[Thursday, February 26] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare February 26, 2026

Executive Summary

• Major Intelligence Allegations: Bombshell reports allege the FBI, under the prior administration, spied on the Trump 2024 campaign. Separately, spyware was reportedly found on DHS Secretary Noem’s devices, allegedly planted by department staff.
• International Flashpoint with Cuba: The Cuban Coast Guard reportedly killed four people on a U.S.-registered speedboat, prompting a vow from Secretary of State Rubio for an “appropriate” U.S. response.
• Epstein Probe Expands: Former President Bill and Secretary Hillary Clinton are now set to be deposed by a House panel. The WEF President has resigned over Epstein ties.
• SOTU Address Fallout: President Trump’s address saw disruptions leading to the arrest of a guest of Rep. Omar and calls to censure Rep. Tlaib for allegedly chanting “KKK”.
• Administration Actions: The White House has frozen Minnesota’s Medicaid funding over massive fraud, while a federal judge has blocked the administration’s “Third Country” deportation policy.

1. National Security and Foreign Relations

1.1 The Americas: Cuba, Mexico, and Regional Security

A deadly incident in international waters is drawing a high-level response, as the Cuban Coast Guard reportedly opened fire on a U.S.-registered speedboat, killing four people [1]. The action has prompted a direct warning from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who vowed the United States will respond “appropriately” [2]. Separately, Panama’s government has taken control of two key ports at the Panama Canal from a Hong Kong-based operator, though officials report that canal traffic remains normal [3]. In a significant cybersecurity breach, hackers have allegedly stolen Mexico’s complete national tax and voter registration databases, creating a widespread security risk [4].

[1] Cuban Coast Guard Opens Fire on U.S.-Registered Speedboat, Four Killed, https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2026/02/25/cuban-coast-guard-opens-fire-on-us-registered-speedboat-four-killed/
[2] Rubio vows US would respond ‘appropriately’ to Cuba killing 4 people on a Florida speedboat, https://nypost.com/2026/02/25/us-news/4-people-on-florida-boat-killed-by-cuban-forces-after-entering-its-waters-officials/
[3] Panama Canal Operations Continue Normally After Port Takeover Officials Say - Panamanian government took control of two ports operated by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings at the Panama Canal, https://ticotimes.net/2026/02/25/panama-canal-operations-continue-normally-after-port-takeover-officials-say
[4] So Hackers Just Stole Mexico’s Tax and Voter Rolls and You’ll Never Guess How, https://pjmedia.com/vodkapundit/2026/02/26/so-hackers-just-stole-mexicos-tax-and-voter-rolls-and-youll-never-guess-how-n4949977

1.2 Strategic Competition: China and Russia

U.S. counterintelligence continues to act against Chinese espionage, with the FBI arresting a former U.S. Air Force pilot [1] now formally charged with conspiring to provide military training to the PRC [2]. In the tech domain, Elon Musk reportedly restricted Russia’s access to the Starlink satellite network, an action said to have produced “dramatic” results on the battlefield [3]. Shifting to sanctions, Switzerland has escalated economic pressure by implementing a full ban on Russian gas and levying new sanctions against both the Russian Federation and Belarus [4].

[1] Major story… the FBI and our partners have arrested a former U.S. Air Force Pilot who was allegedly training pilots in the Chinese military, https://x.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2026827318782476442
[2] Former U.S. Fighter Pilot Charged with Conspiring to Train Chinese Military, https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2026/02/26/former-u-s-fighter-pilot-charged-with-conspiring-to-train-chinese-military/
[3] Elon Musk Cut Russia’s Access to Starlink and the Results Were Dramatic, https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2026/02/25/elon-musk-cut-russias-access-to-starlink-and-the-results-were-dramatic-n3812277
[4] Switzerland Implements Full Ban on Russian Gas and New Sanctions Against Belarus and Russia, https://united24media.com/latest-news/switzerland-implements-full-ban-on-russian-gas-and-new-sanctions-against-belarus-and-russia-16292

1.3 Tensions with Iran

The administration’s stance on Iran remains firm, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeling the nation a “very grave threat” to U.S. interests [1]. This view appears to have bipartisan traction, as one Democratic lawmaker suggested that the U.S. and its allies may need to conduct military strikes to counter Iranian aggression [2]. A diplomatic message was conveyed by the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, stating that “Iranians know what they have to do” to avert a wider conflict [3]. The administration’s approach is characterized by one U.S. senator as pursuing “peace through strength” [4]. In a separate legal development, an Iranian deputy Foreign Minister is reportedly facing a crimes against humanity complaint in Switzerland [5].

[1] Iran remains a ‘very grave threat’ to the United States, Rubio says, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602252365
[2] Democrat lawmaker says US, allies may need strikes on Iran, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602261433
[3] Iranians know what they have to do’ to avoid escalation, US ambassador to Israel says, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602263710
[4] Trump pursues ‘peace through strength’ on Iran, US senator says, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602262168
[5] Iran deputy FM faces crimes against humanity complaint in Switzerland - AFP, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602261692

1.4 European and Allied Affairs

A potential constitutional crisis is brewing in France, where the National Rally (RN) party is reportedly weighing impeachment proceedings against President Emmanuel Macron if he moves forward with a plan to share France’s nuclear defense capabilities [1]. In Poland, the foreign and security policy of the new government is a subject of close analysis, though specific details on its alignment are not yet available [2]. Meanwhile, a “Tinderbox” atmosphere is reported in England, where a contentious special election is currently underway [3].

[1] RN Eyes Impeachment if Macron Shares Nukes ━ The European Conservative, https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/rn-eyes-impeachment-if-macron-shares-nukes/
[2] What to Expect from Poland’s New Foreign and Security Policy?, https://visegradinsight.eu/what-to-expect-from-polands-new-foreign-and-security-policy
[3] Polls Open in England’s Tinderbox Special Election, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/02/26/polls-open-in-englands-tinder-box-special-election-that-promises-nail-biter-three-way-finish/

2. Investigations and Political Scandals

2.1 Jeffrey Epstein Probe and Associated Figures

A U.S. House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network is now directly involving senior political figures. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are both scheduled to sit for depositions with the panel regarding their past ties to Epstein [1]. The inquiry’s impact is also being felt globally, as Borge Brende has resigned as President of the World Economic Forum amid scrutiny of his connections to Epstein [2]. In a related matter, reports claim that accusations against President Trump found in the “Epstein files” have “collapse[d] under scrutiny” and are deemed “non-credible” by an inside source [3].

[1] Bill and Hillary Clinton to sit for House depositions over past ties to Epstein, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4472433/bill-and-hillary-clinton-to-sit-for-house-oversight-depositions-epstein-ties/
[2] World Economic Forum CEO Borge Brende quits over Jeffrey Epstein ties, https://nypost.com/2026/02/26/business/world-economic-forum-ceo-borge-brende-quits-over-jeffrey-epstein-ties/
[3] Exclusive — ‘Non-Credible Accusations’: Epstein Files ‘Trump Accuser’ Claims Collapse Under Scrutiny, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/25/exclusive-non-credible-accusations-epstein-files-trump-accuser-claims-collapse-scrutiny/

2.2 Allegations of FBI/DHS Misconduct

Explosive allegations of misconduct by federal agencies have surfaced. According to multiple reports, the FBI under the previous Biden administration conducted surveillance on senior Trump 2024 campaign official Susie Wiles and former administration official Kash Patel [1]. The operation, which allegedly included recording campaign phone calls, is being described as a “High-Tech Watergate But Worse” [2]. In a separate, highly concerning report, Elon Musk is said to have uncovered spyware on the official phone and computer of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The malicious software was allegedly planted by DHS staffers [3].

[1] Bombshell Report: Biden FBI Spied On Trump’s 2024 Campaign, https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/26/bombshell-report-biden-fbi-spied-on-trumps-2024-campaign/
[2] Biden FBI Recording Trump Campaign Calls Is A High-Tech Watergate But Worse, https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/26/biden-fbi-recording-trump-campaign-calls-is-a-high-tech-watergate-but-worse/
[3] Musk uncovers spyware on Kristi Noem’s phone and computer planted by DHS staffers, https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2027112121561915750

2.3 Other Legal Actions and Controversies

Federal law enforcement has raided the Los Angeles School Superintendent in an action reportedly tied to a securities fraud case involving an AI startup’s CEO [1]. Following the raid, new allegations have emerged that the superintendent is an “undocumented immigrant” and is also being investigated for the theft of school funds [2]. In a civil suit involving President Trump, a judge ruled that construction can continue for now on a $400 million ballroom project, which the President hailed as a victory [3].

[1] FBI Raid of LAUSD Superintendent Reportedly Part of Securities Fraud Prosecution of AI Startup CEO, https://redstate.com/jenvanlaar/2026/02/26/lausd-raid-linked-to-securities-fraud-prosecution-of-its-ai-chatbot-n2199591
[2] LA School Superintendent Raid Update: He’s an “Undocumented Immigrant” and He’s Being Investigated for Stealing School Funds, https://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=418671
[3] Trump takes victory lap after judge allows construction of his $400M ballroom to continue for now, https://nypost.com/2026/02/26/us-news/trump-takes-victory-lap-as-judge-allows-construction-of-ballroom/

3. Executive and Legislative Affairs

3.1 State of the Union Address: Analysis and Reactions

President Trump’s State of the Union address was marked by significant disruptions from some Democratic attendees. Capitol Police arrested a guest of Rep. Ilhan Omar in the gallery after the individual repeatedly stood and obstructed views, refusing commands to sit down [1]. In another high-profile incident, Rep. Rashida Tlaib is facing calls for censure after she reportedly chanted “KKK” during the President’s speech, sparking outrage [2]. The confrontational behavior drew criticism from within the Democratic party itself, with Sen. John Fetterman expressing disappointment over members who chose to “yell and scream” [3].

[1] US Capitol Police ARRESTED Ilhan Omar’s State of the Union guest after she REFUSED to stop standing and BLOCKING others in the gallery during Trump’s speech, https://x.com/nicksortor/status/2026844198549196826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2026844198549196826%7Ctwgr%5E140cf71f4c3fc83fa16e91c3c48cd7d76383d010%7Ctwcon%5Es1_
[2] Rep. Rashida Tlaib fuels outrage after chanting ‘KKK’ during Trump’s State of the Union address: ‘Censure her’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/25/us-news/rep-rashida-tlaib-sparks-outrage-after-chanting-kkk-during-trumps-sotu-address/
[3] Fetterman: It’s Disappointing That Some Democrats Chose To “Yell And Scream” at Trump at SOTU, “Just Don’t Do That”, https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2026/02/25/fetterman_its_disappointing_that_some_democrats_chose_to_yell_and_scream_at_trump_at_sotu_just_dont_do_that.html

3.2 Trump Administration Policy and Actions

The administration’s immigration agenda has been dealt a legal setback. A federal judge ruled its “Third Country” deportation policy to be unlawful [1]. The ruling has attracted scrutiny, as it was issued by a judge appointed by the previous Biden administration who had been previously rebuked by the Supreme Court on a separate case [2]. On a different front, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a key milestone, with the backlog of benefits claims falling below 100,000 for the first time in six years. The department credited the achievement to “record levels of service” [3].

[1] Trump WH’s ‘Third Country’ Deportation Policy Unlawful, Judge Rules | Newsmax.com, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/south-sudan-deportation-supreme-court-judge-murphy/2026/02/25/id/1247427/
[2] Biden-appointed judge who slapped down Trump deportation policy previously rebuked by SCOTUS, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-appointed-judge-who-slapped-down-trump-deportation-policy-previously-rebuked-scotus
[3] Trump admin says VA benefits claims backlog below 100K for first time in 6 years: ‘Record levels of service’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-va-benefits-claims-backlog-below-100k-first-time-6-years-record-levels-service

3.3 Congressional Dynamics and Partisan Conduct

High tensions are evident in Congress. During a contentious Senate hearing, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) engaged in a heated exchange, culminating in one telling the other, “You’re part of the problem” [1]. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is facing criticism from within his own Republican party over his legislative schedule, specifically for what critics see as a failure to prioritize and pass the “SAVE Act” [2]. In the House, Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) has accused Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger and her colleagues of actively lying about a “gerrymandering scheme” in Virginia [3].

[1] Senators Sanders and Mullin clash in heated Senate hearing exchange: ‘You’re part of the problem’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/sens-sanders-mullin-clash-heated-senate-hearing-exchange-youre-part-problem
[2] Leader John Thune shredded after Republicans discover what he made time for instead of passing SAVE Act, https://twitchy.com/samj/2026/02/26/thune-senate-dog-parade-n2425466
[3] Rep. Ben Cline: ‘Spanberger and Dems Lie About Gerrymandering Scheme’, https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/02/26/spanberger_and_dems_lie_about_gerrymandering_scheme_153882.html

4. Domestic Affairs and Public Safety

4.1 Government Finance and Fraud

The executive branch has taken decisive action against government fraud, focusing on Minnesota’s Medicaid program. Vice President JD Vance announced a complete halt to the state’s Medicaid funding [1], a move corresponding with a federal freeze of $259 million [2]. This action is a direct result of the “Feeding Our Future” scandal, a massive fraud scheme for which at least one Minnesota woman has already pleaded guilty [3]. On a separate fiscal matter, the city of Chicago has reportedly discovered a large, unspecified new bill requiring payment, adding to its financial challenges [4].

[1] VP JD Vance announces halt to Minnesota Medicaid funding over alleged fraud, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/minnesota-remains-frontline-vances-war-fraud-walz-given-60-days-to-clean-up-systems
[2] Feds Freeze $259M in Medicaid Funds to Minnesota Over Alleged Fraud, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2026/02/25/trump-admin-freez-259m-in-medicaid-funds-to-minnesota-over-alleged-fraud-n2671916
[3] Minnesota woman pleads guilty for role in Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4471850/woman-pleads-guilty-stealing-millions-feeding-our-future/
[4] Show Me Tha Money: Chicago Just Found Out It’s Got Another Big Bill to Pay, https://hotair.com/tree-hugging-sister/2026/02/25/chicago-just-found-out-its-got-another-big-bill-to-pay-n3812292

4.2 Immigration, Crime, and Law Enforcement

Several local incidents highlight friction over law enforcement and immigration policy. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued an urgent plea to local authorities not to release a Cuban immigrant charged with sodomizing a mother [1]. In Maryland, a sheriff has publicly gone “ballistic” over state and local policies he argues put politics ahead of public safety [2]. In Michigan, the police chief of Grand Rapids has resigned, a move which one report links directly to the actions of the city’s mayor [3].

[1] EXCLUSIVE: ICE Urges Authorities Not To Free Cuban Illegal Charged With Sodomizing Mother, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/25/exclusive-ice-urges-authorities-not-to-free-cuban-illegal-charged-with-sodomizing-mother/
[2] Maryland sheriff goes ballistic over policies which put politics over public safety, https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2027063280192127253
[3] Seeing the Mayor of Grand Rapids in Action Explains Why Their Police Chief Quit, https://hotair.com/tree-hugging-sister/2026/02/26/seeing-the-mayor-of-grand-rapids-in-action-explains-why-their-police-chief-quit-n3812307

4.3 Transportation and Infrastructure

A severe highway safety incident has been flagged by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. According to the Secretary, a driver holding a Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License drove an 80-ton truck for miles in the wrong direction on a highway, allegedly because the driver could not read basic road signs [1]. In other news, the Rail Passengers Association has issued a formal statement on a proposed restructuring of Amtrak. However, the specific details of the proposal and the association’s position are not available in the current headlines [2].

[1] Secretary Sean Duffy on X: “🚨🚨 DISTURBING: We have learned that a truck driver with a Minnesota CDL who couldn’t read basic road signs spent MILES driving the wrong way in an 80 TON truck!”, https://x.com/SecDuffy/status/2026820131981029487
[2] Rail Passengers Statement on Proposed Amtrak Restructuring, https://www.railpassengers.org/happening-now/news/releases/rail-passengers-statement-on-proposed-amtrak-restructuring/

5. U.S. Politics, Elections and Public Discourse

5.1 Media and Cultural Commentary

The conduct of major media outlets is under the spotlight. ABC News reportedly accused President Trump of sexually assaulting a minor in a past incident, an accusation the network was later forced to walk back [1]. On a separate front, a report from New York claims that a “viewpoint diversity crisis” exists at U.S. colleges, where students feel pressured to feign liberal beliefs to be accepted by overwhelmingly liberal professors [2]. In television ratings, Fox News has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing CBS in primetime viewership and marking its strongest monthly performance in a year [3].

[1] ABC Accuses Trump of ‘Sexually Assaulting that 13-Year-Old,’ Walk It Back, https://newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/nicholas-fondacaro/2026/02/26/abc-accuses-trump-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-walk-it
[2] College profs are so liberal students have to pretend to be, too — viewpoint diversity in crisis, https://nypost.com/2026/02/25/opinion/college-profs-are-so-liberal-students-have-to-pretend-to-be-too-viewpoint-diversity-in-crisis
[3] Fox News beats CBS in primetime viewership with strongest monthly performance in a year, https://www.foxnews.com/media/fox-news-beats-cbs-primetime-viewership-strongest-monthly-performance-year

5.2 Future Election Landscape (2028 and Midterms)

Early signals for future election cycles are gradually emerging. Former Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly indicated she “might” mount another presidential campaign in 2028 [1]. Within the Republican party, a hypothetical 2028 primary matchup between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance is already a topic of discussion among conservative commentators [2]. In a more immediate race, a poll in a Texas congressional district shows incumbent Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett leading challenger James Talarico by 12 points [3].

[1] Harris teases she ‘might’ run for president again in 2028, https://www.oann.com/newsroom/harris-teases-she-might-run-for-president-again-in-2028/
[2] Rubio or Vance for 2028?, /r/Conservative/comments/1rffay3/rubio-or-vance-for-2028/
[3] Poll: Texas Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett Ahead of James Talarico by 12 Points, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/25/poll-dem-rep-jasmine-crockett-ahead-of-james-talarico-by-12-points/

5.3 Partisan Commentary and Political Figures

Several elected officials are facing public backlash. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) is reportedly facing intense criticism for an action interpreted as a refusal to “stand for American Citizens over Illegals,” although the specific context is not detailed in the headlines [1]. In New Jersey, the state’s governor was loudly booed by the crowd during an on-ice ceremony at a professional hockey game [2]. In broader political commentary, one piece analyzes former President Obama’s political legacy, arguing that he completely misjudged the “America mood” and underestimated Donald Trump’s eventual rise [3].

[1] Border-State Sen. Mark Kelly is Feeling the Heat After Refusing to Stand for American Citizens Over Illegals, https://www.westernjournal.com/border-state-sen-mark-kelly-feeling-heat-refusing-stand-american-citizens-illegals/
[2] NJ Gov Sherrill booed at Devils hockey game ceremony celebrating Jack Hughes, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nj-gov-mikie-sherrill-booed-devils-game-honoring-us-olympic-hockey-hero-jack-hughes
[3] Obama thought Trump was a joke. He completely misjudged America mood, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/18/obama-misread-america-coming-of-donald-trump/

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