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Here’s what we’re talking about today.
This is a quick rundown of the topics we’ll be covering on today’s show. You can hit play to listen, or read the transcript below if that’s more your style.
Transcript:
Today is Friday, September 5, 2025, and this is your news and preview of today's show.
Around the world, leaders and citizens are reassessing their relationships with the United States under President Donald Trump. In Europe, NATO allies are openly questioning U.S. reliability, with some beginning to create new defense and trade frameworks that bypass Washington.
In the Middle East, countries as far apart politically as Saudi Arabia and Iran are finding common ground in viewing U.S. policy—particularly the Trump–Israel partnership—as destabilizing. In Asia, even longtime rivals China and India are cooperating in ways they hadn’t before, driven by shared concerns about U.S. influence. Public opinion abroad is shifting as well, with “America First” increasingly heard as “Everyone Else Last.”
Meanwhile, new economic data shows clear signs of strain in the labor market. Private-sector job growth slowed sharply in August, with payroll processor ADP reporting only 54,000 jobs added, well below expectations. Weekly jobless claims also rose to their highest point since June.
A separate survey from the Institute for Supply Management found that while the services sector continues to expand, hiring there has now contracted for three straight months. These weak reports follow downward revisions to earlier months, adding to concerns that the labor market is softening.
Republicans continue to demonstrate loyalty to Trump. Lee Zeldin was asked in a recent interview if he personally supports any green energy policies. His response was, quote, “I am for whatever President Trump is advocating for,” underscoring the extent of allegiance demanded within the party.
Domestically, protest movements are gaining momentum. The No Kings coalition, which drew millions into the streets earlier this summer, has announced October 18 as its next nationwide day of action. The movement, backed by organizations including the ACLU, SEIU, and MoveOn, says the protests are in response to Trump’s threats to deploy militarized forces into U.S. cities, his treatment of immigrants, and his remarks about wanting dictatorial powers.
On the Bonus Show today:
Trump is looking into banning gun ownership for trans people, and much more...
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