The reality is the government was shut down the first day Trump entered office. We just didn't talk about it that way.
The only real leverage Dems had is on appropriations. Schumer screwed that up in February/March for FY 26. It imperiled his political support.
The reality is the government was shut down the first day Trump entered office. We just didn't talk about it that way.
The only real leverage Dems had is on appropriations. Schumer screwed that up in February/March for FY 26. It imperiled his political support.
Good cop: Senate Republicans
Bad cop: House Republicans (Johnson)
Crazy cop: Russ Vought + Trump
Vought's plan was always to use impoundment/rescissions/starving people + firing feds to force Dems to surrender on the power of the purse.
Good cop: Senate Republicans
Bad cop: House Republicans (Johnson)
Crazy cop: Russ Vought + Trump
Vought's plan was always to use impoundment/rescissions/starving people + firing feds to force Dems to surrender on the power of the purse.