The Al Franken Podcast Political Reporter David Weigel on The Shutdown
17 snips
Nov 2, 2025 
Political reporter David Weigel from Semafor dives into the looming government shutdown and its implications. He discusses how the Trump administration seems out of touch with economic realities, all while indulging in extravagant spending, like a lavish ballroom. Weigel critiques Republican messaging towards SNAP, and highlights dissent within the Democratic party about leadership and image. He warns of the potential consequences of a prolonged shutdown, including harm to voters in red states and the risk of losing public trust.
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SNAP Funds Withheld As Political Leverage
- The administration is deliberately avoiding tapping a SNAP contingency fund to pressure Democrats.
- David Weigel says officials prefer political leverage over preventing millions from missing benefits.
Govern By Legal Gambits And Court Tests
- The White House runs risky legal gambits then waits for courts to validate them.
- Weigel labels this a strategy of 'try it, go to court, hope they win.'
Deliberate Strategy To Weaken Federal Bureaucracy
- OMB officials openly celebrate traumatizing federal bureaucrats to reshape agencies.
- Weigel cites Russ Vought's remarks about making bureaucrats not want to go to work as revealing intent.
