What Happened Today - 1 Oct 2025

What Happened Today – 1 Oct 2025 
The Shutdown
Karoline with a special appearance with Vance
Sorry…not sorry Pete – all that could have been an email
Who’s not getting paid?
ICE Update
Why do we keep getting asked for money?
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The Shutdown
When the clock hit midnight, Washington hit peak MAGA chaos, mostly driven by Trump and Democrats throwing haymakers over health care money and funding cuts. This isn’t just a political tantrum—the entire government actually ground to a halt because Congress didn’t pass the bills needed to keep the lights on. Classic late-night drama: Democrats wanted extra funding to keep health care subsidies alive (basically trying to stop a spike in insurance costs for millions), while Trump’s crew said “no way,” and wanted to cut those and a bunch of spending.

Now hundreds of thousands of federal employees woke up not knowing if their jobs would exist next week. Some are furloughed, meaning their work is put on ice and paychecks stopped (maybe they get paid back, maybe not), while others in “essential” roles—think border patrol, TSA, national security—got told to show up anyway, but good luck getting paid on time. Agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, SEC, and NIH, which actually keep Americans safe and healthy, have already slammed the brakes on a bunch of programs. The SEC is barely running, disease surveillance is shot, and national parks are shuttered. Even stuff like janitorial services and museum tours are canceled.

Then there’s the big threat: Trump’s team, led by press secretary Karoline Leavitt, is warning actual layoffs could hit in a matter of days. Not just the standard government shutdown furlough—actual job cuts, for real. They’re already telling agencies to start figuring out whose jobs line up with “the president’s priorities,” and if the shutdown drags, those pink slips could drop fast. The White House is pushing the blame hardcore onto the Democrats, and Trump’s orbit is hyped about “streamlining” government, but unions and worker groups are freaking out—they even filed lawsuits last night to block mass firings. No official numbers yet, but the message is get ready for some ugly downsizing if Congress keeps feuding.

MAGAland is in absolute turmoil—the shutdown isn’t ending soon, Trump’s using the chaos to push for lower spending and maybe a smaller federal government, and workers everywhere are stuck holding their breath. If Trump and the Dems don’t budge, real layoffs are coming, and “brace yourself” is exactly the mood right now.
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Karoline with a special appearance with Vance
To be crystal clear: Every time Karoline or Vance claim the Democrats are risking the government and jobs to protect “illegals” getting medical coverage, it’s a straight-up lie. The real fight is about keeping costs down for working Americans who are insured through the subsidized marketplaces. The rest is smoke and mirrors, just another chapter in the MAGA spin playbook.

Karoline Leavitt’s press briefings are a full-blown circus right now. She comes out, reads straight off the Trump playbook, and hammers this nonsense about “Democrat obstruction” being the only reason the government is shut down. Every real question—how many workers might get the axe, what services are about to grind to a halt, when this chaos could possibly end—gets stonewalled or spun back into the blame game. The only honest thing she’s coughed up is that the administration is licking its chops at the idea of rolling back the federal workforce, and layoffs could start dropping “imminently.” She keeps warning it’s all because Democrats “won’t work with the president” and “refuse to fund essential government services,” which is just not how the negotiations fell apart.

And Vance, right next to her, added a thick layer of dumb. He’s out there declaring the shutdown is basically good policy, asking “why have a government if it’s not a functioning government?” and trying to act like this is all a noble play for the people. He spouted off about “rubber-stamping more money for the Taliban” and “open borders,” which—surprise—has absolutely nothing to do with the spending bill that’s on the table. He claims Republicans needed to “threaten a shutdown” to “achieve something beneficial for the American public,” and then blames Democrats for not just giving Trump everything he wants, all in the pursuit of “real reforms.”

Let’s untangle the lies:
-    Lie #1: “Democrats are the only reason the government is shut down.” Flat-out false. Both parties failed to agree, but Trump stonewalled when Democrats demanded health care subsidies and opposed Medicaid cuts—so the “Clean CR” Karoline touts wasn’t really clean, it just protected the Trump agenda and left out key health protections.
-    Lie #2: “Layoffs are solely the result of Democrat obstruction.” Blaming one party is ridiculous; funding fights are about compromise, and both sides rejected each other’s offers. The layoffs would result from Trump’s own refusal to deal on health and Medicaid funding.
-    Lie #3: “The bill would rubber-stamp billions for the Taliban and open borders.” Complete fabrication. There’s no money for the Taliban or open borders in any version of these spending bills—it’s just a punchline for right-wing radio, not a real budget item.
-    Lie #4: “Shutdown is needed to ‘achieve something beneficial.’” All shutdowns do is hurt ordinary people, crater public services, and add chaos. Any actual reforms could be debated without holding millions of paychecks hostage.
Meanwhile, the rest of Trumpworld either eggs him on or says nothing. There haven’t been public crackups or dramatic quits yet, but with the government in a nosedive and everyone getting angrier, it’s only a matter of time before the first knives come out.
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Sorry…not sorry Pete – all that could have been an email
The reaction to Hegseth’s military meeting yesterday has been mostly a mix of disbelief, criticism, and a lot of “what the hell was that?” from both inside and outside the Beltway. He turned what should have been a high-level strategy or policy sit-down into a total political spectacle, summoning hundreds of senior military brass from around the world to Quantico, only to serve up a 45-minute rant against “woke” policies, fitness standards, and what he called “fat generals.” Instead of meaningful reforms, it sounded like a campaign event—Trump dropped in, bragged about “warrior culture,” threatened to fire generals who don’t fall in line, and even floated using urban American cities as “training grounds” for troops. The brass were mostly stone-faced, and it’s clear folks in uniform were genuinely uncomfortable with being used as props for this kind of hard-right flex.

Word on the street is that Hegseth’s address triggered head-scratching, fear, and outright mockery—Senator Jack Reed ripped it as “an expensive, dangerous failure of leadership,” grassroots veterans groups condemned it as a “disgraceful undemocratic spectacle,” and late night comics piled on about the “no fatties allowed” military. Hegseth tried to push ten directives: same physical standards for women in combat, a ban on diversity in promotions, ignoring rules of engagement, and telling officers who don’t agree to “honorably resign.” It sounded like a partisan loyalty test wrapped up as a fitness pep talk, and several generals reportedly left unhappy—even among conservative watchers, there were worries this crosses the line into politicizing the ranks.

The meeting was so secretive and unprecedented, some wondered if Trump and Hegseth were expecting pledges of personal loyalty or mass resignations—neither happened, but it was clear this was more about playing to MAGA than military readiness. Critics noted that pulling hundreds of leaders out of genuine missions for hours of political grievance was a dangerous waste, especially when real threats need actual strategy, not performative “warrior ethos” speeches. And troops are especially ticked about the threat to pay and the risk of layoffs under the government shutdown—Hegseth and Trump both shrugged it off as “necessary.”.

Everyone’s talking about how Hegseth’s demands—like ending “stupid rules of engagement” and pushing hazing as macho initiation—aren’t just reckless, they’re potentially illegal, risking civilian casualties and the kind of military lawlessness that real warriors actually despise. Senator Duckworth, an Iraq veteran, trashed the whole event as “appalling,” and outside defense analysts said what Hegseth really delivered was a threat to the professional, nonpartisan ethic that’s supposed to define the U.S. military. On social media and in the press, the verdict is clear: MAGAland wanted cheers and got a silent room and a lot of people shaking their heads.
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Who’s not getting paid?
First up, for active duty troops and their families caught in the middle of this MAGA-fueled shutdown mess, at least the major military banks are stepping up. Navy Federal Credit Union is doing 0% APR loans for eligible service members, federal workers, and contractors with direct deposit—basically advancing up to the amount of the last paycheck received. USAA isn’t leaving folks out to dry, either—they’re handing out no-interest loans up to $6,000 (equivalent to a net paycheck). If that’s not enough, PenFed and Andrews Federal are rolling out loan programs and deferred payments, all aimed at making sure military families don’t end up in a financial bind while Congress points fingers. Most of these programs can be accessed online or by phone, and they’re encouraging anyone struggling to reach out, because they’ll look at case-by-case help beyond these blanket loan deals.

Now, who’s not getting paid? Active duty military are still required to report for work, no matter what, and until Congress passes a funding bill, they’re working for free. Same goes for a whole roster of “essential” federal employees: TSA officers at the airports, Border Patrol agents, federal prison guards, air traffic controllers, most Homeland Security staff, and a bunch of workers at agencies like the CDC, FEMA, and Customs. All of them are legally obligated to show up, but the paychecks stop until the politicians get their act together. These people have to keep running the place—running background checks, inspecting cargo, monitoring disease outbreaks—while not seeing a dime for it in the meantime.

Meanwhile, “non-essential” federal workers are being furloughed—that means they’ve been sent home and their pay is on ice too, though in past shutdowns, backpay has usually come through eventually once a deal is struck. It’s everything from park rangers and IRS call center staff to some research scientists, civilian Pentagon staff, and the group over at the EPA who keep tabs on pollution and waste dumping. In total, we’re talking up to 750,000 people either sent home, scrambling to make ends meet, or working long hours on nothing but IOUs until this gets resolved.
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ICE Update
The situation in New York exploded this week as ICE agents not only ramped up arrests—often with brutal physical force outside an immigration court—but also got caught on camera shoving and manhandling several reporters who were simply there to document what was happening. Journalists, advocates, and even a few former government officials are calling this out as a direct assault on freedom of the press, with the Department of Homeland Security closing ranks to defend those ICE agents. The message coming out of the Trump administration is essentially “no regrets” and “get used to it.”

Now, as for the actual human cost in ICE custody: So far in 2025, reports show at least 14 officially acknowledged ICE detainee deaths, with public reports citing a possible 15th that is still unconfirmed. That’s already the highest pace since 2018—and the year isn’t over. Just in the last week, two people have died, including one who was shot at a Dallas ICE facility. Senators and immigrant rights groups are demanding answers and real oversight, pointing out that ten of these deaths occurred just in the first half of the year.
To draw a comparison: under the Biden administration’s first term (2021-2025), the death toll in ICE detention sits at twelve people according to the latest reporting from Detention Watch and advocacy organizations. That number, while still appalling and unacceptable, is significantly lower than what we’re already seeing in just the first nine months of 2025 alone under Trump.

So yes, the numbers are even uglier right now—an undeniable spike in the loss of life within ICE detention, in the context of policy rollbacks on oversight and a dramatically harsher deportation push. That, combined with this week’s crackdown in New York, is why groups are raising alarms and putting the staggering human cost front and center.
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Why do we keep getting asked for money?
Trump’s daily fundraising emails are relentless—there’s always some new crisis, conspiracy, or just plain wild pitch to pry $15, $25, or more from his supporters. Some days he’s telling folks their money will help him “get to Heaven,” other days it’s about “fighting Democrat witch hunts,” or surviving the next so-called “socialist threat.” This isn’t just campaign energy—it’s a nonstop money machine designed for maximum psychological pressure and urgency.

Where’s all that cash end up? Here’s the ugly truth: while some money does officially support campaign operations, a huge cut flows straight into Trump’s personal slush funds—specifically, his leadership PACs like “Save America.” These accounts are notorious for paying off Trump’s legal bills, funding his lifestyle, and shuffling money to family and loyalists. Money from the average supporter has absolutely kept Trump’s businesses and posse afloat, far beyond what’s normal for a campaign. He can’t legally spend it on buying himself cars or houses, but using it to pay lawyers, host lavish events, or reimburse family ‘expenses’? That’s all fair game under loose PAC rules, and Trump’s operation is a master at exploiting every loophole.

Now, about those texts and emails from other politicians and party committees—like getting a text from Jeffries (as I did last night). Most of those donations go into general DNC or party coffers, but with groups using outside fundraising firms, a staggeringly small percent actually reaches campaigns. Analysis shows that in some cases, barely 1.6% of small-dollar donations sent through certain Democratic text and email vendors reach the actual Democratic campaigns. The bulk vanishes into “fees,” payroll, ad-buys, and layers of consultants. It’s a business, not a movement. Unless you’re hunting down hard receipts on where each dollar ends, a lot of this cash is fueling the churn, not changing the political landscape.

So—who and what can you trust? It’s near impossible unless you’re giving directly to an official campaign via the FEC website, or you’re following proven charity audits (like Charity Navigator for non-political groups). Both parties’ money machines are designed to separate you from your dollars in exchange for hype, outrage, or manufactured emergency, and only a tiny bit actually pays for meaningful work on the issues most people care about. Bottom line: never believe the drama in the subject lines, ignore the panic, and if that cash really matters, think twice before clicking donate.Trump’s daily emails to his fans are some of the most blatant money grabs in politics—every single day, a new blast goes out, either warning of MAGA apocalypse, promising personal rewards (“help me get to Heaven!”), or claiming the walls are closing in unless folks send another $15 or $25. Sometimes it’s about “fighting Democrats,” other times it’s a “24-hour blitz” with goofy heaven talk. No matter the subject, the real goal is to keep the small-dollar donations flowing steady and strong.

Where does all that money really go? Here’s the bottom line: a slice goes to actual campaign operations, but a massive chunk can be shuffled into “leadership PACs” like Save America, and that’s where things go off the rails. Trump’s legal bills? PAC money. Lavish hotels and event costs? PAC money. Sometimes he even reimburses his family’s expenses, hosts private fundraisers, or cuts vague “consulting” checks to his inner circle. It’s not directly into his personal checking account, but he’s basically built a system where fans are funding his legal and personal tab under the banner of the MAGA cause.
You’re also seeing emails and texts, sometimes from people like Jeffries, blasting donors for cash—usually after some fresh Trump outrage. With the Dems, those solicitations often get sucked up by third-party fundraising firms. In some cases, less than 2% of small-dollar donations end up going to candidates; the rest gets lost in “fees,” in-house payroll, or just keeps the churn running for the next wave of emails.

Trust no one unless you’re sending money directly through an official campaign’s FEC listing or following a reputable, nonpartisan charity review. Both parties’ digital donation games are built to drive outrage, prey on panic, and keep dollars moving—only a small fraction goes to the actual causes or candidates most people think they’re funding. Ignore the drama and don’t let the flashing headlines fool you—almost everyone’s got their hand out, but only a select few actually put your donation to work.
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The shutdown chaos, the endless drama from Trump’s orbit, and all the financial anxiety for regular folks just trying to get by—it’s a lot to take in. Looks like there’s still a ways to go before any of this cools off, but hang tight. The MAGA sideshow will keep spinning, the politicians will keep fighting, and everyone caught in the crossfire needs to hang on and look out for each other. No matter how wild things get, remember it’s mostly noise at the top—and the only thing that really matters is sticking together until the storm passes.

Speak Truth!  Keep speaking TRUTH!  

Go Cause Good Trouble, with Your Elbows Up!

**These are facts that I researched and verified – AI helped put together some sentence structure, but the words and tone are mine. These are my views based upon facts, research and thoughtful consideration using logic. I own the copyright to any images used.  I’m comfortable to stand alone to uphold truth.  Feel free to check me, but do not attack me. I am only causing good trouble.**