Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar 10/13/25: China US Trade War, Troops At Food Banks, MTG Flips On Trump Deportation, ICE Nabs Journalist
Oct 13, 2025
China's potential economic retaliation against the U.S. raises alarm bells, while troops face tough times lining up at food banks. Marjorie Taylor Greene shifts her stance on deportation tactics, suggesting a need for practical solutions. The discussion also highlights troubling ICE actions, including arrests of journalists and citizens. A veteran shares a harrowing account of detention experiences, showcasing the erosion of trust in enforcement. Political maneuvering around healthcare subsidies adds another layer to the ongoing government shutdown saga.
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China Holds The Rare‑Earth Leverage
- China now has the industrial leverage to weaponize rare earths and helium supply chains against the U.S..
- Krystal Ball argues this reveals U.S. failure to plan industrial policy and overreliance on markets.
Troops Turning Up At Food Banks
- The government shutdown is already forcing service members to use food banks and risk missed paychecks.
- Krystal Ball notes Trump's one‑off directive to pay troops is a temporary Band‑Aid, not a resolution.
Layoffs Shift Policy And Politics
- RIFs and layoffs during the shutdown target agencies like Treasury and HHS, risking critical public‑health and grant administration work.
- Emily Jashinsky warns the political calculus makes Democrats confident to hold out on negotiations.
