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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 Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and this is your news and preview of today’s show.
The federal government has officially shut down, leaving about 750,000 federal workers furloughed or facing possible layoffs. Government services are halted, paychecks delayed, and health programs slowed. President Trump has said the shutdown is an opportunity to make “irreversible” cuts to Democratic priorities. This is Trump’s third shutdown in office, and the consequences are rippling across the country.
Trump delivered a speech that stunned military leaders. Generals flown in from around the world sat in silence as Trump veered from praising gold paper to warning that American cities are “wars from within.” He claimed to have created a quick-reaction force to handle “civil disturbances” and ranted about former President Obama walking down the steps of Air Force One. Sources say senior officers were left insulted and unimpressed, with one general calling the event “a waste of money.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom hit back after Hegseth suggested overweight people shouldn’t lead the military. Newsom pointed to Trump himself, saying, “I guess the Commander in Chief needs to go.” The remarks highlight Trump’s own history of mocking others’ appearances while concealing his health details.
Meanwhile, anti-Trump protests are growing. Organizers say more than 2,100 demonstrations are planned for October 18 under the “No Kings” banner, in all 50 states. Activists warn that size alone isn’t enough, noting that sustained engagement from three to five percent of the population is usually needed for real change.
Trump’s political standing is weakening as well. New polls from AP, Gallup, and Quinnipiac show his approval sliding into the 30s, even on immigration. His attempts to oust Jimmy Kimmel and pursue charges against James Comey have backfired, and cracks are showing among Republicans.
And in energy policy, Trump’s Energy Secretary announced new subsidies for coal, calling it the fuel that “makes the world go round.” Coal jobs number under 40,000 nationwide, compared to hundreds of thousands in renewable energy. Subsidizing coal in 2025 is both inefficient and damaging, but the administration is framing it as a cultural and political statement.
On the Bonus Show today:
Trump shares a deepfake of Jeffries and Schumer.
Republicans block an elected Democrat from taking office ahead of the shutdown.
And OpenAI prepares to launch an AI video app.
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