Klein Suggests Shutdowns to Challenge Trump
Ezra Klein, a columnist for the New York Times, discussed on a podcast how Democrats might need to think about using government shutdowns as a strategy against President Donald Trump.
Klein pointed out that with government funding set to run out soon, there’s a chance of another partial shutdown. Earlier, House Democrats on the progressive side had asked their Senate counterparts to halt fundraising, while Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer ultimately backed a continuing resolution, urging others to do the same.
“If I had to choose, I think Schumer was probably right—timing wasn’t ideal for a shutdown, and some just weren’t on board yet,” Klein noted. “But now, with the bill from March about to expire, we face tough decisions again. Should Senate Democrats team up with Senate Republicans to fund the government?”
Schumer finds himself in a tough spot, as he faces criticism from the more left-leaning members of his party while navigating the potential for a government shutdown.
Klein argued that if Trump extends government funding, Democrats could be seen as complicit in what Trump refers to as the “authoritarian phase” of his presidency. He emphasized, “Let me be clear: Trump is corrupting the government, using it to benefit his allies and enhance his own power.”
“Democrats cannot simply fund a government that serves personal interests,” Klein asserted.
Although he expressed uncertainty about whether a shutdown would be a smart move, he contemplated that it might offer a better alternative than sticking with the party’s current approach.
“This moment calls for real opposition. Morally, Trump shouldn’t be able to fund a government that’s become a vehicle for his own enrichment, but whether Democrats can come out on top in a shutdown situation remains unclear.”
As October 1 approaches, congressional leaders need to pass a resolution to extend government funding for the remainder of the year. It’s likely that Senate Republicans will require Democratic support to escape a filibuster.
