12:30 Report is the Hill’s daytime newsletter.
It’s Wednesday. The kids have spoken. “6-7” has been named Dictionary.com’s word of the year for 2025. Most people—yeah, even those who can vote—aren’t quite sure what this means.
In today’s issue:
- World leaders are preparing for today’s meeting between President Trump and President Xi.
- Hurricane Melissa impacts Cuba.
- The U.S. sends emergency personnel to Jamaica.
- A rate cut is expected today.
- Vance and Erica Kirk share their thoughts.
🎤 In Korea
Preparations for the Trump-Xi meeting:
Today marks a significant occasion. President Trump is set to meet with President Xi Jinping in Korea, their first in-person discussion in six years.
What does President Trump aim to achieve?
- Finalize trade agreements.
- Enhance U.S. access to vital minerals from China.
- Encourage China to purchase more U.S. agricultural goods.
- Complete the TikTok sale.
What about President Xi?
- Remove tariffs on Chinese imports.
- Avoid export limits on American tech.
- Align closer with China’s stance on Taiwan.
Read Laura Kelly’s preview on these objectives. She mentions: “Mr. Trump extends a friendly hand to Mr. Xi, despite their strained relationship.”
Keep this in mind—regardless of the two nations’ claims about China’s aid, that’s likely to wrap up soon.
How was President Trump’s day with South Korea’s president? There were plenty of compliments. President Lee Jae Myung even presented Trump with a gold crown and a prestigious medal.
^ But just a few hundred miles away: North Korea performed a series of cruise missile tests. Not surprisingly, President Trump has expressed interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during this trip, though nothing is scheduled.
For more context, check this related article from the New York Times: “How the 19th Century Opium Wars Shaped the Trade Conflict Between Mr. Xi and President Trump.”
💬 Follow today’s live updates.
🌀 Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Melissa impacts the Caribbean:
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm this morning after causing destruction in Jamaica. More than 700,000 people are now seeking shelter.
The United States is deploying emergency teams to assist with the disaster response in the Caribbean.
Storm affects Jamaica: The most powerful hurricane in Jamaica’s history hit land on Tuesday afternoon. The Prime Minister has officially declared a disaster area.
Will this affect the U.S.? The storm’s projected path suggests it will move out to sea, minimizing impacts on the U.S.
📉 More news
Economic Updates:
The Federal Reserve is set to announce a modest rate cut later today.
What we know: Chairman Jerome Powell is expected to speak at 2:30 p.m. If the rate cut is confirmed, it will mark the second cut this year.
This decision is tricky for the Fed: There’s considerable uncertainty surrounding the U.S. economy. Employment is slowing, but inflation remains persistent. Employment data is unavailable due to the government shutdown, which could negatively impact the economy for months.
Day 32 of Government Shutdown:
The ramifications of the government shutdown will escalate this weekend, impacting millions across the nation.
According to Mike Lillis from The Hill, “This weekend will see a surge in groups affected, spanning military, Obamacare recipients, Head Start children, and low-income families relying on food stamps.”
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is at risk: The administration is redirecting funds to provide October benefits for a federal nutrition program aimed at young mothers and children, but those funds may run out soon. A significant debate looms over SNAP’s future.
Read more: “This weekend, the pain of the shutdown will intensify, increasing pressure on Congress to reach a resolution.”
Is the Democratic Party waveri ng? There are reports suggesting that Senate Democrats are weighing a Republican proposal to pay all federal workers, amidst growing pressure to pass a continuing resolution to reopen the government.
Also: They plan to introduce legislation aimed at funding SNAP benefits and expanding support for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
Read Mr. Lillis’ report: “Democrats reel as pressure mounts to end government shutdown.”
Republican Dissent:
Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has publicly criticized her party’s handling of the shutdown, ramping up tensions within Republican ranks.
Her social media is filled with critiques of the party, particularly regarding lapsed Obamacare subsidies. She has targeted Mike Johnson, the chairman, for keeping the House in recess during the crisis.
Latest comments: She is dissatisfied with Johnson’s lack of a clear Republican alternative to Obamacare and subsidies.
Is this agitating Republicans? Some, like Senator Ted Cruz, have responded to Greene’s comments, accusing her of adopting a more liberal stance.
What’s her perspective? Greene claims she remains focused on America First principles, urging her party to do the same.
➤ Noteworthy Shutdown Insights:
The Atlantic notes: During the 29-day government shutdown, President Trump did not engage actively with Congress or address the public regarding the situation.
➤ Impact on Federal Workers:
A judge has currently put a hold on Trump’s attempt to lay off thousands of federal workers amid the shutdown.
➤ Senate Humor:
In a light-hearted moment, Andrew Desiderio shared a clip of Lindsay Graham and an amusing interaction with Siri.
➤ Quick Updates:
- Nvidia becomes the first $5 trillion company.
- Trump acknowledges his inability to seek a third term.
- The Pentagon has issued directives to expedite the firing of underperforming civilian employees.
- Trump dismissed six members from an independent review commission linked to new projects.
- Vice President Vance calls Marco Rubio his “best friend” in the administration.
Take a look at some additional articles on various topics.
🥣 Celebrate: Today is National Oatmeal Day.
🔢 Parenting Insight: “6-7” has been designated as Dictionary.com’s word of the year for 2025. It’s a phrase beloved by kids, but I can’t help but think it’s lost some flair with this recognition.
🍫 Heads Up: This year’s Halloween candy may have a chocolate shortage.
🏈 Travis Kelsey: After a touchdown, he seemed to showcase a dance to Taylor Swift’s “Fate of Ophelia.”
Finally…
Check out this amusing clip where a dog reacts to its favorite lines.
