Skip to content 10/27/2025 Analyzing President Trump’s Trip to Asia and Concerns with U.S Education and Healthcare Deals Oct 27 · 59 min ...more
10/27/2025 Analyzing President Trump’s Trip to Asia and Concerns with U.S Education and Healthcare Deals
October 27, 2025 · 59 min
Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Trump’s Asia trip, Imprisoned Korean Pastors, trade talks with China and their U.S. College funding, Biden’s Title IX troubles, elections, and health insurers’ lucrative deal.
Series Washington Watch with Tony Perkins - Video
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October 27, 2025 · 59 min · Washington Watch with Tony Perkins - Video
Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Trump’s Asia trip, Imprisoned Korean Pastors, trade talks with China and their U.S. College funding, Biden’s Title IX troubles, elections, and health insurers’ lucrative deal. ...more Show the full description Show less Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Trump’s Asia trip, Imprisoned Korean Pastors, trade talks with China and their U.S. College funding, Biden’s Title IX troubles, elections, and health insurers’ lucrative deal.
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In this video 0:00 Global Peace and Political Challenges4:16 International Relations and Leadership12:31 Faith, Family, and Freedom21:21 Empowering Christian Voters38:44 Cultural and Political Challenges
Global Peace and Political Challenges 0:06 Welcome to the Washington Watch News Desk. I'm Sarah Holliday with today's top stories. A peace deal has been established between Cambodia and Thailand. Over the summer, the 2 countries0:18 engaged in a 5 day exchange of rockets and heavy artillery. The fighting, which was considered their worst conflict in recent history, killed at least 48 people and temporarily0:30 displaced an estimated 300000.0:34 Well, this is so exciting because we did something that a lot of people said couldn't be done, and we saved maybe millions of lives on this 1 piece deal,0:46 itself. And and I'll tell you what makes me so happy is, the 2 countries we're dealing with and the third that helped so much, I appreciate so much. Maybe it couldn't have been done without you,0:58 but, they really like each other. I'm not used to that when I do these deals. Usually, there's a lot of hatred. They liked each other.1:06 Thailand's foreign minister called the enhanced ceasefire deal a pathway towards peace. It was signed in Malaysia in the presence of President Trump who was praised for his involvement in facilitating1:18 it.1:19 He gave personal attention and he sent, a team over to the region to facilitate with Malaysia1:31 the discussions that we've had.
1:34 This agreement builds on a truce signed 3 months ago after Trump called the then leaders of the 2 countries, urging them to end hostilities or risk their respective trade talks with Washington being
1:46 put on hold. Both sides blamed each other for starting the conflict, but now Thailand's foreign minister said he is confident that the deal will last.
1:55 We've made it known that we are looking ahead to restoring our ties and not only that, making our ties even better. And this was in front of 2
2:07 friends and also in front of the press. Right? So I think that I am confident that, both sides, under obligation
2:20 to implement what we've agreed.
2:23 In other international news, unfortunately, peace does not appear to be on the horizon in the war between Russia and Ukraine. In fact, Russia seems to be only adding fuel to the fire. According
2:34 to Russian president Vladimir Putin, the country took a step towards deploying its nuclear powered Borevezhnek cruise missile. This comes after successful tests of the nuclear capable weapon. Moscow
2:46 says it can pierce any current or future anti missile defense system. Russian officials also say it has an almost unlimited range and an unpredictable flight path, which would make it difficult for other
2:58 nations to track it. Some say the test, coupled with a nuclear drill last week, underscores Putin's defiance against western pressure over its war in Ukraine. According to sources,
3:10 the US is considering further sanctions on Russia if Putin continues to put off ending the war. While it's still unclear when or if the US will follow through with this, America has been putting pressure on
3:22 European allies to also stand up to Russia through their own sanctions. Now before we close, yes, the government is still shut down, but here's the latest. The US
3:34 Department of Agriculture has announced it will not tap into emergency funds to increase SNAP benefits or what most people know as food stamps for the month of November. In an internal memo obtained
3:46 by Reuters, the USDA cited high demand and limited contingency resources as reasons for the decision. The memo also blamed congressional Democrats for the shutdown that led to this
3:57 decision. The move affects roughly 41000000 Americans who are eligible to benefit from SNAP for food support. So far, Congress has not yet signaled plans for additional funding.
4:09 It seems the 1 thing that hasn't changed in this ongoing funding fight is that there's still no end in sight. And those are today's headlines. I'm Sarah Holliday. Dive deeper with the Washington
International Relations and Leadership
4:21 Stand at washington stand dot com. You can watch this and other news on the Stand Firm mobile app, which you can find in the App Store. Also, go ahead and follow us on social media for updates at FRCDC.
4:33 Up next, we have Washington Watch with Tony Perkins and we're back tomorrow with more stories that matter.
4:51 From the heart of our nation's capital in Washington DC, bringing compelling interviews, insightful analysis, taking you beyond the headlines and sound bites into conversations with our nation's leaders and newsmakers,
5:04 all from a biblical worldview. Sitting in for Tony is today's host, Jody Heiss.
5:09 It's almost been a full month since the Democrats shut down the government. And as we near the end of this month, the pain being felt by so many hardworking people around this country is very real, and it
5:21 gets worse with each passing day.
5:26 That was how speaker Mike Johnson warning Americans could face serious hardships if Democrats don't act to reopen the government. Welcome to this October 20 seventh edition of
5:37 Washington Watch. I'm your host, Jody Heiss, filling in for Tony Perkins today. Thank you so much for tuning in. Alright. Coming up, President Trump is in Japan after signing trade
5:49 deals with Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand. But the big question trade deal with China. When he meets with President Xi later this week,
6:01 Asia expert Gordon Chang will join us in a little while to break that down. Also, Congressman Keith Self will give us the latest on the impact of the government shutdown.
6:19 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is going to decide which foreign troops can join an international peacekeeping force in Gaza. The US will not be sending soldiers,
6:31 but is asking countries like Indonesia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and others to contribute. Joining me now from the
6:43 Washington stand is Casey Harper. Casey, what is the latest on Israel's position as it relates to foreign troops joining their mission in Gaza?
6:55 Yeah, Jody. Well, this has been a very contentious issue as you might imagine. Who's gonna get to have troops in Israel's backyard? Well, according to Israeli officials, forces from countries that are hostile to Israel
7:06 will not be allowed. You might say that's obvious, but it hasn't been obvious up until this point. Now Azerbaijan and Indonesia, they appear well positioned to lead the new Gaza force after Israel went ahead and vetoed
7:17 Turkey's involvement, which is not a major surprise. But coordination on this is still in the early stages, and Indonesia is insisting that this this whole operation actually get UN Security Council approval.
7:29 That could be complicated. Now Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar, while speaking today in Budapest, he said that Israel firmly rejects any Turkish involvement in the proposed international force.
7:40 Turkey, led by Erdogan, led hostile approach against Israel, included
7:52 not only hostile statements, but also diplomatic and economic measures against Israel. So it is not reasonable for us to let their armed
8:03 forces enter to Gaza Strip, and we will not agree to that, and we said it to our American friends.
8:11 There's no surprise there as Turkey's been no friend to Israel in recent years. But this US plan backed by president Trump, it calls for foreign troops to secure this fragile ceasefire that did end 2 years of fighting
8:23 between Israel and Hamas earlier this month. Of course, tensions between Israel and Turkey remain high as Turkey has sharply condemned Israel's military campaign in Gaza. And you probably remember, Jody, that the
8:35 Turkish president actually blocked Israeli prime minister Netanyahu from coming to that international peace summit where the deal was signed.
8:43 Yes. I do remember that. Casey, what what about the president's trip now to Asia? I know there's a lot of attention on that. What's the latest that you have in that measure?
8:55 Yeah. That's right, Jody. All eyes are on the president as he's in Asia, and he says he's confident the US will reach a strong deal with China. He says, hey. Both sides wanna make a deal, and we're gonna get it done
9:06 ahead of his meeting with Xi Jinping later this week.
9:09 We're gonna have a deal with China. We meet, as you know, in South Korea with president Xi. I think we're gonna have a a good deal with China. And they wanna make a deal, and we wanna make a deal.
9:20 We'll see if it happens. The US and Chinese officials have already agreed on a framework for talks, which take on issues like tariffs, rare earth minerals, fentanyl, and TikTok. But the truce in the trade war is set to
9:31 expire November tenth, which means a new tariffs could kick in if progress stalls on that deal. Meanwhile, at a summit in Malaysia, Trump also signed several trade and mineral deals with the south
9:43 Southeast Asian nations, and he got behind Malaysia's mediation of that Thailand, Cambodia peace accord. The president's calling it a golden age for America and the Pacific, Jody.
9:55 Casey, there's so much happening in in this Asia trip right now. So much at stake. But 1 of the things that we've been following here is how China recently has been
10:07 going after religious leaders, churches raiding churches and pastors home, some 30 or so pastors here recently. And of course here at Family Research Council, we're praying for all our
10:18 persecuted brothers and sisters in the faith in China and around the world. But do you think president Trump is going to be addressing this with, president Xi?
10:29 You know, it's 1 of those things that could come up. I think president Trump has shown himself to be someone who's focused on the economics the economics first and on peace first. And to put some of those other values
10:40 second to that, he's been willing to work with countries like Turkey and Qatar, which might have, you know, questionable, questionable things going on. He hasn't blinked an eye at some of, you know, Russia's, issues as
10:50 well. He wants to make a deal with everyone. And so I wouldn't be surprised if it if it came up, but it doesn't appear right now that that is front and center of the president's trip, Jody.
11:00 What about, back home here? The government shutdown continues to be prime news, all over the place, and we're hearing some reports that every day Americans could soon be facing some more hardships.
11:12 We played a clip of, house speaker Johnson just a little earlier on that. What's the latest on all this political deadlock?
11:21 Yeah. That's right, Jody. We're on day 27 of this seemingly never ending government shutdown, and the senate Democrats, led, of course, by Chuck Schumer, are continuing to block that Republican measure that would simply
11:32 reopen the government. House speaker Mike Johnson, he's taking them to task for that. He says Democrats are holding the government hostage and causing real harm for working Americans.
11:41 Because just like they decided to save their own skin, that they had to endorse the Marxist mandami in an unprecedented move, they have also decided they had to shut down the government in an unprecedented move.
11:53 No matter the pain it inflicts upon hardworking American people, they were simply more afraid of the Marxist in their party than they are of voters. For the sake of our country, we pray that their calculation is wrong.
12:05 We believe it is dead wrong.
12:07 And the pain is only gonna get worse, Jody, as USDA is USDA is warning that food benefits for 41000000 people will stop on November first if the shutdown continues. And in states like New Mexico, that could be as many
12:18 as 1 in 5 residents who, who lose benefits. So Republicans are sticking by their message. They say, hey. The solution's clear. Pass our bill in the shutdown. Put Americans first, Jody.
12:31 Well, Casey, thank you so much for these updates. I know we'll be talking to you a little bit later in the program, but thank you for joining us. Alright. I wanna continue the discussion on the government shutdown and
Faith, Family, and Freedom
12:42 get a congressional perspective in all of this. Joining me now to discuss this and more is Congressman Keith Self. He serves on several committees, including the foreign affairs committee, and he faithfully
12:54 served our country for over 25 years in the army retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He represents the third congressional district of Texas. Congressman Self, always great to see you, my friend. Welcome back
13:05 to Washington Watch.
13:07 Great to be here with you, Jody. Thank you.
13:11 Alright. This, government shutdown now day 27, and we had the American Federation of Government Employees, which is the nation's largest union of federal workers. They released a statement
13:23 today basically calling on congress to reopen the government immediately under a continuing resolution that is clean. Exactly what the Republicans have been pushing for,
13:35 and they noted that doing so does not favor 1 political side over the other. The Republicans have been saying this all along. What's the latest that you're hearing from your colleagues right now?
13:46 Well, I think the Democrats are losing their base. When you lose the largest federal union, you've lost part of your base. And frankly, it did favor the Republicans because we they want them to
13:58 pass the clean CR that we have already passed in the house. That clearly is our position. The Democrats need to come on board. They need to stop this pain on the American people, and we need to get
14:10 everybody back to work.
14:13 Absolutely. I know we talked about this, last Friday too. The Trump administration has took some steps, to try to ensure that the SNAP benefits were paid this month.
14:25 That's the supplemental nutrition assistance program as you well know. But that impacts, like, 1 out of every 8 Americans when it comes to buying groceries. And now the administration is saying that the
14:36 well is run dry so that there will be no snap benefits beginning this Saturday, November first. So how can the Democrats continue to claim that they're
14:48 trying to help Americans by hurting them? I this this is bizarre to me. Do you think that some of them, perhaps with the SNAP program going under that, maybe they'll change their minds
15:00 now?
15:02 Well, I have no idea. But, frankly, we need 5 Democrats to do the right thing to look in their conscience and come over and vote for a clean CR. I have lots of questions about the SNAP program
15:14 and the 41000000 people. That's 12 percent of our population. Why is 12 percent of our population on food stamps, on supplemental nutrition assistance program? Why is
15:25 that? Given the obesity in the in the nation, the most, purchased item are carbonated beverages. Why is that? I'm I question those numbers, although they're USDA numbers.
15:38 But, we need to be looking for fraud, waste, and abuse in the SNAP program. And look, the best thing about this shutdown is it's focused sunlight and attention on Obamacare just to what a disastrous program it
15:50 is. Maybe we we need the same sunlight on the SNAP program.
15:56 Hey. Listen. I could not agree with you more. I know I had the same issues, when I was serving in in Congress. I only brought it up because that's kind of like a pet for the Democrats. They love the SNAP
16:07 program. And with that well running drive, I was just curious if you thought that that might be a turning point for them, but absolutely snap needs to be investigated. I I can't fathom in my mind either
16:19 why it has 41000000 Americans on it. But if I can, real quickly, some international issues for you. We we got the the missing bodies, the hostages from Gaza is still
16:31 lingering out there. And now the, you know, with all all the continuing steps for the potential continued ceasefire, but but we've got all the the international peacekeeping
16:43 force in Gaza. And, of course, yesterday, prime minister Netanyahu said that Israel is going to determine which foreign troops are acceptable in that force. What's your thoughts on that?
16:56 Oh, absolutely. I mean, this Gaza is their backyard. And I I think the decision on Turkey was exactly right. I'm actually concerned that Turkey and Israel might have, a little conflict
17:08 of their own because Erdogan is very aggressive toward Israel today. So, yeah, I agree with Netanyahu. They should decide. But look, focus on Hamas because
17:20 will Hamas disarm? Will Hamas, go into exile? Will Hamas meet the terms of the peace agreement? I doubt it, but focus on Hamas while we're focusing on the the troops
17:32 that, might be allowed in at some time.
17:36 Less than a minute to go. Real quickly, the president is now on his Asian tour. What hopes do you have, for that trip?
17:46 Well, I I have high hopes. Look. This is a tour de force of Donald Trump. He's done exactly what he should have done before the meeting with Xi Jinping. He's gone to the allies. He's had a peace
17:58 agreement. He's had several trade agreements. He is showing Xi Jinping that he is very relevant in this part of the world. This is a tour de force. So all of that should play a part when
18:10 he actually meets with Xi Jinping, in, in South Korea. So I have high hopes because Xi Jinping is a very he's almost like, Donald Trump. He he has
18:21 to be, at this time, very transactional. Let's hope they can transact business.
18:28 We certainly hope so. Thank you so much, congressman Keith Self of Texas. Always great to have you on the program.
18:35 Thank you, Jody.
18:37 Alright. Coming up, we're gonna go deeper into president Trump's Asian tour and what we can expect from that expert Gordon Chang will be joining me right after the break, so stay with us. We'll be back
18:49 in just a moment.
18:51 Our founding scripture for this is Ephesians chapter 6 verse 13. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand in the evil day and having done all to stand,
19:04 stand therefore. Family Research Council's pray, vote, stand summit 20 25 brought together Christian leaders, issue experts, and government officials for a time of prayer,
19:16 inspiration, and action. We are equipping the body of Christ to understand that what is happening around us is not just political. It's not just cultural.
19:29 At its heart, it is spiritual.
19:31 We gather in a nation that has torn the foundation apart, and we have separated our governing documents for my divine source, Jesus Christ. We need
19:43 truth now more than ever to guide us.
19:47 I'm believing, God, let this be a testimony of the American church that we become so full of the fire of the word of God that we cannot contain it. We have to tell people about it.
20:00 We have to make disciples.
20:02 The idea of America was the idea that our rights don't come from governments. They they come from our divine creator. Right? Government's main job is to protect those rights. And because that was the
20:14 foundation of America, we've enjoyed over the last 250 years more freedom, more prosperity, more stability than any other nation anywhere in the world, and that should be celebrated. We
20:25 are living in a moment. What's that moment? It's a prophetic moment on God's timeline.
20:30 That's right.
20:31 And so he needs the church more than ever to act biblically for the blessing of our political leaders and of our nation.
20:39 The number 1 issue facing America domestically, which is the epidemic of fatherlessness. 40 percent of all American children today enter the world without a father in the home married to the
20:51 mother.
20:51 We cannot win the pro life fight without acknowledging family fight, that this is the pro marriage fight. We're never going to end abortion if we do
21:03 not secure and shore up marriage.
21:06 We pray that this would be an opportunity, Lord God, for you to use us mere little mortals, but we possess the name of Jesus. God, use us mightily. We pray in Jesus' name and all God's
21:17 people said Amen. Amen.Show more
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