The Daily A Shutdown Where None of the Normal Rules Apply
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Oct 17, 2025 
Tyler Pager, White House correspondent, Catie Edmondson, Congressional correspondent, and Tony Romm, economic policy reporter, discuss the unprecedented dynamics of the current government shutdown. They explore how the White House is weaponizing the situation to exert political pressure and how funding decisions are strategically used against opponents. The conversation also highlights the impact on civilian employees and the complexities surrounding legal challenges to troop payments, while considering the potential paths to resolve the standoff.
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Shutdown As A Political Weapon
- The White House is weaponizing the shutdown to pursue political goals and inflict pain on Democrats.
- Tyler Pager says this includes messaging and selective funding decisions across agencies.
Cuts Target Democratic Priorities
- The administration halted or canceled billions for areas linked to Democratic priorities like health and housing.
- Tony Romm notes this targets programs Democrats expanded under Biden.
Executive Budget Maneuvers Tested
- The president has reallocated funds to pay some personnel, testing the limits of executive power.
- Tony Romm explains reprogramming authority is limited and usually controlled by Congress.