The Shutdown Showdown

The Lion Week in Review

The Lion panel breaks down the escalating federal government shutdown that kicked off October 1, 2025, as Democrats block funding bills and the Trump administration threatens mass layoffs of federal workers, furloughs for 900,000 employees, and cuts to programs like Medicaid and student loans. Host Chris Stigall and the team dissect the partisan blame game, with agencies like the VA and SBA using official channels to finger Democrats, while VP JD Vance warns of imminent reductions in force. They also tackle Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's sweeping military reforms, mandating "highest male standards" for combat fitness and daily PT for all ranks to end "fat generals." Plus, reactions to The Chosen shattering a Guinness World Record with Season 5 available in 50 languages, the Smithsonian's "anti-American" exhibits drawing White House ire for overemphasizing slavery and race, and teacher training shortfalls hindering school choice growth in states like Texas and Tennessee. A raw look at policy battles shaping our future.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:10 - Smithsonian Bias

00:02:20 - History Reframed

00:03:37 - Immigration Op-Ed

00:04:55 - Shutdown Surge

00:05:42 - Teacher Training

00:06:45 - Choice Expansion

00:08:50 - Fitness Mandates

00:10:18 - Hegseth Reforms

00:12:16 - Furlough Threats

00:15:42 - Partisan Blame

00:18:21 - Chosen Record

00:26:16 - Faith and Freedom 250

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