The politics of a government shutdown

The federal government shut down this week, leaving thousands of
federal employees furloughed. Families who depend on WIC and SNAP
could also be at risk if the shutdown prolongs. Since President
Trump took office, thousands of federal employees have faced
layoffs or resigned themselves.  Conversations around a
government shutdown brewed in March, but the final straw for
Democrats may have been in August. That was when Russell Vought,
director of the Office of Management and Budget, said the House
of Representatives would withhold $4 billion previously allocated
for foreign aid. Trump blames Democrats for the shutdown. Which
party will get their desired outcome here?





Ezra Klein, a New York Times opinion writer, said that a shutdown
may be exactly what Democrats need to regain power of the
legislative branch. But could it jeopardize the party’s political
future?





Also this week, President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete
Hegseth gathered global military leaders in Quantico, Virginia,
sharing their visions for the newly-named Department of War. This
comes after 200 National Guard troops were sent to Portland,
Oregon because Trump said the city looked like “World War II.”
How do active and retired military members feel about orders to
enforce the law in American cities?