Donald Declares More War 10.3.25 Ally Sammarco Oct 3 Happy Friday and welcome back to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco—your daily briefing on U.S. politics. Let’s break it down. Trump Declares “War” on Cartels, Signals Military Role….In a letter to Congress, Trump formally labeled U.S. operations against drug cartels as a “non-international armed conflict,” authorizing military-style strikes against cartel infrastructure. The move expands his use of force abroad without a formal declaration of war or clear legal framework. Common Sense takeaway: This is just more unchecked power for the president while civilians will likely be hurt in the process. Cartels are dangerous but declaring war opens an even more dangerous precedent. DOJ Disbands Key Task Forces in Major Restructure….The Justice Department is rolling out its largest reorganization in two decades: about 275 jobs cut, and major changes including the dissolution of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and the merger of several divisions. Many people are saying this move dismantles important law enforcement tools without proper oversight. Common Sense takeaway: More firings! When “efficiency” becomes your cover for gutting enforcement units, you’ve lost the plot. I thought we were trying to stop crime, hence the National Guard in the streets, no? Common Sense with Ally Sammarco is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Democrats Rally Around Healthcare Amid Shutdown Standoff….As the shutdown drags on, House and Senate Democrats are doubling down on healthcare, pushing to continue and expand ACA subsidies for 24 million Americans. Republicans continue to refuse to negotiate on this topic. Common Sense takeaway: I am happy to see Democrats going on offense, I just wish it wasn’t at the expense of federal workers and the economy. Unfortunately, Republicans would rather lie and threaten than make any kind of a concession. Trump Freezes $2.1B in Chicago Transit Funding….As the shutdown enters day three, the administration has frozen $2.1 billion in transit funds for Chicago, citing objections to “race-based contracting.” The move is now seen as part of a pattern of punishing Democratic-led cities. Local officials warn the freeze will stall critical infrastructure projects and cost thousands of jobs. Common Sense takeaway: Again, more blackmail from Donald. He wants to invade Chicago and he hates J.B. Pritzker more than he loves America. That’s what this all comes down to at the end of the day. Supreme Court Term Kicks Off, Tests Incoming on Trump Powers….The SCOTUS term begins today, with big cases lined up: the legality of Trump’s sweeping tariffs, and his bid to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. These are central to his claim of unchecked executive power. The outcomes will determine just how far Trump can actually stretch presidential authority without Congress. Common Sense takeaway: The 6-3 Supreme Court is still the last line of defense (not great!) when Donald Trump wants to grab more power than the Constitution allows. This term could reset boundaries and I sincerely hope it does, but I’m not holding my breath. That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.