Trump navigates shutdown, elections, and global tensions

The US government shutdown has entered its 34th day, nearing the record for the longest shutdown, amidst a complex political landscape with significant implications for Donald Trump's second presidency and the Democratic Party. The shutdown, triggered by Senate Democrats' attempt to force Republicans to extend Obamacare subsidies, has resulted in millions of federal employees being furloughed or working without pay, and over 40 million people potentially losing food stamps. Trump appears disconnected from the suffering, hosting a lavish Halloween party and boasting about White House renovations. Key elections are approaching, which could influence the shutdown's outcome and Trump's presidency. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on Trump's tariffs that have sparked a global trade war, and there are escalating concerns over the administration's maritime strikes against alleged drug traffickers.

Donald Trump sat down for a 90-minute interview with CBS's '60 Minutes' anchor Norah O'Donnell at Mar-a-Lago, which aired on Sunday night. The interview was notable as it came one year after Trump sued CBS over the editing of a Kamala Harris interview. Trump was aware that his answers would be edited for time and even suggested that some parts be trimmed. O'Donnell pressed Trump on various topics including cost-of-living increases, foreign policy, and immigration. The interview generated significant news, with clips going viral on social media. Trump praised the new owners of CBS, David Ellison and Bari Weiss, and expressed hope that they would make CBS 'fairer'. The settlement between CBS and Trump over the Harris interview was also discussed, with Trump falsely claiming that '60 Minutes' was 'forced to pay me a lot of money'.

In a tense '60 Minutes' interview, President Trump discussed various topics including the ongoing government shutdown, restarting nuclear weapons testing in the US, his administration's ICE raids, and the NYC mayoral race. Trump blamed Democrats, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for the shutdown and justified his decision to restart nuclear testing, citing Russia and China's ongoing tests. He also criticized NYC mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, warning that he might withhold federal funds for New York City if Mamdani wins.

In an interview with CBS's '60 Minutes', President Trump stated that a war with Venezuela is unlikely but suggested that the days of authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro are numbered. Trump also discussed various other topics including his deportation campaign, the government shutdown, and nuclear testing. He claimed that the US would test nuclear weapons like other countries do, despite no evidence that other nations are currently testing. Trump also addressed his deportation campaign, stating that immigration authorities haven't gone far enough due to liberal judges. He expressed frustration with the government shutdown and called for Republicans to 'get tougher' and end the Senate filibuster. Trump also mentioned that he wouldn't allow Nvidia to sell its most advanced chips to China.