Everybody in Washington hates a shutdown. Until you’re pushing for one
October 1, 2025
If you’ve been in Washington long enough, you’ve most likely argued both sides of a government shutdown. Donald Trump said in 2013 that “you have to get people in a room” and make deals to avoid a shutdown. He’s now not negotiating. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized people who “amazingly” believe a shutdown is good if it gets them what they want. Schumer is now doing just that. Both parties have used the threat of shutdowns to force a policy outcome, and both sides have decried the other for doing the same. Nobody likes a shutdown, but each side insists that the American people are on their side.