PUMP Newsletter

Trump Pushes to Kill the Filibuster

Trump met with Senate Republicans for breakfast and it quickly turned into a pitch to ditch the filibuster altogether so they can end the shutdown on their terms. Trump told them "we can't let Dems hold us hostage, get it done," tying it to a strong bill with border funding. But four moderates, Collins, Murkowski, McConnell, and Paul, pushed back, saying it's too risky after last week's tariff rebukes and Tuesday's election losses.

Day 37's the longest shutdown ever, costing $20 billion so far, and voters made it clear in exits, 58% blamed the gridlock for their choices. Trump's line is "Dems' ACA games are the problem," but senators want a clean funding bill to avoid more damage like VA delays (up 30%) and flight cuts at 40 airports starting today.

The filibuster's been a Senate safety valve since 1917, and killing it could speed confirmations but open the door to one-party rule. Republicans are split, the base loves the tough talk, but moderates fear suburban backlash.

Shutdown Hitting Travel Hard

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Thursday that it's cutting flights at 40 airports to ease the strain on unpaid air traffic controllers, the first time it's taken such a step in a shutdown. The reductions start today at smaller hubs like those in rural states, with hundreds of cancellations expected, up to 10% of daily traffic nationwide. Controllers are working 14-hour shifts without pay, leading to 2,000 delays Tuesday alone.

This is day 37 of the longest shutdown ever, with $1 billion lost daily from the chaos. Dems are blaming Trump's veto threats on border funding, while Republicans say Democrats killed 13 clean bills over ACA subsidies. Siena polls show 58% of voters tying it to Tuesday's Democratic wins. For travelers, it's real, holiday plans disrupted, airlines burning $300 million a day in refunds. Unions are suing over the loyalty hiring plan that's left staffing short.

Trump Hosts Central Asian Leaders Bypassing China on Rare Earths and Trade

Trump welcomed leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and others to the White House Thursday for talks on rare earth minerals and trade, a move to cut China's grip on the market that supplies 80% of U.S. needs for EVs and defense. This is part of the Xi truce from last week, but Trump called it America First 2.0, pledging $2 billion in deals for mining partnerships to avoid Beijing's bazooka export bans. The leaders signed memos on energy and security, with Kazakhstan offering new sites for U.S. extraction. Trump's pitch:

But critics say it's risky, Central Asia's unstable, and Russia's influence is strong there. Tuesday's Democratic gains add pressure; independents (62% anti-GOP) want economic wins, not new entanglements. It's a smart play to diversify, but if China retaliates, prices for everything from phones to jets go up. Trump is dealmaking abroad while shutdown drags at home, classic timing.

Trump's Tariff Fight Heads to Supreme Court

You have to hand it to Trump, he knows how to frame a fight. With the Supreme Court set to hear arguments on his tariff powers, he's calling it a life or death moment for the country. The case boils down to whether presidents can slap tariffs on imports without Congress giving the green light, and Trump says losing it would leave the U.S. virtually defenseless against countries like China that have been taking advantage for years.

Trump laid it out in a statement:

He tied it to his record highs in the stock market and respect abroad, adding that tariffs helped him settle things with China very quickly, very easily. He even gave an example: Without tariffs, the world economy could have been a disaster, but he fixed it fast. The other side isn't named in the coverage, but the lower courts' view is that Congress needs to spell out big economic moves like this, it's not something vague laws should cover.

If the Court sides with Trump, it gives future presidents more room to negotiate trade without Capitol Hill haggling every time. A loss could mean refunds on billions in tariffs and force more congressional involvement, slowing things down. This comes at a tense time, with the shutdown dragging on and election fallout still fresh. Trump sees tariffs as part of his America First toolkit, but critics worry it hands too much power to the White House. Decision expected by January, could reshape how we handle trade for years. It's not just about taxes on toys or steel, it's about who calls the shots in a world where China plays hardball.

Trump Speeds Rules to Charge Protesters

The Justice Department under Trump is rushing new rules to make it simpler to charge protesters with felonies, even for minor riots, as part of his law-and-order push. The changes, finalized Thursday, lower the bar for federal involvement in local unrest, targeting ICE demonstrations in cities like Portland and Chicago.

It's tied to Tuesday's elections, where Democrats won on anti-chaos platforms, 58% voters blamed the shutdown, but Trump sees protests as the real threat. The rules allow quicker charges for disorderly conduct escalating to felonies, with DOJ's Pam Bondi saying enough with the mobs. Critics call it overreach, ACLU says it chills free speech, especially after judges blocked Guard deployments in Portland. Siena has 62% independents wary of it.

Judge Orders Full SNAP Funding Amid Shutdown

A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to release full SNAP benefits for November, calling the partial $5 billion patch insufficient and the delay playing politics with hunger. Judge John McConnell said the USDA must use all contingency funds under the Food Act, covering 42 million recipients after the initial freeze nearly cut them off.

Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) praised it as a win for families. But GOP says Dems blocked clean bills over ACA, but 58% voters in Tuesday's races blamed the mess for Democratic gains. Pantries were bracing for 20 million extra visits, now it's eased, but appeals loom. It's a court check on executive games, hunger's not leverage, and voters agree.

Congress Splits on Curbing Trump's War Powers

The House voted Thursday to rescind legal authorities for U.S. military strikes, aiming to limit Trump's war powers amid reports of attacks near Venezuela. The bill, 220-210, targets unilateral actions like drone ops, with Democrats leading but 20 Republicans crossing over after Tuesday's losses.

It's a reaction to Trump's in charge claim on Israel's Iran hit last week, and fears of escalation in Latin America. The Senate's split, McConnell backs limits, but hawks like Graham oppose. Siena polls show 58% wanting congressional say on wars. Midterms gave Dems leverage and if it passes, it clips Trump's foreign flex.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you tomorrow!

— The PUMP Team