News Reporter: Politics A.M.: Trump forces Mattis out two months early, names Shanahan acting defense secretary

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Trump forces Mattis out two months early, names Shanahan acting defense secretary

Mattis had been expected to stay in his role through the end of February.

By Philip Rucker, Dan Lamothe and Josh Dawsey · Read more

PowerPost · Perspective

Partial shutdown is a total failure, and it could last until the new year

The partial government shutdown is a total government failure brought on by President Trump's demand for a wall and his caving to right-wing media personalities. It is the low-wage federal contractors, who clean federal buildings and work in cafeterias, who will suffer the most.

By Joe Davidson · Read more

Trump says Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to leave on Jan. 1, deputy Patrick Shanahan to assume title of acting secretary

Mattis resigned Thursday after clashing with President Trump over the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan. He had been expected to stay in his role through the end of February. This is a developing story. It will be updated.

By Washington Post Staff · Read more

'Very possible' that government shutdown could last into the new year, says White House budget director Mick Mulvaney

"It's very possible that this shutdown will go beyond the 28th and into the new Congress," Mulvaney, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, said on "Fox News Sunday. The new Congress is scheduled to convene on Jan. 3. This is a developing story. It will be updated.

By Washington Post Staff · Read more