Cause of Shutdown:
- Shutdown occurred after Congress failed to pass funding past September 30.
- Cruz argues Democrats deliberately blocked a CR to appease their progressive base.
Senate Dynamics:
- A CR passed the House but failed in the Senate, receiving 55 votes instead of the required 60.
- Three Democrats (Fetterman, Cortez Masto, Angus King) voted with Republicans to keep government open.
Partisan Framing:
- Democrats are motivated by hatred of Trump and internal party pressures.
- Schumer is depicted as fearing a primary challenge from AOC and pandering to the left wing.
Policy Disputes:
- Republicans claim Democrats demanded benefits such as free healthcare for undocumented immigrants and removal of work requirements for welfare.
- The conversation suggests these were “unrealistic demands” meant only as political theater.
Impact of Shutdown:
- Essential services (military, law enforcement, FAA) continue, but workers go unpaid temporarily.
- Nonessential services like national parks and Smithsonian museums shut down.
Political Messaging:
- Cruz and the host argue this is the “Schumer shutdown,” not a bipartisan failure.
- They highlight Democrat statements from past years criticizing shutdown tactics, suggesting hypocrisy.
- WATCH WH Hakeem Jeffries VIDEO HERE
Strategic Angle:
- The Trump administration is said to plan permanent layoffs (“reduction in force”) of federal bureaucrats during the shutdown, targeting those seen as left-leaning.
- This is framed as a strategic opportunity to reshape the federal workforce.

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