What's happened
White House adviser Kevin Hassett predicts the US government shutdown will end soon, possibly this week, amid ongoing negotiations. Protesters recently rallied against perceived authoritarianism, but with protests concluded, the White House considers further cost-cutting if the shutdown persists.
What's behind the headline?
The timing of Hassett's prediction indicates a strategic move to frame the shutdown as nearing resolution, possibly to influence public perception and political negotiations. The protests, which denounced authoritarianism and corruption, serve as a backdrop that pressures lawmakers to find common ground. The White House's readiness to consider stronger measures underscores the fragility of the current stalemate. This situation reveals how political optics and public demonstrations are shaping the shutdown's trajectory. If the shutdown ends, it will likely be due to concessions on spending and healthcare, but the threat of further cost-cutting remains if negotiations stall. The interplay between protests and political negotiations highlights the complex dynamics of US governance at this moment.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports Hassett's optimism about the shutdown ending this week, citing political optics and Senate negotiations. The South China Morning Post echoes this, emphasizing the protests' role in shaping the political landscape. Bloomberg adds that the White House is considering stronger measures if Democrats do not support a spending package, highlighting the pressure on negotiations. While all sources agree on the potential resolution, Bloomberg's focus on possible escalation underscores ongoing tensions. The articles collectively suggest that the resolution hinges on political strategy, public pressure, and negotiations, with the White House prepared to act if necessary.
How we got here
The US government has been partially shut down due to disagreements over federal spending and healthcare demands. Recent protests across the country, under the banner of 'No Kings,' have highlighted public opposition to perceived authoritarian tendencies of President Trump. Hassett's comments suggest a potential resolution is near, influenced by political optics and ongoing negotiations.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Kevin Allen Hassett (born March 20, 1962) is an American economist who has been the director of the National Economic Council since 2025. He was the senior advisor and chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers from 2017 to 2019.
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