Trump has said that he will be making permanent cuts to Democrat programs in the US government shutdown

Donald Trump said his administration would make permanent cuts targeting what he called “Democrat programs.” He emphasized repeatedly that only Democratic-backed initiatives would be reduced, including some he described as popular, though not with Republicans. “That’s the way it works,” he said, underscoring that the cuts would be lasting.

In the Senate, lawmakers once again failed to advance a Democratic stopgap funding bill as the government shutdown entered its ninth day. Attention now turns to a Republican version that would extend funding until late November. That proposal will require 60 votes to move forward, meaning Democratic support would be necessary.

Trump also pointed to Iran’s position as critical to progress in Gaza, saying the U.S. strike had prevented Tehran from advancing toward a nuclear weapon. He argued that Iran now wants to participate in efforts for peace and added that Washington will work with them in that process.

Turning to events in Gaza, Trump described October 7th as “terrible” but said Hamas had lost 70,000 people, calling it “big retribution.” He said that eventually the violence must end and pledged U.S. support to ensure reconstruction. He predicted that hostages still held in Gaza would be released early next week, adding that the negotiations are complex but that he expects a formal signing soon. Trump reiterated his belief that the agreement underway will lead to “lasting peace.”