Overview
- The federal shutdown that began October 1 has surpassed the previous 35‑day record, with coverage this week marking roughly 36–38 days without a funding deal.
- A new YouGov/The Economist survey places Trump’s handling of the shutdown at 31% approval and 58% disapproval, a net −27, while both congressional parties also register net negative ratings on the issue.
- Overall job approval has slid to term lows across trackers, with Newsweek’s aggregate at net −13 and Nate Silver’s tracker at −11, alongside double‑digit negative readings from Quinnipiac, Ipsos/Reuters, and others.
- USDA moved to cut November SNAP benefits to 65% using a $4.65 billion contingency fund before two federal judges ruled withholding payments unlawful and ordered disbursements to resume.
- Trump cast SNAP funding as negotiation leverage in a Truth Social post, while press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is complying with the court orders, as Democrats notch strong wins in Virginia and New Jersey that analysts say could shape 2026 dynamics.