[Tuesday, October 07] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare October 7, 2025

Executive Summary

A government shutdown deepens as the White House signals it may deny back pay for furloughed workers, a move President Trump states “depends” on negotiations. A constitutional crisis escalates with Texas National Guard troops deployed to Chicago, sparking lawsuits. President Trump has publicly floated invoking the Insurrection Act. The home of a federal judge who ruled against President Trump has reportedly burned to the ground, intensifying concerns over judicial security. The Jeffrey Epstein case disrupts Congress, with House Speaker Johnson delaying a key vote and the seating of a new Democrat. The Senate confirmed a bloc of 107 presidential nominees.

1. Interlocking Crises: Government Shutdown and Executive Power

1.1. Shutdown Intensifies Over Federal Back Pay

The federal government shutdown has entered its second week with no resolution in sight after the Senate again failed to advance competing funding bills [1]. The crisis has escalated dramatically as the White House signals it may attempt to block back pay for furloughed federal employees, reversing long-standing precedent. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reportedly deleted references to the law guaranteeing back pay from its official shutdown guidance, with the White House later issuing a memo claiming workers are not legally entitled to compensation [2]. President Trump personally confirmed this new negotiating posture, stating that whether workers receive their salaries “depends” on the outcome of the shutdown fight [3]. This move leverages the financial security of hundreds of thousands of federal workers to increase pressure on Congress for a budget deal [4].

References: [1] US shutdown enters second week as Senate again rejects rival funding bills, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/06/us-shutdown-government-funding
[2] White House memo says furloughed federal workers aren’t entitled to back pay, https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/trump-memo-furloughed-federal-workers-backpay
[3] Trump suggests not all furloughed workers will get back pay: ‘It depends’, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/07/trump-government-shutdown-worker-pay.html
[4] White House raises shutdown pressure game, threatening no back pay for furloughed workers, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5543758-white-house-threatens-furloughed-workers/

1.2. Domestic Troop Deployments and Constitutional Crisis

A constitutional conflict over domestic military power is deepening as the administration deploys National Guard forces to U.S. cities. Reports have confirmed that Texas National Guard troops have arrived in the Chicago area, prompting a furious response from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who called it an “invasion” and part of the administration’s “‘authoritarian march’” [1]. Illinois and Chicago have filed a lawsuit to block the deployment [2]. This action occurs as President Trump publicly threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807, a rarely used law that would grant him unilateral authority to deploy troops domestically to quell what he claims is an insurrection already “underway” [3, 4]. The move is setting up a major legal clash over presidential power, with some blue-state governors seen as a critical check on what commentators are calling a drift toward autocracy [5]. A former Trump official writing as ‘Anonymous’ has warned the deployments could be a “‘false flag’” operation [6].

References: [1] ‘Invasion of Illinois’: Pritzker slams Trump troops headed to Chicago, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/10/06/texas-illinois-national-guard-headed-to-chicago/86553931007/
[2] Illinois and Chicago sue to block Trump deployment of National Guard, but troops already on the way, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/illinois-lawsuit-trump-national-guard-chicago/
[3] Trump Threatens to Invoke Insurrection Act After Courts Push Back on Troops, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/06/us/trump-insurrection-act-national-guard.html
[4] Trump Now Claims an Insurrection Is Underway in Dark March to Martial Law, https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-now-claims-an-insurrection-is-underway-in-portland-in-dark-march-to-martial-law/
[5] Trump’s use of the National Guard sets up a legal clash testing presidential power, https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-guard-legal-clash-presidential-power-1ed22e89bcdebc8d3e5bd9238373dc45
[6] Former Trump official ‘Anonymous’ warns troops in cities are ‘false flag’, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5542898-donald-trump-miles-taylor-anonymous/

1.3. Political Negotiations and Shutdown Impacts

President Trump has escalated his rhetoric amid the shutdown, labeling Democrats “insurrectionists” and threatening that OMB Director Russ Vought, the “‘Grim Reaper’,” would begin cutting jobs if a deal is not reached quickly [1]. The central negotiating sticking point appears to be healthcare, with Republicans facing pressure to address Democratic demands to prevent steep premium hikes under the Affordable Care Act [2]. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has notably broken with her MAGA allies, stating she is open to a healthcare deal with Democrats [3]. The shutdown’s economic impacts are widening, with the FAA reporting staffing issues that led to an air traffic control tower at Hollywood Burbank Airport going unmanned for hours [4]. In response to the funding lapse, the administration announced that funds from tariffs will be redirected to the WIC nutrition program for women and children [5].

References: [1] Trump labels Democrats ‘insurrectionists’ as he threatens ‘Grim Reaper’ Vought to start cutting American jobs in ‘4 to 5 days’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-government-shutdown-carney-meeting-b2841163.html
[2] Government shutdown drags on as health care compromise remains elusive, https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493
[3] Marjorie Taylor Greene open to healthcare deal with Democrats amid shutdown, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/07/marjorie-taylor-greene-government-shutdown-healthcare
[4] Burbank Airport air traffic control tower goes unmanned for hours amid government shutdown, https://abc7.com/post/hollywood-burbank-airport-will-have-no-air-traffic-controllers-evening-faa-warns/17952670/
[5] Karoline Leavitt says tariff fund will be redirected to WIC amid shutdown, https://www.newsweek.com/wic-government-shutdown-tariffs-funding-trump-karoline-leavitt-10842914

2. Judiciary Under Pressure and Nationwide Legal Battles

2.1. Threats Against the Judiciary Escalate

In a deeply alarming development, the home of Judge Diane Goodstein reportedly burned to the ground shortly after she issued a ruling against President Trump, though the cause of the fire has not been officially stated [1]. The event occurs as the President has publicly voiced displeasure with judges he appointed ruling against him [2]. In a separate but related incident in Portland, legal battles continue, with a judge dealing the administration a “harsh loss” in a case related to federal actions while lawsuits are being prepared against federal agents after recent protests [3].

References: [1] Judge Diane Goodstein’s home burns to ground after ruling against Trump, https://www.newsweek.com/judge-diane-goodsteins-home-burns-to-ground-after-ruling-against-trump-10831834
[2] Judges appointed by Trump keep ruling against him. He’s not happy about it., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/06/trump-judges-ruling-against-him-00595511
[3] Lawsuits to be filed against federal agents, local police as protests continue outside ICE facility, https://www.kptv.com/2025/10/07/lawsuits-be-filed-against-federal-agents-local-police-protests-continue-outside-ice-facility/

2.2. The Epstein Case: Political and Legal Fallout

The Jeffrey Epstein case has erupted as a flashpoint in Washington. During a fiery Senate hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi clashed with Democrats like Sen. Dick Durbin, who accused her of having “‘weaponized’ the Department of Justice” [1]. Reports describe Bondi dodging questions about the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein investigation and cases against Trump’s political foes, with one account stating she “lost it” when asked about files that include “Trump’s Name” [2]. Separately, President Trump has said he would consider a pardon for convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, remarking he would “‘have to take a look’"—a statement that reportedly sparked “MAGA Fury”—while also claiming in another instance not to know who she is [3, 4]. The case’s fallout has now paralyzed the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson faces bipartisan criticism for delaying a vote on releasing Epstein-related files while simultaneously refusing to swear in newly elected Democrat Adelita Grijalva. Grijalva has publicly blasted the delay as an “Epstein Cover-Up” [5, 6].

References: [1] Durbin: Bondi ‘weaponized’ Department of Justice, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5542533-durbin-bondi-department-of-justice/
[2] Bondi gets Capitol Hill grilling on Epstein, cases against Trump foes, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/10/07/bondi-senate-hearing-epstein-comey/
[3] Donald Trump’s Maxwell Pardon Remark Sparks MAGA Fury, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-maxwell-epstein-pardon-maga-10838390
[4] Trump Leaves Door Open to Maxwell Pardon While Pretending Not to Know Her, https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-leaves-door-open-to-ghislaine-maxwell-pardon-while-pretending-not-to-know-her/?utm_source=web_push&tdb_source=web_push
[5] Mike Johnson faces bipartisan heat over delayed vote on Epstein files, https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/mike-johnson-government-shutdown-epstein-files
[6] Rep.-Elect Adelita Grijalva Blasts Delay to Her Swearing-In as an “Epstein Cover-Up”, https://www.democracynow.org/2025/10/7/headlines/rep_elect_adelita_grijalva_blasts_delay_to_her_swearing_in_as_an_epstein_cover_up

2.3. Supreme Court Hears Major Cases on Social and Election Law

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a major case concerning whether states can ban “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ+ youth. Reports from the hearing suggest the court’s conservative majority is skeptical of a Colorado law banning the practice [1, 2]. The court is also reviewing a GOP-backed challenge that critics warn “could open the floodgates for more post-election chaos” [3].

References: [1] Supreme Court hears arguments on whether states can ban conversion therapy for LBGTQ+ kids, https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-lgbtq-conversation-therapy-transgender-1b10b8e959e2e9284724f4f65efe5f7d
[2] Supreme Court skeptical of Colorado ban on gay conversion therapy, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/10/07/supreme-court-gay-conversion-therapy-ban/?carta-url=https://s2.washingtonpost.com/car-ln-tr/4535f74/68e57f573588d4539ad0e2aa/596996c49bbc0f6d71c5049e/23/48/68e57f573588d4539ad0e2aa
[3] GOP-Backed SCOTUS Case Could Open Floodgates for More Post-Election Chaos, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/gop-backed-scotus-case-could-open-floodgates-for-more-post-election-chaos/

3. Congressional, Executive, and Political Developments

3.1. Senate Confirms 107 Trump Nominees in Bloc Vote

Moving with significant speed, the Republican-led Senate confirmed a large group of 107 of President Trump’s nominees in what was described as the “largest bloc vote to date.” Among those confirmed is Herschel Walker, who will now serve as the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas [1].

References: [1] Senate confirms Herschel Walker and 106 other nominees in largest bloc vote to date, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/3841388/senate-confirms-herschel-walker-106-nominees-bloc-vote/

3.2. Scrutiny of Administration Officials

Several of President Trump’s cabinet members are facing intense public scrutiny. In an “unprecedented warning,” a coalition of former U.S. Surgeons General stated that Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., poses a “‘profound’ threat” to public health, while a separate group of psychiatrists has also called for his replacement [1]. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is also under fire for a “cull of military lawyers” that critics argue could harm U.S. soldiers, and a reported ultimatum to generals has sparked fears of resignations [2, 3]. Meanwhile, Peter Marks, the FDA vaccine regulator ousted by RFK Jr., has accepted a position with pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly [4].

References: [1] Former Surgeons General Say It’s Their Duty to Warn of ‘Profound’ Threat RFK Jr. Poses to Americans, https://www.commondreams.org/news/rfk-jr-surgeons-general
[2] How Pete Hegseth’s cull of military lawyers could hurt US soldiers, https://www.newsweek.com/how-pete-hegseths-cull-of-military-lawyers-could-hurt-us-soldiers-10819597?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_influencers
[3] Hegseth’s ultimatum to generals sparks fears of departures, https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5541871-defense-secretary-hegseth-resignation-fears/
[4] Peter Marks, FDA vaccine regulator ousted by RFK Jr., joins Eli Lilly, https://www.statnews.com/2025/10/07/peter-marks-former-fda-vaccine-official-joins-eli-lilly/

3.3. Election Integrity and Partisan Divisions

Political tensions are high as states move to redraw U.S. House districts for partisan gain following urging from President Trump [1]. In a separate legal battle, Missouri’s attorney general subpoenaed Planned Parenthood for patient abortion records, a move providers say is an illegal attempt to access private information [2]. Meanwhile, a new document claims the Biden-era FBI spied on eight GOP senators, an allegation one source described as “arguably worse than Watergate” [3]. In the arena of cultural disputes, Senator Ted Cruz is picking a fight with Wikipedia, accusing the platform of left-wing bias [4], while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly mocked White House adviser Stephen Miller for his “insecure masculinity” [5].

References: [1] More states are moving to redraw US House districts after Trump urged it for partisan gain, https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymandering-congress-trump-0af8561b1670032fae3e1d2aec7905f0
[2] Missouri attorney general subpoenas Planned Parenthood for patient abortion records, https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/06/missouri-attorney-general-subpoenas-planned-parenthood-patient-abortion-records/
[3] Biden FBI spied on eight GOP senators, damning new doc claims: ‘Arguably worse than Watergate’, https://nypost.com/2025/10/06/us-news/biden-fbi-spied-on-eight-gop-senators-damning-new-doc-claims-arguably-worse-than-watergate/
[4] Ted Cruz picks a fight with Wikipedia, accusing platform of left-wing bias, https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/10/ted-cruz-picks-a-fight-with-wikipedia-accusing-platform-of-left-wing-bias/
[5] ‘I Am Crying!’: AOC Can’t Believe Fox Played Her Stephen Miller Takedown Right In His Face, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-aoc-stephen-miller-fox-news_n_68e47fa5e4b05e212f213aa2

4. Foreign Policy and Economic Affairs

4.1. U.S.-Canada Relations and Middle East Policy

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a “high-stakes meeting” with President Trump at the White House, with Trump signaling optimism that Canada will be “‘very happy’” with an eventual tariff agreement [1]. The meeting came as the U.S. government announced it would take a substantial stake in a Canadian-based mining firm involved in a controversial 211-mile mining road in Alaska that the administration ordered approved [2, 3]. On Middle East policy, a new report states the U.S. has provided at least $21.7 billion in military aid to Israel since the Gaza war began [4]. President Trump has also stated he is “optimistic about a Gaza deal” [5].

References: [1] ‘Canada will love us again,’ Trump says as he meets with Carney to hash out tariff deal, https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trump-carney-meeting-white-house-1.7652510
[2] Trump orders approval of 211-mile mining road through Alaska wilderness, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/06/trump-alaska-mining-road
[3] Trump announces U.S. stake in Trilogy Metals, Alaska mining road permits, https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/us-trilogy-metals-stake-trump-alaska-mining-road-permits
[4] US has given at least $21.7 billion in military aid to Israel since war in Gaza began, report says, https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-war-military-aid-83cebb16b3e504f70112e374a0c74bfc
[5] Trump says he is optimistic about a Gaza deal, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trump-says-he-is-optimistic-about-gaza-deal-2025-10-07/

4.2. Economic Outlook and Domestic Finance

The domestic economic outlook is deteriorating. A new Fannie Mae survey shows that nearly 70% of Americans believe the economy is on the “wrong track,” and a Moody’s report warns the country saw “essentially no job growth” last month [1, 2]. These indicators come as the administration is reportedly weighing the sale of parts of the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio and eyeing new changes to Social Security and Medicare [3, 4]. Separately, the U.S. is “set to cancel funding” for two major direct-air capture plants, a significant setback for climate technology [5].

References: [1] Nearly 70% of Americans think the economy is on the ‘wrong track’ and it’s a bad time to buy a home, Fannie Mae survey shows, https://fortune.com/2025/10/07/is-it-good-bad-time-to-buy-house-housing-market-economy-wrong-track/
[2] America saw ‘essentially no job growth’ last month, Moody’s warns, https://thehill.com/business/5542223-america-job-growth-moodys-prediction/
[3] Trump administration weighs selling parts of $1.6T federal student loan portfolio, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/07/trump-administration-selling-federal-student-loan-portfolio-00595456
[4] Despite campaign promises, White House eyes new changes to Social Security and Medicare, https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/campaign-promises-white-house-eyes-new-changes-social-security-medicar-rcna235933#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17597805146019&csi=0&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.msnbc.com%2Frachel-maddow-show%2Fmaddowblog%2Fcampaign-promises-white-house-eyes-new-changes-social-security-medicar-rcna235933
[5] The US is set to cancel funding for two major direct-air-capture plants, https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/07/1125207/the-us-is-set-to-cancel-funding-for-two-major-direct-air-capture-plants/?utm_medium=tr_social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=site_visitor.unpaid.engagement

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