Key Takeaways
- Donald Trump was observed golfing during a government shutdown while ordering military deployments to U.S. cities.
- Federal judges, including Trump appointees, ruled military actions in Portland unconstitutional, citing misuse of authority.
- The government shutdown poses significant risks to healthcare access, including expiring ACA subsidies and impacts on Medicare/Medicaid.
- State governors and public opinion largely opposed federal military interventions and the ongoing government shutdown.
Deep Dive
- Donald Trump was seen golfing at his Virginia club during a government shutdown, while simultaneously ordering military personnel into American cities.
- House Republicans were reportedly on paid vacation during the shutdown, as part of 'Project 2025' plans to dismantle government functions.
- MAGA Mike Johnson was also noted to be enjoying the shutdown period.
- A federal judge, appointed by Donald Trump, ruled military actions in Portland, Oregon, unconstitutional, citing that decisions were based on 'Truth Social posts' rather than legal facts.
- The judge's ruling described the situation as putting the country in a 'perpetual state of martial law'.
- Oregon's Attorney General, Rayfield, secured a temporary restraining order against federal actions, emphasizing that military deployment must adhere to Congressional standards and that the rule of law still stands.
- The government shutdown threatened the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, potentially increasing healthcare premiums for millions of Americans.
- A previous budget bill had already impacted Medicaid and Medicare services.
- Public opinion showed only 22% of Republicans blamed Democrats for the shutdown, indicating broad reliance on federal healthcare programs.
- Stephen Miller, a former Trump advisor, publicly defended troop deployments to Portland, Oregon, characterizing the situation as an 'organized terrorist attack'.
- Miller asserted the president's authority as commander-in-chief for military intervention, criticizing local law enforcement's refusal to aid ICE.
- Senator Chris Murphy stated the administration was using state power, including military force, to eliminate political opposition, a trend escalating during the shutdown.
- Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker condemned the alleged use of chemical agents near an elementary school in Chicago and the arrest of elected officials, refusing to deploy the National Guard for federal actions.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Stephen Miller's rhetoric as 'authoritarian propaganda' and opposed federal troops in American cities.
- Reports indicated discussions among officials about plans to send the 86th Airborne Division into Portland, Oregon, with messages referencing attacking protestors.