U.S. strikes on suspected drug-carrying vessels have expanded to the Pacific Ocean, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed what appears to be the eighth targeted hit since last month.
The vessel “was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route, and carrying narcotics,” Hegseth announced in a social media post Wednesday.
Two “narco-terrorists” were killed in the strike off Colombia’s coast Tuesday, he said. The latest strike raises the death toll from the administration’s attacks to at least 34 people.
“Narco-terrorists intending to bring poison to our shores, will find no safe harbor anywhere in our hemisphere,” Hegseth wrote.
Meanwhile, President Trump wants the Department of Justice to pay $230 million to compensate for past federal investigations into him - a decision which could come down to his former personal lawyer, and now Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche.
Criticism continued to mount over the extensive demolition at the White House for Trump's new ballroom, which one commentator dubbed "grotesque.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fired back at critics Tuesday night, saying Democrats were “jealous” over the project.
Key Points
- US strikes another 'narco' boat, this time in Pacific waters
- Dems point out the contrast between Trump's ballroom project and Americans losing food benefits
- Trump urges cattle ranchers to lower prices after he imposed 50 percent tariff on Brazil
- Lawmakers warn that SNAP benefits could be delayed due to the shutdown
Americans could see a delay in SNAP benefits, Newsom warns
Wednesday 22 October 2025 14:42 , Kelly RissmanCalifornia Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom warned that the shutdown is now “endangering lives,” citing likely delays in SNAP benefits.
“Trump’s failure to open the federal government is now endangering people’s lives and making basic needs like food more expensive — just as the holidays arrive. It is long past time for Republicans in Congress to grow a spine, stand up to Trump, and deliver for the American people,” he said in a Monday statement.
The state is deploying its military department “to quickly assist families whose federal food benefits are halted because of Donald Trump's government shutdown,” he said on Thursday.
Delays could impact 5.5 million Californians. Nationally, 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits.
Some lawmakers pointed out the contrast between Trump's ballroom project and Americans losing food benefits
Wednesday 22 October 2025 14:48 , Kelly RissmanPresident Donald Trump’s $250 million ballroom project is underway, with demolition on the White House’s East Wing starting this week.
Some Democratic lawmakers noted that the privately funded ballroom is coming together at the same time that millions of Americans are expected to lose their food benefits due to the shutdown.
“Nearly 2 million Illinoisans will see their SNAP benefits run out on November 1st— But Trump has no problem spending money to build his ballroom, bail out Argentina and buy Kristi Noem two private jets,” Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth wrote on X this week.
Senator Dick Durbin wrote: “After cutting SNAP for 340,000 Illinoisans in the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” the Trump USDA says they will completely stop SNAP on November 1st due to their government shutdown. This White House has money for a new ballroom, but not for regular people struggling to afford groceries.”
What is SNAP?
Wednesday 22 October 2025 14:56 , Kelly RissmanThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the nation’s largest nutrition assistance initiative.
Americans are eligible for SNAP benefits if their income falls at or below the poverty line; that figure varies by state, according to the USDA.
Last year, SNAP served an average of 41.7 million participants per month, according to the USDA. That amounted to roughly 12 percent of U.S. households.
Federal SNAP spending totaled $99.8 billion in 2024.
States say they will not be able to pay food assistance benefits without federal funds
Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:05 , Kelly RissmanSome states warned they will not be able to pay SNAP benefits come November as the shutdown rolls into its third week.
Due to the ongoing shutdown, “SNAP customers will not have access to any new food benefits starting on November 1, 2025, unless the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans re-open the government,” the Illinois Department of Human Services said in a statement last week.
The state administers $350 million in SNAP benefits each month, but it relies on federal funding to ensure every family gets the necessary assistance. The lack of funds could affect nearly 2 million Illinoisans.
Health departments in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma issued similar messages last week.
“You’re talking about millions and millions of vulnerable families — of hungry families — that are not going to have access to these programs because of this shutdown,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters week.
States' SNAP benefits, by the numbers
Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:30 , Kelly RissmanNearly 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits for food assistance could lose access come November, governors warned.
“This is a cruel, senseless and politically motivated punishment inflicted by the Trump Administration that they have the power to avoid,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement last week.
“Lives depend on this, and Washington Republicans need to stop playing games. Release this federal funding right now and let states get this money to families to ensure they don’t go hungry!”
Here’s how many recipients in some states are expected to be impacted:
- New York: 3 million
- Illinois: 1.9 million
- Pennsylvania: 2 million
- Oklahoma: 684,600
- California: 5.5 million
States across the US warn millions will lose food stamp benefits in a week
Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:38 , Kelly RissmanMillions of the poorest Americans may lose access to food stamps next month as the government shutdown stretches on with no clear end in sight.
Roughly 42 million low-income Americans who receive SNAP benefits will likely see their aid disrupted next month if Congress does not resolve its budget stalemate.
The USDA said in a letter to states last week that the federal government would have “insufficient funds” for November.
As a result, over a dozen states have issued warnings to residents that they may experience delays in receiving food assistance, have their aid reduced, or not receive assistance at all.
Isabel Keane has the full story.
States warn millions will lose food stamp benefits due to government shutdown
Analysis: Trump administration blames Democrats for shutdown as SNAP delays near
Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:53 , Kelly RissmanA policy group warned that nearly 1 in 8 people in the country could soon be without food assistance if shutdown continues — but the Trump administration has blamed Democrats for the lapse in appropriations.
Almost 42 millions of Americans rely SNAP benefits, a group that includes about 16 million children, 8 million older adults, and 4 million people with disabilities, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found.
“To ensure that families have food assistance benefits to use at the beginning of November, the Administration must act quickly,” the center wrote in a Monday release.
The center urged the USDA to use contingency funds to provide partial benefits to eligible households for November.
Ronald Ward, the acting head of SNAP, warned in an October 10 letter: “If the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay fullNovember SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the Nation.”
However, the Trump administration has so far blamed Democrats for the shutdown.
“Because of the Democrat shutdown, there are not enough funds to provide SNAP for 40 million Americans come Nov 1. Democrats are putting free healthcare for illegal aliens and their political agenda ahead of food security for American families,” Trump’s Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins wrote on X.
A banner at the top of SNAP’s website even reads: “Due to the Radical Left Democrat shutdown, this government website will not be updated during the funding lapse. President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people.”
Democratic Senator hits the 16-hour mark on speech protesting Trump administration
Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:57 , Kelly RissmanOregon Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley has been giving a speech on the Senate floor for more than 16 hours as he warns that President Donald Trump’s administration poses “grave threats to democracy.”
“I’ve come to the Senate floor tonight to ring the alarm bells. We’re in the most perilous moment, the biggest threat to our republic since the Civil War. President Trump is shredding our Constitution,” he began.
As he speaks, he stands next to a large green poster that reads: “Ring the alarm bells: AUTHORITARIANISM IS HERE NOW!”
His speech is still ongoing.
What has President Trump said about the shutdown negotiations?
Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:04 , Kelly RissmanThe president said he would meet with top Democratic lawmakers — but with a massive catch.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters Tuesday that he and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries “reached out to the president today and urged him to sit down and negotiate with us to resolve the health care crisis, address it and end the government shutdown.”
Schumer said they would meet with Trump “any time, any place” before the president leaves on a trip to Asia at the end of the week.
In response, Trump later told reporters: "I would like to meet with both of them, but I said one little caveat, I will only meet if they let the country open.”
Merkley warns of 'authoritarian takeover' in marathon speech days after 'No Kings' protests
Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:16 , Kelly RissmanDays after millions across the country attended the “No Kings” protests against Trump’s “authoritarianism,” Oregon Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley warned of the president’s “authoritarian takeover” in a marathon speech.
“This is an extraordinarily dangerous moment,” Merkley said as part of his 16-hour-plus Senate floor speech.
“An authoritarian president proceeding to attack free speech, attack free press, weaponize the Department of Justice, and use it against those who disagree with him, and then seeking the court’s permission to send the military into our cities to attack people who are peacefully protesting,” the Democrat continued.
He also mentioned Saturday’s demonstrations: “Over the weekend, more than 7 million Americans joined No Kings protests across the country — a clear message that we refuse to let Donald Trump’s authoritarian takeover go unchecked.”
Trump's attacks on the free press aren't an isolated incident. They're a constant barrage designed to push us further into an authoritarian strongman state.
— Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) October 22, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/ivJlGSVCLo pic.twitter.com/AwALuHoeIY
Trump demands DOJ pay him $230M for cases against him — Democrats have objected
Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:23 , Kelly RissmanPresident Donald Trump is reportedly demanding the Justice Department pay him $230 million in compensation for the federal investigations into him, the New York Times first reported.
Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman reacted to the report, telling CNN: “I hope that’s not true.”
Fetterman said that’s “small ball, and I think we have much bigger problems than worrying about those things."
Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona similarly objected, writing on X: “@POTUS is ordering the government he runs to pay him. In other countries the leaders at least try to hide win they steal money from the citizens.”
Ariana Baio has the full story.
Leavitt says there has been 'fake outrage' over White House demolition for Trump ballroom
Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:30 , Kelly RissmanDemolition of the East Wing began this week for Trump’s planned $250 million ballroom project, which is being privately funded.
Some architecture groups have expressed concern over the quick pace of the demolition of the historic building, while some Democrats have pointed out that the process began during a government shutdown.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, however, suggested that the outrage over the project was “fake.”
“I believe there’s a lot of fake outrage right now because nearly every single president who has lived in this beautiful White House behind me has made modernizations and renovations of their own,” she told Jesse Watters on Tuesday.
“While many presidents have privately dreamt about this, it’s President Trump who is actually doing something about this. He’s the builder-in-chief,” Leavitt continued.
You can watch a livestream of the demolition here.
WATCH: Former Trump adviser lambastes president's $230 million DOJ demand
Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:40 , Kelly RissmanCritics fear Putin is ‘cynically using’ Melania as she pleads with Russia to return kidnapped Ukrainian children
Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:50 , Kelly RissmanFirst Lady Melania Trump’s back-channel efforts to effect the return of Ukrainian children who’ve been kidnapped by Russian forces have been lauded by both President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — and by children’s advocates who’ve been sounding the alarm over Moscow’s practice of seizing kids and forcibly re-educating them in Russia to erase their Ukrainian identities.
But some of those same advocates now fear she is making herself an unwitting tool of the Russian leader and helping whitewash Moscow’s culpability for the practice.
Her behind-the-scenes work has already resulted in at least one victory that she announced at the White House earlier this month, telling reporters that eight children — seven Ukrainian and one Russian — who had been taken from their families in contested regions of Ukraine were being returned after talks between the first lady’s office and Russian government officials.
Andrew Feinberg has the story.
Critics fear Putin is ‘using’ Melania Trump in push to return kidnapped Ukraine kids
Johnson dodges question on Trump's $230 million DOJ demand: 'They attack him for everything'
Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:00 , Kelly RissmanHouse Speaker Mike Johnson dodged a question on how “comfortable” he was with President Donald Trump reportedly demanding the DOJ pay him $230 million in compensation for the federal probes into him.
“I don’t know the details of that... I know that he believes he’s owed that reimbursement,” Johnson said at a press conference Wednesday, noting that he understood the president planned to give that money to charity.
“He doesn’t need those proceeds but we’re for the rule of law, we’re for what is just and right, and it’s just absurd. They attack him for everything he does,” the House Speaker said.
When asked about the New York Times article that first reported the DOJ demand, Trump said Tuesday: “I don’t know about the numbers. I don’t even talk to them about it. All I know is that they would owe me a lot of money. But I’m not looking for money. I’d give it to charity or something.”
In break from Dems, Fetterman reaffirms his shutdown vote, citing SNAP benefits
Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:10 , Kelly RissmanPennsylvania Senator John Fetterman emphasized that his vote “remains firmly” on keeping the government open, citing potential food assistance delays.
Fetterman — along with Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, a Nevada Democrat, and Angus King, a Maine independent — broke party lines last month to support a Republican-backed funding bill to prevent a government shutdown.
“Shut our government down and America loses. 2 MILLION Pennsylvanians depend on SNAP to feed their families. For me, it’s hungry Americans over party. Paying our military over party. Paying Capitol Police and federal workers over party. I choose country over party.”
Shut our government down and America loses.
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) October 22, 2025
2 MILLION Pennsylvanians depend on SNAP to feed their families.
For me, it’s hungry Americans over party.
Paying our military over party.
Paying Capitol Police and federal workers over party.
I choose country over party. pic.twitter.com/JQbGkzYdw8
Newsom deploys California National Guard to aid food banks amid shutdown
Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:20 , Kelly RissmanCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom said he’s activating the state’s National Guard to support food banks as the government shutdown threatens access to food assistance programs.
“California is deploying @TheCalGuard to quickly assist families whose federal food benefits are halted because of Donald Trump's government shutdown,” the Democratic governor wrote on X on Wednesday morning. “We won't let the GOP's cruel inaction force millions of Californians to go hungry.”
The governor warned that SNAP benefits for an estimated 5.5 million Californians will soon be disrupted if the government shutdown doesn’t come to an end.
Newsom also announced he’s fast-tracking more than $80 million in state support ahead of funding delays.
“Trump’s failure isn’t abstract – it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths. This is serious, this is urgent – and requires immediate action,” he said in a statement Wednesday.
“Millions of Americans rely on food benefits to feed their families, and while Republicans in Washington drag their feet, California is stepping up once again to fill in the gaps,” he continued, noting the holidays are around the corner.
“As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, California is working to ensure CalFresh recipients don’t go hungry while food prices are spiking under President Trump.”
Stephen Colbert scorns Trump over White House ballroom ‘lie’
Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:30 , Kelly RissmanStephen Colbert wasted no time Tuesday ripping into Trump over his White House ballroom project.
Demolition on the East Wing of the U.S. President’s residence began Monday as crews began ripping up the 1902-built facade to make room for Trump’s $250 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
It comes after Trump promised in July that his ballroom construction wouldn’t “interfere with the current building.
“It'll be near it but not touching it. And pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of,” he told reporters in a clip shared by Colbert on The Late Show.
Tom Murray has more.
Stephen Colbert scorns Trump over White House ballroom ‘lie’
WATCH: Trump ally says grand jury will investigate Democratic 'conspiracy' against president
Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:57 , Kelly RissmanIn photos: Federal workers line up for food pantry as shutdown continues
Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:40 , Kelly Rissman
White House demolition for ballroom project polarizes lawmakers
Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:50 , Kelly RissmanMembers of Congress have expressed vastly different views on President Donald Trump’s $250 million ballroom project.
The demolition on the East Wing of the White House began this week.
As photos and footage of the progress continue to be released, some Democrats have raised concerns about the optics of the privately funded project’s timing — in the middle of a government shutdown — while some Republicans have chalked up the response to “jealousy” or “anger.”
“Literally. And figuratively. Donald Trump destroyed the White House,” California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell wrote on X, showing a photo of the demolition.
Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin similarly posted: “During the War of 1812, British troops set the White House ablaze, destroying the historical building. Now, Trump, who fashions himself a king, is doing the dirty work himself, tearing apart the people’s house to build a gaudy Marie Antoinette ballroom for the billionaires and CEOs to party while Americans are crushed by inflation and tariffs.”
Meanwhile, GOP House Majority Leader Steve Scalise touted Wednesday that Trump isn’t using taxpayer money to fund the new ballroom and offered an explanation for Democrats’ outrage.
“They say ‘no’ to everything he does because they just are angry about the results of the election from last year. They’re upset with the American people,” he said at a press conference.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News’ Jesse Watters on Tuesday night: “I believe there’s a lot of fake outrage right now because nearly every single president who has lived in this beautiful White House behind me has made modernizations and renovations of their own.”
She called Trump the “builder-in-chief.”
Trump’s ‘election integrity’ chief claimed president has future powers to declare voting emergency
Wednesday 22 October 2025 18:05 , Kelly RissmanIt was clear from the outset that Donald Trump’s administration would include high-ranking government officials who either endorsed his false claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, or refused to publicly admit he lost.
The president continues to hammer a baseless narrative that the election was rigged against him, vowing publicly that it must never “happen again” as he deploys officials to prepare for midterm elections with the balance of power in Congress — and his agenda — at stake.
Before she was tapped as Trump’s “election integrity” official at the Department of Homeland Security, Heather Honey reportedly told a group of right-wing activists in March that the president could declare a “national emergency” to effectively take control of local election administration.
She said the move would follow an “actual investigation” of the 2020 election, if it revealed “manipulation” of the results, according to The New York Times, which had a recording of the call.
Alex Woodward has the story.
Trump’s ‘election integrity’ chief claimed he could declare voting emergency
Trump urges cattle ranchers to lower prices after he imposed 50 percent tariff on Brazil
Wednesday 22 October 2025 18:20 , Kelly RissmanPresident Donald Trump urges cattle ranchers to “get their prices down” in a new Truth Social post:
The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don’t understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50% Tariff on Brazil.
If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible! It would be nice if they would understand that, but they also have to get their prices down, because the consumer is a very big factor in my thinking, also!
Over the weekend, Trump said he was weighing importing “some beef” from Argentina, which would “bring our beef prices down.”
U.S. beef prices have been high for as imports have been reduced due to a flesh-eating pest in cattle herds in Mexico and the tariffs that Trump imposed on Brazil.
Read more about the ongoing beef here.
Trump wants to buy Argentinian beef to bring down prices for Americans
Lindsey Graham breaks with Trump on Tomahawk Missiles
Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:00 , Eric GarciaGOP Senator Lindsey Graham broke with President Donald Trump on sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine on Wednesday.
Graham spoke to The Independent about sending missiles to President Volodymyr Zelensky to push back against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assault on Ukraine.
Graham, a Trump loyalist and a Russia hawk, couched his words in support for Trump’s proposal for Ukraine.
“I think it's pretty clear to me that President Trump's proposal of ceasefire in place is fair, that Putin has said ‘no,’” he said. “So if I were president Trump, I would make it harder for Putin to stay on the battlefield. I’d give them the tomahawks. I’d do a lot more things to put pressure on Putin.”
Graham’s words come after Trump hosted Zelensky at the White House. Prior to that, Trump had floated sending Tomahawks to Ukraine. But he said Putin did not seem pleased with it.
Trump has become increasingly frustrated by Putin’s unwillingness to end the war.
North Carolina lawmakers pass new map designed to give GOP an extra House seat
Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:10 , Kelly RissmanNorth Carolina's legislature passed a new congressional map that could give Republicans an extra seat in the 2026 midterm elections.
On Wednesday, the state’s House passed the bill 66 to 48, just one day after the state Senate did the same.
“Now here we are in NC, doing a fifth redistricting in five years. It’s not because of the census. It’s not because of a court order. It’s because of a command from a president. Unprecedented in US history,” state Democratic Rep. Marcia Morey, a Democrat from Durham, said, according to CNN.
“The motivation behind this redraw is simple and singular: drawing new map that will bring an additional Republican seat to the North Carolina Congressional delegation,” state Sen. Ralph Hise, the Republican who prepared the map, said, NBC News reported.
The state’s Democratic Governor Josh Stein does not have the ability to veto the map.
In California, voters will get to decide on November 4 whether to approve a map that could see five House seats go to Democrats. There, the party is hoping to counteract efforts in Texas, where the GOP could pick up five Republican seats with the redrawn map approved last month.
Pentagon confirms suspected drug boat strike, marking the eight since last month
Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:20 , Kelly RissmanThe Department of War conducted a “lethal kinetic strike” on a vessel suspected of “narco-trafficking” in the Eastern Pacific on Tuesday, Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Two people on board the vessel were killed in the strike, which was conducted in international waters, he said in a social media post. No U.S. forces were harmed.
The vessel was “known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route, and carrying narcotics,” Hegseth added.
“Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people. There will be no refuge or forgiveness—only justice,” he said, posting a video of the strike.
The latest strike — what is believed to be the eighth attack since September — raises the death toll from the administration’s attacks to at least 34 people.
Alex Woodward has the story.
Trump launches first strike on ‘narco’ boats in Pacific waters near Colombia coast
GOP candidate believes the Proud Boys should be sent to hunt illegal immigrants
Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:30 , Kelly RissmanJake Lang, a former January 6 defendant who is running for the U.S. Senate in Florida, has said he believes the Proud Boys should be deputized to “bounty hunt illegal immigrants.”
“I would deputize the Proud Boys and the January 6 Patriots to bounty hunt illegal immigrants,” Lang explicitly told Newsweek.
“We would offer a bounty and work with local sheriffs and deputize and give legal access to be able to have these people join en masse and be able to work alongside federal law enforcement to provide tips, to provide information, and to go out and make the arrests of these illegal immigrants.”
Joe Sommerlad has the story.
Proud Boys should be sent to hunt illegal immigrants, GOP candidate says
Top House Oversight Dem calls for probe into 'gross abuse of power' after Trump DOJ demand
Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:39 , Kelly RissmanPresident Donald Trump demanded the Justice Department pay him $230 million in compensation for the past federal probes into him, the New York Times reported.
California Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, issued a statement Wednesday in response to the report, demanding an investigation into “this gross abuse of power.”
“It's outrageous and completely out-of-touch that President Donald Trump is focused on building himself a private $250 million ballroom - all while millions of Americans are about to lose their healthcare,” he said, referring to the government shutdown that has dragged on for 22 days.
“Instead of working with Democrats in Congress to re-open the government, the Trump Administration is more focused on the destruction of the White House, also known as the 'People's House, covering up the Epstein files, and using our agencies to kidnap immigrants and U.S. citizens,” Garcia continued.
“We must immediately investigate this gross abuse of power, and ensure accountability for the American people.”
Asked about the demand, which was first reported by the New York Times, the president said Tuesday: “I don’t know about the numbers. I don’t even talk to them about it. All I know is that they would owe me a lot of money. But I’m not looking for money. I’d give it to charity or something.”
WATCH: US strikes another 'narco' boat, this time in Pacific waters
Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:50 , Kelly RissmanMaps are looking to be redrawn in states across the country — but not in Indiana: report
Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:00 , Kelly RissmanAs several states look to redraw maps ahead of next year’s midterm elections, Indiana may not be able to do the same.
Despite reported pressure from the White House, a spokesperson for the state’s Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray told Politico: “The votes aren’t there for redistricting.”
In North Carolina on Wednesday, the GOP-led legislature passed a new congressional map that could give Republicans an extra seat in the 2026 midterm elections. The state follows Texas’ lead, where the GOP could pick up five Republican seats with the redrawn map approved last month.
Meanwhile California Democrats are trying to counteract those moves. Next month, voters in the Golden State will get to decide whether to approve a map that could see five House seats go to Democrats.
Texas Ted chickens out on Trump's beef with cattle farmers
Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:10 , Eric GarciaSen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) dodged when The Independent asked him about Trump's attack on cattle ranchers.
Trump took a swipe at cattle ranchers on Wednesday on Truth Social. This comes as many Republicans have expressed concerns about Trump's proposal to import beef from Argentina.
"The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don’t understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50% Tariff on Brazil," he said. "If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible! It would be nice if they would understand that, but they also have to get their prices down, because the consumer is a very big factor in my thinking, also!"
Trump's proposal on Argentina comes as the administration has put in place a $20 billion bailout for the beleaguered Latin American country run by his ally President Javier Milei.
But Cruz, who hails from the state that produces the most beef in the United States, dodged when asked about it.
"I love Texas ranchers. Texas is the national powerhouse when it comes to cattle ranching, and I'm confident Texas will continue to lead the way," he told The Independent. When pressed about Trump's remarks, he said "he can speak for himself."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a massive critic of Trump's Argentina bailout, criticized the beef policy.
“President Trump dumps on American farmers to help Argentina, and now he plans to dump on American ranchers. What happened to America First? It appears to be 'Argentina First' over the White House,” she told The Independent.
Elon Musk takes another shot at Transport Secretary Sean Duffy over NASA role
Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:25 , Kelly RissmanSpaceX founder Elon Musk is continuing his verbal assault on Transportation Secretary, and acting NASA Administrator, Sean Duffy, claiming his lack of knowledge “undermines the American space program.”
“Having a NASA administrator who knows literally ZERO about rockets [and] spacecraft undermines the American space program and endangers our astronauts,” the world’s richest man alleged Wednesday, in a post on his social media platform X. He did not provide evidence to back up this statement.
“At this point, I am not advocating any particular candidate for NASA Administrator. I am just desperate for someone with a 3-digit IQ,” he added.
Julia Musto has the story.
Elon Musk takes another shot at Transport Secretary: ‘‘He need moar brainz!’
Sen. Merkley surpasses 20-hour mark as marathon speech continues
Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:35 , Kelly RissmanOregon Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley has held the Senate floor for 20 hours as his marathon speech continues.
The 68-year-old Senator first took the floor at 6.20 p.m. on Tuesday.
“I’ve come to the Senate floor tonight to ring the alarm bells. We’re in the most perilous moment, the biggest threat to our republic since the civil war. President Trump is shredding our constitution,” Merkley said as he began his speech.
As of Wednesday afternoon, his colleague, Senator Cory Booker, still holds the record for the longest individual floor speech at 25 hours and 5 minutes. Booker set the record in April.
Critics fear Putin is ‘cynically using’ Melania Trump as she pleads with Russia to return kidnapped Ukrainian children
Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:45 , Kelly RissmanMelania Trump’s back-channel efforts to effect the return of Ukrainian children who’ve been kidnapped by Russian forces have been lauded by both President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
And the first lady’s push has also been hailed by children’s advocates, who’ve been sounding the alarm over Moscow’s practice of seizing kids and forcibly re-educating them in Russia to erase their Ukrainian identities. But some of those same advocates now fear she is making herself an unwitting tool of the Russian leader and helping whitewash Moscow’s culpability for the practice.
Andrew Feinberg has the story.
Critics fear Putin is ‘using’ Melania Trump in push to return kidnapped Ukraine kids
Federal agents were sent to Bay Area after Trump suggested San Francisco was 'next': report
Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:55 , Kelly RissmanMore than 100 federal agents, including some from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, have been deployed to Coast Guard Base Alameda, just outside San Francisco, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
The agents will begin to arrive on Thursday, the outlet reported.
The Trump administration has deployed federal troops to several U.S. cities in recent months, including Portland, Memphis, and Washington, DC.
Over the weekend, Trump signaled that San Francisco was “next.”
“We’re going to San Francisco and we’ll make it great. It’ll be great again,” Trump said in a Fox Business interview that aired Sunday.
“San Francisco is a great city. It won’t be great if it keeps going like this. We’re gonna go to San Francisco. The difference is they want us in San Francisco.”
Newly freed George Santos promises to name kids after these MAGA icons
Wednesday 22 October 2025 21:05 , Kelly RissmanGeorge Santos is considering his next act in life – whether that’s “Dancing with the Stars” or starting a family with his husband, now that he’s no longer obligated to spend seven years in prison.
Santos, 37, was freed from federal prison last week after Trump commuted his sentence for fraud charges, which ultimately got Santos, a former Republican representative of New York, expelled from Congress in 2023. Santos garnered a reputation as a fabulist before he was booted from Congress.
Now, the world is his oyster.
In a wide-ranging interview with New York Magazine, Santos said he’ll begin trying to sell his memoir, continue making Cameo videos or even appear on “Dancing with the Stars.”
Ariana Baio has the story.
Newly freed George Santos wants to go on Dancing With The Stars
The U.S. is expected to announce new sanctions on Russia, Bessent says
Wednesday 22 October 2025 21:15 , Kelly RissmanTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that the administration is going to impose new sanctions on Russia.
"We are going to announce either after the close this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning a substantial pickup in Russia sanctions,” he said outside the White House.
His remarks come as the proposed summit between Trump and Putin was put on hold.
“I don't want to have a wasted meeting. I don't want to have a waste of time — so we'll see what happens,” Trump said Tuesday.
Trump's changes to White House in first year will shape how it looks for decades
Wednesday 22 October 2025 21:30 , Kelly RissmanDemolition crews began tearing down parts of the White House’s historical East Wing earlier this week to make way for Donald Trump’s lavish new ballroom.
The project is part of a string of renovations that the president has undertaken to both the exterior and interior of the iconic and world-famous building, which are more in keeping with his personal taste.
From the paving over of Jackie Kennedy’s world-famous Rose Garden to the return of his “Diet Coke” button in the Oval Office, Trump’s changes have done more than raise eyebrows in certain quarters, with some describing them as “grotesque” and “heartbreaking.”
Mike Bedigan has the story.
Trump’s changes to White House in first year will shape how it looks for decades
WATCH: Fox News pundit accuses Jen Psaki of 'slander' over her comments about JD Vance's wife
Wednesday 22 October 2025 21:45 , Kelly Rissman'Make Argentina Great Again': Schumer trolls Trump over beef with cattle ranchers
Wednesday 22 October 2025 22:00 , Kelly RissmanDemocrats have put their own spin on Trump’s MAGA and ‘America First’ slogans after the president urged cattle ranchers to lower their prices after he imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazil.
“Sure seems like Trump now just wants MAGA to mean Make Argentina Great Again,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren told The Independent: "President Trump dumps on American farmers to help Argentina, and now he plans to dump on American ranchers. What happened to America First? It appears to be 'Argentina First' over the White House.”
“The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don’t understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50% Tariff on Brazil,” Trump posted on Truth Social Wednesday.
“If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible! It would be nice if they would understand that, but they also have to get their prices down, because the consumer is a very big factor in my thinking, also!”
In photos: Demolition of the White House's East Wing continues ahead of ballroom construction
Wednesday 22 October 2025 22:15 , Kelly Rissman
Trump has spent 700 percent more on deadly weapons for ICE this year - but agency still claims they can’t afford bodycams
Wednesday 22 October 2025 22:30 , Kelly RissmanICE has spent more than $70 million on new weapons in the first nine months of President Donald Trump’s second term, a 700 percent increase on the same period in 2024, according to a report.
Citing records from the Federal Procurement Data System, Popular Information reports that the immigration force, which answers to Kristi Noem’s Department of Homeland Security, spent $71,515,762 on purchases of “small arms, ordnance and ordnance accessories manufacturing” between January 20 and October 18.
That compares to $9,715,843 in the equivalent period in 2024 under Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, and an average annual spend of just $8.4 million in the current president’s first term between 2017 and 2021.
Joe Sommerlad has the story.
Trump has spent 700 percent more on deadly weapons for ICE this year
States' SNAP benefits, by the numbers
Wednesday 22 October 2025 22:45 , Kelly RissmanNearly 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits for food assistance could lose access come November, governors warned.
“This is a cruel, senseless and politically motivated punishment inflicted by the Trump Administration that they have the power to avoid,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement last week.
“Lives depend on this, and Washington Republicans need to stop playing games. Release this federal funding right now and let states get this money to families to ensure they don’t go hungry!”
Here’s how many recipients in some states are expected to be impacted:
- New York: 3 million
- Illinois: 1.9 million
- Pennsylvania: 2 million
- Oklahoma: 684,600
- California: 5.5 million
- South Carolina: 260,000
Newly freed George Santos shares Dancing With the Stars dream
Wednesday 22 October 2025 23:00 , Kelly RissmanGeorge Santos is considering his next act in life – whether that’s “Dancing with the Stars” or starting a family with his husband, now that he’s no longer obligated to spend seven years in prison.
Santos, 37, was freed from federal prison last week after Trump commuted his sentence for fraud charges. The former Republican representative of New York, garnered a reputation as a fabulist before he was expelled from Congress in 2023.
Now, the world is his oyster. In a wide-ranging interview with New York Magazine, Santos said he’ll begin trying to sell his memoir, continue making Cameo videos or even appear on “Dancing with the Stars”.
Read the full story.
Newly freed George Santos wants to go on Dancing With The Stars
WATCH: Mike Johnson denies any knowledge about Trump's potential $230m DOJ pay off
Wednesday 22 October 2025 23:15 , Kelly RissmanKaroline Leavitt snaps back at predecessor Karine Jean-Pierre
Wednesday 22 October 2025 23:30 , Kelly RissmanWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took aim at Karine Jean-Pierre, who recently called Leavitt’s comments “deplorable.”
“With all due respect to my predecessor, she is one of the main culprits of the greatest cover-up and scandal in American history," Leavitt told Jesse Watters Tuesday.
"She took the podium every day and lied to the press about the incompetence of her boss. And on this book tour, she continues to lie."
Earlier in the day, Jean-Pierre appeared on The View, where she reacted to a clip of Leavitt saying: "The Democrat party's main constituency is Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens and violent criminals."
"I have so many thoughts there," Jean-Pierre said after watching the clip. "Hearing that, it's deplorable. And I'm using that word on purpose because they don't seem to understand — this is the Trump White House — that they don't work for just one man. They work for the American people. It is about coming together for a common good."
'Treat this as law enforcement, not warfare:' GOP senator fires warning after latest U.S. strike
Wednesday 22 October 2025 23:45 , Alex WoodwardGOP Senator Rand Paul reacts after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirms latest U.S. strike on alleged drug vessel.
“You do get to kill people when you’re at war, so if we were to be at war, the Constitution says Congress has to vote for a declaration of war,” the Kentucky Senator said. “I’m not in favor of starting a war with Venezuela.”
“If you don’t have a war, you have international crime and you have to treat it as such,” Paul told Fox Business on Wednesday.
Newsom says he's deploying state's National Guard to aid food banks amid shutdown
Thursday 23 October 2025 00:00 , Kelly RissmanCalifornia's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom announced he’s deploying his state’s National Guard to support food banks in anticipation of delayed food benefits resulting from the ongoing government shutdown.
“Trump’s failure isn’t abstract – it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths. This is serious, this is urgent – and requires immediate action,” Newsom said in a statement Wednesday.
The Democratic governor also said he was fast-tracking $80 million in state support.
About 5.5 million Californians rely on CalFresh, the state’s SNAP benefits, while nearly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits nationwide.
New York AG launches portal to track ICE agents' activity after Canal Street raids
Thursday 23 October 2025 00:20 , Kelly RissmanNew York Attorney General Letitia James is encouraging New Yorkers to submit videos or other documentation of federal immigration authorities following the raids in Lower Manhattan’s Canal Street.
“Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear or intimidation,” James said in a statement.
“If you witnessed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to share that footage with my office. We are committed to reviewing these reports and assessing any violations of law. No one should be subject to unlawful questioning, detention, or intimidation.”
An ICE raid targeted the street’s famed vendors just days after a conservative influencer tagged Immigration and Customs Enforcement on social media to “check this corner out.”
Trump’s ‘election integrity’ chief claimed president has future powers to declare voting emergency
Thursday 23 October 2025 00:40 , Kelly RissmanIt was clear from the outset that Donald Trump’s administration would include high-ranking government officials who either endorsed his false claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, or refused to publicly admit he lost.
The president continues to hammer a baseless narrative that the election was rigged against him, vowing publicly that it must never “happen again” as he deploys officials to prepare for midterm elections with the balance of power in Congress — and his agenda — at stake.
Before she was tapped as Trump’s “election integrity” official at the Department of Homeland Security, Heather Honey reportedly told a group of right-wing activists in March that the president could declare a “national emergency” to effectively take control of local election administration.
Alex Woodward has the story.
Trump’s ‘election integrity’ chief claimed he could declare voting emergency
Ex press secretary struggles to answer why Biden called Harris to complain before her debate with Trump
01:00 , Kelly RissmanJoe Biden’s former White House press secretary faced a tough line of questions about her former boss’ 2024 decision-making during an interview Monday, and largely found herself deflecting blame and claiming ignorance of the problems that plagued the last administration.
Karine Jean-Pierre participated in a pair of interviews earlier this week on a press tour for her book, Independent, which came out Tuesday. The former Democratic press secretary explained the title earlier this year, stating that she’d left the party after its institutional failure in 2024.
During interviews on the anti-Trump news site, The Bulwark, and CBS Mornings, Jean-Pierre took some of the toughest questions yet to anyone who was at Biden’s side during the collapse of his presidential campaign, and the disastrous debate in June 2024 when he appeared confused and often lost track of what he was saying.
John Bowden has more below.
‘That’s insane!’ Jean Pierre struggles to answer why Biden called Harris to complain
Mother of slain 20-year-old wants DHS to stop using her daughter to justify Chicago crackdown
01:15 , Kelly RissmanIn September, when the Department of Homeland Security launched its “Operation Midway Blitz” immigration crackdown in the Chicago area, officials said the push was in honor of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old Illinois resident who was killed at the beginning of the year in a car wreck involving an undocumented immigrant.
Now, Abraham’s mother is speaking out against the Trump administration, disavowing the operation that was launched in her daughter’s name.
“I have not spoken out since it began, but as Katie’s mother, I can no longer stay silent,” Denise Lorence wrote in the Chicago Tribune on Tuesday. “The Department of Homeland Security said its immigration enforcement operation in Chicago is named in Katie’s honor. But Katie would not have wanted this.”
Josh Marcus has the story.
‘Unbearable’: Mom wants DHS to stop using daughter’s death to tout Chicago operation
ICE raids NYC’s Canal Street vendors following complaint from MAGA influencer
01:30 , Kelly RissmanAn immigration sweep targeted New York City vendors just days after a conservative influencer tagged Immigration and Customs Enforcement on social media to “check this corner out.”
Hundreds of angry New Yorkers clashed with federal agents Tuesday afternoon at the city’s famed Canal Street, an area which for years has been a not-so-underground market for knock-off designer handbags, watches, perfumes and sunglasses as well as phones and other electronics.
Protesters attempted to block immigration agents from carrying out the operation when scenes turned ugly.
The day after the raid, which resulted in nine arrests of migrants and four protestors, signs were posted on light poles in the area. They warned migrants about he raids and told them to call for help from inside a “non-public” space such as a church, where agents need a judicial warrant to make arrests.
On Wednesday, Canal Street was quiet with few vendors when typically many are out selling knock-off items.
Read the full story.
ICE raids NYC’s Canal Street vendors following MAGA influencer’s tip off
ICYMI: Trump says FBI and Tulsi Gabbard 'working on' elections plan as he repeats bogus claims
01:45 , Kelly RissmanLive coverage ended
01:57 , Rachel DobkinOur live coverage of the Trump administration has ended.
Here’s a full breakdown of the White House’s attacks on “narco” boats:
Trump launches first strike on ‘narco’ boats in Pacific waters near Colombia coast
Please check back tomorrow for more updates.
WATCH: Eric Trump posts ai-generated video to promote new memoir
02:00 , Kelly RissmanLive coverage has ended
02:01 , Rachel DobkinOur live coverage of the White House has ended for the night.
Here’s a full breakdown of the Trump administration’s “narco” boat attacks:
Trump launches first strike on ‘narco’ boats in Pacific waters near Colombia coast
