🕊️ Today should have been Donald Trump’s triumph.
President Donald Trump at center with world leaders at the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit, signing a Gaza framework with mediators while the warring parties remained conspicuously absent. (Trump Truth Social post)
He flew to Israel, was lauded at the Knesset, then went to Egypt, where he signed a Gaza accord with other mediating countries. Then he flew back home to give a posthumous Medal of Freedom tomorrow.
But his victory lap was part of a split screen. At home, conservative and liberal media outlets announced their refusal to adhere to new Pentagon press restrictions. And North Carolina Republicans announced they’d gerrymander voting maps next week, something 78% of NC Republicans oppose. The night ended with his Treasury Secretary picking a fight with China that would sink Asian markets by morning.
People are returning home in the Middle East tonight, which is good, but this agreement is not the Camp David Accords. There was genocide. There is famine. There are orphans by the thousands. This is where the hard work of governing happens. Trump’s problem isn’t that he won’t govern. It’s that his governing reveals he is terrible at it.
That’s why you shouldn’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
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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.
Today’s GovBrief News
Mali imposes $10,000 visa bond on U.S. visitors in retaliation after Trump administration imposed identical requirement on Malian citizens.
Source: BBC
October 13, 2025
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accuses China of trying to damage global economy after Beijing imposed rare earth export controls.
Source: The Guardian
October 13, 2025
Trump and Zelenskyy to meet Friday at White House, day after discussing Ukraine acquiring Tomahawk missiles to strike Russia despite Trump's prior concerns about escalation.
Source: Politico
October 13, 2025
Trump signs Gaza peace framework with Egypt, Qatar and Turkey after addressing Knesset, as Israel releases 250 prisoners and 1,700 detainees for 20 living hostages.
Source: BBC
October 13, 2025
North Carolina Republicans will redraw congressional districts next week to gain GOP seat, part of nationwide redistricting fight including Texas, Missouri and California.
Source: North Carolina Newsline
October 13, 2025
News outlets from The Atlantic to Newsmax refuse Pentagon press policy requiring pre-approval to report unclassified information, as Tuesday deadline arrives.
Source: Deadline
October 13, 2025
Goldman Sachs analysis finds U.S. consumers bearing 55% of tariff costs six months into Trump's tariff policies despite White House claims foreign exporters would pay.
Source: NBC News
October 13, 2025
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth touts replacement of Texas National Guard troops deployed to Illinois after viral photos showed overweight service members arriving in Chicago.
Source: The Hill
October 13, 2025
Illinois officials call for fence removal at Broadview ICE facility before Tuesday court deadline, as congressman denied access to check on detained 15-year-old from his district.
Source: WGN Chicago
October 13, 2025
Judge dismisses lawsuit challenging Arizona border law that allows police to arrest migrants, ruling challenge is premature because law depends on frozen Texas statute.
Source: AZ Mirror
October 13, 2025
Multiple divisions in Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency hit with layoffs, including unit protecting power grids and water treatment plants as administration aims to "refocus" mission.
Source: NextGov
October 13, 2025
Investment fund with Trump Jr. as partner sold sponsorships for conference marketed as official Treasury AI summit where Bessent would unveil policy, before Treasury approved materials.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
October 13, 2025
Major airports refuse to play Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem video blaming Democrats for shutdown at TSA checkpoints, citing Hatch Act and bans on partisan messaging.
Source: CNN
October 13, 2025