Leader Thune says government shutdown ‘totally up to the Democrats’: Full interview

Justice System & Political Implications - The justice system is trusted to handle the James Comey indictment, based on a grand jury's findings, with allegations of lying to Congress [2][3][4][7][10][13][15] - The president's public comments on the Comey case raise concerns about potential political motivation, but the justice system is expected to sort it out [4][5][6][8][11] - The possibility of the Justice Department bringing charges against other political opponents is raised, but considered speculative [8][9] Government Funding & Potential Shutdown - A potential government shutdown is two days away, with the decision seemingly in the hands of the Democrats, who need to provide 8 votes in the Senate to pass a 7-week funding resolution [18][19][20] - Democrats are accused of holding the federal government hostage to achieve special interest goals, while Republicans claim they are ready to pass a clean funding resolution [21][26] - Disagreements exist over expiring Obamacare tax credits, with Democrats wanting to address the issue in the funding bill, while Republicans prefer to discuss it separately after the government is funded [27][28][29][30] - The White House Budget Office is preparing for mass firings if a shutdown occurs [34] Tariffs & Impact on Farmers - New tariffs, including 100% tariffs on pharmaceuticals, kitchen cabinets, and heavy-duty trucks, have been announced [37] - Farmers are reportedly hurting due to the president's tariff policy, and there is discussion of using tariff revenue to help them [37][38] - The long-term solution for farmers is seen as open markets, with the hope that the administration's trade policy can achieve reciprocity with countries taking advantage of the US [39][40][41][42][44][46] Executive Authority & Federal Intervention - The president supports sending troops into Portland, Oregon, to protect federal law enforcement officials and assets [46][47] - There are over 300 lawsuits accusing the president of overstepping executive authority [48] - The president is asserting as much authority as possible, which is the nature of the executive branch, and Congress has the power of the purse and oversight to address these issues [50][51]