CaliToday (21/10/2025): Washington D.C. presented a starkly divided picture on Monday, as President Donald Trump engaged in high-level diplomacy at the White House while Congress remained mired in a paralyzing stalemate, failing for an eleventh time to fund the federal government.
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| President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sign an agreement on rare earth and critical minerals (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque) |
The day began with President Trump welcoming Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the White House for critical talks on trade and security. Later, the President hosted collegiate champions, before the focus shifted to Capitol Hill for an evening vote that once again failed to end the government shutdown.
US and Australia Ink Key Minerals Deal to Counter China
The centerpiece of the day's diplomatic agenda was the signing of a significant agreement on rare earth minerals. President Trump and Prime Minister Albanese finalized the pact, which is a cornerstone of the United States' urgent "race to catch up with China's dominance" in the critical minerals sector.
These minerals are essential for manufacturing high-tech products, including electronics, electric vehicles, and advanced defense systems. The new agreement aims to create a more secure and diversified supply chain for the US, heavily reducing its reliance on Beijing.
Following the signing, the two leaders attended a bilateral luncheon. In addition to the minerals pact, President Trump announced that the US would be increasing imports of Australian beef, lauding it as a move to "supplement the nutritional food supply" for the United States.
White House Celebrates NCAA Champions
Later in the afternoon, the White House shifted its focus from policy to sports, hosting a celebratory event for the Louisiana State University (LSU) and LSU Shreveport baseball teams.
President Trump welcomed the LSU Tigers to the White House to honor them for their victory in the 2025 national championship, a long-standing tradition for NCAA champions.
Government Shutdown Drags On: 11th Vote Fails
As the afternoon's celebrations concluded, all eyes turned to Capitol Hill, where the political dysfunction continued.
At 5:30 PM ET, the Republican-controlled Senate held yet another vote its eleventh on a temporary funding bill passed by the House GOP. The measure, intended to reopen the federal government, failed once again.
The legislative strategy has been fraught with political maneuvering. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has focused the debate on military pay, attempting to force Democrats into a difficult position. This hardline Republican strategy, which maintains the government shutdown to extract other concessions, is reportedly backed by President Trump.
Political Fallout and 'Protest Fatigue'
The ongoing stalemate is creating political blowback for both sides. Democrats, in particular, are now facing internal and external questions regarding the "No Kings" protests that occurred over the weekend.
The massive anti-Trump demonstrations, which took place on Saturday, October 18, are reportedly causing "fatigue" among some moderate Democratic lawmakers. These members have expressed frustration that the focus on street protests is distracting from the urgent, unresolved budget crisis, weakening their position as they attempt to negotiate an end to the shutdown.
