[Sunday, October 26] US News Headlines from r/politics

2025-10-26 2420 words 12 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare October 26, 2025

Executive Summary

Shutdown Crisis: The 26-day government shutdown has halted SNAP food benefits and grounded flights at LAX due to staffing shortages. A private donation covered one military payroll, but a Nov. 15 cutoff looms.
Global Tensions: President Trump nears a tariff deal with China but sparks a trade dispute with Canada. Bipartisan criticism targets Caribbean military strikes as Russia tests a new nuclear-capable missile.
Legal Pressures: Scrutiny mounts over a $300M privately funded White House ballroom. A new book reveals former VP Pence’s Jan. 6 notes as “key evidence” against Trump.
2028 Election: California Governor Gavin Newsom’s confirmation of a potential presidential run signals the start of the next election cycle.

1. The Government Shutdown: Day 26

The U.S. government shutdown has reached its 26th day, precipitating a full-blown crisis in public services, infrastructure, and federal personnel compensation, with no resolution in sight.

1.1 Food Aid Cutoff and Service Disruption

The shutdown is triggering a nationwide food security emergency. The Trump administration has officially posted a notice that federal food aid will not be issued on November 1st [1], a move that Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee say will cut assistance for 42 million Americans [2]. On its website, the USDA publicly blamed Senate Democrats for the impasse, stating the “‘Well has run dry’” [3]. The shutdown’s effects have also crippled the nation’s aviation system. Citing significant “staffing issues,” the FAA confirmed a ground stop for all flights into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) [4]. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that air traffic controllers “are wearing thin” under the strain [5].

References: [1] Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid will go out Nov. 1, https://apnews.com/article/food-aid-government-shutdown-snap-trump-democrats-8a52a63b26a707ea676962226b090bb1
[2] ‘Don’t Let Kids Go Hungry’: Trump Panned Over Not Using Emergency Fund for SNAP | The Trump administration “just illegally reversed course,” said Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee. “They’re choosing to cut food assistance for 42 million Americans.”, https://www.commondreams.org/news/snap-government-shutdown
[3] USDA website slams Senate Democrats over SNAP battle: ‘Well has run dry’, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5573685-usda-snap-benefits-democrat-blame/
[4] Flights to Los Angeles International Airport halted due to air traffic controller shortage, https://apnews.com/article/lax-airport-flights-delays-shutdown-b2e0c13f3241e415784c3118fc8f0c9d
[5] Duffy: Air traffic controllers ‘are wearing thin’ as government shutdown hits Day 26, https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/5573764-duffy-air-traffic-controllers-are-wearing-thin-as-government-shutdown-hits-day-26/

1.2 Crisis for Federal & Military Personnel

The financial precarity of the federal workforce and armed forces is intensifying. In an unprecedented development, a “mystery Trump ally” donated $130 million to cover military paychecks, a move experts warn sets a “dangerous precedent” by privatizing a core government function [1]. However, this is a temporary fix, as reports now indicate that service members will go without pay starting November 15th if the shutdown continues [2]. Civilian employees are also under acute stress, particularly those stationed abroad who report having “no idea” how they will make rent after both pay and housing subsidies were cut [3].

References: [1] Trump’s move to pay troops amid shutdown sets dangerous precedent, experts warn, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/26/trump-military-pay-government-shutdown
[2] Military will go without pay by Nov. 15 amid government shutdown, https://www.upi.com/amp/Top_News/US/2025/10/26/military-go-without-pay-mid-november-government-shutdown/1181761499326/
[3] ‘I have no idea what I’m going to do:’ Feds abroad fret about making rent without pay or subsidies during shutdown, https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/10/i-have-no-idea-what-im-going-do-feds-abroad-fret-about-making-rent-without-pay-or-subsidies-during-shutdown/409066/

2. Foreign Affairs and International Relations

The administration is pursuing a dynamic and often controversial foreign policy, marked by progress on Asian trade deals, a new diplomatic crisis with Canada, and escalating military tensions in multiple theaters.

2.1 Presidential Diplomacy and Trade Negotiations

President Trump has embarked on an Asian tour, overseeing a “truce signing and trade deal flurry,” including the finalization of pacts with two Southeast Asian nations [1, 2]. The most significant development is with China, where officials have reportedly reached a “consensus on rare earths, [and a] tariff pause” for final consideration by Presidents Trump and Xi [3]. However, a plan to purchase Argentine beef is generating domestic controversy for defying the ‘America First’ agenda, concerning producers like Colorado ranchers [4].

References: [1] Trump oversees truce signing and trade deal flurry on first Asian stop, https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-headlines-asean-summit-thailand-cambodia-sign-ceasefire-deal-2025-10-26/
[2] Trump finalizes trade deals with 2 Southeast Asian countries, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/26/trump-trade-deals-malaysia-cambodia-00623129
[3] U.S. and China officials reach consensus on rare earths, tariff pause for Trump and Xi to consider, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/26/trump-china-trade-tariffs.html
[4] Trump defies ‘America First’ agenda with Argentina beef plan, https://thehill.com/business/5572249-argentina-beef-trump-controversy/

2.2 U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute

While an accord with China appears closer, relations with a key North American ally have collapsed. President Trump imposed a sudden 10% tariff on all Canadian goods, reportedly in response to a lingering “Reagan advert” [1]. Canadian business and labor groups met the move with “scoff” [2]. In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney is pitching Canada to ASEAN nations as a “reliable” trade partner, while reaffirming his country’s commitment to trade rules [3]. A U.S. Democratic senator labeled the President’s actions as “‘super childish behaviour’” [4].

References: [1] Trump raises tariffs on Canadian goods in response to Reagan advert, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2ljgrm78zo
[2] Canadian unions, business groups scoff at Donald Trump’s sudden 10 per cent tariff over lingering of Reagan ad, https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/canadian-unions-business-groups-scoff-at-donald-trumps-sudden-10-per-cent-tariff-over-lingering/article_c6e7c35d-612d-4756-84f5-b643e2ccffe7.html
[3] Carney pitches Canada as “reliable” to ASEAN as Trump threatens more tariffs, https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-trump-tariffs-carney-asean-9.6954059
[4] Trump’s outrage toward Canada ‘super childish behaviour,’ says U.S. Democratic senator, https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trump-tariff-canada-democratic-senator-9.6954115

2.3 Global Security and Military Posture

The international security landscape is increasingly volatile. President Vladimir Putin announced Russia has successfully tested a new long-range, nuclear-capable missile designed to evade defense systems [1]. In Latin America, a deployment of U.S. warships off the Venezuelan coast has prompted regional backlash and headlines of “‘Gringos, go home’” [2], with Senator Lindsey Graham stating that “land strikes in Venezuela are a ‘real possibility’” [3]. Separately, recent “Caribbean boat strikes” are facing sharp bipartisan condemnation, with a Kentucky Republican reportedly calling the actions “‘extrajudicial killings’” [4].

References: [1] Putin says Russia has tested a new long-range, nuclear-capable missile that can evade defenses, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/putin-says-russia-has-tested-a-new-long-range-nuclear-capable-missile-that-can-evade-defenses
[2] “Gringos, go home”: Latin America reacts to Trump’s expanding military campaign, https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/10/gringos-go-home-latin-america-reacts-to-trumps-expanding-military-campaign/
[3] Sen. Lindsey Graham says land strikes in Venezuela are a “real possibility” amid rising tensions, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lindsey-graham-venezuela-land-strikes-face-the-nation/
[4] Kentucky Republican calls Trump’s Caribbean boat strikes ‘extrajudicial killings’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5573870-rand-paul-caribbean-boat-strikes/amp/

3. Executive Governance and Legal Scrutiny

The administration is confronting mounting legal challenges and ethical questions surrounding its use of executive authority and private project funding.

3.1 Investigations and Legal Challenges

President Trump remains the focus of multiple investigations. A forthcoming book reveals former Vice President Mike Pence’s “never-before-published notes” from a January 6th phone call, describing them as “key evidence” in a case against Trump [1]. The notes detail an alleged attempt to bully Pence, with Trump telling him, “You’ll go down as a wimp” [1]. Concurrently, a Trump ally has confirmed a federal grand jury was empaneled in Florida to investigate a “sweeping conspiracy against Trump” [2]. In other matters, The Daily Beast reports it has exposed Second Lady Usha Vance’s “Secret Role” in a “Top Trump Deal” [3], and Hunter Biden stated his belief that Donald Trump is “hiding something in the Epstein files” [4].

References: [1] ‘You’ll go down as a wimp:’ Pence’s never-before-published notes key evidence in case against Trump, book says, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/youll-wimp-pences-published-notes-key-evidence-case/story?id=126837443
[2] Trump ally says grand jury empaneled in Florida to investigate a sweeping conspiracy against Trump, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-ally-grand-jury-empaneled-florida-investigate-sweeping/story?id=126854433
[3] Usha Vance’s Secret Role at Heart of Top Trump Deal Exposed, https://www.thedailybeast.com/usha-vances-secret-role-at-heart-of-top-trump-deal-exposed/
[4] Hunter Biden believes Donald Trump is hiding something in the Epstein files | Former president’s son said it was ‘silly’ to think otherwise., https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/hunter-biden-trump-epstein-files-b2852255.html

3.2 Executive Power and Ethics

Concerns over the expansion of executive power and a perceived erosion of democratic norms are growing. Unnamed federal judges are reportedly warning privately that the nation is on a “fast track to martial law” [1]. This sentiment is echoed publicly by Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT), who accused the President of trying to create “‘something much closer to a totalitarian state’” [2]. These abstract fears are materializing around the new $300 million White House ballroom, which is being financed by 37 private donors, including “cash from crypto, tech allies” [3]. The project required the demolition of the historic East Wing, prompting questions about what was lost [4].

References: [1] These Judges Are Warning Us We’re on the Fast Track to Martial Law, https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/10/trump-news-judges-warning-martial-law.html
[2] Murphy: Trump trying to transition US to ‘something much closer to a totalitarian state’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5573805-murphy-trump-totalitarian-shutdown/
[3] Trump’s Ballroom Fundraising Taps Cash from Crypto, Tech Allies, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-26/trump-s-ballroom-fundraising-taps-cash-from-crypto-tech-allies
[4] The White House’s East Wing is now demolished. Here’s what was lost., https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/26/politics/white-house-east-wing-history

4. Domestic Policy and Federal-State Conflicts

Domestic policy is increasingly defined by direct confrontations between the federal administration and state governments over immigration, funding, and social issues.

4.1 Intensifying Clashes with States

The administration is engaged in multiple policy battles with states. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced he intends to pull $160 million in funding from California over the state’s policy on “noncitizen truck licenses” [1]. In New York, Rep. Dan Goldman has formally requested that the NYPD enforce local laws against “abusive” federal immigration agents [2]. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott’s move to remove rainbow crosswalks is being met with protest from a local Methodist church, which stated it has “found a way to fight back” [3].

References: [1] Transportation secretary says he’ll pull $160M from California over noncitizen truck licenses, https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/transportation-secretary-hell-pull-160m-california-noncitizen-truck-126881595
[2] Rep. Dan Goldman Makes Official Request for NYPD to Enforce State and Local Law Against Abusive Federal Immigration Agents, https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-dan-goldman-makes-official-request-nypd-enforce-state-and-local-law
[3] Greg Abbott is removing rainbow crosswalks. This church found a way to fight back. Oak Lawn United Methodist Church says “the rainbow is a reminder that God keeps showing up.”, https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/10/greg-abbott-is-removing-rainbow-crosswalks-this-church-found-a-way-to-fight-back/

4.2 Other Domestic Policy Developments

Beyond state-level conflicts, the administration is facing challenges on other domestic fronts. A New York Times report alleges the administration is cutting cyberdefense funding “even as threats grow,” specifically claiming China has penetrated U.S. infrastructure networks [1]. In healthcare, residents in the rural South brace for cuts to Medicaid, which has been a “lifeline” [2]. In education, an attempt to strike a funding “deal” with universities has been met with resistance, with at least seven institutions rejecting the proposal over “academic freedom and other concerns” [3].

References: [1] Trump Administration Cuts Cyberdefense Even as Threats Grow — China has penetrated networks that control infrastructure systems and has hacked telecommunications companies., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/22/us/politics/trump-cyber-threats.html
[2] In the rural South where Medicaid has been a lifeline, residents brace for cuts, https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/10/25/nx-s1-5584170/medicaid-cuts-south-louisiana-mississippi
[3] How scientists are pushing back against Trump’s funding ‘deal’ for universities: Seven institutions have so far rejected the administration’s list of demands over academic freedom and other concerns., https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03427-4

5. U.S. Politics and Future Elections

The 2028 presidential race is already taking shape while both major parties grapple with internal friction and key bellwether races draw national scrutiny.

5.1 The 2028 Presidential Race Begins

The next presidential election cycle has unofficially begun. California Governor Gavin Newsom has confirmed he will consider a run for the White House after the 2026 midterm elections [1]. Newsom has also taken a more aggressive public stance, suggesting the MAGA movement is “‘Putting America In Reverse’” and that “‘Anti-Woke’ Is ‘Anti-Black’” [2].

References: [1] Gavin Newsom says he will consider White House run after 2026 elections, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/newsom-says-he-will-consider-white-house-run-after-2026-elections/
[2] Newsom Suggests MAGA Is ‘Putting America In Reverse,’ Says ‘Anti-Woke’ Is ‘Anti-Black’, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gavin-newsom-donald-trump-maga-anti-dei-black_n_68fd3ab8e4b0a3c9efbb189f?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=us_main

5.2 Party Dynamics and Key Races

Both parties are exhibiting internal divisions. Within the GOP, President Trump’s push on redistricting is hitting “roadblocks” from fellow Republicans in Indiana and Kansas [1]. Senator Rand Paul has publicly pledged to support Rep. Thomas Massie against a Trump-backed primary challenger [2], while Speaker Mike Johnson was confronted over Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene “bashing him over healthcare” [3]. On the Democratic side, former VP Kamala Harris reportedly expressed she is now “‘concerned’ she did not ask” President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race [4]. Meanwhile, a progressive-focused race in New York for candidate Zohran Mamdani is attracting high-profile endorsements and national attention [5].

References: [1] Trump’s redistricting push hits roadblocks in Indiana and Kansas as Republican lawmakers resist, https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-indiana-kansas-trump-pressure-2026-election-506c874ec90c7f68167e0683b207dc41
[2] Rand Paul pledges support for Massie against Trump-backed challenger: ‘I’m going to help him’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rand-paul-pledges-support-massie-against-trump-backed-challenger-im-going-help-him
[3] ‘Well, bless her heart’: Mike Johnson confronted with MTG’s statements bashing him over healthcare | Greene, a MAGA ally, has joined Democrats in calling for more affordable healthcare in the country, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/mike-johnson-marjorie-taylor-greene-healthcare-b2851032.html
[4] Kamala Harris ‘concerned’ she did not ask Biden to quit race, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj412zgvy4do
[5] As the Left’s Biggest Stars Unite Behind Mamdani, a Bigger Test Awaits, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/26/nyregion/mamdani-sanders-aoc-rally.html

6. The U.S. Economy

Growing fears of inflation and concrete signs of household financial strain are creating a challenging economic backdrop for the administration, placing its key economic officials under public scrutiny.

6.1 Economic Outlook and Public Discontent

Fears about inflation and the economy are emerging as a political liability [1]. Polling shows most Independent voters disapprove of the administration’s handling of the economy and immigration [2]. This is compounded by reports that lower-income Americans are increasingly missing car payments, a potential harbinger of broader economic distress [3]. Other polling indicates a deep sense of alienation among Black and Latino Americans [4]. In a contradictory report, one USA Today headline asserts, “I hate to be the one to tell you, but Democrats are starting to like Trump,” though no supporting data or context is provided in the headline itself [5].

References: [1] Look out, Donald: Inflation and economic fears are coming for you, https://www.salon.com/2025/10/26/look-out-donald-inflation-and-economic-fears-are-coming-for-you/
[2] Most Independents Believe The Trump Admin Is Mishandling Immigration And The Economy, https://www.latintimes.com/most-independents-believe-trump-admin-mishandling-immigration-economy-590805
[3] Lower-income Americans are missing car payments, https://www.seattletimes.com/business/lower-income-americans-are-missing-car-payments/
[4] Black Americans and Latinos feel alienated in Trump’s America: poll, https://www.axios.com/2025/10/25/black-americans-latinos-alienated-trump-poll
[5] I hate to be the one to tell you, but Democrats are starting to like Trump, https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2025/10/26/democrats-agree-trump-deportation-prescription-drugs/86714544007/

6.2 Corporate Deals and Scrutiny of an Economic Official

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the major corporate deal involving TikTok will be finalized this Thursday [1]. However, Secretary Bessent himself is the subject of widespread public criticism after claiming he has “‘felt this pain’” from China’s economic policies because “I’m actually a soybean farmer” [2]. Multiple reports lambasted the comment, highlighting the cabinet secretary’s estimated net worth of $500 million to $600 million [3].

References: [1] TikTok deal to be finalized Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tiktok-deal-finalized-treasury-secretary-scott-bessent
[2] Scott Bessent says he’s ‘felt this pain’ from China because ‘I’m actually a soybean farmer’, https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/10/26/trump-treasury-bessent-trade-tariffs-china-soybean-farm.html
[3] Scott Bessent Claims He Feels Soybean Farmers’ Pain. He’s Worth $500 Million, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/scott-bessent-soybean-farmers-500-million-1235454482/