On September 30, US media heavily focused on the looming government shutdown, with a midnight deadline approaching and blame traded between parties. The congressional impasse over healthcare spending and funding bills failing in the Senate remained central throughout the day. Concurrently, Defense Secretary Hegseth's address to military leaders, where he declared an end to "politically correct" leadership and outlined new standards, with President Trump also addressing the generals, became a prominent story in the early afternoon and intensified into the evening. Discussions included using US cities as training grounds and ending 'woke' policies. Additionally, Trump announced a deal with Pfizer for medication discounts.