VP Vance In Israel, Shutdown Politics, White House Under Construction

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🗓️ 22 October 2025

⏱️ 15 minutes

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Summary

Vice President JD Vance says he’s optimistic about the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as the U.S. pushes for the next phase of the deal. It’s week four of the government shutdown, and the White House is ramping up pressure with cuts and layoffs. And the demolition of the East Wing raises legal and ethical questions about President Trump’s ballroom project.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Vice President J.D. Vance is in Israel to make sure the ceasefire deal stays on track.
0:07.4	If Fumas doesn't comply with the deal, very bad things are going to happen.
0:10.5	He's meeting with Israel's prime minister to talk about phase two, but phase one has been off to a shaky start.
0:15.7	I am Michelle Martin. That's A. Martinez. And this is up first from NPR News.
0:22.1	The Trump administration's pressure campaigned and the government shutdown has not worked so far,
0:26.7	but the clock is ticking toward health insurance hikes for buyers of Affordable Care Act
0:30.7	insurance and to off-year elections in several states.
0:34.0	Could that shift the political calculus to break the stalemate?
0:36.8	And at the White House, demolition crews are tearing down the east wing to make way for President
0:40.7	Trump's new quarter billion dollar ballroom. A national planning board says it regulates construction,
0:46.3	not destruction. Stay with us. We've got all the news you need to start your day.
0:57.1	This message comes to the your day. This message comes from The Economist.
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	...

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