The U.S. government officially shut down at midnight due to the inability of Congress and the White House to agree on a funding extension. The Republican-controlled Congress, needing Democratic support in the Senate, failed to reach a bipartisan agreement, leading to the shutdown, the first since 2018. Federal employees will face furloughs and potential delayed pay, while essential workers will continue to work without pay. The two parties are fundamentally at odds over healthcare funding and government spending, with no clear path to a resolution and blame being placed on both sides.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new policy requiring physical fitness tests for military personnel, which would include height and weight requirements. Newsom took to social media to criticize the policy, using it as an opportunity to mock President Donald Trump’s physique. Newsom posted a photo of Trump and a satirical image from his press office, implying the president’s weight would disqualify him under the new military standards. The governor’s posts, including a reference to Trump’s fondness for fast food, quickly gained traction and highlighted the president’s reported height and weight discrepancies.
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Hamas and other Palestinian factions are considering President Trump’s 20-point peace proposal presented alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, prisoner exchanges, increased aid, and an interim Palestinian administration overseen by an international board, with Israel maintaining security control. Key Arab nations, including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, have voiced support for the plan, emphasizing the importance of partnership with the United States. The Palestinian Authority also supports the proposal, which would allow them to regain control of Gaza once reforms are implemented.
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President Trump unveiled a comprehensive plan to lower drug costs, including a “TrumpRx” website for discounted medication purchases and an agreement with Pfizer. Pfizer has agreed to offer “Most Favored Nation” pricing in Medicaid, alongside significant price reductions for certain drugs via the new website. The administration also aims to have drug manufacturers sell directly to consumers, but industry experts remain skeptical about the impact. Critics worry these measures could shift prices internationally, raising prices elsewhere while potentially providing limited savings for consumers.
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President Trump stated he would immediately dismiss any U.S. military leaders he found unsuitable, injecting further strain into civil-military relations at a high-profile meeting with senior officers. This gathering was used to announce sweeping cultural and structural changes to military policy, including stricter grooming and physical fitness standards, along with a crackdown on what was perceived as “woke” policies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned officers against disagreeing with the administration’s direction, advocating for resignations from those whose hearts sank, while also implementing multiple new directives. During the event, Trump declared the end of political correctness in the armed forces and assured his support for the military, though he also expressed his belief that he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his foreign policy efforts.
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MSNBC commentators Lawrence O’Donnell and Rachel Maddow expressed concerns about Donald Trump’s mental state. They cited his recent posting of an AI-generated deepfake video targeting Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries as evidence of a “dramatic mental decline.” The video features fabricated quotes from Schumer and depicts Jeffries in a demeaning manner. O’Donnell and Maddow compared his behavior to that of a junior high school student and proposed an intervention.
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A federal judge in Boston ruled against the Trump administration, declaring its efforts to deport noncitizens for protesting the war in Gaza unconstitutional. The judge sided with university associations, finding the policy, which they labeled as ideological deportation, to be a violation of the First Amendment. During the trial, the plaintiffs presented witnesses who argued that the administration specifically targeted students and scholars critical of Israel. Lawyers for the Trump administration countered by arguing that there was no policy based on protected speech.
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During a recent interview, Eric Trump alleged the Biden administration actively sought to dismantle the Trump family, including attempting to orchestrate a divorce between Donald and Melania Trump. He made these claims while defending his father’s actions and criticizing those who opposed the prosecution of James Comey, the former FBI director. In a wide-ranging rant, Eric Trump accused the government of various offenses, such as pursuing false investigations, weaponizing legal authorities, and even raiding the family’s residences and seizing assets. These statements come after reports of public disagreements between Donald and Melania Trump, adding fuel to speculation about their relationship.
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During a meeting with military leaders, former President Trump suggested utilizing “dangerous” U.S. cities as training grounds for the military, specifically mentioning Chicago. He highlighted the city’s recent violence, criticizing Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and expressing the need for military intervention. Trump also referenced Portland, Oregon, comparing it to a “warzone,” and announced a deployment of troops to the city via a Truth Social post. Additionally, Trump recently signed an executive order to rebrand the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” though such a change would require Congressional approval to be official.
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In a recent CNN interview, Senator Roger Marshall defended Donald Trump’s posting of an AI-generated video targeting Democratic leaders. The video depicted Hakeem Jeffries in a sombrero and an AI-dubbed Chuck Schumer making offensive statements. Marshall compared Trump’s actions to a “little boy” playing with a flashlight, suggesting the president was playfully highlighting the Democrats’ supposedly unreasonable demands. The clip’s offensive nature and potential to undermine shutdown negotiations, however, were questioned.
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John Q. Hosedrinker