government 10 - The Latremie Post

Gov’t debt service surged by 257% in Aug. to P664.7B

The government’s debt service burden more than tripled in August, driven by higher amortization payments following a mammoth settlement of maturing bonds.

Debt payments surged by 257 percent year-on-year to P664.7 billion, according to the latest cash operation report from the Bureau of the Treasury.

This increase brought the total debt service payments for the first eight months of the year to P1.54 trillion, remaining nearly flat compared to the previous period.
https://business.inquirer.net/550897/govt-debt-service-surged-by-257-in-aug-to-p664-7b

Trump plans to deploy National Guard in Illinois, governor says

The Trump administration plans to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said Saturday. Pritzker revealed that the guard received word from the Pentagon in the morning that the troops would be called up. He did not specify when or where they would be deployed, but President Donald Trump has long threatened to send troops to Chicago.

“This morning, the Trump Administration’s Department of War gave me an ultimatum: call up your troops, or we will,” Pritzker said in a statement. “It is absolutely outrageous and un-American to demand a governor send military troops within our own borders and against our will.”

A spokesperson for the governor’s office said she could not provide additional details. The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to questions about Pritzker’s statement.

The escalation of federal law enforcement in Illinois follows similar deployments in other parts of the country. Over the summer, Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles as part of his law enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Tennessee National Guard troops are expected to help Memphis police.

In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom sued to stop the deployment in Los Angeles and won a temporary block in federal court. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling, which deemed the use of the guard illegal. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has indicated that it believes the government is likely to prevail.

Pritzker called Trump’s move in Illinois a “manufactured performance” that would pull the state’s National Guard troops away from their families and regular jobs. “For Donald Trump, this has never been about safety. This is about control,” said the governor.

He also noted that state, county, and local law enforcement have been coordinating to ensure the safety of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Broadview facility on the outskirts of Chicago. Federal officials reported the arrests of 13 people protesting near the facility on Friday. The facility has been frequently targeted during the administration’s surge of immigration enforcement this fall.

Last month, Trump said he was sending federal troops to Portland, Oregon, calling the city war-ravaged. However, local officials have suggested that many of his claims and social media posts appear to rely on outdated images from 2020, a time when demonstrations and unrest gripped the city following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

City and state officials sued to stop that deployment the next day. U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut heard arguments Friday, with a ruling expected over the weekend.

Trump has federalized 200 National Guard troops in Oregon, but so far, they do not appear to have moved into Portland. They have been seen training on the coast in anticipation of deployment.

___
Associated Press reporter Rebecca Boone contributed.
Thomas Peipert, The Associated Press
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/trump-plans-deploy-national-guard-191248616.html

MP News: State Achieves 60% Plantation Target, Bhopal Hills To Bloom By 2026

**Madhya Pradesh Progresses Towards Amrit Harit Maha Abhiyan Targets, Plans New Initiatives for 2026**

*Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)* – Madhya Pradesh has achieved approximately 60% of its target under the Amrit Harit Maha Abhiyan, a campaign aiming to plant over one crore saplings by the end of 2025. The Urban Administration Department (UAD) is already looking ahead, preparing proposals for 2026 with a focus on securing land and introducing innovative plantation concepts across the state.

### Transforming Bhopal’s Seven Hills into Seasonal Floral Landscapes

One of the highlight projects for 2026 is the beautification of Bhopal’s seven hills — Arera Hills, Shyamala Hills, Idgah Hills, Katara Hills, Danish Hills, Neori Hills, and Kaliyasot Hills. The UAD plans to transform these hills with seasonal flower beds, planting between 25,000 to 30,000 flowering plants to ensure year-round bloom cycles.

Six varieties of seasonal plants will be used to keep the hills vibrant throughout the year, aiming to turn Bhopal into a natural floral destination. A senior UAD official stated, “The goal is to make the hills come alive with blossoms season after season, creating a unique natural floral attraction in Bhopal.”

### Addressing Land Challenges for 2026 Plantation Drive

Securing land within municipal limits continues to be a major challenge for expanding plantation activities. While smaller Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have exceeded their targets — such as Chand in Chhindwara at 227%, Dhanpuri in Shahdol at 160%, and Bhedaghat in Jabalpur at 142% — larger cities are lagging behind.

Bhopal, notably, has achieved just 17% of its plantation target, with issues including encroachments in several patches. Of five key plantation patches in Bhopal, three face encroachments: a 19-acre area in Damkheda and two 13-acre patches. However, patches in Jahgariya Kurd measuring 15 and 23 acres remain encroachment-free.

Following directives from the UAD on September 2, ten municipal corporations have collectively marked nearly 500 acres for the 2026 plantation drive. This figure is expected to rise to 700–800 acres by the end of the year.

### Land Identified So Far for 2026 Plantation Drive

– Satna: 100 acres (11 patches)
– Gwalior: 84.79 acres (4 patches)
– Bhopal: 84 acres (5 patches)
– Rewa: 64 acres
– Chhindwara: 61 acres
– Jabalpur: 55 acres
– Ratlam: 25.50 acres
– Burhanpur: 11 acres
– Dewas: 3 acres
– Khandwa: 2.99 acres

Satna currently leads in total land identified for plantation activities.

### Innovative Concept Plantation Drives Across Madhya Pradesh

For 2026, the UAD plans to roll out innovative concept plantations across 416 ULBs. These will include unique models such as Nagar Vans (urban forests), Herbal Forests, Oxygen Parks, and Botanical Gardens. The final designs and plantation types will depend on local conditions and available land resources.

These concept plantations aim not only to increase green cover but also to enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and offer recreational and educational spaces for citizens.

—

*Story by Utsav Gupta*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-news-state-achieves-60-plantation-target-bhopal-hills-to-bloom-by-2026

Madhya Pradesh Political Punch: Whining Tone, Tense Trio, BJP’s Songbirds & More

**Whining Tone Among Opposition Leaders Intensifies**

The number of complaints among the leaders of the opposition camp is increasing as the state government completes two years in office. Alongside the government, the MPCC president and the Leader of the Opposition are also marking their two-year tenure. Congress leaders are hopeful that the high command may consider some changes within the party in the coming days. Consequently, each leader is staking their claim.

Earlier, a former minister expressed his views in a whining tone, targeting both the party’s state in-charge and the MPCC president. Soon after, a former party president took the leadership to task. A senior legislator frequently takes indirect jabs at the leadership whenever the opportunity arises. Adding to the complexity, a former chief minister is reportedly pursuing his own agenda quietly, unhappy with some decisions made by the high command. Since open criticism is not an option, he is working behind the scenes.

However hard they may try, party leadership is not expected to make any changes, at least for now.

—

**”Savings” Is the New Buzzword in BJP’s State Unit**

The new state head of the BJP brings a different style characterized by a focus on plain living and saving every penny. The BJP office incurs a substantial expense on fuel to run vehicles for party leaders. To cut down on these costs, the new state unit head has emphasized the adoption of electric vehicles, and the party is already implementing this advice.

The state unit head has acquired an electric vehicle for his own use and preparations are underway to procure similar cars for other leaders. He believes that switching to electric vehicles will significantly reduce expenditures on petrol and diesel.

Since taking over as the state party head, he has maintained a low profile and limits his use of party facilities, even paying his own hotel bills during official trips. While he has not yet imposed restrictions on others’ expenses, plans to do so are expected soon.

—

**A Former MP Becomes Active Again**

A former Member of Parliament from the state capital has returned to active politics following a favorable court judgment. Previously, after being denied a ticket and with a pending legal case against her, she had maintained silence on public issues.

The court’s acquittal has now encouraged her to re-engage in politics. Her recent statement against a particular caste brought her back into the limelight, though it was met with disapproval from some leaders within her own party. They expressed concern that such comments could disrupt the social harmony prevailing in the state and are wary of turning the state into another UP.

Despite her recent vocal presence, it is widely believed that the BJP will not assign her any significant responsibility.

—

**Tense Trio Faces Uncertain Future Amid Cabinet Expansion Rumors**

The mere mention of a state cabinet expansion has put three ministers on edge. These ministers have been involved in various disputes, and media rumors suggest that all three could be dropped from the cabinet. Consequently, they oppose any expansion and are making every effort to retain their ministerial positions.

One minister has allied himself with a central minister to secure his berth, maintaining close contact with him. Another relies entirely on the support of his political boss, believing only the boss can safeguard his position. The third minister lacks a powerful patron and is instead attempting to retain his post by leveraging caste equations with the head of state.

—

**Ongoing Tug of War Between Minister and Former Minister**

The rivalry between a current minister and a former minister in the state shows no sign of abating. Recently, the head of state visited the current minister’s constituency and announced plans to change the area’s name, following the minister’s recommendations. The minister was delighted by this announcement.

However, the former minister quickly opposed the renaming, rallying protests from a particular caste community whose support politicians nationwide seek. The community petitioned the minister, urging him not to proceed with the name change. Concerned about potential unrest, the government is now hesitant to engage in this dispute.

The current minister perceives canceling the name change as a personal insult and is pressuring the administration to honor the head of state’s announcement. This situation echoes a previous incident where a protest led by the former minister thwarted the current minister’s attempt to create a new district.

—

**BJP’s Singing Ministers Charmer Public with Their Voices**

Several BJP leaders are showing hidden talents for singing, with a minister from Indore leading the charge. He performs both bhajans (devotional songs) and classic Bollywood numbers from the golden era of Indian music.

Another minister from the Chambal region also sings bhajans at public events, with his videos frequently going viral on social media. A woman minister from the state capital similarly enchants audiences with her silky voice during religious functions organized by her followers.

Meanwhile, another minister, who is the daughter-in-law of a former chief minister, is reportedly undergoing vocal training. There is growing anticipation to see how many more BJP leaders will take up singing and showcase their talents at public functions in the near future.

—

*Story by Nitendra Sharma*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-political-punch-whining-tone-tense-trio-bjps-songbirds-more

UP Minister OP Rajbhar Mocks SP’s ‘PDA Pathshala,’ Calls It ‘Parivar Development Authority’

Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar has taken a sharp swipe at the Samajwadi Party’s new educational initiative, “PDA Pathshala,” calling it a “Parivar Development Authority” rather than a school for children. Rajbhar mocked the program, saying it teaches the alphabet not with educational values but with references to the Samajwadi Party’s top family members.

“In their school, A stands for Akhilesh, D for Dimple, and P for Parivar,” he said, accusing the SP of promoting family politics under the guise of social welfare.

The Samajwadi Party launched PDA Pathshala earlier this year in protest against the Yogi Adityanath government’s decision to merge or close down several primary schools across Uttar Pradesh. The party claims the closures have deprived thousands of children from backward, Dalit, and minority communities of basic education.

The PDA Pathshala aims to fill this gap by offering free grassroots learning in informal community-run setups, focusing on literacy, social awareness, and political education. The move has sparked controversy and intensified the political slugfest between the Samajwadi Party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Uttar Pradesh government has registered FIRs against several SP leaders and workers for allegedly running unauthorized schools and politicizing education. BJP leaders have accused the SP of using children as instruments of political indoctrination.

“They are trying to poison young minds with divisive propaganda instead of providing real education,” said a senior BJP spokesperson.

The Samajwadi Party, however, has defended its initiative, arguing that PDA Pathshala is a social response to government apathy.

“When the government shuts schools and denies education to Dalits, OBCs, and minorities, we will open doors of learning ourselves,” an SP functionary said. “The BJP fears an aware generation that questions inequality.”

The row over PDA Pathshala reflects deeper political tensions in Uttar Pradesh as the 2027 assembly elections draw closer. Education has become the new battleground for warring parties seeking to shape the social narrative.

While the Yogi Adityanath government insists that merging schools is meant to optimize resources and improve standards, opposition parties see it as a step that disproportionately affects children from weaker sections.

Analysts view the PDA Pathshala campaign as part of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s broader strategy to rebuild his party’s traditional support base among OBCs, Dalits, and minorities. By invoking the legacy of Ambedkar, Charan Singh, and Mulayam Singh alongside contemporary figures like Akhilesh and Dimple Yadav, the SP appears to be blending social justice with emotional symbolism.

Minister OP Rajbhar’s remarks have further inflamed the debate, highlighting how education, identity, and politics are now deeply intertwined in Uttar Pradesh’s evolving electoral landscape. The controversy is expected to intensify as both parties use the issue to rally their respective constituencies in the run-up to the 2027 polls.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-minister-op-rajbhar-mocks-sps-pda-pathshala-calls-it-parivar-development-authority

UP Minister OP Rajbhar Mocks SP’s ‘PDA Pathshala,’ Calls It ‘Parivar Development Authority’

“In their school, A stands for Akhilesh, D for Dimple, and P for Parivar,” he said, accusing the SP of promoting family politics under the guise of social welfare.

The PDA Pathshala aims to fill this gap by offering free grassroots learning in informal community-run setups, focusing on literacy, social awareness, and political education.

The move has sparked controversy and intensified the political slugfest between the Samajwadi Party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The Uttar Pradesh government has registered FIRs against several SP leaders and workers for allegedly running unauthorized schools and politicizing education.

BJP leaders have accused the SP of using children as instruments of political indoctrination. “They are trying to poison young minds with divisive propaganda instead of providing real education,” said a senior BJP spokesperson.

The Samajwadi Party, however, has defended its initiative, arguing that PDA Pathshala is a social response to government apathy. “When the government shuts schools and denies education to Dalits, OBCs, and minorities, we will open doors of learning ourselves,” an SP functionary said. “The BJP fears an aware generation that questions inequality.”

Maharashtra Introduces Digital ‘E-Bond’ System To Modernise Import-Export Trade

**Maharashtra Introduces Historic ‘E-Bond’ System to Modernise Trade**

The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step towards modernising trade by replacing traditional paper bonds with a fully digital ‘E-Bond’ system for import-export transactions. With this reform, Maharashtra becomes the sixteenth state in India to introduce this facility, aimed at easing business operations and enhancing transparency in financial dealings.

### Boost for Trade and Industry

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule highlighted the initiative as a major relief for the state’s business and industrial sectors. Currently, Maharashtra issues nearly 3,000 to 4,000 bonds monthly, amounting to over 40,000 bonds annually for import-export activities.

“Introducing e-bonds will transform these large-scale financial transactions. While this may appear as a small procedural change, it represents an important turning point for Maharashtra’s economy,” said Bawankule.

### Simplifying Transactions and Strengthening Transparency

The new system was launched at Mantralaya, where Inspector General of Registration and Stamps, Ravindra Binwade, explained the e-bond mechanism. Officials noted that this move will simplify bond issuance at customs offices, increase efficiency in international trade, and eliminate the need for paper stamp bonds previously issued in denominations such as Rs 500.

The shift to digital bonds is expected to:

– Reduce paper usage and contribute to environmental protection
– Strengthen transparency and reduce revenue leakage
– Ensure more funds flow into the state treasury

### Maharashtra’s Push for Ease of Doing Business

The government expressed confidence that adopting a digital-first approach in revenue administration will improve Maharashtra’s Ease of Doing Business rankings.

“This initiative will accelerate trade processes and push Maharashtra’s economy forward. It is not just about convenience but also about transparency and modernisation,” added Bawankule.

With the introduction of the e-bond system, Maharashtra is poised to lead in digital trade facilitation, setting a benchmark for other states to follow.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-introduces-digital-e-bond-system-to-modernise-import-export-trade

Mike Johnson ‘Betrays’ Trump and Agrees He’s ‘Unhinged’ in Hot Mic Moment… as He Rages ‘This Is Not a Game’ After the Prez Shares ‘Racist’ Meme

**Donald Trump May Be Losing Allies as Speaker Mike Johnson Caught Agreeing President Is ‘Unwell’**

*Published: October 2, 2025, 3:45 p.m. ET*

Donald Trump may be slowly losing some of his closest allies after Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was caught seemingly agreeing that the president is not mentally well, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The hot mic moment happened when Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean confronted Johnson at Capitol Hill, pressing him to respond to a “racist” AI-generated video of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries that Trump posted on Truth Social.

### What Did Mike Johnson Say?

In new footage aired by MSNBC’s *All In with Chris Hayes* on Wednesday, October 1, Dean cornered Johnson and declared, “The president is unhinged. He is unwell.”

Johnson responded, “A lot of folks on your side are too, I don’t control him…,” appearing to agree with Dean’s remarks.

Dean then referenced Trump’s recent bizarre military speech, where he rambled about using the “N word” and claimed America is “under invasion from within.”

“Oh my God, please. That performance in front of the generals?” she said. Johnson quickly replied, “I didn’t see it.”

Dean continued, “It’s so dangerous! You know, I serve on Foreign Affairs and Appropriations; it’s a collision of those two things. Our allies are looking elsewhere. Our enemies are laughing. You have a president who is unwell.”

While Johnson didn’t respond much to Dean on the spot, he spoke more about the exchange later that evening in an interview with Kaitlan Collins on CNN.

“I’m the Speaker of the House, so I represent Republicans and Democrats in that capacity, and I always hear complaints and concerns from members, and I always stop and hear that. I did that for Madeleine Dean; I respect her as an individual,” Johnson said.

He added, “We disagree on every policy matter, and she was concerned about a social media post of the president, which he meant as a joke, and we talked about that.”

“I told her I disagreed with her perspective on it, but I tried to bring her back to the real issue. The fight tonight is not about social media posts. The fight is about where they’re going to keep the government open for the American people,” Johnson explained.

### ‘Is That Really Racist?’

The episode began after Trump posted an unusual AI-generated video of Schumer and Jeffries, which portrayed Jeffries with a mustache and wearing a sombrero. In the clip, an AI-dubbed Schumer spoke to reporters while mariachi music played in the background.

Dean revealed Johnson’s puzzled response when asked about the “racist” video.

“He asked me, like, rhetorically, ‘Is that really racist?’” Dean told CNN’s Manu Raju. “It’s really racist, it’s despicable, and he should have called it out.”

### Johnson Speaks Out on the Meme

On Thursday, October 2, Johnson was more vocal about the meme during a House Republican leadership press conference outside his office.

Addressing the controversy, Johnson said, “Many of you asked me this morning about sombreros and memes and why Hakeem Jeffries is all alarmed by that.”

“These are games. These are sideshows. People are getting caught up in battles over social media memes,” he added.

“This is not a game. We’ve got to keep the government open for the people. I don’t know why this is so complicated.”

Johnson then offered advice to Jeffries, saying, “To my friend, Hakeem. Man, just ignore it.”

### Hakeem Jeffries Responds

Jeffries, however, was not interested in ignoring Trump’s post. He called it “racist” and fired back at the former president.

“Mr. President, the next time you have something to say about me, don’t cop out with a racist and fake AI video,” Jeffries said. “The next time I’m back in the Oval Office, say it to my face.”
https://radaronline.com/p/mike-johnson-betrays-trump-unhinged-hot-mic-not-a-game-racist-meme/

Mike Johnson ‘Betrays’ Trump and Agrees He’s ‘Unhinged’ in Hot Mic Moment… as He Rages ‘This Is Not a Game’ After the Prez Shares ‘Racist’ Meme

Oct. 2, 2025, Published 3:45 p.m. ET

Donald Trump may be slowly losing some of his closest allies, as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was caught seemingly agreeing that the president is not mentally well, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The hot mic moment occurred when Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean confronted Johnson at Capitol Hill, forcing him to respond to a “racist” AI-generated video of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries that Trump posted on Truth Social.

What Did Mike Johnson Say?

In new footage aired by MSNBC’s All In with Chris Hayes on Wednesday, October 1, Dean cornered Johnson and said, “The president is unhinged. He is unwell.”

Johnson responded, “A lot of folks on your side are too, I don’t control him…” appearing to agree with Dean’s comments.

Dean then referenced Trump’s recent bizarre military speech, where he rambled on about using the “N word,” and claimed America is “under invasion from within.”

“Oh my God, please. That performance in front of the generals?” Dean exclaimed, to which Johnson quickly replied, “I didn’t see it.”

While Johnson didn’t have much to say back to Dean at the moment, he spoke at length later that evening during an interview with Kaitlan Collins on CNN.

Johnson said, “I’m the Speaker of the House, so I represent Republicans and Democrats in that capacity, and I always hear complaints and concerns from members, and I always stop and hear that. I did that for Madeleine Dean; I respect her as an individual.”

He continued, “We disagree on every policy matter, and she was concerned about a social media post of the president, which he meant as a joke, and we talked about that. I told her I disagreed with her perspective on it, but I tried to bring her back to the real issue. The fight tonight is not about social media posts. The fight is about where they‘re going to keep the government open for the American people.”

‘Is That Really Racist?’

The chaos kicked off after Trump posted an odd AI-generated video of Schumer and Jeffries, which showed Jeffries with a mustache and wearing a sombrero. In the clip, an AI-dubbed Schumer spoke to reporters as mariachi music played in the background.

According to Dean, she also revealed Johnson’s baffled response when asked about the “racist” video.

“He asked me, like, rhetorically, ‘Is that really racist?'” Dean recalled while speaking to CNN’s Manu Raju. “It’s really racist, it’s despicable, and he should have called it out.”

Johnson Addresses the Meme

Johnson, 53, was more vocal about the meme on Thursday, October 2, during a House Republican leadership press conference outside his office.

Hakeem Jeffries Responds to Trump

“Many of you asked me this morning about sombreros and memes and why Hakeem Jeffries is all alarmed by that,” Johnson said. “These are games. These are sideshows. People are getting caught up in battles over social media memes.”

“This is not a game. We’ve got to keep the government open for the people. I don’t know why this is so complicated.”

Johnson then offered some advice to Jeffries: “To my friend, Hakeem. Man, just ignore it.”

However, Jeffries was not interested in “ignoring” Trump’s post, calling it “racist” and adding, “Mr. President, the next time you have something to say about me, don’t cop out with a racist and fake AI video. The next time I’m back in the Oval Office, say it to my face.”

https://radaronline.com/p/mike-johnson-betrays-trump-unhinged-hot-mic-not-a-game-racist-meme/

US Govt Shutdown: Republicans, Democrats trade barbs as tourist places close

The first day of the federal government shutdown saw Republicans and Democrats trading blame, as iconic sites across the United States (US) — from the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii — were temporarily closed, news agency AP reported.

Vice-President JD Vance appeared at the White House briefing room to assert that Democrats had refused to keep the government funded because they were seeking to extend health coverage to people in the country illegally. This claim was disputed by top leaders of the Opposition, who argued that their sole aim was to renew funding for health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act to prevent insurance premiums from rising nationwide, AP reported.

Neither side showed signs of compromise, raising concerns that the economic impact of the shutdown could grow, putting hundreds of thousands of jobs and essential services at risk.

Callers to the White House comment line heard a recorded message from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blaming Democrats for shutting down the government to prioritise healthcare for illegal immigrants over American citizens, AP reported. Several federal agencies also posted messages on their websites echoing this claim.

In a controversial move, the White House additionally revived a deepfake video of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, edited with a moustache and sombrero, which Jeffries described as offensive. He responded with a meme mocking Vice-President Vance.

The Vice-President admitted that he could not predict the shutdown’s duration but hoped some moderate Senate Democrats would vote with Republicans to restore funding. “If this thing drags on for another few days, or God forbid weeks, we are going to have to lay people off,” said Vance.

Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused the Trump administration of using the American public as pawns. “Donald Trump says it loud and clear: He is threatening pain on the country as blackmail,” Schumer said.

An estimated 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed, with some potentially facing permanent job losses. Many offices have been shuttered as the administration seeks to pressure Democrats, though key policy priorities — including deportation measures — continue with minimal disruption.

The Trump administration has also withheld funds for projects in Democratic states, including nearly USD 18 billion for New York City transport projects and almost USD 8 billion in green energy initiatives across 16 states.

The US shutdown has partially disrupted public services, with national parks and memorials closed to tourists. At Acadia National Park in Maine, visitors found trail maps missing and rangers absent, leaving them uncertain about hiking.

“It’s frustrating that they’re playing politics in D.C.,” said visitor Jim Feather, adding, “Their job is to pass a budget. If they’re not doing their job, what are they doing down there?”

Federal courts and essential services like weather forecasting remain operational, but the US shutdown is beginning to affect everyday life and tourism nationwide.

(With AP inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/us-government-shutdown-2025-republicans-democrats-blame-each-other-as-iconic-tourist-sites-close-23596921