House Demands Release of Epstein Files; Trump Considers Talks with Maduro
Key Takeaways
- House passes bill 427-1 demanding Justice Department release all Jeffrey Epstein investigation files.
- Trump considers talks with Maduro, doesn't rule out military intervention against Mexico/Colombia.
- Maduro responds to Trump, prioritizing dialogue; accuses U.S. sectors of misleading Trump.
- ICE and CBP to conduct immigration enforcement operations in Raleigh starting November 18.
- Trump's approval rating dips below 45%, attributed to dissatisfaction and economic concerns.
Top Stories
House passes bill demanding release of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files.
On November 18, 2025, the U.S. House passed a bill with 427 yes votes to 1 no, demanding the Justice Department release all investigation files on Jeffrey Epstein. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, even from President Trump.
Trump considers talks with Maduro, doesn't rule out military intervention.
On November 17, 2025, President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S. might engage in talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump also raised the possibility of military actions against Mexico and Colombia to combat drug trafficking.
Maduro responds to Trump's ultimatum, prioritizing dialogue over war.
On November 18, 2025, Nicolás Maduro responded to Donald Trump's ultimatum, declaring that Venezuela will talk "face to face" with the U.S. Maduro also accused sectors of the U.S. government of misleading Trump.
ICE and CBP to conduct immigration enforcement operations in Raleigh.
Starting November 18, 2025, ICE and Customs and Border Protection are set to conduct immigration enforcement operations in Raleigh. This follows similar operations in Charlotte over the weekend, which led to over 80 arrests.
Trump's approval rating dips below 45%, raising midterm concerns.
On November 18, 2025, President Donald Trump's job approval rating fell below 45% for the first time in his second term. This decline is attributed to public dissatisfaction with his agenda and concerns over the economy.
Capitol Hill Buzz
Cassidy proposes HSAs to replace enhanced ACA premium tax credits.
On November 17, 2025, Senator Bill Cassidy proposed replacing enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits with pre-paid Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This plan would fund HSAs for Bronze Plan enrollees to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
Political Analysis
Article: Biden's economic policies caused the affordability crisis.
On November 17, 2025, James Piereson argued in RealClearPolitics that the affordability crisis is a direct consequence of the Biden administration's economic policies.
White House Watch
Judge blocks Trump's National Guard use in Memphis; order on hold.
On November 17, 2025, a Tennessee judge blocked President Trump's use of the National Guard in Memphis, siding with Democratic officials. The judge put the order on hold for five days pending a government appeal.
Trump meets McDonald's owners, addresses inflation, announces tariff eliminations.
On November 17, 2025, President Donald Trump met with McDonald's owners in Washington to discuss economic policies and address inflation concerns. Trump also announced the elimination of tariffs on certain imported food items.
CPB revives $35.9M NPR contract after Trump White House pressure.
On November 17, 2025, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) agreed to revive a $35.9 million multi-year contract with NPR. This agreement resolves a lawsuit filed by NPR, which accused CPB of unlawfully yielding to the Trump administration's demands.
Trump calls ABC reporter 'terrible' over Epstein files question.
On November 18, 2025, President Donald Trump reacted strongly to ABC News reporter Mary Bruce's question about files related to Jeffrey Epstein. He called her "a terrible person and a terrible reporter".