Trump Excludes Greene From MAGA; Khanna: Shutdown Deal 'Final Straw' for Schumer
Key Takeaways
- Trump excludes Marjorie Taylor Greene from MAGA after Epstein files demand; calls her 'lunatic'.
- Rep. Khanna: Shutdown deal was 'final straw' for Schumer, signaling leadership concerns for 2026.
- Sen. Shaheen urges Democrats to end 'internal circular firing squad' after government shutdown.
- Mayor-Elect Mamdani's policies in NYC may increase violence by resisting removals of violent criminals.
- Democrat Calvin Duncan wins New Orleans Clerk of Criminal Court runoff with 68.16% of vote.
Top Stories
Trump excludes Greene from MAGA over Epstein files demand.
On November 15, 2025, Donald Trump criticized Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her a 'ranting lunatic' and excluding her from the MAGA movement after she demanded the release of Epstein investigation files. Trump sent Greene poll results showing her low 12% rating, emphasizing she couldn't win without his support.
Khanna: Shutdown deal was 'final straw' for Schumer.
On November 16, 2025, Rep. Ro Khanna stated that the recent government shutdown deal was the 'final straw' for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Khanna argued Schumer is out of touch and ineffective for the 2026 midterms.
Shaheen: Democrats need to stop 'internal circular firing squad'.
On November 16, 2025, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen stated that the Democratic party needs to move past the shutdown and stop the internal circular firing squad. Shaheen was part of the eight Senate Democrats who struck a deal with Republicans to end the government shutdown.
Mamdani's policies may increase violence in NYC.
On November 16, 2025, Mayor-Elect Mamdani's policies are criticized for potentially increasing violence in NYC. He promises to resist removals of violent-criminal illegal immigrants and calls ICE a rogue agency.
Calvin Duncan wins New Orleans Clerk of Criminal Court runoff.
On November 15, 2025, Democrat Calvin Duncan won the New Orleans Clerk of Criminal Court runoff election, defeating incumbent Democrat Darren Lombard. Duncan received 68.16% of the vote (38,681 votes).
Ethics Watch
Becerra: I wasn't fully informed about campaign fund diversion.
On November 15, 2025, former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra stated that investigators did not fully inform him of the case against his former chief of staff, Sean McCluskie. McCluskie is accused of illegally diverting $225,000 from his campaign funds.
Adriana D. Kugler resigns due to ethics scrutiny.
On November 15, 2025, Adriana D. Kugler resigned from her position due to ethics scrutiny.
Policy Insights
South Carolina Senate to discuss strict abortion bill.
On November 18, 2025, a South Carolina Senate subcommittee will hold a second hearing on a bill to ban all abortions unless the woman’s life is at risk. The bill eliminates exceptions for rape and incest victims up to 12 weeks and threatens up to 30 years in prison for violators.
National Guard troops to return from Portland, Chicago.
On November 15, 2025, the Defense Department confirmed that National Guard troops from California and Texas, deployed to Portland and Chicago, will return to their home states. Federal judges had previously blocked their deployment on city streets.
US families driven into homelessness by low wages, soaring rents.
On November 16, 2025, Ted Koppel's CBS News report revealed how full-time employed families in the United States are driven into homelessness by low wages, soaring rents, and poor credit.
Chicago launches micro-grants after SNAP funding lapse.
On November 15, 2025, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order to direct additional city resources and launch a micro-grant program for organizations and businesses impacted by the SNAP funding lapse during the 43-day government shutdown.
Demonstrators urge Bishop to combat Trump's immigration crackdown.
On November 16, 2025, approximately 50 demonstrators gathered outside St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, New York, urging Bishop John O. Barres to actively combat President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Trump's immigration crackdown diverts law enforcement resources.
On November 16, 2025, Nicholas Nehamas reported that President Trump's immigration crackdown is diverting resources from other law enforcement operations. This includes reassigning federal agents investigating sexual crimes against children to focus on immigration enforcement.
ICE conducts mass immigration raid in Charlotte, NC.
On November 15, 2025, ICE agents launched a mass raid targeting immigrants in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Department of Homeland Security stated the goal was to ensure public safety.
DHS resources leave Chicago, communities remain on edge.
On November 16, 2025, in Chicago, many U.S. Department of Homeland Security resources have left the city. Little Village Community Council President Baltazar Enriquez expressed relief but stressed that communities remain on edge.
US, China differ on green policies at COP30.
On November 16, 2025, The New York Times' Somini Sengupta discussed the U.S. and China's differing approaches to green policies at COP30 in Brazil. These approaches are driven by economic and national security interests.
Army to purchase one million drones in 2–3 years.
On November 16, 2025, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll discussed military readiness and threats, highlighting the detrimental effects of government shutdowns. He announced plans to purchase one million drones in the next two to three years.
Analyst discusses potential US actions in Venezuela.
On November 16, 2025, military analyst Cedric Leighton discussed potential US actions in Venezuela with CNN. This followed reports that President Donald Trump has made a decision on a course of action.
NYT explains law enforcement in the streets.
On November 15, 2025, The New York Times released a video titled 'How to Make Sense of Law Enforcement in the Streets'. The video aims to help the public understand the expanding array of federal forces deployed for President Trump's mass deportation and anticrime efforts.
Public Opinion
Poll: Republicans gained more from government shutdown deal.
A CBS News poll released on November 16, 2025, found that most Americans believe Republicans and President Trump gained more from the recent government shutdown deal. The poll also indicates that two-thirds of Americans expect health insurance premiums to rise following the shutdown.