Congress Budget Vote, Trump Speaks At DOJ, Federal Workers Reinstated
Mar 14, 2025
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Congress is on the brink of a government shutdown as Senate Democrats wrestle with a Republican spending bill. Donald Trump visits the Justice Department, adding fire to ongoing legal challenges against his administration. Thousands of dismissed federal workers are ordered to be reinstated, but legal hurdles may complicate their return. The podcast also highlights the implications of budget decisions and the need for teaching financial literacy to ensure better money management for future generations.
Senate Democrats are debating support for a Republican funding bill to avoid a government shutdown despite internal divisions and risks.
President Trump's rare speech at the Justice Department aims to restore law and order amidst controversies about political interference and recent firings.
Deep dives
Government Funding Crisis
Senate Democrats are faced with a significant dilemma regarding a Republican-sponsored government funding bill that could prevent a potential shutdown. Despite expressing strong opposition to the bill due to underlying cuts and the lack of their input in its creation, many Democrats are expected to reluctantly support it to avoid a shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has highlighted the risks of a shutdown, indicating that allowing it would grant individuals like Donald Trump and Elon Musk excessive power to cut crucial government services. This potential support underscores the deep divisions within the Democratic party about how to respond to the Republican-controlled House's demands while maintaining their political integrity.
Trump's Speech at the Justice Department
President Trump's upcoming speech at the Justice Department is noteworthy due to its rarity and the historical precedent of presidents keeping a distance from this institution. This event coincides with ongoing controversies surrounding the Trump administration's treatment of federal employees, where punitive actions against career prosecutors have raised concerns about political interference. Trump is anticipated to frame his address around restoring law and order, while also addressing his perceptions of a politicized justice system targeting him and his allies. The speech is expected to reflect his administration's controversial stance towards past investigations and the leadership reshuffles within the department.
Judicial Rulings on Federal Firings
Recent rulings by federal judges have mandated the reinstatement of thousands of employees terminated by the Trump administration amid accusations of illegal mass firings. The judges condemned the practices used to dismiss these workers, noting that many had received positive performance evaluations and were dismissed under false pretenses. They emphasized that while the government retains the right to implement workforce reductions, these actions must adhere to legal frameworks. The rulings exemplify the chaotic environment within federal agencies, creating significant uncertainty and impacting the morale of remaining employees, as they face a loss of institutional knowledge amidst widespread firings.
Congress faces a shutdown deadline today as Senate Democrats weigh whether to back a Republican spending bill or risk being blamed for closing the government. President Trump makes a rare visit to the Justice Department, delivering a speech on law and order while his administration purges career prosecutors. And, federal judges order thousands of fired government workers to be reinstated, but legal battles could delay their return.
Today's episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Anna Yukhananov, Ben Swayse, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis, our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor