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Slate News

What Next | Trump’s DIY Government Shutdown

Jan 29, 2025
Karen Tumulty, a political columnist for The Washington Post, dives into the chaos surrounding Trump's recent memo to halt federal financial assistance. She discusses the constitutional implications of this action and its potential impact on essential services like Meals on Wheels. Tumulty highlights the struggle of federal workers facing uncertainty and the broader risks of executive overreach in governance. The conversation sheds light on rising authoritarianism and calls for a more engaged political response.
30:41

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Trump administration's directive to pause federal financial assistance has caused chaos, threatening essential services and raising job security concerns among federal employees.
  • Experts warn that this funding freeze violates the Constitution's Article 1, likely triggering legal challenges against the administration's overreach of executive authority.

Deep dives

Impact of Price Increases by Wireless Companies

Big wireless companies are permitted to raise prices due to inflation, as confirmed by Mint Mobile's legal team. This revelation raised concerns about the implications for consumers, especially those locked into lengthy contracts. The backlash led to Mint Mobile reducing its price for the Mint Unlimited plan from $30 to $15 a month to offer a more competitive alternative. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between consumer rights and corporate practices in the telecommunications industry.

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