Hassett Predicts Government Shutdown May End Soon
Kevin Hassett, the Director of the National Economic Council, shared on Monday that the ongoing government shutdown might conclude this week. However, he cautioned that the Trump administration may resort to “stronger action” should the funding deadlock persist.
During an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Hassett indicated that Democrats might delay voting to reopen the government until after the upcoming “No Kings” protests nationwide, which are aimed at President Donald Trump. He emphasized the potential for an end to the shutdown within the week.
This statement arises as the federal government faces its third week of a shutdown, driven by a partisan standoff in the Senate regarding federal funding priorities. Hassett remarked, “I think the Schumer shutdown is likely to end this week,” attributing responsibility for the funding impasse to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
If an agreement isn’t reached soon, he noted, the White House will need to monitor the situation carefully. Hassett reiterated that the shutdown could conclude this week if negotiations progress.
The crux of the disagreement lies in conflicting funding priorities. Republicans propose a short-term resolution to maintain current funding levels, while Democrats insist on incorporating additional spending related to health care protections, extending existing tax credits, and reversing amendments that complicate access to taxpayer-funded health services for undocumented immigrants.
Hassett mentioned that Democrats perceive voting to reopen the government prior to the protests as a “bad look,” suggesting they might be waiting for a strategically favorable moment to end the standoff.
Polls indicate that a growing number of voters attribute the funding deadlock to Trump and the Republican Party, while showing strong backing for extending ACA health insurance subsidies.
When asked about Trump’s role in the negotiations, Hassett stated that the President has been “very active” but believes the matter is ultimately one for the Senate to resolve.
The shutdown has already inflicted considerable disruption on federal agencies, leading to employee furloughs and the Trump administration’s initiation of permanent layoffs following a downsizing order issued last week. Nevertheless, historical data suggests that the overall economic impact of such shutdowns is often minimal.
