Democrats' Shutdown Strategy Hinges on a Risky Bet
The White House has threatened to use a government shutdown to gut the regulatory state, but it may be bluffing, according to some experts.
On September 29, 2025, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) met with President Donald Trump at the White House in an attempt to avoid a government shutdown. However, the meeting did not yield any concrete results, and the threat of a shutdown remains a possibility.
According to sources, White House budget director Russell Vought instructed federal agencies to consider mass firings in the event of a shutdown, specifically targeting departments that are close to Democrats' hearts. Vought specified that such downsizing should be confined to departments that are seen as "regulatory overreach."
"This is a clear attempt by the administration to use a shutdown as leverage to gut the regulatory state," said Senator Schumer's spokesperson in a statement. "We will not stand idly by while the administration tries to undermine the very agencies that protect American consumers and workers."
However, some experts believe that the White House may be bluffing. "The administration is trying to create a sense of urgency around this issue, but it's unclear whether they actually intend to follow through on their threats," said Dr. Emily Chen, a government shutdown expert at the Brookings Institution.
The threat of a shutdown has been a recurring theme in Washington, D.C., with both parties using it as leverage to achieve their policy goals. However, this time around, the stakes are higher than ever before.
A government shutdown would have significant consequences for millions of Americans who rely on federal services and programs. It would also have a devastating impact on the economy, which is already showing signs of slowing down.
The current situation is complex, with both parties dug in and unwilling to budge. The House of Representatives has passed a spending bill that includes funding for the regulatory agencies targeted by the White House, but it's unclear whether the Senate will follow suit.
As the clock ticks down to October 1, when federal funding is set to lapse, the situation remains uncertain. Will the White House follow through on its threats, or will they back down at the last minute? Only time will tell.
Background:
The threat of a government shutdown has been a recurring theme in Washington, D.C., with both parties using it as leverage to achieve their policy goals. However, this time around, the stakes are higher than ever before.
In 2018, the Trump administration threatened to shut down the government over funding for a border wall, but ultimately backed down at the last minute. This time around, the White House is taking a harder line, with Vought instructing federal agencies to prepare for mass firings in the event of a shutdown.
Additional Perspectives:
Some experts believe that the White House's strategy may backfire, as it could galvanize public opinion against them. "The administration's tactics are likely to alienate moderate Republicans and independents, who will see this as an attempt to undermine essential government services," said Dr. Chen.
Others argue that the threat of a shutdown is a necessary evil in order to achieve policy goals. "We need to be willing to take risks and make tough decisions in order to protect American interests," said Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).
Current Status:
The situation remains uncertain, with both parties dug in and unwilling to budge. The House of Representatives has passed a spending bill that includes funding for the regulatory agencies targeted by the White House, but it's unclear whether the Senate will follow suit.
As the clock ticks down to October 1, when federal funding is set to lapse, the situation remains uncertain. Will the White House follow through on its threats, or will they back down at the last minute? Only time will tell.
*Reporting by Vox.*
