In today’s newsletter:
• President Trump is pushing the Justice Department for $230 million.
• There are three potential solutions to avoid a government shutdown.
• Senate Democrats held the floor for over 18 hours.
• The President met with NATO’s chief.
• The Louvre has reopened after the theft of $100 million in jewelry.
At the White House
Trump is asking for $230 million from the Justice Department.
Reports indicate President Trump wants approximately $230 million as compensation related to past investigations against him.
Can this be understood?: The New York Times noted the approval for this request could come from senior officials who have supported Trump and others close to him, according to informed sources.
This could matter a lot: “This situation is unprecedented in American history, where a presidential candidate has faced federal law enforcement, won the election, and now governs the very institution assessing his claims. It’s also a glaring example of the ethical dilemmas created when the president’s former lawyer is positioned within the Justice Department,” stated a report in The New York Times.
President Trump responded to the report on Tuesday. He stated, “I don’t know the numbers, nor have I discussed them with anyone. What I do know is they’re going to owe me a significant sum, but I’m not asking for it. I’d donate it to charity or something,” he remarked.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina criticized the idea. According to CNN, he said, “The optics are terrible, especially right now. We’re considering sending $250 million while a shutdown looms.” Tillis, who is retiring, shared his concerns about the timing.
A former advisor also weighed in. David Urban, a past campaign advisor to Trump, believes pursuing compensation is misguided. “If he seeks an apology from the Department of Justice, that’s one thing. But whether John Q. Public put pen to check or not, it wouldn’t harm Trump’s brand,” Urban said.
The White House is looking for a new lead for the Office of Special Counsel.
White House liaison to the Department of Homeland Security, Paul Ingrassia, withdrew his nomination after pressure over past racist text messages, including claiming to have “Nazi tendencies.” Several Republican senators expressed they would not support his confirmation before he stepped back from the role.
But keep in mind: Ingrassia still serves as the White House’s point of contact for the Homeland Security Department, a position that does not require Senate confirmation. Some Democrats are urging him to resign entirely.
“Withdrawing from nomination isn’t sufficient. He should be removed from the White House and from public service altogether,” tweeted Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.).
At Capitol Hill
The senators are waiting for the next vote:
With government funding at stake, the Senate is stalled as they prepare for a twelfth vote. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has been speaking continuously in protest for more than 18 hours.
He’s not quite breaking records yet. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) previously set a record earlier this year by speaking for over 25 hours.
Finding a way out is becoming tricky. Progress in negotiations over government funding is limited. Republicans are considering several strategies to increase pressure on Democrats.
First – Modify the filibuster: Senate Republicans are discussing changes to filibuster rules could help avert a shutdown.
Second – Cornering the Democratic Party: They plan to vote on military salary and essential worker funding to divide Democrats.
Third – Delay the process: There’s talk of extending funding through January or even for the entire year.
Following today’s events:
Nancy Pelosi’s future: The former House Speaker reportedly plans to announce her intentions after the upcoming California election in November.
The Louvre’s reopening: The infamous museum is back open after thieves made away with about $102 million in jewels during a brazen midday heist, lasting less than 10 minutes.
Have the culprits been caught? No, the robbers remain unidentified.
Getting specifics: The New York Times provided a comprehensive breakdown of the heist, including how robbers used tools to break in and escape through a second-story window.
Quick Hits:
- Former Senator John E. Sununu (R-N.H.) plans to run for Senate again in 2026.
- Japan’s freshly elected prime minister previously worked in the National Diet Building during the 1980s.
- Karine Jean-Pierre, who used to serve as White House Press Secretary, has released a book on her experiences. Interestingly, she no longer identifies as a Democrat.
- New York mayoral candidates Zoran Mandani (D), Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa (R) are set for a second debate tonight at 7 PM ET.
More news:
The New York Times: Highlights Trump giving authority to election deniers while remaining stuck in disappointment over 2020.
The Wall Street Journal: Democratic donors are hesitant as divisions grow within the party.
Vox: A buzzword Democrats are keeping an eye out for.
The Washington Post: Insight on Obama’s behind-the-scenes maneuvers against Trump concerning redistricting.
As of now, the House is out while the Senate remains in session. President Trump is attending to matters at the White House.
Today’s schedule:
- 3:30 PM: Entrepreneur Mark Cuban will testify regarding health insurance affordability.
- 4 PM: President Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will meet in the Oval Office.
Today is: National Nut Day—a low-key day, but a reliable one.
In closing, take a brief moment to relax—perhaps enjoy some time with a giraffe. It’s important to take those breaks.
