Hegseth Is (Still) Trying To Rebrand the Pentagon

Good morning.

The midnight deadline for Congress to agree on a funding bill came and went, and now much of the federal government has shut down. Here’s what that means:

• Who’s affected (and who isn’t): Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are expected to be furloughed. Meanwhile, “essential” staff like troops, TSA employees, and air traffic controllers will still have to work — but typically without pay until things reopen (federal employees are guaranteed back pay). Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid programs, and the Postal Service keep running.

• Courts and legal cases: Courts can coast for a bit on reserve funds, but if the shutdown drags on, they could scale back to constitutional and emergency work. That could delay cases, including some immigration hearings.

• Politics and timing: This fight is about health care — Democrats want to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies and undo Trump-era Medicaid cuts. Republicans hold both chambers but still need extra Senate votes. Shutdowns can drag on until the political cost becomes too high — like in 2019, when airport slowdowns forced Congress to fold after 35 days.

We’ll have more for you in tomorrow’s Daily Skimm. Now, let’s get to the rest of the news… 

— The Editors

What's Happening

Politics

Hegseth Is (Still) Trying To Rebrand the Pentagon

What's going on: When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called more than 800 generals for a last-minute meeting, no one knew what to expect — especially when President Donald Trump invited himself. Here’s what went down: Hegseth railed against a “woke department” that he says became too reliant on diversity and gender equity initiatives. He emphasized a new “warrior ethos” that would implement the “highest male standard” for fitness tests — and if that excludes women from combat, he said, “so be it.” As for what Trump had to say? His remarks jumped from former President Joe Biden’s use of the autopen to his own chances at a Nobel Peace Prize. He said he encouraged Hegseth to use cities like Portland, OR, and Chicago, IL, as “training grounds” for the military. The crowd had no visible reaction to what they heard — chalk it up to military training.

What it means: While previous defense secretaries have focused on combating threats from foreign adversaries like Russia and China, Hegseth is taking a different approach. In his own words, he’s putting f*ck around and find out energy front and center. Meanwhile, critics questioned the timing of the event — hours before a government shutdown deadline. And others called out the US military’s controversial deportation efforts in American cities. Trump defended those policies, telling military leaders there is an “enemy from within.” Some service members might welcome the changes, but others are on edge — especially since more could be on the camouflage horizon. The Washington Post also reports several high-ranking officials have concerns about Hegseth’s vision for the National Defense Strategy, the guiding framework for military priorities.

Related: One Republican Governor Wants Trump To Send Troops to His State (The Guardian)

Health

TrumpRx Wants To Flip the Script

What's going on: In timing that was just what the GOP ordered (aka, amid the aforementioned Congressional standoff centering on health care), President Trump and drug company Pfizer announced a deal yesterday to lower medication costs. That includes a direct-to-consumer site called TrumpRx, where only Americans can buy some drugs at a discounted rate negotiated by the government. Pfizer also agreed to the president’s “most-favored nation” plan, which offers Medicaid recipients most of the company’s medications at the lowest net price paid in other wealthy countries (where drugs often cost less). In return, Pfizer gets a three-year exemption from any tariffs related to national security — so long as it invests in US manufacturing.

What it means: Earlier this summer, Trump claimed he’d cut drug prices by more than 100%, with “14, 15, 1,600% reductions in some cases.” That, of course, isn’t doable (although every pharmacy regular wishes their receipt came stapled to a 1,600% off coupon), but many folks who rely on these drugs will take any form of relief. KFF research from last year found that most Americans see prescription drugs as too expensive, and three in 10 struggle to afford their medications. Meanwhile, TrumpRx’s full impact on the millions of Americans covered by private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare is still unclear. Up next? More drugmakers are expected to follow Pfizer with similar pricing agreements.

Related: Are Human Eggs From Skin Cells the Future of Fertility Treatment? (Wired)

Sport

Misogyny Made the Leaderboard 

What's going on: The Ryder Cup thrives on USA-Europe drama — rowdy fans and heckling encouraged. But that intensity turned toxic when American fans targeted Erica Stoll, Irish golfer Rory McIlroy’s wife, for seemingly just showing up to support him. They hurled a beer-filled cup in her direction, taunted the couple over their brief 2024 split, and dragged her online for, well, just about everything. Commenters critiqued her outfit, facial expressions, and even how she stood next to her husband. She was later seen crying on the green, where Rory stepped in to comfort her. After Team Europe took the win, he spoke out against the “unacceptable abuse” they faced throughout the weekend.

What it means: We’ve seen fan behavior go too far — WNBA players have literally dodged sex toys mid-game. Critics say this goes beyond rowdy energy; it’s a culture where women get harassed and fans feel free to say or do whatever they want. Other WAGs have been targeted too — for what they wear, what they say, or whether they clapped too little or too much. Rory called his wife a “very, very strong woman.” And she is, but that shouldn’t be a requirement for women to merely exist in a sports setting.

Related: A College Football Team Was Fined and Reprimanded After Anti-Mormon Chants (ESPN)

Highlight Reel

BY SKIMM SPORTS

The week's sports news and culture stories, ranked.

Hang it in the Louvre: England’s Red Roses won the Rugby World Cup in front of a record crowd and turned a rainy London day into a party. Who doesn’t love a soggy singalong?

Battle for it all: The Las Vegas Aces are headed to the WNBA Finals after beating the Indiana Fever 107-98 in overtime last night. The Aces will take on the Phoenix Mercury in the first game on Friday. 

Can’t-miss NWSL matchups: Saturday, October 4: NC Courage vs Racing Louisville - 7:30 pm ET on ION, and then catch the Portland Thorns vs Bay FC - 10 pm ET on ION. Sunday, October 5: Washington Spirit vs San Diego Wave - 1 pm ET on ESPN & ESPN+.

Give him the mic: Everyone’s favorite Olympics host is headed to Italy for the Winter Games, and you can bet he won’t be quiet about it.

Settle This

Which book series just turned 20 years old?

Game Time

Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.