Overview
- Vance said he is confident hostages will be released and that President Trump was likely traveling to the Middle East to greet them in person.
- Sen. Chris Murphy praised the expected reunions but argued the deal could have come earlier and warned that unresolved security and governance questions could lead to renewed fighting.
- Vance highlighted a nontraditional effort led by Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner aimed at ending the war, rebuilding Gaza, securing Israel, and returning hostages alive.
- As the shutdown continues, more than 4,000 reduction‑in‑force notices were reported sent Friday across seven agencies, including Treasury and Health and Human Services.
- Vance said the administration is prioritizing essential services, troop pay, and food support for low‑income women and children, acknowledged some federal layoffs, and asserted the RIFs are lawful even as he anticipated legal challenges; Trump said some Democratic programs will be cut.