JD Vance says government likely ‘headed into a shutdown’ after Trump meets with Dems
Republican and Democratic congressional leaders left a meeting with President Donald Trump with no deal to avert a government shutdown as the deadline fast approaches. Leaders met with Trump on Monday for roughly an hour to negotiate a path forward to avert a partial government shutdown, but it appeared neither side was willing to budge from their position. Vice President JD Vance said after the meeting, “I think we’re headed into a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing. I hope they change their mind.” “If you look at the original they did with this negotiation, it was a $1.5 trillion spending package, basically saying the American people want to give massive amounts of money, hundreds of billions of dollars to illegal aliens for their health care, while Americans are struggling to pay their health care bills,” Vance said. “That was their initial foray into this negotiation. We thought it was absurd.” DEMS NOT BUDGING ON GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN DEMANDS AHEAD OF HIGH-STAKES TRUMP MEETING, JEFFRIES SUGGESTS Democrats, however, have pushed back on assertions that they’re looking to salvage healthcare for anyone but the American people. “There was a frank and direct discussion with the President of the United States and Republican leaders. But significant and meaningful differences remain,” Jeffries said. “Democrats are fighting to protect the health care of the American people, and we are not going to support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the health care of every day America, period.” Congress has until midnight Oct. 1 to pass a short-term funding extension, or continuing resolution (CR), to avert a partial government shutdown. The House already passed a funding extension, but the bill was blocked in the Senate earlier this month. Republicans and the White House want to move forward with their “clean,” short-term funding extension until Nov. 21, while Democrats have offered a counter-proposal that includes a permanent extension of expiring Obamacare tax credits and other wishlist items that are a bridge too far for the GOP. Vance appeared alongside Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought in a show of Republican unity after the meeting, but made clear both sides are still far apart. Thune, holding up a copy of the funding extension, panned Jeffries and Schumer’s accusation that the bill was partisan in nature. Congressional Republicans argue that the House GOP’s is everything that Democrats pushed when they controlled the Senate: a “clean,” short-term extension to Nov. 21 without partisan policy riders or spending, save for millions in new spending for increased security for lawmakers. SHUTDOWN EXPLAINED: WHO WORKS, WHO DOESN’T AND HOW MUCH IT COSTS “To me, this is purely a hostage-taking exercise on the part of the Democrats,” Thune said. “We are willing to sit down and work with them on some of the issues they want to talk about, whether it’s an extension of premium tax credits, with reforms, we’re happy to have that conversation. But as of right now, this is a hijacking.” Neither Schumer nor Jeffries took questions after their remarks, but appeared slightly more optimistic than their GOP counterparts after the meeting concluded. “I think for the first time, the president heard our objections and heard why we needed a bipartisan bill,” Schumer said. “Their bill has not one iota of Democratic input. That is never how we’ve done this before.” Vance said he was “highly skeptical” that it was Trump’s first time hearing the issue and said there was a bipartisan path forward on healthcare – but panned Democrats’ push to include an extension of COVID-19 pandemic-era Affordable Care Act (ACA) extensions in the bill. “We want to work across the aisle to make sure that people have access to good healthcare,” he said, but added, “We are not going to let Democrats shut down the government and take a hostage unless we give them everything that they want. That’s not how the people’s government has ever worked.” The meeting in the Oval Office comes after Trump canceled a previously scheduled confab last week with just Schumer and Jeffries. At the time, the president railed against their demands on his social media platform Truth Social and contended that congressional Democrats were pushing “radical Left policies that nobody voted for” in their counter-CR. Democrats’ demands center on an extension to expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, though their counter-proposal also included language to repeal the healthcare section of the GOP’s “big, beautiful bill” and a clawback of canceled NPR and PBS funding. Senate Republicans have argued that Democrats’ desires are unserious, and Thune has publicly said that Republicans would be willing to have discussions on the ACA subsidies, which are set to sunset at the end of this year, after the government is funded. Schumer insisted Democrats needed it addressed immediately, however, in a press conference back on Capitol Hill after the meeting. “We think when they say later, they mean never. We have to do it now, first because of the timing issue and second, because now is the time we can get it done,” he said. The White House is also leveraging the threat of mass firings should the government shut down that go beyond the standard furloughing of nonessential employees. Still, Schumer and Senate Democrats have not buckled. The Senate is expected to vote again on the bill on Tuesday.
Lawmaker targeted with death threat after condemning racist sign aimed at Winsome Sears
For the second time in less than a week, a Virginia state lawmaker up for reelection has been targeted with a death threat, amid heightening political rhetoric and the murder of Charlie Kirk. Del. Geary Higgins, R-Lovettsville, confirmed to Fox News Digital on Monday that he was texted a death threat in which the suspect spewed expletives and said he would shoot the lawmaker at his next rally. “Let me be clear: threats of violence have no place in our political discourse. I will not be intimidated, silenced, or deterred from doing the job I was elected to do—fighting for my constituents in Western Loudoun and Fauquier counties, and standing up for common sense,” Higgins told Fox News Digital. Higgins had texted public subscribers to his feed his response to a racist sign held by a female activist who was protesting an appearance by Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears at an Arlington County School Board rally earlier this month. AFTER DEATH THREAT, VIRGINIA LAWMAKER SAYS SPANBERGER CAN’T ESCAPE ‘RAGE’ REMARKS The woman stood in the vicinity of Earle-Sears’ team with a sign reading, “Hey Winsome, if trans can’t share your bathroom, then blacks can’t share my water fountain.” Earle-Sears is an immigrant from Jamaica who would be the first Black female governor of Virginia and the second overall, after moderate Democrat Douglas Wilder who was elected in 1989. The suspect, Patrick Murphy, allegedly texted Higgins back after the campaign blast, telling him, “F— off, Geary.” “I will shoot u [at] yer (sic) next public rally [t]hen send you memes with the photos,” read the message. “I know where your f—ing kids are too,” Murphy allegedly continued. Murphy faces felony charges and a court date in Leesburg next month. Fox News Digital reached out to Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney RD Anderson’s office for further comment. In comments to Fox News Digital, Higgins thanked Loudoun law enforcement for quickly arresting a suspect, and expressed hope the public will continue to pray for his family after the threat – as well as all public officials amid what he called a period of increasing threats and political violence. “Unfortunately, this is the direct result of the nasty lies and constant demonization from the radical left that we’ve seen over the last few years,” Higgins added, criticizing his Democratic opponent for what he said were false advertisements and claims about his political record. VIRGINIA LEADERS REBUKE RACIST SIGN TARGETING GOP GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE WINSOME EARLE-SEARS: ‘REPULSIVE’ Higgins said Warrenton innkeeper John McAuliff is “up on TV right now calling me a crook and a treasonist and blatantly lying about my record,” Higgins said, referencing TV ads that used imagery and references to the Capitol riot as well as allegations Higgins profited from the burgeoning planned footprint of data centers in Virginia and West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. “The last two sessions in Richmond we’ve been called every name under the sun. It should be shocking to no one that continuing to call your political opponents names like ‘Nazis’ will ultimately lead to violence,” Higgins warned. A former member of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, Higgins is also the last remaining Republican state delegate in a once-conservative but now increasingly liberal suburban county known for its schools’ infamous transgender bathroom policy battles. Fox News Digital reached out to McAuliff’s campaign for comment. In one of the ads, McAuliff adds that he scrutinized Higgins as part of his campaign plan to “protect the Piedmont” from development. In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, McAuliff said political violence has “no place in our democracy” and that “differences must be settled through debate and elections, never through threats or intimidation.” McAuliff said he personally reached out to Higgins and was grateful no one was physically harmed and thanked law enforcement for their efforts. Murphy, of Purcellville, was first taken into custody September 2, according to a police report obtained by Fox News Digital. The threat against Higgins follows a similar threat in which a Dinwiddie County, Virginia man allegedly texted state Del. Kim Taylor’s campaign last week threatening to kill her and claiming Republicans are “ruining the country.” Taylor has been prominent since her 2021 election, as she shocked the commonwealth by flipping a seat in Petersburg – one of the most Democratic-majority cities per capita in Virginia. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Taylor faces the same Democrat she narrowly defeated by about 50 votes two years ago, Kimberly Pope Adams. On Monday, she also clashed with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger over charged rhetoric from the left, citing recent violence that included the murder of Charlie Kirk. Spanberger’s recent comments about “let[ting] your rage fuel you” have received criticism from the right, while the former congresswoman continues to maintain she condemns all violence and that she instead is referring to letting people’s personal feelings fuel them to write letters and knock on doors for political campaigns. The Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office cited an active matter and declined to comment further to Fox News Digital.
Texas Democrat blasted for ‘bloody Trump’ costume, violent rhetoric after deadly ICE shooting
South Texas Democratic congressional candidate Bobby Pulido is being criticized for feeding a “sickness” and “spreading hate” through his rhetoric against President Donald Trump and Republicans, especially in light of a deadly anti-ICE shooting in Dallas this week. In an interview with Fox News Digital, former Texas Republican Rep. Mayra Flores, the first Mexican-born woman elected to Congress, criticized Pulido and other Democrats for “attacking our men and women serving this country for enforcing the laws.” “It’s this type of hateful rhetoric that is causing innocent lives to be lost,” Flores said. “And because of that, we’re seeing all these shootings, and it will continue to happen because, at the end of the day, this hateful rhetoric is coming from members of Congress, from senators.” “They need to set an example,” she went on. “Americans are looking up to these individuals. And so, if they’re seeing that they’re spreading hate, then that instills in them hate as well towards our men and women [in law enforcement].” ‘MY FIRST EMOTION WAS FEAR’: GEORGETOWN STUDENTS REACT TO FLYERS CELEBRATING CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER This comes as the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) accused Pulido, who is a Tejano music star, of having a “lengthy history of engaging in violent, extreme political rhetoric.” The committee said that despite Pulido condemning political violence, such as Charlie Kirk’s assassination, and calling for a toning down in rhetoric on both sides, his own words through the years have not been consistent with this call. On Sept. 10, Pulido posted on X, “I don’t care what side of the political aisle you are, what happened to Charlie Kirk is abhorrent. The political rhetoric needs to be brought down on both sides. I pray for him, his family and also for our country.” According to the NRCC, however, Pulido’s inflammatory rhetoric goes back years, even including dressing up as a blood-soaked Trump for Halloween in 2015. A screenshot of the since-deleted post shared with Fox News Digital shows a bloodied Trump with a Spanish caption reading, “Years ago Donald Trump and Paquita had a son. Here is the exclusive image.” EXCLUSIVE: IMMIGRATION AGENT REVEALS ‘BIGGEST FEAR’ AFTER DEADLY ANTI-ICE SHOOTING He has also suggested that Trump voters are racist, commenting on a 2017 news story about California farms being untended due to the president’s immigration policies by saying, “That’s what racist America wanted, that’s what you got.” In another post from 2016, Pulido wrote that Trump is “racist all the way” and that “his candidacy plays to the alt right.” This August, he accused Republicans of “literally becoming everything they accused others of being. Marxists and fascists.” Pulido also previously expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement by posting a black square on his Instagram for “Blackout Tuesday” and sharing a video of a Houston BLM rally with the caption “#GodBlessTexas.” He has said in a video that “there’s a lot of great cops out there” but that “at the end of the day, there’s not a country out there that doesn’t oppress.” Referring to allegedly racist police officers in a 2017 X post, Pulido used profanities in Spanish to describe them. SPECIAL AGENT SLAMS ‘DANGEROUS’ TREND OF DEMOCRATS USING ICE AS CAMPAIGN PROPS Addressing Pulido and other Democrats directly, Flores asked them to “please stop playing political games with our men and women that are just doing their job.” “At the end of the day, we’re all Americans. We want the best for our communities, and they should not be prioritizing their political party over safety,” she said. Flores said that for many who grew up listening to Pulido’s music, he has a special responsibility to set an example of civility and respect. “He is an icon in the Tejano industry. A lot of people look up to his music, and so he has an obligation to talk about this issue and to show respect towards our [law enforcement] men and women because he has such a huge fan base,” she said. In a statement to Fox News Digital, NRCC spokesman Reilly Richardson said, “Bobby Pulido’s history of engaging in extreme political rhetoric is utterly disqualifying.” DEMS FACE BACKLASH FOR VIOLENT RHETORIC AFTER DEADLY ICE SHOOTING: ‘MUST STOP’ “Radical Democrats like Pulido have been unapologetically demonizing ICE agents and our law enforcement for years,” said Reilly. “A deep and pervasive sickness has infected the radical left in this country, and Democrats like Bobby Pulido are feeding it,” he added. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Meanwhile, another Texas leader, Republican Rep. Ronny Jackson, said the problem goes far beyond Pulido. He called the attack on the Dallas ICE facility last week “horrific,” saying it “proves the Left’s relentless attacks on law enforcement puts our officers in real danger.” “It’s past time Democrats take responsibility for their violent rhetoric, which has fueled these attacks, and join the fight to protect our brave ICE officers!” said Jackson. Pulido did not respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment by the time of publication.
Netanyahu apologized for airstrikes during ‘heart-to-heart’ with Qatari leader, Trump says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Qatar for striking its territory during a meeting with President Donald Trump, the White House said Monday. Israel’s military targeted senior Hamas leadership in Qatar with an airstrike earlier this month that also killed a Qatari security official. Trump distanced himself from Netanyahu’s decision to strike a top ally in the Middle East, writing on Truth Social at the time it “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” Qatar has been a key host of discussions aimed at hashing out a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. It also hosts about10,000 U.S. troops. TRUMP ON WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO BRING ISRAELI HOSTAGES HOME: HAMAS MUST BE ‘CONFRONTED AND DESTROYED’ During a trilateral call with Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Netanyahu expressed “deep regret that Israel’s missile strike against Hamas targets in Qatar unintentionally killed a Qatari serviceman,” according to a White House readout. “He further expressed regret that, in targeting Hamas leadership during hostage negotiations, Israel violated Qatari sovereignty and affirmed that Israel will not conduct such an attack again in the future.” Al Thani welcomed the assurances, according to the readout, and Trump “expressed his desire to put Israeli-Qatar relations on a positive track after years of mutual grievances and miscommunications.” “They really had a heart-to-heart conversation,” Trump said in a news conference after his meeting with Netanyahu. “It was a great conversation, and I thought it was productive.” He said that the U.S., Israel and Qatar agreed to launch a formal trilateral mechanism to begin dialogue “to enhance mutual security, correct misperceptions, and avoid future misgivings.” Trump praised the emir as a “fantastic person” and noted his role as a mediator in the peace process. He added that he hoped Qatar could join the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization deals between Middle Eastern nations and Israel that Trump brokered during his first administration. ISRAEL’S STRIKE IN QATAR TRIGGERS RARE US REBUKE, TESTS TRUMP’S GULF DIPLOMACY It came as Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan to end the war in Gaza. The plan includes granting Hamas terrorists who give up their arms in favor of peace “amnesty,” establishing Gaza as a “deradicalized terror-free zone” and Israel pulling back from the territory and ceasing military operations. The plan explained that within 72 hours of Israel accepting the agreement, Hamas will release remaining hostages in its captivity — whether they are alive or deceased. Upon the release of the remaining hostages, Israel will then release “250 life-sentence prisoners plus 1,700 Gazans who were detained after Oct. 7, 2023,” according to the fifth point of the plan. “Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries,” the sixth point of the plan read. Gaza will not be controlled by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, but by “those committed to peace,” according to Netanyahu. Hamas has not yet accepted the agreement, with Trump threatening the terrorist group to accept the plan or likely face further bloodshed. “Israel would have my full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas,” Trump said Monday during a press conference, warning Hamas to accept the deal.
Democrats plan luxury Napa retreat as government shutdown threat looms over Congress
Democrats have come under fire for planning a luxury jaunt to California’s wine country while Washington heads toward a possible government shutdown. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), chaired by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, allegedly invited lawmakers to an expensive two-day Napa Retreat from Oct. 13–14 at Hotel Yountville, a five-star resort with hot tubs and vineyard views, according to an invitation obtained by Politico Playbook. If Congress fails to pass funding legislation before the end of September, the government may still be shut down when some Democrats gather for wine tours and dinners, the outlet reported Saturday. THUNE SLAMS DEMOCRATS’ ‘COLD-BLOODED PARTISAN’ TACTICS AS FUNDING DEADLINE NEARS The retreat, was also said to include dinner at the expensive Staglin Family Vineyards, an organic estate known to be one of Napa’s premier winemakers. Attendees will include Gillibrand, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and other Democrats. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich, is also expected to attend, a Democrat briefed on the plans told Politico. In a statement to the Daily Caller, Alyssa Brouillet, spokesperson for GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers, criticized Stevens for “running off to wine and dine in California” while Michiganders brace for potential paycheck disruptions. TRUMP-APPROVED PLAN TO AVERT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN SCUTTLED BY SENATE “If it was outrageous for Trump, it’s hypocritical for Senate Democrats,” the GOP strategist told the outlet after Democrats had criticized Trump for heading to the Ryder Cup Friday at Bethpage. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas also shared news of the “invitation obtained by Playbook for a Napa Retreat” on X. So far, the DSCC has not disclosed the retreat’s costs, nor clarified whether the event would be canceled if a shutdown persists. Fox News Digital has reached out to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan for comment.
Reporter’s Notebook: Democrats’ shutdown gamble reveals party divisions, Schumer’s weak spot with the left
It’s often hard to separate the noise from the signal in politics. The noise is that congressional Democrats are fighting President Donald Trump and Republicans over a prospective government shutdown and healthcare spending. The signal is scratchy. But if you turn the squelch knob, you may detect the signal. We won’t know who “wins” or is “blamed” for a government shutdown for weeks. But the government shutdown will likely tell us a great deal about the future of the Democratic Party. REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: TRUMP HOLDS BIPARTISAN MEETING WITH CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS AS WEDNESDAY SHUTDOWN LOOMS Progressives excoriated Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., in March when he reluctantly provided Democratic votes to break a filibuster to avoid a government shutdown. Democrats on both sides of Capitol Hill were apoplectic. They felt betrayed by Schumer. The New York Democrat caved to Republicans to avert the shutdown without pocketing any political concessions in return. At the time, Schumer said a shutdown under those conditions would be worse. Elon Musk was busy filleting the federal government. To hear Schumer tell it, Musk may try to block parts of the federal government from ever opening again. Progressives fumed at Schumer. Some called for new leadership. “There was a disappointment because Schumer had said that he was going to vote against it, and then he voted for it,” said Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va., to Fox. “So there was some confusion about why he would do that.” REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN CHANCES ASTRONOMICAL AS CONGRESS BARRELS TOWARD DEADLINE House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and other top Democrats seethed about Schumer’s March move. A senior House Republican source told Fox recently that they were stunned the government didn’t close earlier this year — surprised at Schumer’s decision to cave. And so liberals thought that Schumer may have overstayed his welcome, and it was time to move on. Schumer didn’t provide the necessary votes to avoid a shutdown when the Senate took a test vote to clear the way for the House-approved interim spending bill a week-and-a-half ago. So that made Schumer an easy target of the right. Plus, calling it the “Schumer Shutdown” is alliterative. It rolls off the tongue and easy for the GOP to characterize what’s going on. That’s why lots of Republicans — and some Democrats — hope Schumer faces a challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. This explains how Republicans are trying to always flag a potential challenge to Schumer by Ocasio-Cortez. They portray Schumer as finding himself in a tight spot, having to appeal to the left-leaning base of the Democratic Party. If Democrats fold, they face an avalanche of criticism from progressives. “That’s why Jeffries and Schumer are betwixt in between,” said Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., on Fox. “Jeffries has to worry about a primary next year and Schumer’s got to worry about AOC in 2028.” The star of Ocasio-Cortez could shine as Schumer’s may dim. She’s deploying rhetoric which appeals to liberals when speaking of Trump at a recent town hall meeting. “Authoritarians rely on the perception of power,” said Ocasio-Cortez. “They need people to believe that they are more powerful than they actually are.” How Schumer handles a possible shutdown could dictate the political future of Ocasio-Cortez. That’s to say nothing of his own. Political observers consistently mention Ocasio-Cortez among the top four potential Democratic presidential candidates were she to run in 2028. No one in the Democratic Party can churn out a crowd like Ocasio-Cortez. The same with raising money. This is why Republicans believe Schumer’s resistance hinges on self-preservation. GARBAGE COLLECTION, TOURS TO BE SUSPENDED ON CAPITOL HILL IF THERE’S A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN “You’ve seen Sen. Schumer’s poll numbers. He’s got AOC nipping at his heels,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Fox. Not everyone is buying the GOP line that Schumer is trying to finesse government funding around his own political fortunes. “Do you think that Leader Schumer feels kind of footsteps from the left with Ocasio-Cortez?” asked yours truly of Jeffries. “Leader Schumer is not even up for reelection in 2026,” replied Jeffries. Either way, Democrats have struggled since the election about how to connect with their voters and combat Trump. “They just want to be perceived as fighting Trump,” said Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., on Fox. “Chuck Schumer is afraid of his own shadow at this point. They want to be perceived as the resistance more than a party that’s willing to govern.” And since many Democrats aren’t pleased with how their party has fought back at Trump… There are few inflection points over the course of a two-year Congress. A skirmish over government funding is one of them. So Democrats must seize the opportunity. But there is something crafty in the Democrats’ strategy, which isn’t necessarily apparent to the casual observer. Fights over “government funding” and “avoiding a government shutdown” aren’t terribly compelling to most voters. Yes, Democrats will talk about the possibility of a shutdown impacting federal workers and thrusting the economy into uncertainty. And Democrats always seem to pepper their arguments about Trump with concerns about “instability” and “chaos,” be it government funding or say, tariffs. However, it’s no surprise that Democrats are attempting to convert the shutdown into something more tangible for millions of Americans: The high cost of healthcare coverage. “Republicans have refused to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, and as a result of that, millions of working-class Americans are going to experience skyrocketing premiums, co-pays and deductibles at a time when America is already too expensive,” said Jeffries. First, Democrats are pushing for a restoration of what they say are cuts to federal health care benefits under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. On its face, government funding has nothing to do with what congressional Republicans approved under the hallmark of Trump’s legislative agenda. But, as we said, this is one of those inflection points. So it’s an opportunity for Democrats to emphasize what Republicans passed and portray it as a negative ahead of the 2026
Trump finds new leverage in Ukraine fight with Tomahawk threat and long-range strike authorization
President Donald Trump is flexing new leverage in the war in Ukraine — allowing the nation to use U.S. weapons to strike deep into Russia, weighing whether to provide Kyiv with Tomahawk cruise missiles and vowing Ukraine can take back all its land — while pressing China and India to slash purchases of Russian oil. Ukraine supporters are cheering the shift, noting that after months of frustration over the grinding conflict, Trump appears to be changing tactics. From a combative February meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to his declaration last week that Ukraine could reclaim all of its original territory, the president is signaling a harder line on Moscow. On Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing, Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg revealed that Trump had authorized long-range Ukrainian strikes inside Russia. Vice President JD Vance added that the administration is weighing whether to send Tomahawk missiles, a capability the Biden White House had denied. The weapons would be funded by European partners. “We’re certainly looking at a number of requests from the Europeans,” Vance said. “It’s something the president’s going to make the final determination on.” ‘PUTIN IS PUSHING THE LIMITS’: EASTERN ALLIES WARN TRUMP NOT TO PULL US TROOPS The U.S.-made Tomahawk has a range of about 1,500 miles, meaning Kyiv could theoretically target Moscow if Trump approves the transfer. Russia quickly issued warnings, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov questioning whether Ukrainians could operate such systems without American assistance. “Who can launch these missiles, even if they end up on the territory of the Kyiv regime?” Peskov asked. “Can they be launched only by Ukrainians, or must it still be done by American personnel? Who provides the targeting? A very deep analysis is needed here.” He dismissed the weapons as strategically meaningless. “There is no panacea that can change the situation on the fronts. There are no magic weapons, whether Tomahawk or others, that can alter the dynamics,” Peskov said. Still, Trump’s stance marks one of his most striking reversals. Last week, he suggested Ukraine could not only hold its ground but also return to its original borders, calling that “very much an option,” while urging NATO nations to shoot down Russian drones and jets that cross into their airspace. He added that Russia has been “fighting aimlessly for three and a half years in a war that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia.” BALTIC LEADERS RIP UN SECURITY COUNCIL AS POWERLESS WHILE RUSSIA HOLDS VETO SEAT This month, Russian drones entered Polish and Romanian territory. Missile-carrying MiG-29 jets crossed into Estonian territory. Eastern European officials say Moscow’s provocations are meant to test NATO unity. “Part of these provocations are to see: will there be solidarity? Will there be a clear decision within NATO to increase defense?” Romanian foreign minister Oana Țoiu told Fox News Digital. The tougher tone follows Trump’s August summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which produced few breakthroughs. Since then, Trump has ratcheted up pressure, urging Europe to accelerate its energy break with Moscow and coordinating a new sanctions package with U.S. allies. “Inexcusably, even NATO countries have not cut off much Russian energy and Russian energy products,” Trump told the United Nations General Assembly. “China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil.” The president has already imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s reliance on Russian fuel. Officials suggest additional measures are under consideration if India and China do not curb their energy ties with Moscow.
Trump to attend Tuesday’s unprecedented gathering of US military commanders
President Donald Trump is set to attend Tuesday’s unprecedented all-hands meeting of U.S. military commanders in Quantico, Va., he said Sunday. As speculation swirls over why generals and flag officers from around the world were summoned, Trump insisted the purpose was celebratory. “It’s really just a very nice meeting talking about how well we’re doing militarily, talking about being in great shape, talking about a lot of good, positive things. It’s just a good message,” Trump told NBC News. “We have some great people coming in, and it’s just an ‘esprit de corps.’ You know the expression ‘esprit de corps’? That’s all it’s about. We’re talking about what we’re doing, what they’re doing, and how we’re doing.” SEN TAMMY DUCKWORTH: WHY TRUMP’S PATTERN OF PURGING OUR HIGHEST-PERFORMING MILITARY OFFICERS IS DANGEROUS The gathering represents a major logistical and security feat, concentrating nearly every top U.S. military leader in one location. Trump’s attendance raises the stakes further, putting the Secret Service in charge of security. Hundreds of generals, admirals and their senior enlisted leaders — ranked one star and above — were ordered last week to attend the meeting with War Secretary Pete Hegseth. The invitation offered no stated reason, fueling speculation it could herald mass cuts consistent with Hegseth’s push to shrink the general officer corps. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., wrote to the Pentagon seeking details on the cost of flying in officers on such short notice and whether virtual alternatives were considered. About 800 general and flag officers are stationed worldwide, and together with their enlisted advisors and aides, the number descending on Quantico could exceed 1,000, according to Duckworth. She also asked what accounts would cover the costs, whether return travel might be disrupted by a potential government shutdown, and if a cost-benefit analysis preceded the decision to meet in person. TOP US MILITARY BRASS TO HOLD SECRETIVE MEETING WITH HEGSETH AS TRUMP RAMPS UP RUSSIA CRITICISM Defense officials and analysts have suggested the meeting may preview cuts not only to the general officer ranks but also to civilian and contractor roles at bases worldwide. Others believe it could foreshadow reductions to the U.S. force posture in Europe and the Middle East, consistent with an expected national defense strategy that prioritizes homeland defense after years of emphasis on the Indo-Pacific and China. Hegseth has pledged to cut the general officer corps by 20 percent and has already dismissed roughly two dozen senior officers. Reports also suggest he intends to use the meeting to stress his “warrior ethos,” which defense sources suggest could be a way to remind commanders of their duty to remain apolitical, and reassert his personal authority over the force. Last week, Trump signed an executive order directing law enforcement and the military to counter “domestic terrorism and organized political violence.” On Sunday, at Trump’s direction, Hegseth informed the adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard that 200 troops would be deployed for 60 days to protect immigration enforcement officials facing protests. The federalized Guard members will serve under U.S. Northern Command.
A tale of two indictments: Top Dems say ‘no one is above the law’ on Trump, but decry Comey case
Top Democrats are striking two very different notes on accountability: cheering President Donald Trump‘s felony conviction as proof that “no one is above the law,” while blasting the recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey as pure political payback. COMEY INDICTMENT SPARKS FIERCE POLITICAL REACTIONS NATIONWIDE In 2019, then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said during a discussion at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco that Democrats believe “no one is above the law,” including the commander-in-chief. “Everybody wants the president to be held accountable in the most serious way. And everybody believes, now I’m talking on the Democratic side, that no one is above the law, especially the President of the United States,” Pelosi said. Former President Joe Biden reiterated the “no one is above the law” mantra before his White House remarks on the Middle East on May 31, 2024. He said the New York case against Trump was “a state case, not a federal case,” decided by “a jury of 12 citizens” after five weeks of evidence and deliberation. COMEY DENIES CHARGES, DECLARES ‘I AM NOT AFRAID’ The jury, Biden noted, “reached a unanimous verdict” finding Trump guilty on 34 felony counts, while emphasizing that Trump has the right to appeal. “That’s how the American system of justice works,” Biden said, calling it “reckless, dangerous, and irresponsible” to claim the trial was rigged simply because of an unfavorable outcome. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., addressed Trump’s conviction in a June 3, 2024, floor speech saying that “former President Donald Trump is now a convicted felon.” “The most important takeaway from this case is that nobody’s above the law, including Donald Trump,” he added. On the heels of Comey’s indictment, Schumer said Sunday that he has “no faith in Trump’s judicial system.” Schumer said on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that Trump “has turned this judicial system to be his own political fighter.” “He tells them to go after people he doesn’t like. He tells them to exonerate people that he likes,” Schumer said. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., denounced what he called a “malicious prosecution,” reminding reporters that Trump previously fired a prosecutor who refused to bring “frivolous charges.” TRUMP ANSWERS WHETHER COMEY INDICTMENT IS ABOUT JUSTICE OR REVENGE Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued an even sharper rebuke. “This kind of interference is a dangerous abuse of power,” he warned. “By ousting a respected, independent prosecutor and replacing him with a partisan loyalist, Trump is undermining one of the most important U.S. attorney’s offices in the country and eroding the rule of law itself.” As Democrats leaned on the “no one is above the law” refrain, Trump struck back — telling reporters Friday at the White House that the indictment against the former FBI chief was about rooting out corruption, not political payback. “It’s about justice really, it’s not revenge,” Trump said. “It’s also about the fact that you can’t let this go on. They are sick, radical left people, and they can’t get away with it, and Comey was one of the people.” “He wasn’t the biggest, but he’s a dirty cop,” Trump said, adding, “He’s always been a dirty cop. Everybody knew it.” Trump’s comments came after Comey was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. He was indicted on two counts: alleged false statements within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch and obstruction of a congressional proceeding. Comey’s arraignment is set for 10 a.m. on Oct. 9 before District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff. If convicted, Comey faces up to five years in prison. Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan and Emma Bussey contributed to this report.
Shutdown explained: Who works, who doesn’t and how much it costs
The clock is ticking to fund government, and so far, lawmakers do not have a path forward to avert a partial shutdown. The Senate returned to Washington, D.C., on Monday, and congressional leaders are slated to meet with President Donald Trump to negotiate a deal on funding the government. But the last week has seen both sides point the finger at who would own closing the government. Lawmakers have until midnight Wednesday to pass a short-term funding extension, or else the government will close. And if it does, it would be the third shutdown under Trump. A government shutdown happens when Congress can neither pass all 12 appropriations bills needed to fund the government, nor pass a continuing resolution (CR), which typically keeps funding levels static while lawmakers hustle to finish their work on spending bills. SCHUMER, DEMOCRATS FACE HEAT FOR SHIFTING STANCE ON GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN THREAT Since 1980, there have been 10 government shutdowns. Only three have happened since the turn of the century. All shutdowns are different, and the impending shutdown is no exception. However, it could have more devastating effects on the federal workforce than previous shutdowns given the administration’s orders to undertake mass firings. Programs like Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid will continue, along with the Postal Service, Veterans’ Affairs hospitals and clinics, and Immigration and Border Patrol security activities, among others. Federal employees will likely go without pay, however, and a string of agencies will see their services hampered by furloughs, like the IRS and Small Business Administration. Housing programs may also see a delay in rental assistance and loans. Typically, shutdowns see thousands of federal workers deemed “nonessential” furloughed, but the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memo last week that directed agencies to “use this opportunity to consider reduction in force (RIF) notices for all employees” in programs that have no other available funding source and that don’t comport with Trump’s priorities if lawmakers couldn’t fund the government. SPEAKER JOHNSON FLIPS SCRIPT ON DEM LEADERS WITH STAUNCH WARNING AGAINST GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN “RIF notices will be in addition to any furlough notices provided due to the lapse in appropriation,” the memo read, and they will be issued “regardless of whether the employee is excepted or furloughed during the lapse in appropriations.” Then there is the cost of a shutdown. While the cost of a partial closure this year is unknown, the Congressional Budget Office did an analysis of the cost of the last time the government shuttered in 2019. The report, published in January 2019, found that the shutdown saw roughly $18 billion in federal spending delayed, which led to a dip in that year’s first quarter gross domestic product of $8 billion. The report noted roughly $3 billion of that would not be recovered. It also found that federal workers who received delayed payments and private businesses were the hardest hit. “Some of those private-sector entities will never recoup that lost income,” the report stated. Congressional Republicans and Democrats are at a stalemate on the current CR, not so much because of what’s in the bill — it would keep the government open until Nov. 21 and includes tens of millions in new spending for lawmakers’ security — but because of what it lacks. Democratic lawmakers demanded that the short-term extension at least include an extension to expiring Obamacare premium subsidies and have warned that if Congress doesn’t act, millions of Americans will see their health care costs increase. TRUMP CANCELS MEETING WITH SCHUMER, JEFFRIES OVER ‘RIDICULOUS DEMANDS’ AS FUNDING DEADLINE LOOMS While the subsidies don’t expire until the end of the year, congressional Democrats have noted that insurers are gearing up to send out new rates on Oct. 1. But Senate Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., have said that conversations about the subsidies can happen after the government is funded, but that has so far not been enough for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Democrats. “Fundamentally, nothing has changed, though, and the choice remains the same: Democrats can either vote for a clean, short-term, nonpartisan CR that prioritizes the American people, or they can choose a completely avoidable shutdown that prioritizes politics above all else,” Thune told NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Both Thune and Schumer, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., will meet with Trump Monday afternoon. The confab comes after Trump canceled a meeting with the Democratic leaders earlier this week. Schumer and Jeffries said in a joint statement after a new meeting was set that “Democrats will meet anywhere, at any time and with anyone to negotiate a bipartisan spending agreement that meets the needs of the American people.” “We are resolute in our determination to avoid a government shutdown and address the Republican health care crisis,” they said. “Time is running out.”