During the APEC summit, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented Donald Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest state honor, recognizing Trump’s efforts towards peace on the Korean Peninsula. This marks the first time a US president has received the decoration. Additionally, Lee gifted Trump a replica of the Gold Crown from Cheonmachong, a Silla Kingdom artifact, symbolizing leadership. This meeting was the second in-person summit between the two presidents and the shortest turnaround between South Korea and the US in diplomatic history, as Trump is the first state head to visit the country as a state guest twice.
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A bipartisan group, including Republican Thomas Massie, Democrat Ro Khanna, and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, gathered to raise awareness about the Jeffrey Epstein case and demand the release of relevant files. The event, held in front of the Capitol, featured victims like Annie Farmer, who shared their experiences of abuse and the lack of justice they received. Speakers emphasized the need to hold all accomplices accountable and shed light on the pervasive failure of the justice system in this case, while also acknowledging the complexities arising from legal agreements and the financial interests involved.
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During a recent lunch with Republican senators, Vice President JD Vance faced intense questioning regarding President Trump’s deal to import beef from Argentina. Several senators expressed concerns, particularly about the potential negative impact on American livestock farmers amidst rising beef prices, prompting Vance to humorously request questions unrelated to the topic. Trump’s administration aims to quadruple low-tariff imports from Argentina, which has angered U.S. ranchers who overwhelmingly supported him in the last election, and several Republican lawmakers have publicly expressed concern over the policy. Some, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Representative Adrian Smith, are trying to influence the policy’s implementation, while Trump has defended the move, claiming it benefits ranchers and consumers alike.
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President Trump has asserted that he could deploy the military to U.S. cities, stating that courts would not prevent him from doing so. He suggested he could invoke the Insurrection Act to bypass the legal system and send in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. These comments, made on Air Force One, have been widely criticized as an attempt to play out a “dictator fantasy,” particularly given existing legal restrictions like the Posse Comitatus Act. Trump’s remarks come amid rising tensions and deployment of the National Guard in cities such as Chicago.
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Millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits face the potential loss of their food assistance due to the government shutdown, which is being caused by the Trump administration refusing to release legally appropriated funds. Despite the existence of a contingency fund specifically designed for such emergencies, the administration claims it is unable to use it, contradicting legal mandates. Experts argue this refusal is a clear violation of the law, which requires benefits to be furnished to all eligible households, and further assert that the administration has the authority to transfer funds from other nutrition programs to ensure benefits are paid. Attorneys general in numerous states are suing the administration over the issue, highlighting the unlawful and immoral nature of the situation.
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A recent YouGov/Economist survey reveals that Donald Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to a record low, with 57% disapproving of his job performance. This net approval of minus 18 is the lowest of his second term, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy, inflation, and immigration. Having initially enjoyed positive economic approval, Trump’s support has eroded significantly in these areas. Notably, a majority across key demographics, including men, women, Hispanics, and young voters, disapprove of his presidency despite his claims of high approval and downplaying concerns about economic issues.
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During his visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings, President Trump was presented with a golden crown, a gesture aimed at finalizing a $350 billion trade deal. This seems to have worked as Washington and Seoul reached a broad trade agreement. The focus of the trip shifted to Trump’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The South Korean leg of Trump’s Asia tour follows his visit to Japan where he signed a rare-earths deal and announced several important energy and technology projects in the US to be funded by Japan.
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Judge Illston’s recent ruling suggests the mass firings of federal employees are illegal, potentially signaling trouble for the White House. The judge indicated the October 10th layoff notices appeared politically motivated and poorly planned. As the government shutdown enters its fifth week, roughly 4,100 layoff notices have been issued, some delivered improperly. With no progress on a funding bill due to disagreements over healthcare subsidies, the shutdown continues.
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Speaking to U.S. troops in Japan, President Trump indicated his willingness to deploy more than the National Guard to U.S. cities to address crime and safety concerns. He claimed public support for such actions and asserted that state officials’ cooperation was not essential. This stance echoed earlier comments and followed deployments of the National Guard to various cities. Despite Trump’s claims, polls show that most Americans are opposed to using troops domestically, leading to legal challenges from Democratic governors.
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A Tennessee sheriff is defending the arrest of a man who posted a meme referencing a school shooting, despite the meme not containing any direct threats. The arrest, based on potential misinterpretations of the meme’s reference to “Perry High School,” has sparked free speech concerns. The sheriff claims the arrest was necessary due to community fear, and the man refused to delete the post, though the officer acknowledged that it was not illegal. The man faces felony charges and a high bond, while free speech advocates and others question the legitimacy of the arrest, particularly since the sheriff admitted the meme was not directly threatening.
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John Q. Hosedrinker