[Thursday, March 12] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare
March 12, 2026

Executive Summary

• The U.S.-Iran conflict worsens with a U.S. plane crash in Iraq and tanker attacks, prompting a naval escort mission through the Strait of Hormuz.
• A Pentagon probe confirms a U.S. missile hit an Iranian school due to reported data errors, contradicting President Trump’s statements and sparking political outrage.
• The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) faces a massive security breach, with an operative allegedly stealing 500 million Americans’ records.
• A 27-day DHS shutdown causes severe airport delays, forcing agents to work unpaid as the administration releases 172 million barrels of oil to combat prices over $100/barrel.

1. The U.S.-Iran Conflict

1.1. Military Operations, Incidents, and Costs

The U.S.-Iran conflict has escalated with new military incidents and rapidly mounting costs. Following attacks on two oil tankers in Iraqi waters that suspended oil terminals [1], Iran’s new supreme leader declared the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as a “tool to pressure the enemy” [2]. In response, the U.S. announced it will begin escorting commercial vessels through the strait as soon as “militarily possible,” a mission analysts call a “huge challenge” [3]. These developments occur as rescue efforts are underway for a crashed U.S. military refueling plane in Iraq [4]. The Pentagon has reported to Congress that the first six days of combat have cost an estimated $11.3 billion [5].

References:
[1] Two Tankers Attacked In Iraqi Waters, Oil Terminals Suspended, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-12/two-tankers-attacked-in-iraqi-waters-oil-ports-suspended
[2] Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as ’tool to pressure enemy,’ Iran’s new supreme leader says, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/12/strait-of-hormuz-closure-iran-oil-prices-mojtaba-khamenei.html
[3] ‘It’s Complicated’: US Navy’s Huge Challenge in Policing Strait of Hormuz, https://www.newsweek.com/iran-war-us-navy-complicated-task-opening-the-strait-of-hormuz-11657199?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_main
[4] Rescue effort under way as US military refueling plane crashes in Iraq, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/12/us-military-aircraft-iraq-crash
[5] Pentagon estimates first 6 days of Iran war cost $11.3B, https://thehill.com/homenews/5780153-operation-epic-fury-cost/

1.2. The Iranian School Strike Controversy

A U.S. missile strike on an Iranian school has ignited a major political crisis. A formal Pentagon probe concluded a U.S. missile was responsible, with media reports citing sources who suggest the error was due to the use of outdated targeting data [1, 2]. The incident, labeled the “Iran School Massacre” in some media, has prompted a near-unanimous call from Senate Democrats for a deeper investigation [3]. The findings have also reportedly contradicted President Trump’s public statements blaming Tehran, leading to a public apology from at least one pro-war Republican senator and further scrutiny from a “Secret Military Report” [4, 5].

References:
[1] Pentagon probe points to U.S. missile hitting Iranian school, https://www.npr.org/2026/03/11/nx-s1-5744981/pentagon-iran-missile-school-hegseth
[2] US may have struck Iranian girls’ school after using outdated targeting data, sources say, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-may-have-struck-iranian-girls-school-after-using-outdated-targeting-data-2026-03-11/
[3] Every Senate Dem But Fetterman Signs Call for Probe of Iran School Massacre, https://www.commondreams.org/news/fetterman-iran
[4] Pro-War Republican Senator Apologizes for Iran Girls’ School Massacre After Trump Blames Tehran, https://www.commondreams.org/news/kennedy-iran-school-massacre
[5] Secret Military Report Busts Open Trump’s School Strike Lies, https://www.thedailybeast.com/secret-military-report-busts-open-president-donald-trumps-lies-about-iran-school-strike/

1.3. Administration Messaging, Political Fallout, and Public Opinion

Public support for the war is low and the administration’s messaging remains inconsistent. A CNN poll found a majority of Americans “don’t see the point of this war,” while an Axios poll revealed 48% blame President Trump directly for high gas prices [1, 2]. Despite this, the President declared, “‘When oil prices go up, we make a lot of money’” [3]. This messaging, described as “war whiplash,” clouds the U.S. endgame, especially as reports suggest the President is privately “anxious to end the war” [4, 5]. Meanwhile, the administration’s primary justification for the war is being challenged by scientific experts who assert that “Iran was nowhere close to a nuclear bomb” [6].

References:
[1] The biggest Iran polling takeaway: Americans don’t see the point of this war, https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/12/politics/us-opinion-iran-war-polls
[2] 48% of Americans blame Trump for high gas prices - more than any other factor, https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/gas-prices-iran-trump
[3] Trump: ‘When oil prices go up, we make a lot of money’, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5780543-us-oil-prices-trump/
[4] Trump’s Iran war whiplash clouds U.S. endgame, https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/trump-iran-war-endgame
[5] Trump suddenly seems anxious to end the war as American casualties mount and Iran finds ways to hit back, https://www.foxnews.com/media/trump-suddenly-seems-anxious-end-war-american-casualties-mount-iran-finds-ways-hit-back?intcmp=fb_fnc&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=Iwb21leAQfYCBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR7fKMtMYSnMzv8i0PEvbNC8rQL4TEjGMRtGOPnP-02mKupgQWAQPSh7w2UPLQ_aem_fhbKEIJRNzYLPvM4tPaLJA
[6] Iran was nowhere close to a nuclear bomb, experts say, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/iran-was-nowhere-close-to-a-nuclear-bomb-experts-say/

2. Economic Crisis and Federal Response

2.1. Energy Crisis and Strategic Reserve Release

The Iran conflict has triggered what the International Energy Agency calls the “‘Largest Supply Disruption in History of the Global Oil Market’” [1]. Brent crude has surged past $100 per barrel, with Iran warning the world to prepare for “$200 a barrel” oil [2, 3]. In an effort to combat the price hikes, the Trump administration announced a major release of 172 million barrels from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a “head-spinning pivot” that has so far failed to ease market fears [4, 5]. Economists are now warning of rising recession and stagflation risks as the disruption appears increasingly unlikely to be temporary [6].

References:
[1] US-Israeli War on Iran Sparks ‘Largest Supply Disruption in History of Global Oil Market’: IEA, https://www.commondreams.org/news/iea-oil-market-iran-war
[2] Brent crude hits $100 a barrel as reserve release plans fail to ease Iran war-led supply worries, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/12/oil-prices-jump-iea-record-reserve-release-markets-doubt-relief.html
[3] Iran tells world to get ready for oil at $200 a barrel as it fires on merchant ships, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/combatants-mideast-war-trade-more-air-strikes-iran-clamps-down-dissent-2026-03-11/
[4] US to release 172 million barrels of oil from strategic reserve to combat energy price hike, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/11/trump-strategic-petroleum-reserve-00823816
[5] President Trump’s Head-Spinning Pivot on an Emergency Oil Release, https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/president-trumps-head-spinning-pivot-on-an-emergency-oil-release-7da8cd49?st=C92aHW
[6] Recession and stagflation risks are rising due to Iran conflict, as economist warns it’s “getting harder to argue disruption will be temporary”, https://fortune.com/2026/03/12/recession-stagflation-oil-iran-trump-deutsche-oxford-economics/

2.2. Household Strain and Trade War Escalation

American households continue to face significant economic pressure. A 2025 survey showed one-third of Americans had to cut back on essentials such as food to afford healthcare [1]. At the same time, the administration is initiating “the next phase of his trade war” by launching new investigations into key trading partners, seen as a precursor to fresh tariffs [2].

References:
[1] One-third of Americans cut back on other expenses to cover healthcare in 2025, survey shows, https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/one-third-americans-cut-back-other-expenses-cover-healthcare-2025-survey-shows-2026-03-12/
[2] Trump launches the next phase of his trade war with new investigations of key partners, https://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/trump-trade-war-section-301-rcna263026

3. Domestic Governance and Executive Branch Crises

3.1. DHS Shutdown and Immigration Enforcement

A 27-day shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security continues to cause major nationwide disruptions, with growing lawmaker frustration and long lines at airports [1]. Democrats reportedly blocked a recent bill to reopen the department [2]. The shutdown’s impact on personnel is severe, with some airports now soliciting food donations for TSA agents who are required to work without pay [3]. Separately, the administration’s immigration policies remain a flashpoint, with one report detailing an incident where an individual was allegedly “Shot by Border Patrol, Then Called a ‘Domestic Terrorist’” [4].

References:
[1] Lawmakers vent frustration over DHS shutdown as lines grow at nation’s airports, https://apnews.com/article/tsa-airport-wait-time-lines-homeland-security-3f0e4baea245887759de5264372757d3?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=share
[2] Democrats block bill to reopen Homeland Security amid 27-day shutdown, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5781155-democrats-blocks-homeland-security-funding-bill/amp/
[3] Airports Solicit Food Donations For TSA Agents Working Without Pay, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tsa-agents-airports-food-donations_n_69b2fafae4b02b8822cbffe8?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main
[4] Shot by Border Patrol, Then Called a “Domestic Terrorist”, https://www.newyorker.com/news/annals-of-immigration/shot-by-border-patrol-then-called-a-domestic-terrorist

3.2. DOGE Scandals: Data Breach and Misconduct Allegations

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is at the center of a severe national security scandal. A federal investigation is underway amid claims the department misused Social Security data [1]. An explosive report alleges a DOGE-affiliated individual stole the records of 500 million Americans on a thumb drive, allegedly with the expectation of receiving a presidential pardon if caught [2]. The department also faces allegations that it used AI to systematically cancel federal grants mentioning “LGBTQ+” [3], and one of its staffers tasked with eliminating “DEI” grants was reportedly unable to define the term “DEI” in a deposition [4].

References:
[1] The government is investigating new claims that DOGE misused Social Security data, https://www.npr.org/2026/03/11/nx-s1-5745153/doge-social-security-data-whistleblower-investigation
[2] A DOGE Bro Allegedly Walked Out Of Social Security With 500 Million Americans’ Records On A Thumb Drive And Expected A Pardon If Caught, https://www.techdirt.com/2026/03/11/a-doge-bro-allegedly-walked-out-of-social-security-with-500-million-americans-records-on-a-thumb-drive-and-expected-a-pardon-if-caught/
[3] Former DOGE staffer says ChatGPT helped feds cancel grants mentioning ‘LGBTQ+’, https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/doge-chatgpt-dei-lgbtq-grants?1
[4] DOGE Staffer Tasked with Eliminating ‘DEI’ Grants Struggles to Define DEI in Awkward Deposition Video, https://people.com/doge-staffer-tasked-with-eliminating-dei-grants-struggles-to-define-dei-11924877?utm_campaign=peoplemagazine&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com&utm_content=post

4. Congress: Legislative Agenda and Political Tensions

4.1. “SAVE America Act” Strains GOP as Vote is Scheduled

President Trump’s top legislative priority, the “SAVE America Act,” is causing significant strain within the Republican party. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has informed the President that Republicans lack the votes to overcome a filibuster, running the bill into a “Senate reality” wall [1]. Despite this, Thune has scheduled a Senate vote for next week, a move seen as an attempt to ease “MAGA anger” over the bill’s potential failure [2, 3]. President Trump has publicly “hit back” at Thune over the legislation, highlighting the deep intra-party friction [4]. The bill is also opposed by critics who label it an “anti-trans” bill [5].

References:
[1] Reporter’s Notebook: Trump’s SAVE Act ultimatum runs into Senate reality: Thune tells Trump that Republicans lack votes for talking filibuster strategy to pass SAVE America Act, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/reporters-notebook-trumps-save-act-ultimatum-runs-senate-reality
[2] Trump-backed SAVE America Act will get a Senate vote next week, Thune says, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/12/trump-save-america-act-senate-2026-elections.html
[3] Thune eyes marathon sessions to ease MAGA anger over SAVE Act, https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/save-act-talking-filibuster-senate-thune-republicans
[4] Trump hits back at Republican Senate majority leader over Save America act, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/11/trump-john-thune-save-america-act
[5] Trump’s anti-trans SAVE Act saves no one and threatens everyone, https://www.advocate.com/opinion/save-act-threatens-everybody?1

4.2. Bipartisan Housing Bill Passes Amid Gridlock

In a rare moment of bipartisan unity, the Senate has passed a major housing affordability bill co-sponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tim Scott [1]. The legislation aims to address the affordability crisis by targeting large investors and easing certain regulations. This legislative success comes as former President Biden’s SAVE plan for student loan repayment has been declared “officially dead” by observers, leaving millions of borrowers to seek new guidance [2].

References:
[1] Senate passes major housing affordability bill by Elizabeth Warren and Tim Scott, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-passes-major-housing-affordability-bill-warren-scott-rcna263046
[2] Biden’s SAVE plan for student loans is officially dead. Here’s what experts suggest now, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/bidens-save-plan-for-student-loans-is-officially-dead-heres-what-experts-suggest-now

5. The Trump Presidency and U.S. Global Standing

5.1. Wartime Leadership and Personal Conduct

President Trump’s leadership during the Iran conflict is facing intense criticism. The 79-year-old President reportedly admitted to “falling asleep during war planning” and, when asked about the formal investigation into the deadly U.S. strike on the Iranian school, responded, “I don’t know about it” [1, 2]. This has occurred alongside new leaks containing what are described as “brutal revelations” about his “blunders” in handling the war [3]. In a separate matter, an accountant for the late Jeffrey Epstein has reportedly testified to a House committee about a settlement paid from an Epstein-related entity to a woman who had also accused Trump [4].

References:
[1] Trump, 79, Admits He Was Falling Asleep During War Planning, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-79-admits-he-was-falling-asleep-during-war-planning/
[2] Trump is asleep at the wheel as his administration scrambles over his war in Iran: When Donald Trump was asked about a probe into a deadly strike on a school in Iran, which found the U.S. responsible, he told reporters, “I don’t know about it.”, https://www.ms.now/all-in/trump-iran-war-scramble-girls-school-strike
[3] Trump’s Iran Blunders Suddenly Look Darker after Damning New Leaks Hit: ‘As brutal revelations emerge about Trump’s handling of the war, a foreign policy expert explains why he won’t be able to extricate us from this debacle anytime soon—and provides a roadmap to what’s next’, https://newrepublic.com/article/207666/trump-iran-blunders-suddenly-look-darker-damning-new-leaks-hit
[4] Epstein Adviser Reveals Settlement With Woman Who Also Accused Trump, https://newrepublic.com/post/207663/epstein-accountant-settlement-victim-accused-donald-trump

5.2. Rhetoric, International Standing, and UN Condemnation

The administration’s actions are damaging America’s global standing. A United Nations panel has accused President Trump of “racist hate speech,” asserting his rhetoric has directly led to “grave human rights violations” [1]. After a recent video call on the Iran war, allies were reportedly left with “whiplash,” having “no idea what’s Trump’s plan is” [2]. This trend is mirrored in recent Gallup polling showing Americans’ own favorability ratings for key allies Canada and Great Britain have fallen to new all-time lows [3].

References:
[1] UN panel says Trump’s hate speech has led to ‘grave’ human rights violations, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-racist-human-rights-un-b2936963.html
[2] Trump Leaves Allies With Whiplash After Video Call on Iran | Key U.S. allies have no idea what Trump’s plan is here., https://newrepublic.com/post/207672/trump-allies-whiplash-g7-call-iran
[3] Americans’ Views of Canada, Great Britain Drop to New Lows, https://news.gallup.com/poll/703040/americans-views-canada-great-britain-drop-new-lows.aspx

6. The Judiciary, Civil Rights, and State-Level Battles

Key federal court decisions have delivered rulings on military conduct and healthcare policy. A federal appeals court upheld a $42 million verdict awarded to Iraqi victims for abuse they suffered from U.S. military personnel [1]. In another major decision, a U.S. court ruled that West Virginia can ban Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming surgery [2]. At the state level, several legislatures are advancing contentious social policies. The Florida legislature passed a bill empowering the governor to remove local officials for supporting LGBTQ+ Pride events [3], while Senator Josh Hawley has introduced a federal bill to remove the FDA’s approval for the abortion pill Mifepristone [4].

References:
[1] $42 Million Verdict for Iraqi Victims of U.S. Abuse Is Upheld on Appeal, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/12/us/politics/iraqi-lawsuit-torture-verdict-upheld.html?unlocked_article_code=1.SlA.ndsd._ayNijTKBov9&smid=re-share
[2] West Virginia can ban Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming surgery, US court rules, https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/12/us/wv-gender-affirming-surgery-medicaid-ban
[3] Florida Republicans pass bill empowering Ron DeSantis to oust local officials who support LGBTQ+ Pride, https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/florida-anti-pride-bill-passes?1
[4] Hawley introduces bill to remove FDA approval for Mifepristone, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5779756-hawley-fda-approval-mifepristone/

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