Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

President Trump slams Senate Democrats over government shutdown; Turning Point USA Faith reports explosive growth after Charlie Kirk's assassination. Bible sales hit record highs. Updates on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and more.

Block 1: Trump Accuses Schumer of Holding Government Hostage

President Donald Trump isn't mincing words: Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are to blame for the ongoing government shutdown. Now entering its third week, the shutdown centers on Senate Democrats refusing to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded.

Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Trump declared, "Chuck Schumer and the Senate Democrats need to vote for the clean, bipartisan CR and reopen our government."

Trump’s frustration was palpable. He accused Schumer and his allies of political extortion, saying, "We will not be extorted on this crazy plot of theirs."

Trump reminded Americans of the booming economy, reduced inflation, and surging investment. "In the greatest moment in the history of our country... these guys go on strike," he said. "It’s really a shame."

The president tied the Democrats' actions to their increasingly radical base, joking, "He’s even losing to AOC plus three," referring to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other progressive Democrats.

Trump vowed to hold the line and urged Americans to demand accountability, closing with, "We don’t need ransom politics. We need responsible governance."

Block 2: Turning Point USA Faith Surges After Charlie Kirk's Assassination

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's tragic assassination, Turning Point USA Faith has seen unprecedented growth. The organization’s church network has doubled in size in just a few weeks, jumping from 4,000 to 8,000 churches.

Over 200,000 new believers have engaged with TPUSA Faith since Kirk’s death. On social media, engagement has surged over 1,000%, signaling a revival movement that many see as divinely inspired.

Spokesman Andrew Kolvet described the moment as "revival-like," saying Kirk’s message has reawakened faith across the country. "We’re seeing families come back to church. People are praying again."

TPUSA Faith has ramped up its outreach with online devotionals, prayer groups, and pastoral resources. "This is a movement built on faith and freedom," Kolvet said. "Charlie’s legacy is fueling a nationwide revival."

Block 3: Bible Sales Skyrocket After Tragedy

According to the Wall Street Journal, Bible sales in the U.S. soared in September following Kirk’s assassination. Retail data from Circana BookScan revealed 2.4 million Bibles sold—a 36% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

It marked the highest-selling month for Bibles this year, confirming a national spiritual awakening in the face of tragedy.

"There’s a renewed hunger for truth," said Kolvet. "People are searching for something bigger than politics, and they’re finding it in God’s word."

Block 4: Trump Derangement Syndrome? Trump Supporter Targeted in NC Shooting

In a disturbing case out of Western North Carolina, Mark Thomas, a river-rafting business owner, says he was shot at after a man tore down a Trump banner from his yard.

Police later arrested 38-year-old Benjamin Campbell, an Atlanta accountant, who allegedly returned to the scene and fired multiple shots. Charges include felony assault with a deadly weapon.

Thomas, whose elderly mother was at home during the attack, told reporters he only fired warning shots to protect his property. "It’s political rage taken too far," he said. "This wasn’t just vandalism. This was attempted murder."

Block 5: Ralph Norman on Shutdown, Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman joined the show to weigh in on the shutdown, echoing Trump’s stance. "This is about fiscal sanity. We can’t let the far left dictate terms."

Norman also spoke on the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire, saying, "We must stand with Israel while pushing for regional stability."

He cautioned that any deal must include the return of hostages and disarmament of Hamas-affiliated groups.

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