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Greg Clugston
SRN Correspondent Greg Clugston keeps you informed about all the news coming from the White House.
Congress, White House strike deal to avert government shutdown
Democrats and the White House struck a deal to avert a partial government shutdown. The two sides agreed to separate homeland security funding from a larger spending bill. The deal will temporarily fund DHS for two weeks while they debate Democratic demands for new restrictions for President Trump’s surge of immigration enforcement. Since the Senate agreement differs from the House version, House members will have to immediately vote on the temporary DHS funding measure when they return to the Capitol on Monday.
Listen DownloadTrump threatens Canada with 50% tariff on aircraft sold to U.S.
President Trump is threatening Canada with a 50 percent tariff on any aircraft sold in the U-S. The president is kicking his trade war with Canada up a notch in a dispute over aircraft. He said he was retaliating against Canada for refusing to certify jets from Georgia-based Gulfstream Aerospace. In a social media post, the president said the U.S., in return, would decertify all Canadian aircraft. “If the situation is not immediately corrected,” he said he will impose a 50 percent tariff on all aircraft sold into the United States.
Listen DownloadCuba, Mexico face tariff pressure from Trump administration
President Trump has signed an executive order that clamps down on Cuba. The order would impose a tariff on any goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba. It’s seen as a move that could further cripple an island already plagued by a deepening energy crisis. The executive order would primarily put pressure on Mexico, a government that has acted as an oil lifeline for Cuba and has constantly voiced solidarity for the U.S. adversary.
Listen DownloadTrump plans to name his Fed Chair choice on Friday
President Trump plans to announce his pick to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday. During his first Cabinet meeting of the year, the president said he will end the speculation over who will lead the central bank after Powell’s term expires this May with an announcement next week. Later, he said the news will come Friday. The president has been extremely critical of the Fed under Powell’s leadership, complaining that interest rates remain too high. Powell has insisted that the Fed stay independent of politics and make its choices based on inflation and job market data.
Listen DownloadSenate blocks gov’t funding bills in dispute over ICE tactics
The Senate has failed to pass government funding bills amid concerns over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in blocking legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security and several other agencies. It was a test vote as negotiations continue on demands that ICE be reformed after two fatal shootings in Minneapolis. Senators are racing to meet a Friday midnight deadline to approve funding. Ahead of the test vote, President Trump said the two sides were discussing a possible solution and said “we don’t want a shutdown.”
Listen DownloadImmigration enforcement concerns could lead to government shutdown
Disagreements over immigration enforcement could lead to a partial government shutdown at the end of the week. The Senate has until Friday midnight to pass six spending bills. But Democrats are threatening to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security because of the fatal shootings by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats are demanding reforms and that the legislation won’t pass until ICE is “reined in and overhauled.” Republicans will need Democratic votes to keep the government open.
Listen DownloadTrump to speed up rebuilding of homes destroyed in LA wildfires
President Trump wants to speed up the process of rebuilding thousands of homes destroyed by last year’s Los Angeles area wildfires. The president has signed an executive order to “cut through bureaucratic red tape” and speed up reconstruction of tens of thousands of homes. He has complained about, what he calls, California’s “unnecessary” and “obstructive” permitting requirements. The president is putting EPA administrator Lee Zeldin in charge of helping homeowners get permits, saying the administration is “going to override the local authorities.”
Listen DownloadFBI searches Georgia office seeking 2020 election records
The FBI carried out a search warrant in Georgia seeking records tied to the 2020 presidential election. FBI agents searched the election office in Fulton County, which is home to Atlanta. It’s Georgia’s most populous county and a Democratic stronghold. That location has been central to conspiracy theories over Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss. For years, the president has insisted the election was tainted by widespread fraud, even though multiple courts and state and federal officials have found no evidence of fraud that would have altered the outcome.
Listen DownloadRubio defends Trump foreign policy actions before Congress
Secretary of State Rubio defended the Trump administration’s foreign policy during testimony before Congress. Appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio staunchly defended President Trump’s military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. And he claimed there’s “good and decent progress” being made in that country. For the most part, Republicans praised the Venezuelan operation, while Democrats were skeptical and wanted more transparency. Rubio also discussed the administration’s approach to Greenland, NATO, Iran and China. GC, Wash.
Listen DownloadTrump and Minneapolis mayor are sparring online
President Trump and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey are sparring online over the federal government’s immigration operation in the city. Mayor Frey said he “appreciated the conversation” he had this week with the president’s border czar, Tom Homan, who has been dispatched to Minnesota. But Frey said he wants the Homeland Security operation to end and that Minneapolis “will not enforce federal immigration laws.” President Trump responded by saying the mayor is “playing with fire” and that Frey’s statement “is a very serious violation of the law.”
Listen DownloadWhite House touts creation of Trump Accounts for babies
President Trump is touting the creation of a new savings tool for America’s children. The Trump Accounts will be established for babies born during the years of the Trump administration, and money will be invested in the stock market. The child can’t access the money until they turn 18 and can only use it for specific purposes, such as paying tuition, starting a business or making a down payment on a home.
Listen DownloadTrump tells Iran “time is running out” to make a nuclear deal
President Trump is putting Iran on notice –again– about nuclear weapons. The president used a social media post to urge Iran to come to the table and make a deal on nuclear weapons. Or, he warned, “the next attack will be far worse.” He said “time is running out” and noted that a U-S “armada” of warships was headed to the region. Iran said it would retaliate if the U-S attacks. The Iranian government said it “stands ready for dialogue…but if pushed, it will defend itself and respond like never before.”
Listen DownloadTrump’s comments about Minneapolis protester upset gun rights groups
President Trump’s latest comments have put him at odds with gun rights groups and some Republicans. The president said Alex Pretti, the man fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis, should not have been carrying a gun. He told reporters that protesters “can’t have guns.” Gun rights groups, including the National Rifle Association, said Pretti was legally carrying a concealed weapon. And a spokesman for the Gun Owners of America said they were “not happy” with the president’s remarks. Gun rights groups are one of the Republican Party’s most loyal voting blocs.
Listen DownloadTrump welcomes investigation into 2nd Minneapolis fatal shooting
President Trump says he wants an “honorable investigation” into the ICE shooting death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. After reshuffling his staff overseeing the Minneapolis immigration operation, the president embraced an investigation into the fatal shooting. He called the killing “very sad” and that he’ll be watching over the investigation. The president also distanced himself from his deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, who described Pretti as an “assassin” who “tried to murder federal agents.” Asked if the protester was an assassin, the president answered “no.”
Listen DownloadCongress tries to avert shutdown after ICE shootings scramble politics
Congress is trying to avoid a partial government shutdown as lawmakers react to the fatal shootings in Minneapolis by ICE agents. The Senate needs to pass a package of six spending bills by Friday to avert a shutdown. But one of those bills funds Homeland Security, including ICE operations, and Democrats say they won’t support that bill unless changes are made to rein in the immigration enforcement agency. At the White House, President Trump has shifted his posture and held positive phone calls with Minnesota officials. He also removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from overseeing the ICE operation in Minneapolis.
Listen DownloadFederal judge in Minnesota orders head of ICE to appear in court
A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the head of ICE to appear in court and explain why detainees have been denied due process. The judge said the Trump administration has failed to comply with orders to hold hearings for detained immigrants and ordered Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, to appear before him Friday to explain why he shouldn’t be held in contempt. The order comes a day after President Trump directed border czar Tom Homan to take over the immigration crackdown in Minnesota from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who’s under fire for her response to two fatal shootings by ICE agents.
Listen DownloadTrump to increase political travel because of midterms
President Trump plans to travel the country this year ahead of November’s midterm elections. After doing very little domestic travel during his first year in office, Donald Trump will be revving up Air Force One more often this year. And it has everything to do with politics. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles told reporters that the president will travel on a weekly basis and speak to voters, as Republicans try to hold their majorities in Congress. The president visits Iowa on Tuesday for a speech on the economy and energy.
Listen DownloadTwo prominent women launch political runs in Minnesota
Two prominent women have launched political campaigns in Minnesota. Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya kicked off her campaign for the U.S. Senate last week. She’s seeking the GOP nomination for the Minnesota seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Tina Smith. Tafoya has long been active in the state’s Republican politics. Meanwhile, Democratic U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has filed paperwork to run for governor of Minnesota, positioning herself to succeed Democrat Governor Tim Walz, who announced earlier this month that he will not seek a third term.
Listen DownloadHouse Republicans hope to buck trend in 2026 midterms
House Republicans hope to buck the historical trend and keep their majority with the 2026 midterm elections. Over the past 80 years, the party of the sitting president has won midterm seats in the House only two times. Despite the historical record, House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain feels good about the GOP adding to its razor-thin majority.
Listen DownloadSpending by wealthier Americans powers economic growth
The latest figures show that U-S economic growth is being fueled by strong consumer spending. The Commerce Department says the economy grew at the fastest pace in two years from July through September. Those numbers are being touted by the White House as evidence that President Trump’s economic policies are working. Analysts say that wealthier Americans are spending more while lower-income households struggle with high prices. Despite the economic boom, job creation is low and the labor market remains tight.
Listen DownloadFormer prosecutor Smith defends Trump probes before Congress
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith defended his investigations of President Trump at a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill. Appearing before a House panel, Smith testified that he had acted without regard to politics as he led Trump investigations into 2020 election interference and misuse of classified documents. Both cases were dropped. Smith told lawmakers that Donald Trump “willfully broke” laws in a bid to keep power and that “no one should be above the law in our country.” But Republicans blasted Smith, accusing him of conducting politically-motivated investigations.
Listen DownloadHouse narrowly rejects war powers resolution for Venezuela
House lawmakers have rejected a war powers resolution that would have prevented President Trump from sending U-S military forces to Venezuela. The House vote ended in a tie, falling just short of the majority needed for passage. It came a week after the Senate failed to pass a similar resolution. Two House Republicans voted with all Democrats for the legislation. The war powers resolution would have directed the president to remove troops from Venezuela, even though the Trump administration told senators last week that there are no U-S forces on the ground there.
Listen DownloadTrump sues JPMorgan Chase for $5 billion over alleged debanking
President Trump is suing banking giant JPMorgan Chase and its CEO for 5-billion dollars over alleged de-banking. The lawsuit alleges that JPMorgan stopped providing banking services to Donald Trump and his businesses for political reasons after he left office in January 2021. JPMorgan denied that it closes accounts for political or religious reasons, saying it believes “the suit has no merit.” The president has also attacked other lenders including Bank of America with allegations of debanking.
Listen DownloadCongress races to pass the year’s final spending bills
Congress is scrambling to approve this year’s final spending bills before next week’s deadline. With another potential government shutdown looming next week, the House is looking to pass the final batch of spending bills, which total 1-point-2 trillion dollars. GOP leadership has faced questions over Department of Homeland Security funding and dealt with a dispute over ethanol. Speaker Mike Johnson can afford very few defections with his narrow Republican majority, but he was optimistic that the funding bills would pass.
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