OCT 2: Shutdown Escalates, Trump’s “Red Line” for Gaza, Soybean Scandal, DOJ Shakeup, Putin Rants, Pope Speaks Out, and More
Factual information is our love language.
This edition includes ONEST briefings from Washington, Copenhagen, Rome, Manchester, Buenos Aires — and every location pinned on today’s global map.
MAJOR HEADLINES
Day 2 of the Shutdown: Trump Targets Agencies for Elimination
The government shutdown has entered its second day with no signs of resolution — and the Trump administration is using the moment to escalate its war on the federal workforce.
This morning, President Trump posted on Truth Social:
“I have a meeting today with Russ Vought, he of PROJECT 2025 Fame, to determine which of the many Democrat Agencies, most of which are a political SCAM, he recommends to be cut, and whether or not those cuts will be temporary or permanent... Maybe this is their way of wanting to, quietly and quickly, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” — President DJT
Context: Trump’s reference to Project 2025 is no accident. It’s a sweeping plan to remake the U.S. government by eliminating departments like Education and Energy, purging civil servants, and replacing them with ideologically aligned appointees.
What’s happening now:
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that mass layoffs of federal workers are “imminent.”
Trump’s budget chief reportedly told House Republicans that cuts will begin within 48 hours, targeting agencies not aligned with the administration.
Many federal workers remain in limbo — some were told to report to work yesterday despite anticipating furloughs.
In a move seen as punitive, the administration canceled $26 billion in previously approved funding for climate and transportation projects — primarily in blue states.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Congress called the same votes as earlier in the week — and got the same results. No progress.
“America Got Screwed”: Inside the Argentina Bailout, China’s Soybean Pivot, and the Shadow Network Behind Both
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recounted a “striking exchange with Chinese officials in Geneva”. Asked why China stopped purchasing U.S. soybeans, they, according to Bessent, replied with a single word:
“Biden.”
The moment was laced with irony. Bessent himself went viral after receiving a furious text message from the Secretary of Agriculture, complaining that Argentina had cut a deal to sell soybeans to China instead of the U.S., even as the U.S. was preparing a $20 billion bailout for Argentina’s crumbling economy. The text read:
“Argentina screws us. China wins. While we hand them $20 billion?”
Now, that same bailout is drawing fire for benefiting a billionaire hedge fund manager with close personal ties to Bessent—and potentially, to President Trump himself.
Who Benefited from the Argentina Deal?
According to a Mother Jones investigation, the rescue package announced by Bessent included risky taxpayer-backed swaps of U.S. dollars for Argentine pesos. Argentina isn’t a major U.S. trading partner, but it is a major investment interest for Rob Citrone, a hedge fund billionaire who:
Invested heavily in Argentine debt under President Javier Milei
Is a personal friend and former colleague of Bessent, dating back to their time working for George Soros
Boasted of making Bessent rich, claiming responsibility for 75% of Bessent’s bonus at Soros in 2013
Citrone’s fund, Discovery Capital, made a 52% return in 2024 off Argentine assets, just before economic panic set in this year. In early September—just days before Bessent’s bailout announcement—Citrone doubled down on his Argentine bond purchases.
CPAC, Lobbyists & the Argentina Connection
The story doesn’t end with Wall Street. CPAC—long a mouthpiece for Trump’s “America First” message—quietly lobbied for Argentina’s bailout through a newly formed foreign lobbying firm, Tactic Global, founded by CPAC heads Matt and Mercedes Schlapp.
Argentina pays the firm $10,000/month to secure U.S. political access. The deal is routed through Argentina’s intelligence services, raising further questions. CPAC has since promoted the bailout publicly—despite the fact that its own network helped broker it for a foreign government.
Meanwhile, China Walked Away
While U.S. taxpayers prop up Argentina and shore up the peso, China has completely halted soybean imports from the U.S. since May 2025, turning instead to South American suppliers—including Argentina. U.S. farmers have seen exports to China drop from record highs in 2022 to zero.
What It All Adds Up To
The U.S. is spending $20B to support a country that undercut U.S. farmers in favor of China.
That bailout helped stabilize the assets of a hedge fund billionaire with close ties to Bessent.
CPAC, an “America First” group, helped broker the deal behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, U.S. farmers and taxpayers are footing the bill.
Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, Mother Jones, CE Noticias Financieras, El Cronista
SHOULD ERs CHECK IMMIGRATION STATUS?
On Thursday, WH Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether emergency rooms should check a dying patient’s immigration status before offering care.
“That’s probably not a question for me to answer… But let me ask you — is it okay for illegal migrants to receive Medicaid benefits?”
She then blamed the Biden administration for prioritizing undocumented immigrants over “Americans who bust their butts off.”
Fact check: Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for full Medicaid benefits, but can receive limited emergency services.
EUROPEAN POLITICAL COMMUNITY SUMMIT
From security to enlargement, Copenhagen was center stage this week:
Zelenskyy Strengthens Nordic Security Ties at Copenhagen Summit
At the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held key meetings with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, focusing on air defense, military aid, and joint responses to Russian escalation.
Denmark: Integrated Air Defense & Drone Wall
Leaders discussed recent Russian airspace violations in Denmark, Poland, Romania, Norway, and Estonia.
Zelenskyy proposed advancing a joint EU air defense system, with Ukrainian expertise supporting the EU’s Drone Wall initiative. Ukrainian servicemembers are already in Denmark working with their Danish colleagues.
Denmark announced a new €360M military aid package, with most funds directed to Ukrainian defense production, and pledged an additional €90M to the PURL initiative.
Norway: Security, Drones & Energy Support
Norway reaffirmed its commitment with USD 8.5B in aid this year.
Discussions centered on strengthening air defense and funding drone production in Ukraine.
Norway contributed USD 150M to the PURL initiative and pledged USD 100M for gas imports to bolster Ukraine’s energy resilience.
Shared Security Goals
Both meetings highlighted coordination against Russian hybrid threats, particularly drone incursions across Northern and Eastern Europe. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to share technology and operational expertise with Nordic and EU partners.
“Ukrainian expertise and technology can play an important role in building Europe’s Drone Wall.” — President Zelenskyy
Moldova’s EU Message
President Maia Sandu met with President Zelenskyy and emphasized Moldova’s readiness to join the EU:
“With a strong mandate from our citizens, I am here to advance Moldova’s path towards EU accession and to promote peace in our region. As neighbors, we stand by each other — and we have each other’s back.”
European Parliament President Metsola
“It’s time to open negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova — by the end of the year. This is not charity. Enlargement makes Europe more secure.”
Macron on the New Anti-Narcotrafficking Initiative
“Italy and France are launching a new initiative against narcotrafficking. 35 heads of state are mobilizing. A more united Europe protects.”
RUSSIA’S MULTI-FRONT SABOTAGE
Terror Plot Foiled
Polish outlet Wyborcza reports that Russia’s GRU was preparing attacks using tin-can bombs — disguised as food products — in Poland, Lithuania, and Germany.
Explosives-laced tins were intercepted in Lithuania.
A Russian boat was spotted loitering near a gas pipeline in Szczecin, Poland.
China Owns Baltic Internet Backbone
A Chinese state-owned company, CITIC Telecom CPC, owns three undersea data cables connecting Finland, Estonia, and Sweden. These cables handle critical NATO internet traffic — meaning Beijing controls part of Europe’s digital infrastructure.
PUTIN AT VALDAI: PARANOIA, THREATS & “JOKES”
At the Valdai Discussion Club, Vladimir Putin attempted to reassert himself after a wave of international mockery following Trump’s public jabs.
“There is no force in the world that will dictate to everyone what to do and how to breathe.”
He accused the West of deceiving its citizens, declared sanctions a failure, and blamed NATO for rejecting Russia’s past membership attempts.
Highlights (and threats):
On NATO: “Without Russia, the global balance cannot be built.”
On drones in Denmark and France: “I won’t anymore. UAVs won’t go to France, Denmark, Copenhagen, Lisbon”, then said “why joke” when asked if this was a threat or his sense of humor.
On Charlie Kirk’s murder: “Disgusting… proof of America’s deep divide.”
On Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine: Russia will “respond accordingly” if confirmed.
Also today, U.S. officials said the Trump administration’s reported intent to send Tomahawks may not be viable, as “existing stockpiles are committed elsewhere”.
QUICK NATIONAL NEWS
“A War From Within”
President Trump described the domestic deployment of federal troops as fighting “a war from within”, as federal officers continue to be sent to cities like Memphis and Portland. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that over 200 officers were federalized for the Memphis operation. Trump said National Guard members are also now “in place” in Oregon.
Musk vs. the SEC
Elon Musk failed to persuade a federal judge in D.C. to move the SEC’s lawsuit against him to Texas. Musk argued he was too busy to defend himself in Washington. The case involves his delayed disclosure of a large Twitter stake.
Trump Family Finances
Eric Trump has reportedly opened a Citigroup trust that holds some of President Trump’s money, according to Bloomberg sources.
Pharma Pressure
Eli Lilly has been asked to increase insulin production.
Pfizer is expected to ramp up output of its top drugs: cancer drug Ibrance and cholesterol treatment Lipitor.
AstraZeneca, based in London, has been asked to consider relocating its HQ to the U.S.
SCOTUS & the Fed
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in January on Trump’s attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. If successful, it would mark the first removal of a Fed governor in over a century.
Military Restructuring
The Pentagon will downgrade the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Africa command from a four-star to a three-star billet, part of Secretary Pete Hegseth’s plan to reduce top brass ranks across the military.
First Amendment Committee Returns
Barbra Streisand and Jane Fonda are reviving the Committee for the First Amendment, founded by Henry Fonda in the 1940s to defend free speech. The re-launch includes 600+ entertainment figures.
Energy Projects Cancelled
The Department of Energy is canceling $7.56 billion in financing for hundreds of stalled energy projects it says lack taxpayer return.
LGBTQ+ Foreign Aid Cut
The Trump administration will halt federal funding to any organization or government that supports gender identity or diversity work abroad, according to officials and nonprofit sources cited by Politico.
Critical Minerals Play
The U.S. is offering to buy equity in Australian critical minerals companies to reduce dependence on China. Executives briefed in D.C. confirmed a funding package is in the works.
Data, Algorithms & College Costs
Congressional Republicans are demanding records from companies allegedly helping colleges manipulate admissions pricing using applicant data and algorithmic tools.
Walmart & the Dye-Free Trend
Walmart will remove artificial dyes and additives from all private-label food and beverages by 2027. Competitors like Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Kellogg, Campbell’s, PepsiCo, and Utz have pledged similar changes.
“Our customers want simpler, more familiar ingredients — and we’ve listened.”
— John Furner, Walmart U.S. CEO
NATIONAL NEWS
DOJ Shuts Down Key Units in Sweeping Reorganization
The U.S. Justice Department is undergoing its most significant reorganization in two decades, a move that will cut roughly 275 positions and shut down long-standing offices tackling drug cartels, racial tensions, and access to justice.
What’s Changing
Task Force Closures: The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, created under President Ronald Reagan to combat major cartels, will be eliminated.
Civil Rights Impact: The Community Relations Service, which for 60 years has mediated racial and ethnic conflicts, will be shuttered.
Access to Legal Aid: The Office for Access to Justice, which supported Americans’ access to legal counsel, is also being closed.
Other Moves: The DOJ’s Tax Division will be folded into its Criminal and Civil divisions, at a cost of at least $3.1 million. The U.S. DOJ’s INTERPOL liaison office will be merged into the U.S. Marshals Service.
Political Fallout
Attorney General Pam Bondi, appointed by President Donald Trump, approved the plan in September. While DOJ says the changes aim to “promote efficiencies and effective governance,” critics argue the cuts undermine critical missions.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) accused the DOJ of making changes without congressional approval, calling it “not normal.”
Stacey Young, a former DOJ attorney and founder of Justice Connection, warned: “This isn’t a reorganization — it’s a decimation of some of DOJ’s most vital work.”
What’s Off the Table — For Now
The plan does not include a controversial proposal to merge the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). That idea, first floated in March, faced bipartisan backlash and strong opposition from both agencies and advocacy groups. It’s unclear if the merger could be revived later.
The DOJ overhaul reflects a broader Trump administration push to reshape government: scaling back environmental and aid programs while redirecting resources toward immigration enforcement. But shutting down cartel-focused and racial-mediation units has raised alarms inside and outside the Department — even among those aligned with administration priorities.
GLOBAL NEWS
Canada Launches Defense Investment Agency
Canada is overhauling its defense procurement system with the creation of the new Defense Investment Agency (DIA), announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney. The agency is designed to deliver equipment to the Canadian Armed Forces faster, strengthen sovereignty, and grow Canada’s defense industry.
Why It Matters
For years, procurement has been fragmented and slow, leaving the military waiting for critical equipment. The DIA will:
Streamline procurement by cutting red tape and centralizing approvals.
Boost jobs and innovation in aerospace, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing.
Engage industry earlier to ensure realistic costs, timelines, and tech solutions.
Align with Allies like the UK, France, and Australia, while helping Canada meet NATO commitments.
Leadership
Doug Guzman, former Deputy Chair of RBC, has been appointed as the agency’s first CEO. His financial and project expertise will guide the rollout of new procurement teams and priority contracts.
The Bigger Picture
The government is committing to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP ($63B) by 2025–26, and 5% by 2035. With 81,000 jobs already supported by Canada’s defense industry, the DIA aims to supercharge growth and innovation while ensuring the military is future-ready.
“Canada’s leadership is not defined by the strength of our values, but also by the value of our strength.”
— Prime Minister Mark Carney
Trump to Set “Red Line” for Hamas on Gaza Ceasefire
President Trump will “draw a red line” on how long Hamas has to accept a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, the White House said Thursday. Trump has not confirmed whether the previously floated deadline remains in effect. Meanwhile, Egypt’s foreign minister confirmed that Cairo, Qatar, and Turkey are pressuring Hamas to accept the U.S. plan and warned of escalation if the group refuses.
Pope Leo XIV: “Protect Creation, or Betray Faith”
At a climate summit outside Rome, Pope Leo XIV issued a forceful appeal for global climate action.
“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”
The pontiff called on civil society to pressure governments to adopt stronger environmental protections, just a week after President Trump called climate change “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”
Australia and PNG Sign Historic Defense Pact
Papua New Guinea’s cabinet has approved a mutual defense treaty with Australia — Canberra’s first such pact in over 70 years. The agreement allows PNG soldiers to serve in the Australian military. China, PNG’s largest economic partner, issued veiled criticism, warning that no treaty should block a sovereign nation from working with third parties.
Synagogue Attack in Manchester Leaves 2 Dead
Two people were killed in a Yom Kippur terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester. The suspect is believed dead. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is returning early from the Copenhagen summit and pledged additional protection for synagogues nationwide. The attack follows arrests in Germany of three alleged Hamas members planning assaults on Jewish and Israeli institutions.
Gaza Flotilla Blocked by Israeli Navy
Israeli forces intercepted over a dozen boats trying to bring humanitarian aid into Gaza, organized by a multinational flotilla of 500+ activists. Israel claimed the boats were a provocation, not a legitimate aid effort. The incident comes amid ongoing blockades and famine conditions in parts of Gaza.
Argentina Currency Crisis Deepens
The Argentine peso plunged again this week, forcing the central bank to sell dollar reserves to stabilize it. The move follows last week’s pledge by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to provide support through the Exchange Stabilization Fund, though Washington has not yet acted.
U.S. Trade Benefits Expire for Africa & Haiti
Two U.S. trade programs that provided duty-free access for Haitian textiles and African exports expired Tuesday. Despite lobbying by African and Caribbean governments—and the American Apparel and Footwear Association—only a one-year extension for the African program is currently supported by the Trump administration.
COMING UP
UK & Germany to Host Ukraine Defense Contact Group
On Wednesday, October 15, the United Kingdom and Germany will co-host the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The session is expected to focus on air defense, joint procurement, and winter battlefield needs.
Czech Republic Votes
Tomorrow, voters in the Czech Republic begin parliamentary elections, with key issues including inflation, energy, and continued military support for Ukraine.
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New Episode of Curating Culture is out now
Just in time for UNGA80, I take you on a peaceful walk through the UN Headquarters in NYC — from iconic sculptures and gifts to the garden, bookstores, and the GA chamber.