November
US media on November 2nd heavily focused on President Trump's escalating threats of military intervention in Nigeria over the killing of Christians, a narrative that dominated early reports. Concurrently, the ongoing government shutdown's impact on food stamps became a prominent concern, with initial reports detailing the suspension of benefits. By midday, attention shifted to the Trump administration's assertion that the War Powers Law does not apply to certain strikes and the Dodgers' World Series victory. However, the afternoon saw a renewed emphasis on the shutdown, particularly a judge's order for Trump to continue food stamp payments. Despite this, later reports indicated Trump's refusal to comply, emphasizing his defiance of court rulings regarding food stamp benefits and the broader impact of the shutdown on social safety nets, setting a contentious tone for the coming days.
US media on November 3rd heavily focused on the ongoing government shutdown and the Trump administration's stance on SNAP benefits. Early reports indicated Trump's firm position against Democratic concessions to end the shutdown. By midday, attention shifted to the Supreme Court confrontation over Trump's tariffs and his approval rating hitting new lows. The afternoon brought a significant development as the Trump administration announced it would partially fund SNAP benefits following judges' rulings. This decision, to pay half the normal amount, dominated evening reports, emphasizing the impact on millions of Americans and the continued debate around the record-length shutdown. Concurrently, the tight NYC mayoral race garnered consistent coverage throughout the day.
US media on November 4th primarily focused on Election Day 2025, with early reports highlighting President Trump's endorsement of Cuomo in the NYC mayoral race and threats regarding federal funding if Mamdani won. The government shutdown and its impact on SNAP benefits also remained a significant topic, building on previous days' coverage of Trump's defiance of court orders.

Midday saw a shift in editorial priority with the breaking news of former Vice President Dick Cheney's death at 84, which quickly dominated headlines across numerous outlets. Reports covered his legacy as a powerful and polarizing figure.

By the evening, media continued to balance coverage of Cheney's passing with live updates from Election Day, particularly the high voter turnout in the NYC mayoral contest and ongoing discussions about President Trump's influence and the implications for various races.
November 5th saw US media primarily focused on Election Day 2025 results. Early reports covered polls closing in Virginia, with Democrat Abigail Spanberger quickly projected as the state's first female governor. Attention then shifted to New Jersey, where Mikie Sherrill won the governorship, and most notably to New York City, where Zohran Mamdani's mayoral victory marked a significant progressive shift. These Democratic wins, particularly Mamdani's, were widely framed as a rejection of President Trump. Concurrently, the Supreme Court began hearing arguments on the legality of Trump's tariffs, with justices appearing skeptical. The ongoing government shutdown and its potential impact on air traffic also garnered coverage towards the day's end.
US media began the day continuing to feature the Supreme Court's apparent skepticism regarding Trump's tariffs and the ongoing government shutdown, which led to the FAA announcing 10% air traffic reductions at 40 major airports. Midday saw a significant shift in editorial focus, with Nancy Pelosi announcing her retirement from Congress at the end of her term. This announcement dominated headlines across numerous outlets, acknowledging the conclusion of her storied career as the first woman House Speaker. Later, President Trump announced a deal to lower weight-loss drug prices. By evening, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits for November, despite the shutdown, a decision that became a prominent topic.
The government shutdown continued to dominate US media on November 7th, with a significant escalation in flight disruptions. Morning reports detailed hundreds of flight cancellations due to FAA air traffic control cuts, impacting numerous airports. As the day progressed, warnings from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that flight reductions could increase to as much as 20% if the shutdown persisted, leading to widespread traveler frustration. Concurrently, the Trump administration appealed a federal judge's order to fully fund November SNAP benefits, a decision that had been a key development from the previous day. However, by late evening, the Trump administration announced it would comply with the order while the appeal played out, and an appeals court denied the president's bid to halt the funding. Senate Republicans also rejected a new funding plan proposed by Democrats, deepening the political stalemate.
On November 8th, the government shutdown remained a central focus, particularly concerning food aid. In the early hours, the Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court to block full SNAP funding, following an appeals court's denial of their initial bid. By mid-morning, the Supreme Court issued an emergency order, temporarily halting a lower court's mandate for full SNAP benefits, thereby allowing the Trump administration to withhold some payments. This decision was a significant development, reversing the previous day's positive outcome for recipients. Concurrently, discussions continued regarding the expanding influence of democratic socialists, particularly in New York City and Los Angeles, with a focus on Mayor-Elect Mamdani's agenda.
The government shutdown continued to dominate US media on November 9th, marking its 40th day. The day began with reports of Senate division over the shutdown, and a rare Sunday session was called to address the impasse.
A significant development emerged mid-day concerning the Trump administration's stance on food aid, as President Trump promised a $2,000 tariff dividend to Americans. Simultaneously, reports highlighted concerns over his perceived inaction on food aid during the shutdown.
By evening, the Trump administration explicitly ordered states to pause paying full SNAP benefits, demanding they "undo" steps to fund November payouts, a move that prompted warnings of "catastrophic impact" from states and drew criticism from various media outlets. This directive directly contradicted previous court orders and the administration's compliance on November 7th.
US media on November 10th predominantly focused on the Senate reaching a bipartisan deal to end the 40-day government shutdown. Early reports indicated a deal was struck and had enough Democratic votes to advance.
By mid-morning, the Senate took the first procedural step, advancing a funding measure, despite some Democratic dissent and accusations that Democrats had 'caved'.
Throughout the afternoon, reports solidified the deal's progress, with calls for Speaker Johnson to bring the House back for a vote. Concurrently, President Trump's pardoning of allies involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election became a significant secondary narrative. The Supreme Court's rejection of a bid to overturn nationwide same-sex marriage legalization also emerged as a prominent story, consistent with previous days' reporting.
US media on November 11th overwhelmingly focused on the Senate's passage of a bill to end the government shutdown. Early reports detailed the Senate moving towards a final vote, with bipartisan agreement and Democratic defections enabling its advancement. This action was widely framed as a capitulation by Democrats, sparking anger among progressives.
Throughout the afternoon, the narrative solidified around the deal heading to the House for a final vote. President Trump's statements on tariffs and his Veterans Day activities also received coverage.
By evening, internal Democratic rifts intensified, notably over the failure to extend Obamacare premium subsidies, drawing strong criticism from figures like California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Supreme Court's extension of its order blocking full SNAP payments remained a consistent, albeit secondary, focus throughout the day.
US media on November 12th initially focused on the Supreme Court's extended block on full SNAP benefit payments, with reports hinting at a potential end to the government shutdown that dominated previous days' news. Early afternoon coverage shifted as the House prepared to vote on a funding bill to officially end the shutdown.
However, the day's dominant narrative emerged mid-afternoon with the release of new Jeffrey Epstein emails that repeatedly mentioned Donald Trump, alleging Trump "knew about the girls" and spent time with a victim. This story intensified throughout the evening, with House Democrats releasing more emails referencing Trump, and Republicans responding by releasing thousands of additional files. The White House dismissed these revelations as a Democratic smear.
US media on November 13th overwhelmingly focused on the end of the government shutdown after 43 days, with President Trump signing the funding bill. This development, anticipated in previous days' reporting, dominated morning and early afternoon coverage as federal employees began to return to work and paychecks were set to resume.
Concurrently, the release of newly unsealed Jeffrey Epstein documents continued to be a significant secondary narrative throughout the day. These files increasingly linked Trump deeper into scandal, prompting partisan reactions and ongoing discussions about the implications for his administration and political standing. Evening reports also began to highlight the Department of Justice's lawsuit to block California's redistricting map, a move with potential implications for congressional control.
US media on November 14th continued its extensive coverage of the newly unsealed Jeffrey Epstein documents, with new emails detailing his ties to influential figures and offering political advice related to Trump dominating early reports. This intensified throughout the day, particularly with revelations that Epstein had offered political advice on dealing with Trump in 2018.
Mid-afternoon, President Trump escalated the situation by ordering the Department of Justice to investigate Epstein's ties to high-profile figures, including Democrats and banks. This directive became the central focus of evening coverage, with reports of DOJ officials confirming the initiation of an investigation.
Concurrently, the Trump administration's decision to drop tariffs on beef, coffee, and tropical fruits to address consumer prices also gained traction in later reports, alongside ongoing discussions about social safety net reforms and Trump's redistricting efforts.
US media on November 15th continued its extensive focus on the Jeffrey Epstein email revelations, with President Trump ordering the Justice Department to investigate Epstein's ties to Clinton and other political foes in the morning. Concurrently, Trump's dramatic withdrawal of endorsement for Marjorie Taylor Greene, citing her "Far Left" turn, began to dominate reports.
Throughout the afternoon, the feud between Trump and Greene intensified, with new nicknames, Greene's public responses, and shared "breakup texts" capturing significant attention. This ongoing political conflict overshadowed other narratives, including Trump's efforts to lower grocery prices by ending tariffs on beef and coffee, and the end of the government shutdown.
By evening, the Epstein scandal deepened with revelations of a House Democrat allegedly being coached by Epstein to harm Trump, further intertwining the two dominant storylines.
US media on November 16th began the day focused on President Trump's contemplation of military operations in Venezuela, alongside federal immigration crackdowns in Charlotte. As the day progressed, the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal and its political implications continued to be reported, particularly discussions about potential House Republican votes to release files. Trump's messaging efforts and foreign policy initiatives also received coverage. By afternoon, the public feud and potential reconciliation between Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene gained prominence, with various outlets detailing their dispute. Later reports emphasized the internal GOP divisions surrounding the Epstein files vote and the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean near Venezuela.
US media on November 17th largely centered on President Trump's reversal, now urging House Republicans to vote for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. This shift, following earlier discussions and his previous stance, dominated the morning and continued as the primary narrative throughout the day. Reports also highlighted the US plans to designate a Venezuelan cartel as a foreign terrorist organization amid rising tensions and military presence in the Caribbean. By evening, the focus remained on Trump's Epstein files position, coupled with coverage of a judge's order for the DOJ to turn over grand jury materials in the James Comey case, citing "profound investigative missteps." The UN Security Council's approval of a US-drafted Gaza cease-fire plan also emerged as a significant development later in the day.
US media heavily reported on the UN Security Council's approval of the US Gaza peace plan in the morning. Concurrently, President Trump's position on the Jeffrey Epstein files became a key topic, with reports on his endorsement of a bill for their release. By early afternoon, the House prepared for a vote on releasing more files, a move Trump now supported after initial resistance. Larry Summers also stepped back from public commitments due to Epstein ties.
In the evening, the House overwhelmingly passed the bill to force the release of Epstein files, sending it to the Senate. The Senate then unanimously approved the bill, sending it to President Trump's desk. Trump's meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on investment pledges and Trump's defense of the Crown Prince regarding the Khashoggi killing, also received significant coverage.
US media on November 19th heavily focused on the Jeffrey Epstein files, with early reports detailing the Senate's unanimous approval of a bill compelling their release, sending it to President Trump's desk. This followed intense coverage from the previous day. Concurrently, new links emerged between House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Epstein, generating significant attention.
By early afternoon, the narrative continued to emphasize the Epstein files, including revelations tying Epstein to Larry Summers' wife and other Democrats. Reports also highlighted President Trump's plan to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia despite congressional opposition, and his participation in the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum.
Later in the day, the Comey indictment became a prominent story, with the Justice Department admitting procedural lapses regarding the grand jury's review of the final indictment, further imperiling the case. The ongoing scrutiny of the Epstein files, including potential exceptions and incomplete releases, persisted as a significant theme.
On November 20th, US media prominently reported President Trump's signing of the bill to release Jeffrey Epstein's case files, a reversal of his previous stance. This development, initially highlighted in the early hours, continued to be a major focus throughout the day, with discussions emerging about potential loopholes and the timeline for document release. Later, attention also turned to President Trump's endorsement of a Ukraine-Russia peace plan, despite Ukraine's lack of agreement, and his controversial remarks labeling Democrat lawmakers as "traitors" for urging military disobedience. A federal judge also ordered the Trump administration to end its National Guard deployment in D.C.
US media on November 21st prominently covered President Trump's proposed Russia-Ukraine peace plan, with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy reportedly facing pressure to accept the deal by Thanksgiving, leading to concerns about loss of dignity or US support (CBS, NY Post, Jacobin, Washington Examiner, ABC News, CNN, The Epoch Times, NYTimes, Washington Post).
Concurrently, the day saw significant attention on the meeting between President Trump and NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani. Initially framed with adversarial undertones, the meeting evolved into a notably cordial exchange, with both leaders highlighting shared focuses such as affordability (ABC News, CBS, Fox News, NY Post, Newsweek, The Hill, AP News, The Daily Beast, USA Today, Washington Examiner).
November 22nd saw dominant media attention on Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene's announced resignation from Congress, effective January 2026. This development, heavily covered from the early hours, was largely attributed to a public rift with President Trump, who also publicly celebrated her departure as "great news for the country" and called her a "traitor."
Concurrently, the unexpected cordial meeting between President Trump and NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani continued to garner significant coverage. Outlets highlighted their newfound common ground and shared vision, with Trump expressing a desire for Mamdani to succeed. Further, President Trump's decision to terminate deportation protections for Somali nationals in Minnesota also received attention.
On November 23rd, US media largely focused on the evolving discussions surrounding President Trump's proposed Ukraine peace plan. Morning reports detailed confusion regarding the plan's origin, with Secretary of State Rubio's statements on whether it was US-authored or a Russian 'wish list' sparking debate.
As the day progressed, peace talks commenced in Geneva, with Ukraine reportedly under pressure to accept the deal. By the evening, Rubio expressed optimism, describing the US-Ukraine meetings as the 'most productive' yet, while still acknowledging remaining issues. Simultaneously, reports continued on the DOJ's pursuit of Epstein grand jury materials, and JFK's granddaughter revealed a terminal cancer diagnosis.
November 24th saw intense media focus on the dismissal of criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James. Early reports indicated a shift in the Ukraine peace plan, with a refined framework emerging despite President Trump's continued influence and claims of Ukrainian ingratitude.
By late morning and early afternoon, various outlets highlighted a revised peace plan, though concerns about potential compromises persisted.
However, by evening, the dominant narrative shifted to the federal judge's ruling that the prosecutor's appointment in the Comey and James cases was unlawful, leading to their dismissal. This development largely overshadowed the ongoing Ukraine peace talks, which concluded the day with no definitive deal, and concerns about Senator Mark Kelly's video urging troops to defy 'illegal orders'.
US media heavily reported on the ongoing Ukraine peace talks throughout November 25th. The day began with continued focus on the dismissal of criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James, a development from the previous day. However, by late morning, attention largely shifted to reports of secret meetings between US and Russian officials in Abu Dhabi regarding Ukraine.
In the early afternoon, news emerged that Ukraine had agreed to a peace deal with the US, with only "minor details" remaining. This narrative intensified through the evening, with outlets emphasizing Ukraine's readiness to proceed with a US-backed plan, though Russia's response to the amended proposal was still awaited. Separately, President Trump's Thanksgiving turkey pardon, which included political commentary, also garnered coverage, and the FBI's efforts to interview six Democratic lawmakers over a controversial video also emerged as a significant story.
On November 26th, US media began with reports on President Trump's continued efforts to finalize a Ukraine peace deal and the administration's actions against lawmakers. Later, immigration issues gained prominence with a White House press secretary's relative detained by ICE.

By early afternoon, discussion shifted to the Ukraine peace deal, with Russia deeming a quick resolution premature. The latter half of the day, however, was dominated by the breaking news of a shooting incident near the White House, where two National Guard members were injured. Reports initially conflicted on their condition, with some outlets stating fatalities, later clarified as critical injuries. A suspect was taken into custody, and President Trump commented on the attacker. This incident overshadowed other stories, including the dismissal of the Georgia election interference case against Trump and his allies.
US media heavily focused on the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House, with the suspect identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national. Early reports highlighted his critical condition and the FBI investigating the incident as potential terrorism, linking it to the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome. President Trump ordered a review of Afghans who entered the US under Biden and deployed more Guard personnel to DC. Later in the day, it was confirmed that Lakanwal had worked with CIA-backed units in Afghanistan and drove across the country for the attack. The most significant development came late in the day with the confirmation that one of the National Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom, had died from her injuries, which led to Homeland Security suspending processing for Afghan immigrants and President Trump ordering a sweeping review of immigrants from 'Countries of Concern'.
US media heavily reported on November 28th that National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom died from her injuries after being shot in D.C. President Trump announced her death early in the day, linking it to the suspect, an Afghan national, and initiating a widespread focus on immigration policies.

Throughout the day, Trump's stance intensified as he vowed to "permanently pause" migration from "Third World Countries" and ordered a review of all green cards issued to Afghans and other countries of concern. Later, news emerged that the suspect would face a first-degree murder charge and had ties to CIA counterterrorism units. Towards the evening, Trump also announced the termination of executive orders signed by Biden using an autopen, threatening perjury charges for their "illegal" signatures.
US media continued its intense focus on the D.C. National Guard shooting. In the morning, reports detailed President Trump's order to pause asylum decisions and his vow to permanently halt immigration from "impoverished countries," alongside coverage of his termination of executive orders signed by Biden via autopen. Concurrently, Trump's pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández began to gain traction.

Later in the day, the declaration of Venezuelan airspace as closed by President Trump, citing rising tensions over drug strikes, became a prominent story. Discussions around a Trump peace plan for Ukraine persisted, with some Ukrainian soldiers viewing it as capitulation while others hoped for peace, amid reports of the plan's potential financial motives.

The day concluded with continued heavy focus on the Venezuelan airspace closure, the ongoing National Guard shooting, and an Afghan national arrested for a TikTok bomb threat, linked to Biden's resettlement program by conservative outlets.
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