Happy Monday and welcome back to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco—your daily briefing on U.S. politics. Let’s break it down.
Trump Arrives in Egypt for Gaza Peace Summit….President Trump landed today in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to co-host an international summit on Gaza’s future with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi. The meeting aims to cement the first phase of a U.S.-backed peace plan following a ceasefire, and to plan out the next steps for reconstruction, governance, and humanitarian aid in Gaza. Trump’s trip follows a visit to Israel, where he addressed the Knesset and the release of hostages.
Common Sense takeaway: Hosting a peace summit is bold when so much is uncertain. The real test will be whether the promises withstand the test of time. For all of our sakes, I hope that they do.
Trump to Meet Xi Amid Tariff War….Trump is set to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports starting November 1, on top of existing rates. The move is a direct response to China’s export controls on rare earths and other critical materials. Trump is expected to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month. The escalation threatens to derail global supply chains and amplify tensions just as U.S. and Chinese officials were signaling tentative engagement.
Common Sense takeaway: The new tariffs sent the markets into a downward spiral today. Let’s hope that a deal can be reached before the American consumer pays the price in market drops and increased prices for too long.
White House Launches Massive Layoff Plan During Shutdown….As the shutdown drags on, the White House is moving ahead with sweeping government job cuts. According to OMB, thousands of federal positions across agencies like Education, Treasury, HHS, and Commerce are being eliminated, with infrastructure funds frozen to states led by Democrats. More than 4,200 federal workers are said to be affected, and a federal judge is set to hear a union lawsuit against layoffs during shutdown.
Common Sense takeaway: A government that can’t protect its own workers is a failing one—and it’s not just the workers who pay the price, it’s the recipients of programs led by these agencies—for example, students who need special education programs that are now being gutted.
Smithsonian and National Museums Shut Due to Shutdown….As the government shutdown drags into its second week, the Smithsonian museums, National Zoo, and other federally funded cultural institutions in Washington, D.C. have closed their doors. More than a dozen museums are now shuttered, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Air and Space Museum, and the National Gallery of Art. Zoo staff continue caring for the animals, but all public events and exhibits are suspended. Local businesses near the National Mall are also feeling effects as foot traffic plummets, while families and school groups arriving for fall trips are being turned away.
Common Sense takeaway: It’s truly a shame when the American public loses access to the very institutions meant to inspire and educate because the government doesn’t do it’s job.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.
It’s terrifying that they’re drastically cutting funds for medical research. Scientists seeking work in other countries. Superb work on cancer and other fatal diseases being halted. The USA used to be one of the leading lights across the world.
Does no one in this administration care? Do they hate very smart people who save lives?
Why oh why are they doing this??? It’s so hateful.
This particular government hates governing. They like power for the sake of power. They do not care about any of this. If you’ve figured this out and want to do something about it signals that you are educated and a critical thinker. This explains why they are successful when their voters choose ignorance, while the majority stay home on Election Day, and the rest of us are left holding the bag.