TL/DR –
The U.S. government shutdown is set to exacerbate as it approaches its first month with no end in sight. The shutdown threatens food assistance, healthcare, federal worker paychecks, pay for troops, and the economy, costing around $7 billion per month. President Trump is also dealing with a trade war against China with economists, foreign leaders, and corporate executives suggesting that his tariff regime was an unnecessary mistake, causing a hidden tax on consumers, risking inflation, and needlessly alienating allies from Canada to Japan and South Korea.
Welcome to the digital edition of NBC’s From the Politics Desk
Sign up to receive the latest political reporting and analysis straight to your inbox from the NBC News Politics team.
In this edition, we discuss looming deadlines that could intensify pressure to end the government shutdown, and a preview of President Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Government Shutdown, Day 29: Escalation Looms
As the government shutdown nears a month, upcoming deadlines could result in negative consequences for Americans.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 40 million low-income Americans are set to end on Nov. 1 without congressional action, according to KFF, a research group.
Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins Nov. 1, the same month subsidies that have kept premium costs at bay are set to expire. Unless Congress acts soon, many Americans may see their premiums double or triple next year.
Federal employees’ paychecks are either delayed or not given during the shutdown. This is the first shutdown where identified essential workers, such as TSA agents and air traffic controllers, missed a full paycheck.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is looking for alternative funding sources to pay military personnel after an anonymous donor contributed $130 million, a fraction of the Pentagon’s required $6.5 billion for paychecks, as reported by The New York Times.
The shutdown is costing about $7 billion monthly that cannot be recovered post-reopening, according to a report by the Congressional Budget Office.
Trump Seeks a Truce in Trade War
President Donald Trump seeks a truce in the escalating trade war with China. The question remains whether this is a victory in a war Trump started himself.
Critics argue that Trump’s retaliatory tariffs were unnecessary, creating a hidden tax on consumers, risking inflation, and needlessly alienating allies.
Despite criticism, Trump’s hard-handed tariff threats may have produced some trade concessions. However, the alleged focus on tariffs since “Liberation Day” in April might have hampered future economic advances.
As Trump continues to focus on winning the battle, China is rapidly expanding its scientific and manufacturing base, potentially putting the US at a disadvantage in the long term.
Other Top Stories
The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate for the second time this year, potentially bringing financial relief but also risks as inflation ticks up. Trump admitted that he is “not allowed to run” for a third term. Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson dismissed attempts to redraw the state’s congressional map.
That’s it for now from the Politics Desk. This newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner.
We welcome your feedback, please email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com.
If you enjoy our newsletter, please share it with your network. They can sign up here.
—
Read More US Political News