Good morning from Washington DC! I’ll be bringing you updates for a couple of days before hitting the road across the US. As the one-year mark of the 2024 election approaches next Wednesday, I’ll be gauging public sentiment in various parts of the country to assess any potential buyer’s remorse or overall satisfaction.
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On Halloween, Trump and Melania dressed up as themselves and distributed candies to children on the White House lawn, a tradition that even a government shutdown couldn’t interrupt. Amidst the shutdown, Trump is pushing for drastic measures to address the budget impasse, including calls to eliminate the filibuster through the “Nuclear Option.”
The administration’s decision to reduce the refugee cap to 7,500 refugees annually, mainly favoring white South Africans, has sparked controversy. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have condemned the move as illegal and discriminatory, bypassing congressional consultation requirements.
Furthermore, the administration’s selective briefing on military strikes in Venezuela, excluding Democratic senators, has drawn criticism for undermining transparency and congressional oversight. The White House’s actions have raised concerns about national security implications and partisan manipulation of military decisions.
In other news, Katie Miller, Stephen Miller’s wife, faced scrutiny during a TV appearance, where accusations of dishonesty and political influence were addressed. The contentious exchange highlighted broader societal concerns and political tensions within the current landscape.
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Mikey Smith is the Mirror’s Deputy Political Editor (Sunday), reporting from Westminster.