Timelines
How the main stories unfold, day after day: each timeline gathers the articles about one event, with a summary.
- Trump rallies Texas voters behind Senate candidate Ken Paxton as protests disrupt his rally
President Donald Trump traveled to Texas on Wednesday, for the second time in less than a week, to speak at a rally in San Antonio for struggling Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton ahead of November's midterm elections, as even Republicans increasingly said they might lose the stronghold. Trump defended his immigration policies and, after earlier grumbles, offered support for Paxton but focused much of his speech on a defense of his own record, according to The New York Times, while a series of protests disrupted the rally.
- Trump proposes turning part of his private Florida golf club into a presidential retreat
President Donald Trump says he wants to turn part of his private West Palm Beach golf club into a retreat for future presidents and their guests, similar to Camp David near Washington. The proposed deal would also make the club the "permanent United States Presidential Golf Course," which could be used "by all past, current and future" presidents, the club's attorney said in a letter, according to NBC News. CBS News reported that it was not yet clear what the taxpayer benefit would be for such a build, or how much it would cost.
- Trump's one-time $90 Medicare rebate rolls out, but millions are left out
President Donald Trump promised one-time $90 rebate checks to offset premiums for millions of U.S. seniors on Medicare, his latest pledge to send money to Americans ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, after touting $500 and $5,000 checks, according to Fortune. The White House said the payments would be drawn from a fund set up to improve Medicare, and the LA Times reported the pledge as a response to Medicare costs, which rose as a consequence of his One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The rebate rolls out this week: Trump says his administration will make one-time payments of $90 per person to help more than 20 million Medicare enrollees pay for their Part B premiums, at a cost of about $2 billion. Millions of people will be left out, and critics call it a political stunt.
- DNC sues the Trump administration over taxpayer-funded TV ads promoting the president
TV ads promoting President Donald Trump, which cost at least $1.5 million in federal funds, drew a backlash for glorifying him, and Trump said his super PAC, MAGA Inc., would pay for them instead, while defending the ads in a post on his social media site. On Wednesday, the Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleging that the ads violate propaganda law. The complaint alleges that they are illegal government-sponsored propaganda, accuses Trump of personally directing them and asks the court to declare the ads illegal and stop the use of federal funds to pay for them.
- Trump administration proposes a $70,000 fee for international students to work in the US
The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking to work in the United States, the latest effort from the Trump administration to crack down on foreign enrollment. According to Fortune, schools would pay the fee for each international student in the OPT work program, which is popular with international STEM graduates, and would also face a $30,000 renewal fee, as new foreign enrollment falls 17%. The change would represent a blow to universities that heavily recruit students from overseas as a source of tuition revenue, as well as companies that hire international students for technical roles.
- Republicans fear a $1 billion cash advantage may not buy them the midterms
Republicans are facing anxiety as they enter the final month of the midterm campaign, fearing that even $1 billion in campaign spending won't fend off sweeping election losses as the party reckons with President Donald Trump's unpopularity, inflation and the war in Iran. The cash advantage, spread out across a half-dozen groups, is driven largely by the Trump-aligned MAGA Inc., which had nearly $416 million in cash on hand at the end of August and began stepping up its spending on critical races in September. The GOP has twice as much cash as Democrats, but soaring political ad rates and voters' frustration with rising costs could blunt its advantage, Fortune reports.
- Susan Collins and Troy Jackson debate Trump and seniority in Maine Senate race
Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson debated for the first time on Tuesday in Maine, trading attacks over President Donald Trump, the cost of living and abortion in one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country. In an often testy debate, Collins touted her five terms in Congress and distanced herself from Trump, taking aim at some of his policies and arguing she has maintained her political independence by repeatedly voting against his agenda; she said she's 'not exactly his favorite senator'. Jackson argued that she has failed to effectively push back.
- Trump does not plan to reimburse taxpayers for promotional ads
After bipartisan criticism, President Donald Trump said that taxpayer dollars would no longer be used for TV ads promoting him and that the ads, which the White House has defended, would be funded by him and his super PAC, MAGA Inc. A day later, officials said he meant moving forward: he does not plan to reimburse taxpayers for the money already spent, and a new taxpayer-funded ad aired on Tuesday. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer slammed Trump for not committing to reimbursement and said the plan for covering future costs may represent illegal coordination with his super PAC.
- Republicans re-emphasize tough-on-crime message ahead of midterm elections
From coast to coast, Republicans are returning to a tough-on-crime message in their midterm campaigns, focusing on public disorder, illegal immigration and violent crime as voters sour on the party's handling of the cost of living and the war with Iran. The effectiveness of the strategy remains uncertain, with some Republicans skeptical about its impact on voters.
- Trump suggests letting Iran 'take out' Los Angeles and San Diego at a rally
At a campaign rally, President Donald Trump suggested letting Iran "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego. California Gov. Gavin Newsom called him "deranged and dangerous." Trump made the remarks during a speech in which he also said gas prices would soon be lower, touted his ouster of Venezuela's leader and attacked news outlets.
- Republican Sen. Tillis regrets voting for Hegseth in new book
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina says in a new book that his deciding vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary in January 2025 is the "biggest regret of my career." In "How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents," published on October 6, he defends his decision at the time not to be "the lone voice in the wilderness" blocking President Trump's nominees.
- Supreme Court agrees to review Trump administration's mandatory detention policy for immigrants
The Supreme Court agreed on October 1 to review a Trump administration policy denying bond hearings to detained immigrants, and will decide whether immigrants facing deportation can be held in detention indefinitely while their cases are adjudicated. The case will test a key pillar of the administration's hard-line immigration agenda. Separately, Phone Chomsavanh, a Laotian man deported by the U.S. to Eswatini in July 2025 under the administration's third-country deportation program, was released after more than a year in a maximum-security prison.
- Obama to campaign with El-Sayed in Detroit as the ex-president gets more involved in the midterms
Former President Barack Obama plans to appear with Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit this month, as he gets more involved in the midterm elections. Last week he taped two dozen ads for Democratic candidates for governor and Senate, to be released in the coming days and weeks.
- Donald Trump's beef import plan angers Nebraska ranchers
President Donald Trump's proposal to increase beef imports has drawn opposition from Nebraska ranchers. Trump is campaigning in Nebraska alongside GOP Sen. Pete Ricketts. The plan has raised concerns among local agricultural interests. The issue remains under discussion as Trump continues his outreach efforts. No decision on the plan has been made yet.
- Supreme Court to hear major cases on climate change and guns
The Supreme Court is set to hear significant cases related to climate change, gun rights, and immigration during its new term. One of the climate change cases involves a wildfire in Colorado, where Boulder County is suing oil and gas companies for damages linked to climate change. The Court's docket includes cases on immigration policies and the Second Amendment, with 30 cases listed so far, which is about half the usual number for a term. The cases are among the most high-profile disputes expected in the new term. The Court is preparing to address these issues as it begins its term.
- Governor says Tennessee's prisons chief is resigning after failed execution of Christa Pike
The head of Tennessee’s prison system is resigning following the failed execution of Christa Pike. The governor announced the resignation, citing the failure of the execution process. Christa Pike remains alive but unconscious and intubated, according to her legal representatives. An independent review is being conducted to determine the reasons for the failed execution. The resignation is said to be in the best interests of the state during the review.
- Trump Rally in Ohio Amid Truck Factory Layoffs
Donald Trump held a rally in Ohio to support Jon Husted in a Senate race against Sherrod Brown. The event took place near Dayton, a region affected by truck factory layoffs. Trump's campaign focused on key races for the House, Senate, and governor's office in Columbus. The rally was part of his broader midterm campaign in a battleground state. The event highlighted Trump's efforts to influence competitive elections in Ohio.
- Trump Pushes for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
President Donald Trump is advocating for permanent daylight saving time, focusing efforts on securing support from Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton. He has encouraged people to contact what appears to be Cotton's personal cellphone number, suggesting a direct approach to influence the legislative process. Trump also highlighted the benefits of the policy for professional golfers, emphasizing the extended time on the greens. The push comes as part of broader efforts to pass legislation making daylight saving time permanent nationwide.
- Pete Hegseth Creates Pentagon Office of Religious Affairs
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth established a Pentagon Office of Religious Affairs, which reports directly to him. The office is part of his broader efforts to integrate his evangelical Christian beliefs into Pentagon leadership. Hegseth has hosted Christian worship services for employees and referred to the United States as a Christian nation. The initiative reflects his influence over military religious affairs policy.
- Trump administration proposes federal school choice rules
The Trump administration has introduced rules for a federal tax-credit scholarship program aimed at providing financial support for private school and homeschooling. The program is set to launch on January 1 and will be available to students in at least 30 states. The proposal outlines guidelines for eligibility and implementation, marking a significant step in expanding educational options through federal funding. Details of the program's structure and oversight mechanisms are still being finalized.