There are several “hot issues” in Washington these days, for example the Epstein Files and the United Nations escalator that refused to elevate Trump…but of greater importance is the impact of a government shutdown.
President Trump sent a strong signal he is in no mood for conversation. He cancelled a scheduled meeting with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
My take is President Trump sees a shut down as an opportunity to inflict pain on federal employees who are standing in the way of MAGA ideology. As soon as the meeting was canceled OMB Director Russ Voght (who led Project 2025 policy) sent out a directive instructing federal agencies to prepare major reduction-in-force plans if the government shuts down.
The Democratic leaders who tried to meet with the President wanted to keep the government in business…ONLY if serious cuts made by the “Big Beautiful Bill” to healthcare were fixed.
Trump’s crew knew the “Big Beautiful Bill” got them in trouble with voters…as they have been looking for ways to re-brand (but not change it) before the 2026 election. If no changes are made to healthcare, that alone could see Democrats taking controlling of the House after the 2026 election.
House Republicans working with the White House…passed a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) until November 21…and left town…not to return until after the shutdown September 30th.
Democratic leaders are working to keep the government open. They want to stop the unbelievable cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act subsidies. Voters back home have told their Senators and Congressman how they will suffer if these healthcare issues are not fixed.
Four days…and counting.