The Opinions Three Opinion Writers on Whether Congress Can Rein in Trump
30 snips
Sep 6, 2025 
Jamelle Bouie, a columnist for The New York Times, and fellow columnist David French join the discussion on the potential government shutdown. They explore whether Democrats should embrace a shutdown as a strategy, weighing its political risks and benefits. The duo also highlights Congress's diminishing power under Trump and its implications for governance. They delve into recent scandals, like the Epstein case, examining how they shape public perception and accountability in today's political landscape.
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Let A Shutdown Enforce The Purse
- Democrats should allow a shutdown to force the White House to respect congressional appropriations.
- Jamel Bouie argues withholding votes pressures the administration to treat funding as law.
Shutdowns Often Backfire Politically
- Ransom shutdowns often fail because public blame and outcomes are unpredictable.
- David French warns shutdowns can create chaos and empower the president rather than constrain him.
This Fight Is About Legal Authority
- This shutdown debate differs because it's about enforcing the law, not policy repeal.
- Bouie says Democrats should refuse to enable funding if the White House treats appropriations as recommendations.
