the most pro-Trump areas., https://www.axios.com/2026/02/19/republican-angst-voter-turnout
[3] Republicans Freak Out After Getting MAGA Wipeout Warnings - The base is “sleepy” ahead of upcoming midterms., https://www.thedailybeast.com/republicans-freak-out-over-their-sleepy-base-after-string-of-stinging-defeats/
[4] Rep. Tony Gonzales says he is being ‘blackmailed’ over reported affair with staffer, https://www.expressnews.com/politics/article/tony-gonzales-affair-blackmail-adrian-aviles-21362828.php?utm_source=reddit
[5] FCC chairman says the agency is investigating ABC’s ‘The View’ over equal time rule, https://apnews.com/article/view-fcc-stephen-colbert-abc-cbs-4fd679462e08de2cdc340071f48a83a9?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2026-02-19-Investigation+into+%E2%80%98The+View%E2%80%99

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