Key Takeaways
- FAA ordered a 10% cut in domestic flights due to air traffic controller shortages during the government shutdown.
- A federal judge mandated the Trump administration fully restore SNAP benefits, citing disregard for harm to millions.
- President Trump hosted Hungary's Viktor Orbán, prompting allied concerns over focus on foreign policy versus domestic economy.
Deep Dive
- The FAA has ordered airlines to cut domestic flights by 10% due to a shortage of air traffic controllers amidst the government shutdown.
- This measure is expected to cause nationwide travel delays and affect domestic flights at 40 major airports.
- The FAA cited safety concerns as the reason for the directive.
- A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully restore SNAP food benefits by today, rejecting a plan for only partial restoration.
- The judge accused the administration of withholding benefits for political reasons and failing to consider the harm to individuals.
- The administration has appealed the judge's order.
- The judge described the administration's disregard for the harm to millions of Americans relying on food assistance as 'astounding'.
- The judge directed the administration to use customs revenues to cover SNAP benefits, stating it defies belief to prioritize hypothetical needs over real risk to children.
- NPR's Tobia Smith reported millions are still struggling to afford food, with food pantries straining to meet demand amidst the ongoing government shutdown.
- President Trump hosted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the White House.
- The meeting was expected to focus on the war in Ukraine and urging Hungary to stop buying Russian oil.
- Allies, including Stephen Bannon and Vivek Ramaswamy, urged Trump to shift focus to domestic economic issues like affordability, citing falling approval ratings.
- The White House stated there would be more focus on domestic issues, citing a recent announcement on lowering drug prices.
- A pollster noted that two-thirds of Americans feel Trump has fallen short on the economy.
- This sentiment is similar to that of former President Barack Obama in 2010, when his party lost 63 House seats.