Happy Halloween and good morning from Washington DC! I’ll be covering news here for a couple of days before embarking on a journey across the US. Next week marks a year since the 2024 election, and I plan to speak with people from various regions to gauge their feelings about the current administration. Stay tuned for updates throughout the week.
In other news, the Mirror has launched a dedicated US Politics WhatsApp community to keep you informed about the latest happenings. By joining, you’ll receive breaking news and exclusive updates directly to your phone. Simply click on the provided link, select ‘Join Chat,’ and you’re in! Members will also receive special offers and promotions from us and our partners.
On the Halloween front, Trump and Melania sported their own costumes as… themselves. While handing out treats on the White House lawn, Trump continued his tradition of placing candy on children’s heads. Meanwhile, the US government remains shut down, approaching a record duration due to budget disputes.
The shutdown stems from disagreements over social spending cuts and healthcare tax credits between Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Trump has urged Republicans to consider drastic measures, such as eliminating the filibuster, to break the deadlock. However, both parties wield the filibuster as a safeguard for their key policies.
Amid the shutdown, government workers, including essential personnel like troops and air traffic controllers, are going unpaid. Efforts to resolve the impasse have been met with resistance, with Democrats demanding reversals of social spending cuts before reopening the government.
In a controversial move, the Trump administration announced a significant reduction in the refugee cap to 7,500 individuals annually, primarily benefiting white South Africans. Congress members expressed outrage over the decision, citing legal obligations and ethical concerns.
Additionally, recent actions by the administration, including military strikes and refugee policies, have sparked criticism and debates within Congress. Stay updated on the latest political developments by joining our Politics WhatsApp group and subscribing to our newsletter for exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.