**Trump Announces First Steps Toward Durable Peace; Kristi Noem Compares Antifa to MS-13**
*Key US politics stories from 8 October at a glance*
It started with a whisper. During a roundtable event with conservative influencers discussing Antifa, Marco Rubio quietly interrupted Donald Trump, speaking softly into the former president’s ear. Rubio handed Trump a note that read, “Very close. We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.”
Shortly thereafter, Trump posted on Truth Social that the first phase of a peace plan had been agreed upon by Israel and Hamas. This phase involves pausing fighting and the release of some hostages and prisoners held in Gaza. The announcement brings the best hope yet of a definitive end to the bloody two-year conflict.
In related news, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem drew comparisons between Antifa and the notorious gang MS-13, highlighting ongoing tensions in US political discourse.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/09/trump-administration-news-updates-today