Fri Oct 03 05:05:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The U.S. government has partially shut down after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement. President Donald Trump is blaming Democrats and threatening firings of federal workers and project cuts. He claims new tariff revenues could reach $1 trillion annually, some of which could be used to pay down the national debt (estimated at $38 trillion) or even provide rebate checks to Americans. This tariff estimate is significantly higher than previous estimates from his own Treasury Secretary.

**News Article:**

**U.S. Government Shutdown: Trump Threatens Firings, Dangles Tariff Rebates Amidst Partisan Gridlock**

*Washington, D.C., October 3, 2025* – The United States government remains partially shut down after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement, leading to widespread finger-pointing and escalating rhetoric from President Donald Trump. Tourist sites remain closed.

Speaking in an interview with OAN television network on Thursday (October 2, 2025), Mr. Trump laid blame squarely on the Democrats, warning of potential firings of federal workers and the axing of congressional projects. “There could be firings, and that’s their fault,” he stated, referencing a recent Office of Management and Budget memo suggesting such actions were possible.

The President further asserted that new tariff revenues, which he believes could eventually reach a staggering $1 trillion per year, could be used to alleviate the nation’s growing debt, currently at $37.64 trillion, or even provide a direct benefit to American citizens. “We also might make a distribution to the people, almost like a dividend to the people of America,” Mr. Trump said. “We’re thinking maybe $1,000 to $2,000. It’d be great.”

The proposed tariff windfall far exceeds previous estimates from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who last month projected a potential revenue of $500 billion annually. The shutdown began on Wednesday (October 1, 2025), with only essential services continuing to operate. The White House indicated firings are “imminent” as a plan to reopen the U.S. government collapses. The stalemate highlights the deep partisan divisions gripping Washington and throws the immediate future of numerous government programs and services into uncertainty.

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