Core Points - The U.S. federal government shutdown has entered its fourth day, leading to increasing public disappointment with the political party conflicts [1] - A recent poll indicates that only 33% of Americans believe the political system can resolve issues, with 41% expressing skepticism about the U.S. being a democratic nation [1] - Experts warn that the economic impact of the shutdown could exceed expectations, with estimates suggesting a potential decline of 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points in the annualized economic growth rate for each additional week of the shutdown [2] Group 1 - The current government shutdown is affecting the lives of ordinary Americans, who feel they are the ultimate victims of the political strife between the two parties [3] - Residents express frustration over politicians prioritizing personal interests over public welfare, leading to a challenging situation for the populace [3] - There is a consensus among citizens that both parties are unwilling to compromise, resulting in a stalemate that adversely affects ordinary people [3]

Core Points - The recent conflict between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve has drawn global attention, highlighting the tension between political power and institutional independence [1][3] - Trump's actions, including the dismissal of Federal Reserve Governor Cook, reflect a significant shift in the relationship between the presidency and the Federal Reserve, raising concerns about the independence of monetary policy [3][5] - The potential implications of this power struggle could destabilize not only the U.S. economy but also the global financial system, as the credibility of the Federal Reserve is crucial for global asset pricing [5][7] Group 1 - The Trump administration's approach to the Federal Reserve has been characterized by direct intervention and pressure, undermining the traditional independence of the central bank [1][3] - Trump's dismissal of Cook, based on unsubstantiated allegations, exemplifies a new precedent where presidential authority overrides established legal norms regarding the removal of Federal Reserve officials [3][5] - The political motivations behind these actions are evident, as they are aimed at consolidating power and influencing the upcoming 2026 midterm elections [5][7] Group 2 - The response from international figures, such as ECB President Lagarde, indicates widespread concern over the potential risks posed by Trump's interference in the Federal Reserve [5][7] - The current political landscape, with the Republican Party controlling both houses of Congress, limits the effectiveness of opposition voices, allowing Trump's agenda to proceed with minimal resistance [7][8] - The ongoing struggle between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve reflects deeper societal conflicts and could lead to significant shifts in the U.S.'s position as a global financial leader [7][8]

Core Points - Elon Musk announced the formation of a new political party called the "American Party," claiming it represents freedom and is a response to public demand for a new political option [1] - Musk's party aims to secure 2 to 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House seats, leveraging the close balance of power in Congress to influence legislation [2] - The establishment of the "American Party" signifies Musk's transition from entrepreneur to politician, positioning the party against both the Republican and Democratic parties [2][5] - Historical context suggests that third parties in the U.S. have struggled to gain traction, often failing to challenge the dominance of the two-party system [5] - Trump's reaction to Musk's announcement was one of strong disapproval, suggesting that Musk's motivations are self-serving rather than altruistic [7] Summary by Sections Political Landscape - The announcement of the "American Party" comes after the passage of Trump's "Big and Beautiful" bill, which has faced significant opposition [1] - Musk's strategy is to use minimal resources to gain maximum influence in a closely divided Congress [2] Challenges for Third Parties - The U.S. political system is characterized by a "winner-takes-all" voting principle, making it difficult for new parties to gain a foothold [2][5] - Historical attempts at establishing third parties have often resulted in short-lived successes, indicating a challenging environment for the "American Party" [5] Reactions and Implications - Trump's criticism of Musk's party formation highlights the contentious nature of U.S. politics and suggests that Musk's motivations may be driven by personal grievances rather than a genuine desire for political reform [7]