Phone records for Senator Ted Cruz were subpoenaed as part of then-Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigations into former President Donald Trump, making Cruz the ninth known Republican senator whose records were sought by the Justice Department. This development occurred during the reporting window of October 21st, 2025, between 2:02 AM and 2:32 AM UTC. In related news, Senator Marco Rubio, now serving as President Trump's national security adviser, is implementing policies aimed at ousting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, a goal Rubio has pursued for over a decade. This shift in approach aligns with President Trump's administration. Previous reports from October 21st, 2025, indicated that Senate GOP Leader John Thune had stated Paul Ingrassia's nomination for Office of Special Counsel was unlikely to pass. Separately, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited TOPGUN at Naval Air Station Fallon. Additionally, President Trump was reportedly considering commuting the sentence of Sean "Diddy" Combs. The U.S. government shutdown also continued amidst ongoing negotiations. Further context from previous reports on October 20th and 21st, 2025, detailed concerns from Democrats about the Supreme Court potentially weakening the Voting Rights Act, following indications from conservative justices during a Louisiana redistricting case. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown Jr. also made public comments regarding his non-partisan duties. The initiative to use 3D printing for replacement Black Hawk control knobs was also highlighted as a cost-saving measure.
