As the government shutdown loomed, and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was set to lapse, President Trump was hosting a lavish Great Gatsby-themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago. This event was met with strong criticism, with prominent Democrats accusing the president of prioritizing his wealthy friends over the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits. While the SNAP benefits were expiring on November 1st, Trump was pictured enjoying himself at the party. Legal challenges have emerged, with judges ordering the release of emergency funding for SNAP and the potential for unlawful suspension of the program.
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Amidst a government shutdown impacting vital programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) relied upon by 42 million Americans, Donald Trump hosted a lavish Great Gatsby-themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago. While SNAP funding was set to lapse on November 1st, Trump was pictured enjoying the festivities, drawing criticism from prominent Democrats who accused him of prioritizing his wealthy friends over the American people. Legal challenges emerged, with a federal judge ordering the release of emergency funds to support SNAP, though Trump blamed Democrats and called for court clarification on legally funding the program. The administration is facing mounting pressure to ensure SNAP benefits continue, with judges highlighting the irreparable harm the program’s suspension would cause to millions of families.
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Donald Trump stated that he would personally make the decision on whether the government should pay him damages related to past federal investigations, including the Mar-a-Lago search and the Russia investigation. Trump has filed administrative claims seeking approximately $230 million under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which typically involves career officials, although Trump allies now hold key positions within the Justice Department. Trump has stated that he is “suing himself” and may donate any awarded proceeds, despite the unusual nature of a sitting president seeking compensation for investigations into his own conduct. Legal experts suggest these claims are unlikely to succeed due to the nature of the investigations and a statute that is not intended for such circumstances.
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Former President Donald Trump stated the federal government owes him “a lot of money” related to past Justice Department investigations, including the Mar-a-Lago search and the Russia probe. He claimed he would ultimately decide on his own compensation, asserting the decision would “have to go across my desk.” The claims are estimated to be around $230 million in damages. Trump’s attorney argued that the Mar-a-Lago case was a “malicious prosecution” intended to harm his campaign, while the other claim is tied to the Trump-Russia investigation.
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Ted Cruz warned that Republicans should be wary of the potential for a mobilized and energized left wing in the upcoming midterm elections, despite having substantive issues to campaign on. He acknowledged the Democrats’ fundraising advantage, fueled by opposition to Donald Trump, and the potential danger of complacent Republican voters failing to turn out. Although Cruz’s warning used exaggerated rhetoric, it reflected the GOP’s attention to the widespread “No Kings” protests. Ultimately, the senator’s point highlighted the GOP’s struggle to understand the source of the public’s dissatisfaction with Trump.
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Valdson Vieira Cotrin, Jeffrey Epstein’s former butler of 18 years, claims Epstein told him in 2016 that Donald Trump had asked him to work in the new government, a claim unsupported by evidence. Cotrin also recalled Ghislaine Maxwell visiting Mar-a-Lago frequently, but could not recall ever meeting Trump. Further, Cotrin expressed disbelief that Epstein committed suicide, while also noting his fear for his own safety due to the deaths of other figures connected to Epstein. Cotrin also did not believe Epstein was the monster he was made out to be.
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The relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, spanning several decades, has resurfaced with renewed interest. Initially, Trump and Epstein moved in similar social circles, with documented interactions at Trump’s properties and on private jets. As Epstein faced accusations of sex trafficking, Trump distanced himself, but the association has continued to draw scrutiny, particularly during Trump’s presidency. Recently, in his second term, Trump’s administration has been linked to the Epstein case, and Trump himself has been informed that his name appears in the Epstein files. However, Trump has since told people to stop talking about Epstein.
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The Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues to plague the political landscape in Washington, despite attempts to dismiss it. The Vice-President recently denied reports of a meeting to strategize the handling of public interest in the case. Interviews were conducted with Jeffrey Epstein’s brother, Mark, who was questioned about the ongoing relevance of the story.
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President Trump is planning a significant Mar-a-Lago-style makeover for the East Wing, including the construction of a new ballroom, set to begin in September at an estimated cost of $200 million funded by the president and private donors. The new ballroom will be approximately 90,000 square feet, nearly double the size of the current White House, and will have a capacity of 650 people. The project will also relocate offices currently in the East Wing, and is the latest in a series of White House construction projects under Trump’s administration, following renovations like the Rose Garden’s overhaul and gold leafing in the Oval Office.
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In a recent interview, former President Trump stated that Jeffrey Epstein “stole” Virginia Roberts Giuffre from Mar-a-Lago, prompting a response from Giuffre’s siblings, who expressed shock and raised concerns about Trump’s potential knowledge of Epstein’s actions. Giuffre’s family emphasized that her work at Mar-a-Lago was meant to be a fun summertime job but instead led to her being sex trafficked, according to her allegations. Trump has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein, and the White House maintains that Trump was merely responding to a reporter’s question. Giuffre’s family hopes the Trump administration will follow through on its stated promises of transparency and accountability.
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John Q. Hosedrinker