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Sen. Murphy: Trump Seeking Totalitarian Power Amid Shutdown

10/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on CNN, saying Trump aims to transform the United States into a totalitarian state.
He tied Trump’s refusal to negotiate during the shutdown to a desire for unchecked power that would favor certain government functions.
Murphy cited a $130 million donation from billionaire Timothy Mellon to pay U.S. troops, saying it may breach federal law and deepen funding tensions.

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Story summary

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on CNN, saying Trump aims to transform the United States into a totalitarian state.
He tied Trump’s refusal to negotiate during the shutdown to a desire for unchecked power that would favor certain government functions.
Murphy cited a $130 million donation from billionaire Timothy Mellon to pay U.S. troops, saying it may breach federal law and deepen funding tensions.