December 18, 2025 – US Headlines

Story gist: Dan Bongino plans to resign as FBI deputy director in January. He has held the position for less than a year.

Bias summary: Left-leaning CNN frames the event as Bongino ‘plans to step down’ in January, using neutral phrasing without emphasis on reasons. Center AP reports he ‘says he plans to resign next month’ as the ‘bureau’s No. 2 official,’ highlighting his statement and title factually. Right-leaning outlets offer no coverage, absenting any conservative framing or commentary on the departure.

Story gist: President Trump plans to address the nation. This follows reports of declining popularity linked to economic concerns.

Bias summary: Left-leaning CNN frames the address amid ‘Venezuela tensions and health care battle,’ emphasizing foreign policy friction and domestic fights. Center-leaning outlets provide no coverage, absenting neutral, fact-focused reporting. Right-leaning outlets also absent, omitting defenses of Trump, economic optimism, or criticism of polls/media narratives. (62 words)

Story gist: Former U.S. President Trump demanded Venezuela return land and oil rights to the U.S. The Venezuelan Navy escorted vessels following Trump’s blockade threat.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like NYT frame the story around Venezuela’s defensive naval response to Trump’s ‘blockade threat,’ emphasizing U.S. aggression. Center outlets like PBS neutrally highlight Trump’s direct demand quote without added context. Right-leaning WSJ publishes an opinion urging escalation beyond ‘a single oil tanker,’ advocating stronger U.S. action while omitting Venezuelan perspectives.

Story gist: The U.S. Senate passed a $901 billion defense policy bill including provisions for Ukraine and Europe. The bill now awaits President Trump’s signature.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like The Guardian emphasize the bill’s support for Ukraine and Europe, framing it positively as congressional action. Center outlets like Reuters call it ‘sweeping’ and highlight Ukraine and Venezuela provisions defying Trump. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting potential focus on Trump’s impending approval or spending critiques.

Story gist: House Republicans defied Speaker Mike Johnson to force a vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. The action occurred in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like NYT frame Republicans as advancing Democrats’ bid on ACA subsidies, emphasizing success for progressive goals. Center outlets like PBS report neutrally on the defiance to force a vote, without partisan spin. Right-leaning Fox News highlights Speaker Johnson’s victory over a GOP ‘Obamacare rebellion,’ using loaded terms like ‘Obamacare’ and portraying leadership triumph despite internal dissent.