[Wednesday, October 22] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare October 22, 2025

Executive Summary

• The U.S. government shutdown is now the second longest in history; the USDA has confirmed November SNAP benefits will not be issued, prompting states to deploy the National Guard to assist food banks.
• President Trump demands his own Justice Department pay him $230 million for past probes, a figure he personally confirmed while suggesting the final decision “would have to go across my desk.”
• U.S.-Russia relations plummet as talks collapse. Moscow launches a “massive” attack on Ukraine and conducts nuclear drills; the U.S. responds with new sanctions and lifts restrictions on long-range missiles for Kyiv.
• The White House is demolishing the East Wing for a new $300 million ballroom, a project moving forward without filed plans and drawing widespread condemnation.
• The administration is curtailing congressional oversight, with the Secretary of Defense ordering prior approval for all military communications with Congress, while launching a formal investigation into the anti-Trump “No Kings” protest movement.
• A constitutional conflict is escalating as the Arizona Attorney General sues the U.S. House for Speaker Johnson’s refusal to seat an elected representative.

1. The Federal Government Shutdown

1.1 Shutdown Reaches Historic Length, Prompting Imminent Food Security Crisis

The federal government shutdown has entered its 22nd day, becoming the second-longest in U.S. history and inflicting severe, escalating hardship on the public [1]. A critical failure of the social safety net is imminent, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) formally announced that SNAP benefits will not be issued for the month of November if the funding lapse continues [2]. The decision threatens food security for millions, with reports indicating that nearly one in ten residents in Tennessee could lose their benefits [3]. The strain on food banks has become so acute that California Governor Gavin Newsom is deploying the state’s National Guard to support their operations [4]. The human cost is stark, with reports of a 21-year military veteran now depending on a Maryland food bank to survive [5].

References: [1] 22-day government shutdown is now the second-longest in US history, https://abc7.com/post/22-day-government-shutdown-is-now-second-longest-us-history/18056563/
[2] SNAP benefits won’t be issued for November due to government shutdown, https://wgme.com/news/local/snap-benefits-wont-be-issued-for-november-due-to-government-shutdown-maine-mainers-supplemental-nutritional-assistance-program-ebt-cost-of-living-grocery-us-department-of-agriculture
[3] Nearly 1 in 10 Tennesseans could lose SNAP benefits come November if government shutdown continues, https://tennesseelookout.com/briefs/nearly-1-in-10-tennesseans-could-lose-snap-benefits-come-november-if-government-shutdown-continues/
[4] Gov. Newsom deploying CA National Guard to support food banks statewide, https://abc7news.com/post/governor-gavin-newsom-deploying-california-national-guard-support-food-banks-statewide/18056638/
[5] Furloughed fed says she’s standing in Maryland food bank line after 21 years in military, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/furloughed-fed-says-standing-maryland-food-bank-line-21-years-military-rcna239107

1.2 Legislative Impasse and Disruption to Federal Operations

The legislative stalemate shows no sign of breaking. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently blocked the 12th Republican attempt to pass a reopening measure, while President Trump has publicly stated his belief that Democrats have “’lost the negotiation’” [1]. In a notable break with party leadership, Democratic Senator John Fetterman stated he would support the GOP “nuking” the filibuster if it would end the shutdown [2]. The paralysis is crippling federal agencies. VA Secretary Doug Collins stated the shutdown is “‘holding my veterans hostage,’” with some services paused and no guarantee of back pay [3]. The crisis has even drawn an international response, with Germany announcing it will pay the salaries of local staff at U.S. military bases to mitigate the impact [4]. In a targeted exception, the USDA is temporarily reopening some offices to help farmers access $3 billion in aid [5].

References: [1] Schumer blocks 12th GOP bid to reopen government as Trump says Democrats ’lost the negotiation’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/schumer-blocks-12th-gop-bid-reopen-government-trump-says-democrats-lost-negotiation
[2] Fetterman supports GOP ‘nuking’ filibuster to end shutdown, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5565198-government-shutdown-snap-funding/
[3] Shutdown is ‘holding my veterans hostage,’ VA chief says — Some critical services are paused and many employees are not getting paid, Doug Collins says, though he will not guarantee their back pay., https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/10/shutdown-holding-my-veterans-hostage-va-chief-says/408992/?oref=ge-featured-river-top
[4] Germany to pay local staff at US bases during government shutdown, https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20251022-germany-to-pay-local-staff-us-bases-during-government-shutdown
[5] USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown, https://apnews.com/article/usda-farm-service-agency-shutdown-rollins-trump-d0a2412aa91f9a599c46a03e5cf177a9

2. Executive Branch: Actions and Controversies

2.1 President Demands $230 Million Payment From Own Justice Department

An unprecedented situation is unfolding as President Trump is demanding a payment of $230 million from his own administration to cover costs from past investigations [1]. The President has publicly confirmed he is seeking “a lot of money” from the DOJ and acknowledged that he “could be” seeking the $230 million figure specifically [2]. Further complicating the matter, President Trump suggested that any ultimate decision about such a payout “would have to go across my desk,” raising profound questions about conflicts of interest and executive power [3]. He has also stated he has the “final say” on whether the U.S. government pays him [4].

References: [1] Trump Said to Demand Justice Dept. Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/us/politics/trump-justice-department-compensation
[2] Trump says he ‘could be’ seeking $230 million from his own Justice Department | CNN Politics, https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/21/politics/justice-department-trump-compensenation
[3] Trump seeks $230M from DOJ for past probes into him, report says | President suggests ultimate decision about a payout would “have to go across my desk.”, https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2025/10/21/trump-seeks-230m-from-doj-for-past-probes-into-him-report-says/
[4] Trump says he has final say on paying himself $230m for past investigations, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/22/donald-trump-damages-federal-investigations

2.2 Controversial White House Ballroom Demolition Proceeds Amid Scrutiny

The Trump administration is moving forward with a massive and controversial renovation of the White House, which involves demolishing the entire East Wing to construct a new ballroom [1]. The project’s estimated cost has grown to $300 million, with reports indicating a $22 million portion was sourced from a legal settlement with YouTube [2]. Despite the demolition being underway, no plans have been filed with the relevant authorities, a situation described in one analysis as “extraordinary — and dicey” [3]. A historic preservation group has formally requested a pause on the project [4]. In response to outrage from Democrats, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the criticism, suggesting they are just “‘jealous’” [5].

References: [1] Trump administration plans to demolish White House’s entire East Wing as ballroom cost grows to $300 million, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/demolish-white-house-east-wing-ballroom-trump-cost/
[2] Trump White House East Wing ballroom project got $22M boost from YouTube legal settlement, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/22/trump-white-house-ballroom-east-wing-demolition-youtube.html?taid=68f90036808f32000109516b
[3] Why Trump’s sudden East Wing demolition is extraordinary — and dicey, https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/22/politics/white-house-east-wing-demolition-trump
[4] Historic preservation group asks Trump admin. to pause White House East Wing demolition where ballroom will be, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/historic-preservation-group-ballroom-white-house/
[5] Karoline Leavitt Suggests Dems Are Just ‘Jealous’ After White House Demolition Sparks Outrage, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/karoline-leavitt-suggests-dems-are-just-jealous-after-white-house-demolition-sparks-outrage_n_68f8fc38e4b077b8da4368f7?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main

2.3 Centralization of Power and Curtailment of Oversight

Key administration officials are taking actions to centralize control and restrict traditional channels of oversight. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has instituted a “crackdown” on Pentagon staff, ordering his prior approval for “all interactions” between military officials and Congress [1]. This comes as trust in the Secretary has reportedly “evaporated” among senior military officers [2]. The move follows President Trump’s dismissal of another Inspector General, a pattern that is “fueling oversight concerns” [3]. This turmoil is compounded by a series of failed nominations, including Paul Ingrassia for the Office of Special Counsel, who withdrew after pro-Nazi text messages were revealed [4].

References: [1] Pete Hegseth cracks down on Pentagon staff speaking to Congress, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/pentagon-memo-instructs-staff-get-permission-speak-congress-rcna239037
[2] ‘He lost us’: Generals, senior officers say trust in Hegseth has evaporated, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/oct/20/lost-us-generals-senior-officers-say-trust-hegseth-evaporated/?utm_campaign=twtnl_x&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=SocialFlow
[3] Trump Dismisses Another Inspector General, Fueling Oversight Concerns, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/us/politics/trump-inspectors-general.html?unlocked_article_code=1.vE8.SWPb.8iYh5LETayH5
[4] Trump special counsel nominee Paul Ingrassia withdraws after racist texts flap, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/21/trump-special-counsel-nominee-paul-ingrassia-withdraws-after-racist-texts-flap.html

2.4 Immigration Enforcement Intensifies Amid Disturbing Reports

The administration’s immigration enforcement policies are generating major controversy. Advocates report that pregnant women have suffered miscarriages while in ICE custody, raising urgent questions about conditions in detention centers [1]. Simultaneously, ICE’s spending on “deadly weapons” has reportedly increased by 700% this year, prompting at least one lawmaker to express fear the agency is stockpiling “warheads and chemical weapons” [2]. Large-scale ICE raids are sparking protests and backlash, particularly in New York City’s Chinatown, where officials condemned the actions for creating “fear and chaos” [3]. In a separate incident, video footage reportedly shows a blind man being dragged by federal agents into an ICE facility in Portland [4].

References: [1] Pregnant women describe miscarrying and bleeding out while in ICE custody, advocates say, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna238849
[2] ICE Stockpiling Warheads and Chemical Weapons as Lawmaker Fears Trump Planning Strike, https://www.thedailybeast.com/ice-stockpiling-warheads-and-chemical-weapons-as-lawmaker-fears-trump-planning-strike/
[3] New York officials condemn Manhattan Ice raid: ‘This creates fear and chaos’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/22/new-york-chinatown-ice-raid-reaction
[4] VIDEO: Blind man dragged by federal agents into Portland ICE facility, https://www.koin.com/news/portland/video-blind-man-dragged-federal-agents-ice-facility-10212025/

3. Foreign Policy and National Security

3.1 U.S. and Russia Escalate After Diplomatic Collapse Over Ukraine

A severe escalation is underway following the abrupt breakdown of U.S.-Russia diplomacy. President Trump put talks with President Putin “on hold” after the Kremlin rejected a proposed ceasefire, with Russia launching a “massive” attack on Ukraine and separately conducting nuclear drills within hours [1, 2]. The U.S. has responded forcefully. The Treasury Department imposed stringent new sanctions targeting “major Russian oil companies,” with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaling the administration’s intent to “ratchet up” the pressure further [3, 4]. In a significant policy shift, the administration has also lifted key restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles, granting Kyiv greater latitude in its military operations [5].

References: [1] Trump puts Putin talks on hold as Kremlin rejects ceasefire, attacks Ukraine, https://www.nbcnews.com/world/ukraine/trump-putin-talks-waste-time-russia-rejects-ceasefire-strikes-ukraine-rcna239065
[2] Russia holds nuclear drills after delay to Putin-Trump summit, https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/russia-ukraine-launch-overnight-missile-strikes-after-trump-putin-summit-delay-2025-10-22/
[3] Treasury Sanctions Major Russian Oil Companies, Calls on Moscow to Immediately Agree to Ceasefire, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0290
[4] White House to Ratchet Up Russia Sanctions, Bessent Says, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-22/white-house-to-ratchet-up-russia-sanctions-bessent-says?taid=68f931ec0255a00001743d60&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_content=business&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&embedded-checkout=true
[5] Exclusive | U.S. Lifts Key Restriction on Ukraine’s Use of Western Long-Range Missiles, https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/u-s-lifts-key-restriction-on-ukraines-use-of-western-long-range-missiles-5a15c12d?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfFG23aaJ9DHyk7BeMQAH0XjXFs4PcMnr2A2v1uUX0t6C54u5sZTe13SCOROoQ%3D&gaa_ts=68f92faa&gaa_sig=MAEcRXZ1QR97SRtdcqEvXeJm2wpRwwbJmklyXG8tY9mEQCxKye1f2iYoPU9TNCuzWuMxyfZJNm50XKd5FvT8pg%3D%3D

3.2 U.S. Military Campaign on “Drug Boats” Expands, Drawing Condemnation

The U.S. military is expanding its campaign against alleged drug trafficking vessels, drawing international condemnation. UN experts have denounced initial U.S. strikes against Venezuelan targets in international waters as “extrajudicial executions” [1]. The operation has since broadened to the Pacific Ocean, with reports confirming an eighth boat has been struck, resulting in two fatalities [2]. The military posturing, which includes the presence of the elite U.S. “Night Stalkers” aviation unit in the Caribbean, has fueled public fears of regime-change operations in Venezuela [3].

References: [1] UN experts say US strikes against Venezuela in international waters amount to ’extrajudicial executions’, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/un-experts-say-us-strikes-against-venezuela-international-waters-amount-2025-10-21/
[2] US strikes eighth alleged drug-carrying boat, this time in the Pacific Ocean, killing 2 people, https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-drug-boat-strike-ffb1b720fa018336316238463924b78a?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-10-22-Breaking+News
[3] US ‘Night Stalkers’ seen in Caribbean as fears of regime change rise in Venezuela, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/22/us-night-stalkers-caribbean-fears-regime-change-venezuela-nicolas-maduro

4. Congress, Elections, and Political Scandals

4.1 Constitutional Standoff Over House Seat and Partisan Rancor

A significant constitutional crisis is developing in the House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson is refusing to administer the oath of office to Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva of Arizona. In response, the Arizona Attorney General and Grijalva have filed a lawsuit against the House to compel her long-delayed swearing-in [1, 2]. The partisan paralysis is also evident in the Senate, where Senator Jeff Merkley conducted a marathon floor speech of over 15 hours to protest what he called an “authoritarian takeover” by President Trump [3]. Meanwhile, Senator John Fetterman has publicly criticized his own party’s shifting stance on the filibuster, remarking, “‘We ran on killing the filibuster, and now we love it’” [4].

References: [1] Mike Johnson won’t swear in Adelita Grijalva. So we’re suing., https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/mike-johnson-adelita-grijalva-arizona-lawsuit-mayes-rcna238266
[2] Arizona AG, Rep-elect Grijalva Sue House to Force Her Long-Delayed Swearing In, https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/arizona-ag-rep-elect-grijalva-sue-house-to-force-her-long-delayed-swearing-in
[3] Sen. Jeff Merkley warns ’tyranny has arrived’ in marathon floor speech protesting Trump, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/jeff-merkley-marathon-floor-speech-protest-senate-trump-rcna239096
[4] Fetterman calls out Dems’ flip: ‘We ran on killing the filibuster, and now we love it’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fetterman-calls-out-dems-flip-we-ran-killing-filibuster-now-we-love-it

4.2 Partisan Redistricting and Candidate Controversies

Partisan conflict over congressional redistricting is escalating. In North Carolina, the Republican-led legislature passed a new map that critics are denouncing as a “Trump gerrymander” designed to flip an additional seat to the GOP and target Black voters [1]. The move is viewed as an effort to “gerrymander out” at least one incumbent House Democrat, with a legal challenge seen as likely [2]. On the campaign trail, a Sanders-backed Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, Graham Platner, is facing severe controversy after it was reported he has a Nazi ‘Totenkopf’ tattoo and had used “indefensible antigay slurs” in unearthed Reddit posts [3, 4].

References: [1] North Carolina Passes Trump Gerrymander Targeting Black Voters, With Legal Challenge Likely, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/north-carolina-passes-trump-gerrymander-targeting-black-voters-with-legal-challenge-likely/
[2] The latest redistricting salvo: North Carolina gerrymanders out House Democrat, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/22/north-carolina-new-house-district-gop-gerrymander-00618225
[3] Sanders-backed Democrat who accuses Israel of ‘genocide’ has Nazi ‘Totenkopf’ tattoo, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-871235
[4] Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner admits using ‘indefensible’ antigay slurs in unearthed Reddit posts, https://www.advocate.com/politics/graham-platner-homophobic-posts

5. Domestic Security, Political Climate, and Economic Pressures

5.1 Trump Warns on Entitlements; “No Kings” Movement Draws Federal Investigation

President Trump has issued a stark warning regarding the nation’s core social safety net. In a statement reported by Newsweek, the President warned that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are “‘Going to Be Gone’” [1]. The headline provided no further context. Separately, the burgeoning anti-Trump “No Kings” protest movement is drawing high-level government attention. The Trump administration has announced it will launch a formal investigation into the protests [2]. The movement has prompted varied reactions from Republicans, with Senator Ted Cruz warning of “political peril” for the party, while another unnamed GOP senator alleged the rallies are sponsored by the Communist Party USA [3].

References: [1] Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are ‘Going to Be Gone,’ Donald Trump Warns, https://www.newsweek.com/social-security-update-medicare-medicaid-warning-donald-trump-10915076
[2] Trump admin to investigate ‘No Kings’ protests, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-admin-investigate-no-kings-protests-soros-10903951
[3] Ted Cruz Warns Republicans Of ‘Political Peril’ After ‘No Kings’ Protests, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ted-cruz-no-kings-gop-political-peril-seriously_n_68f79fbbe4b09d351b4597f0

5.2 Political Extremism, Legal Threats, and Economic Strain

An arrest this week highlights the ongoing threat of political violence. A man who participated in the January 6th Capitol riot and was subsequently pardoned by President Trump has been arrested again, this time for allegedly making a threat to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries [1]. Broader domestic security operations remain in effect, with a lawsuit revealing the National Guard’s deployment in Washington, D.C., could potentially be extended through the summer of 2026 [2]. Simultaneously, Americans are facing severe economic pressures from healthcare, as the average cost for a family health insurance plan has climbed to nearly $27,000 annually, leading a growing number of people to forgo insurance entirely [3].

References: [1] Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter arrested over threat to kill Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/10/21/pardoned-rioter-arrested-death-threat-jeffries/
[2] National Guard could stay in Washington, DC through summer 2026: Lawsuit, https://abcnews.go.com/US/national-guard-stay-washington-dc-summer-2026-lawsuit/story?id=126739403
[3] Average cost of a family health insurance plan now nearly $27,000, https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5567473-health-insurance-costs-rise-2025/

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