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What Happened Today – October 12, 2025

⚠️ Violence is Trump’s default response.

Federal agents fired pepper balls at naked cyclists in Portland while priests were illegally denied access to prisoners in Chicago. In DC, JD Vance threatened more painful mass firings while his boss flew to the Middle East and threatened to give Ukraine long-range missiles.

Remember January 6.  Mike Pence, protected by his Secret Service detail, still hid with them in a Capitol parking garage. He understood that Trump throws the levers of power, especially violence, against everyone who stands up to him. Even his hand-picked VP wasn’t safe. Neither are we.

That’s exactly why showing up in overwhelming numbers matters. Bullies back down when they see the crowd against them. This Saturday, October 18, join millions at No Kings protests nationwide. Find your local event at nokings.org.

Don’t leave truth to the algorithm. Our free and private nightly email arms you with images, data, and quotes so you can see it all for yourself. Add your email at govbrief dot today or on Substack at Gov Brief Today.

#GovBriefToday #Resist

🟢 GovBrief Intensity Score 66
Low activity. Things are quieter than usual.
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Today's Quote
It's not a weird left-wing rabbit hole. I didn't insinuate anything. I asked you whether Tom Homan accepted $50,000 as was heard on an audiotape recorded by the FBI in September 2024, and you did not answer the question. Thank you for your time this morning… [crosstalk] is up next. [commercial break]

George Stephanopoulos to JD Vance on ABC This Week on October 12
Yesterday's Most Read

Trump posts artist's rendering of planned triumphal arch near Lincoln Memorial in early Saturday social media post, drawing comparisons to Nazi architect Albert Speer's unbuilt design.

Today’s GovBrief News


Extremism 1 of 8

Trump falsely claims Biden FBI planted 274 agents in Jan. 6 crowd despite attack occurring during his own presidency and agents being dispatched only after riots began.

Trump pardoned 1,200+ convicted Jan. 6 rioters

Source: USA Today

October 12, 2025

Foreign Relations 2 of 8

Trump jokes he doesn't think "there's anything going to get me in heaven" despite brokering Israel-Hamas hostage deal, his third heaven reference in three months.

All living hostages to be released Monday

Source: Mediaite

October 12, 2025

War 3 of 8

Trump says he may send Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine despite Russian warnings of major escalation, telling Russia it faces strikes if war continues.

2,500-kilometer range puts Moscow within reach

Source: BBC

October 12, 2025

Human Rights 4 of 8

ICE denies religious leaders' request to deliver communion to detainees at Broadview facility despite 2008 law granting religious workers reasonable access to immigration detention sites.

15 protesters arrested

Source: The Chicago Sun-Times

October 12, 2025

Economy 5 of 8

Smithsonian museums, research centers and National Zoo close on shutdown's 12th day after exhausting prior-year funding used to remain open.

Source: CBS News

October 12, 2025

Federal Personnel 6 of 8

Trump appoints longtime aide Dan Scavino to head White House personnel office responsible for selecting almost all government positions.

Replaces Sergio Gor, new India ambassador

Source: The Hill

October 12, 2025

Federal Personnel 7 of 8

Vance warns deeper cuts to federal workforce coming as shutdown enters 12th day, threatening painful reductions beyond the over 4,000 employees set to be fired.

Hundreds of thousands already furloughed

Source: The Associated Press

October 12, 2025

Fighting Back 8 of 8

Portland protesters stage naked bike ride and die-in opposing Trump's militarization plans as federal agents fire pepper balls to disperse the peaceful demonstration.

Guard deployment blocked by federal court

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting

October 12, 2025