President Trump urged Senate Republicans to utilize the “nuclear option” to abolish the filibuster, enabling them to bypass the current government shutdown with a simple majority vote. He cited concerns from his recent trip to Asia and argued Democrats would eliminate the filibuster if given the opportunity. While some Senate Republicans have discussed rule changes, it remains uncertain if they have sufficient support to entirely eliminate the filibuster, especially with Senate Majority Leader John Thune opposing any weakening of it.
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A Department of Homeland Security promotional video featuring Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino in a black trench coat has drawn comparisons to Nazi imagery due to the styling of the video. The video, released the same day Bovino was ordered to appear in court, features the commander in a stylized black-and-white portrayal and has led to accusations of fascism and authoritarianism, including from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The video’s release occurred amidst a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of DHS tactics, including those around protests and aggressive deportation goals. The DHS has not responded to questions regarding the video’s production or its potential connection to Nazi symbolism.
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Recent polling data reveals a significant decline in President Trump’s approval among young voters. A YouGov/Economist poll conducted in late October shows a 30-point drop in approval among adults under 30 since February. This decline in support from younger demographics, who were initially attracted to Trump in 2024, could pose challenges for the GOP in the upcoming midterm elections. Moreover, Trump’s handling of the economy, a key factor in his prior appeal to young voters, now carries a significantly negative approval rating.
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The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll revealed that a significant portion of Americans hold President Trump and Republicans primarily responsible for the government shutdown. Roughly 45% of U.S. adults believe Trump and the GOP are to blame for the shutdown’s negative impacts. This shutdown has led to consequences like potential cuts to anti-hunger benefits, air traffic delays, and furloughed federal workers. These findings underscore the public’s perception of responsibility for the ongoing political stalemate.
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The US Senate voted to nullify President Trump’s global tariffs, with four Republicans joining Democrats in a 51-47 vote, marking the third instance of Republican senators opposing Trump’s tariff policies this week. This resolution, intended to end tariffs implemented by executive order, stands as a rebuke to the tariffs themselves and challenges Trump’s bypassing of Congress. This action occurred while Trump was in Asia, where he negotiated a trade deal with China, which included lowering tariffs on goods entering the country. While the Senate has taken a stand, similar action in the House of Representatives is unlikely due to a rule blocking tariff resolutions from receiving a floor vote.
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Charges against Larry Bushart, who was jailed for over a month for a Trump meme, were unexpectedly dropped Wednesday. Bushart was arrested for threatening mass violence at a school because the meme, which quoted Trump, was misinterpreted as a threat to shoot up Perry County High School. The dismissal occurred after a NewsChannel 5 interview revealed investigators knew the meme referred to an Iowa shooting, not the local school. Furthermore, new video footage raised questions about the sheriff’s initial account of the encounter, ultimately leading to the nolle prosequi.
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As reported by the Associated Press, Maine Family Planning, a network of 18 clinics serving low-income residents, is closing its primary care operations due to the Trump administration’s cuts to abortion providers. The network, which offers a range of services beyond abortions, including cancer screenings and STD testing, stated the cuts forced them to make difficult decisions. The move to defund abortion providers is driving patients away from their doctors and has resulted in over 600 patients losing access to care. Maine Family Planning is fighting the funding cuts in federal court, with the Center for Reproductive Rights vowing to continue the legal battle.
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Senate Democrats have accused Republicans of “weaponizing hunger” by blocking a standalone bill to fund SNAP, jeopardizing food assistance for 42 million Americans. Despite demands from Democrats, the Trump administration has not released billions in emergency SNAP funding, which is set to lapse on Saturday, potentially leaving people without food assistance. Republicans, led by Sen. Thune, argue that the focus should be on reopening the government rather than funding specific programs. Democrats are urging the White House to release the funds, with some calling on citizens to support local food banks.
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A Tennessee man, Larry Bushart, was arrested and charged with making threats of mass violence after posting a meme referencing Donald Trump in a Facebook group memorializing slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, which was misinterpreted by members of the group as a threat against their local high school. Despite investigators acknowledging the meme was not a direct threat, Bushart was arrested and held for over a month. However, the charges against him have since been dropped, after an interview revealed authorities were responding to community anxiety rather than an actual threat. Bushart, who lost his job due to his imprisonment, had been arrested and charged in connection with the fallout from Kirk’s death, who had been assassinated on a college campus.
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Despite President Trump’s claim of having “highest numbers,” a recent poll from The Economist and YouGov paints a different picture, revealing a mere 39% approval rating. This result is the lowest of his second term so far, with notable disapproval across various demographics, including young voters and women. The survey also indicates poor approval on specific issues like immigration, abortion, and inflation, alongside disapproval of actions such as his trade aggressions and requests for compensation from the Justice Department. Ultimately, the poll data suggests a continued decline in Trump’s public favorability since his time in office.
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John Q. Hosedrinker