January 1, Trump Ends Shutdown, Faces Outcry, Targets Epstein Circle

Wyatt’s Take

• Trump wraps up the longest government shutdown to date.
• He faces backlash over support for foreign worker visas and invites more foreign students.
• Now he wants the Justice Department to dig into Epstein’s ties with U.S. leaders.

This week, President Trump signed a bill ending the historic government shutdown. He also ordered a federal probe into Jeffrey Epstein’s connections with well-known American figures and handed out pardons to over 70 people linked to the 2020 election battle.

The shutdown left federal workers without pay and caused travel delays. The new spending bill keeps the government running and funds groceries for those in need through SNAP until September.

Laid-off federal workers will get back pay as offices reopen.

Trump went on TV defending the use of H-1B visas to bring skilled workers from overseas. Some argue these jobs belong to Americans, especially in tough times.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene answered back

“I believe in the American people,”

and stood firm against replacing U.S. workers with foreign labor.

The administration highlighted steps to prevent visa abuse, like higher fees and added checks on companies.

Trump also defended opening doors to Chinese students to keep American colleges afloat.

Nikki Haley harshly criticized the move

“That would be a huge gift to China and a threat to the United States.”

On another front, Trump said the feds will look deeper into Epstein’s relationships with big names like Bill Clinton and Larry Summers.

He fired back at critics

“This is another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, with all arrows pointing to the Democrats,”

after Congress released loads of documents mentioning Epstein’s connections—though nothing points to Trump breaking the law.

To close the week, the administration issued symbolic pardons to Trump supporters charged in state courts for their 2020 election efforts. Giants like Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and Sidney Powell made the list, but the pardon move carries little legal weight since no federal charges apply.

Big decisions out of Washington may grab headlines, but it’s working folks who feel the change back home. Stay alert, pay attention, and keep holding politicians accountable.

Always stand ready to defend what matters most—your job, your family, and your way of life.

Wyatt Matters

When leaders make choices in D.C., it impacts lives across the heartland. We watch closely, knowing our values—faith, hard work, and community—matter every day, no matter who sits in the White House.

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