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

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare February 26, 2026

Executive Summary

• Epstein Investigation in Chaos: A House deposition of Hillary Clinton was derailed by a photo leak from Rep. Lauren Boebert, fueling bipartisan accusations of a DOJ cover-up over missing Trump-related files and prompting calls for Attorney General Bondi’s impeachment.
• Iran Brinkmanship Intensifies: The Pentagon announced its first “Kamikaze Drone Unit” is ready for potential strikes as diplomatic talks falter, raising alarms about U.S. military readiness and prompting a planned war powers vote in the House.
• Executive Push on Election Control: The administration is moving to unilaterally rewrite election rules while allies pitch a “national emergency” plan to expand executive power over elections, concurrently with the DOJ suing states over voter rolls.
• Major Domestic Policy Clashes: The administration faces multi-state lawsuits over its vaccine policies and a new rule allowing $31,000 ACA family deductibles. In a separate flashpoint, Kansas has ordered the immediate revocation of all driver’s licenses for its transgender residents.
• FBI Purge and Judicial Friction: At least ten FBI agents connected to the Mar-a-Lago documents probe have been fired, as federal judges rebuke the DOJ and ICE for unlawful conduct in separate cases.

1. Justice and Investigations

1.1. Epstein Investigation Explodes Amid Allegations of Cover-up and Chaos

The House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein descended into turmoil yesterday, sparking a bipartisan crisis of confidence in the Department of Justice. The focal point was a closed-door deposition of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, which was abruptly halted after Representative Lauren Boebert leaked a photograph of the proceedings, an act that reportedly “derailed” the testimony and created “chaos” [1]. Before the disruption, Clinton had testified she “‘had no idea’ of Epstein’s crimes” [2].

This procedural breakdown has been overshadowed by mounting, bipartisan alarm that the DOJ is engaged in a “Full Blown Coverup” regarding missing Epstein files related to President Trump. Senate Minority Leader Schumer has publicly questioned the Department’s conduct, and congressional Republicans have now launched their own parallel investigation into the missing files [3, 4]. The crisis deepened with the reported discovery of a “bombshell deleted file” containing a photograph of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with Epstein and other procedural errors by the Department [5]. The fallout has been severe: a House Oversight Democrat has formally called for the impeachment of Attorney General Pam Bondi, while others are demanding President Trump himself testify about his history with Epstein [6, 7]. For its part, the DOJ has stated it is “reviewing” whether any records were improperly withheld [8].

Citations: [1] Hillary Clinton’s closed-door deposition derailed after Boebert leaks photo to right-wing commentator, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/hillary-clinton-deposition-epstein-pause-photo-leak-b2928370.html
[2] Hillary Clinton testifies to House panel she ‘had no idea’ of Epstein’s crimes, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6z3e1vdvzo
[3] Schumer Asks Whether DOJ is Engaged in “Full Blown Coverup” Amid Reports of Missing Trump-Related Epstein Files, https://www.c-span.org/clip/us-senate/schumer-asks-whether-doj-is-engaged-in-full-blown-coverup-amid-reports-of-missing-trump-related-epstein-files/5194520
[4] Congressional Republicans will also investigate missing Epstein files related to Trump, https://www.npr.org/2026/02/25/nx-s1-5726780/democrats-republicans-investigate-doj-epstein-files-trump-missing-pages
[5] Lutnick Photographed With Epstein in Bombshell Deleted File, https://www.thedailybeast.com/howard-lutnick-photographed-with-jeffrey-epstein-in-bombshell-deleted-file/
[6] House Oversight Committee Democrat calls for Bondi impeachment over Epstein files, https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/26/us/video/cnn-sitroom-blitzer-brown-epstein-files-pam-bondi-justice-doj
[7] Democrats Ask Pam Bondi If Trump Is Under Active Investigation Related To Epstein, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/epstein-files-trump-accuser-pam-bondi_n_699f9e60e4b01b76c0e3a69d?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main
[8] Justice Department says it’s reviewing whether any Epstein-related records were mistakenly withheld, https://apnews.com/article/epstein-justice-department-trump-793e47b09863f5a55e54040c891291d8

1.2. FBI Purge and Judicial Friction

In a significant internal move, FBI Director Kash Patel has overseen the termination of at least ten FBI agents and staffers connected to the Mar-a-Lago classified documents investigation, according to sources [1]. This action coincides with growing friction between the executive branch and the federal judiciary. In one case, a federal judge who is reportedly “fed up” with the DOJ and DHS ignoring court orders on immigration matters threatened to “Haul in DOJ Officials Under Oath” [2]. In a separate landmark ruling, a judge found that the IRS broke federal law by disclosing confidential taxpayer information to ICE on 42,695 separate occasions [3].

Citations: [1] At least 10 FBI staffers who worked on Mar-a-Lago documents case are fired, sources say, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/at-least-10-fbi-staffers-who-worked-on-mar-a-lago-documents-case-are-fired-sources-say/
[2] “It Ends Today”: Judge Threatens to Haul in DOJ Officials Under Oath - A federal judge is fed up with top officials ignoring court orders on immigration., https://newrepublic.com/post/207108/it-ends-today-judge-threatens-doj-dhs-officials-oath
[3] The IRS broke the law by disclosing confidential information to ICE 42,695 times, judge says, https://apnews.com/article/irs-breaks-law-judge-finds-2dbe472e46121091a32309bdab6795d7

2. Foreign Policy and National Security

2.1. Iran Tensions Escalate as Pentagon Prepares “Kamikaze Drone Unit”

The risk of a military conflict with Iran is escalating as diplomatic avenues appear to close. White House envoys were reportedly “disappointed” after recent talks, and the administration is believed to be building a public case for war [1, 2]. In the most significant military development, the Pentagon has confirmed its first “Kamikaze Drone Unit” is now operationally ready for potential Iran strikes [3]. This aggressive posturing has raised alarms among national security experts about the risk of a wider regional war and fueled questions about U.S. military readiness [4]. The stance also appears to run counter to public sentiment, as a new AP-NORC poll finds that while most Americans view Iran as an enemy, a majority “doubt Trump’s judgment on military force” [5]. In response, House Democratic leaders plan to force a vote on Iran war powers next week [6].

Citations: [1] White House envoys disappointed after morning talks with Iranians, Axios reports, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/white-house-envoys-disappointed-after-morning-talks-with-iranians-axios-reports-2026-02-26/
[2] Trump builds case for war with Iran ahead of pivotal talks, https://thehill.com/policy/international/5755742-trump-iran-nuclear-threat/
[3] Pentagon’s First Kamikaze Drone Unit Ready for Iran Strikes, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-26/pentagon-s-first-kamikaze-drone-unit-ready-for-any-iran-strikes
[4] 7 Experts on the Risk of a Wider War with Iran | As the threat of U.S. strikes intensifies, our experts weigh the risks of escalation., https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2026/02/24/iran-us-strikes-expert-forum-roundup-00794832
[5] Most Americans see Iran as an enemy but doubt Trump’s judgment on military force, AP-NORC poll finds, https://apnews.com/article/poll-trump-iran-israel-nuclear-41f4f308683c2ee10420225e1380cf21?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=share
[6] House Democratic leaders plan to force Iran war powers vote next week, https://jewishinsider.com/2026/02/house-democrats-iran-war-powers-authorization-vote/

2.2. Diplomatic Engagements and Incidents

The administration is pursuing several unconventional diplomatic initiatives. The White House announced First Lady Melania Trump will chair a meeting of the UN Security Council, a significant departure from diplomatic precedent [1]. In a separate move drawing international condemnation, the State Department hosted UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson, prompting UK Members of Parliament to publicly condemn the act [2]. On the Israel-Palestine front, the U.S. has made a marked policy shift by beginning to offer embassy services from within a West Bank settlement for the first time [3]. Meanwhile, a U.S. official confirmed an American citizen was among four people killed in a recent boat incident in Cuba, which is currently under investigation [4].

Citations: [1] Melania Trump to chair a meeting of the UN Security Council, White House says, https://www.reuters.com/world/melania-trump-chair-meeting-un-security-council-white-house-says-2026-02-26/
[2] MPs condemn hosting of Tommy Robinson by Trump administration, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/26/mps-condemn-hosting-of-tommy-robinson-by-trump-administration
[3] U.S. Will Offer Embassy Services in a West Bank Settlement for the First Time, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/25/world/middleeast/us-consular-services-israeli-settlements.html
[4] American citizen among those killed in Cuba boat shooting, US official says, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80j3rlp904o

3. The Executive: Power, Policy, and Elections

3.1. Unprecedented Push for Election Control

A multi-pronged effort by the administration and its allies to assert executive control over elections is intensifying. Reports indicate the White House is moving to “rewrite election rules unilaterally” [1]. This comes as MAGA-aligned activists have reportedly pitched President Trump a “chilling ‘National Emergency’ Plot” that envisions using an emergency order to take control of elections [2]. In a separate federal action, the Trump DOJ is expanding its legal battle over voter rolls, filing new lawsuits against five additional states, including four led by Republicans [3]. This federal push is creating tension with state election officials, who were “met with silence” after requesting the administration affirm that states, not the Feds, run elections [4]. Seeking to de-escalate some concerns, DHS officials have promised that agents will not be deployed to polling places [5].

Citations: [1] Trump moves to rewrite election rules unilaterally, https://www.ms.now/news/trump-moves-to-rewrite-election-rules-unilaterally
[2] MAGA Activists Pitch Trump on Chilling “National Emergency” Plot, https://newrepublic.com/post/207111/maga-activists-trump-national-emergency-executive-order-elections-china
[3] Trump DOJ expands voter roll crusade, sues five more states — including four red ones, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/trump-doj-expands-voter-roll-crusade-sues-five-more-states/
[4] States asked the Trump admin. to affirm they, not the Feds, run elections. They were met with silence, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/states-asked-the-trump-admin-to-affirm-they-not-the-feds-run-elections-they-were-met-with-silence/
[5] DHS official promises election officials that ICE will not be at polling places, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/25/dhs-ice-polling-places-00799613

3.2. Clashes Over Technology and Media

The administration’s conflict with the technology sector has reached a critical juncture. AI firm Anthropic has officially “rejected” the Pentagon’s “final offer” on AI safeguards after Secretary of Defense Hegseth reportedly demanded the military be allowed to use its technology for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons [1]. This federal pressure is creating a legal schism, as the administration is threatening lawsuits against states like Colorado and California for pursuing their own AI regulations [2]. Congress is also engaged, with a bipartisan push for stricter chip export limits [3]. Separately, reports indicate Trump officials are seeking to break the “editorial ‘firewall’” that protects the independence of U.S.-funded news agencies [4].

Citations: [1] Anthropic rejects Pentagon’s “final offer” in AI safeguards fight, https://www.axios.com/2026/02/26/anthropic-rejects-pentagon-ai-terms?utm_source=x&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_medium=owned_social
[2] States Split as Trump Threatens Lawsuits Over AI Laws | The administration’s framework could jeopardize broadband grants and spark legal battles, but lawmakers in states like Colorado and California say they’ll continue regulating artificial intelligence., https://www.governing.com/artificial-intelligence/states-split-as-trump-threatens-lawsuits-over-ai-laws
[3] Congress takes on Nvidia, White House as it pushes for chip export limits, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/26/congress-pushes-back-on-nvidia-white-house-with-chip-export-limits.html?__source=androidappshare
[4] Trump Officials Seek to Break Editorial ‘Firewall’ at U.S.-Funded News Agencies, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/25/us/politics/trump-radio-free-europe.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

4. Domestic Policy and Social Issues

4.1. Healthcare and Economic Policy Battles

Major domestic policy fights are intensifying. Under a proposed new rule, certain Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans could see family deductibles reach an unprecedented $31,000 [1]. The administration’s vaccine policies also face growing resistance, with Pennsylvania’s Governor Shapiro joining a multi-state lawsuit by 15 attorneys general against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over what they label an “anti-science” policy [2]. In a separate initiative, Vice President Vance launched a “war on fraud” by suspending Medicaid payments to Minnesota [3]. On the economic front, U.S. mortgage rates have fallen below 6% for the first time in years [4]. This comes as Democratic senators prepare a bill to make the IRS Direct File program a permanent, free tax filing option [5].

Citations: [1] New A.C.A. Plans Could Increase Family Deductibles to $31,000, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/health/obamacare-health-insurance-rollbacks.html
[2] 15 state attorneys general sue RFK Jr. over “anti-science” vaccine policy, https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/02/15-state-attorneys-general-sue-rfk-jr-over-anti-science-vaccine-policy/
[3] Vance launches into Trump’s ‘war on fraud’ by suspending Medicaid payments to Minnesota, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/jd-vance/vance-trump-war-fraud-suspending-medicaid-payments-minnesota-rcna260655
[4] U.S. Mortgage Rates Fall Below 6% for First Time in Years, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/business/mortgage-rates-30-year.html
[5] Democrats to introduce bill aimed at resurrecting IRS Direct File | Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Chris Coons, Ron Wyden, and dozens more want to give taxpayers the option to file their taxes directly with the government for free., https://www.theverge.com/policy/885225/democrats-irs-direct-file-act-taxes

4.2. State-Level Flashpoints on LGBTQ+ Rights

State-level actions on social issues have become a national flashpoint. In a severe and sudden move, the state of Kansas sent letters to its transgender residents ordering the immediate surrender and revocation of their driver’s licenses, threatening prison time for non-compliance with little notice [1]. This is part of a broader trend, with a Texas ban on drag performances set to take effect in March and a new federal bill introduced seeking to ban LGBTQ+ books from public schools nationwide [2, 3]. Separately, a political storm has erupted in Wyoming after a far-right activist was reportedly caught distributing checks to lawmakers on the House floor [4].

Citations: [1] Kansas sends letters to trans people demanding they surrender their driver’s licenses. The letters threaten prison time if trans people don’t get new driver’s licenses with no notice., https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/02/kansas-sends-letters-to-trans-people-demanding-they-surrender-their-drivers-licenses/
[2] Appeals court clears way for Texas drag ban to take effect in March, https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/06/texas-drag-show-ban-appeal/
[3] New Bill Seeks to Ban LGBTQ+ Books From Public Schools Nationwide. The bill aims to prohibit federal funding from being used for any books or programs that involve ‘gender dysphoria or transgenderism’ in any public school, https://people.com/new-bill-seeks-to-ban-lgbtq-books-from-schools-nationwide-11915398
[4] Political storm in Wyoming as far-right activist caught handing checks to lawmakers, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/wyoming-republican-lawmakers-checks-house-floor?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

5. Immigration and Border Security

A high-profile immigration enforcement action at Columbia University saw a dramatic resolution following presidential intervention. After DHS agents detained a student inside a residential building, with the university alleging agents may have “misrepresented themselves” to gain entry, the student was subsequently released from ICE custody following a direct meeting at the White House between President Trump and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani [1]. Meanwhile, severe allegations continue to plague border operations. Reports indicate a “nearly blind refugee” was found dead in Buffalo after being “abandoned by US border patrol” in the cold [2]. Conditions at the Dilley detention facility are also under fire, with parents describing a “clampdown” where children’s artwork was seized [3]. In the legal arena, a judge blasted ICE for its “sloppiness” after the agency erroneously claimed in a filing that a four-year-old child had a marijuana conviction [4].

Citations: [1] Detained Columbia student released after Mamdani talks with Trump, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/columbia-student-detained-federal-agents
[2] Nearly blind refugee abandoned by US border patrol found dead in Buffalo, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/25/border-patrol-refugee-buffalo
[3] Seized Art, Eavesdropping Guards: Parents Describe a Clampdown at Dilley Detention Center as Kids Shared Their Stories, https://www.propublica.org/article/dilley-detention-center-kids-art-removal
[4] Judge blasts ICE ‘sloppiness’ for claiming 4-year-old kid had a marijuana conviction, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/ice-sloppiness-judge-contempt-rulings-b2927381.html

6. Congress and the 2026 Midterm Outlook

President Trump’s State of the Union address continues to generate sharply polarized reactions, with Senate Minority Leader Schumer calling it an “utter failure” and a “state of delusion” [1]. On the legislative front, Senate Majority Leader John Thune appears to be in “no hurry” to act on President Trump’s demands to change the filibuster or vote on the “SAVE America Act” [2]. Early signs for the 2026 midterms point to a volatile landscape. In Texas, Democratic primary turnout is reportedly surging while Republicans are said to be “panicking” over their chances in the state’s Senate race [3, 4]. Looking ahead to 2028, California Governor Gavin Newsom has identified Vice President JD Vance as the Republican who “‘Scares Me Almost More Than Trump’” [5].

Citations: [1] ‘An utter failure’: Sen. Schumer rips Trump’s ‘state of delusion’ address, https://www.ms.now/morning-joe/watch/an-utter-failure-sen-schumer-rips-trump-s-state-of-delusion-address-2489101891644
[2] Despite Trump’s SOTU and MAGA pressure, Sen. Maj. Leader Thune in no hurry to change filibuster, vote on SAVE America Act, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/despite-trumps-sotu-and-maga-pressure-sen-maj-leader-thune-in-no-hurry-to-change-filibuster-vote-on-save-america-act/
[3] Democratic primary turnout is surging in Texas, according to early voting data, https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/26/politics/texas-democratic-primary-early-voting-data?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=missions&utm_source=reddit
[4] Republicans Are Panicking Over Texas Senate Race | The Texas primary is approaching—and Republicans are worried about the candidates on their side., https://newrepublic.com/post/207095/republicans-panic-texas-senate-race-primary
[5] Gavin Newsom Names The 1 Republican Who ‘Scares Me Almost More Than Trump’, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gavin-newsom-jd-vance-scarier-than-trump_n_699fc518e4b0ef1afcc0c1f0?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main

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