Elon, Inc. Everybody's Business: Will the Shutdown Lead to DOGE 2.0?
Oct 4, 2025
Justin Wolfers, an economist and professor, shines a light on the unexpected economic ramifications of the government shutdown, emphasizing its political significance and human cost. Zeke Fox, a crypto journalist, discusses the colorful journey of Justin Sun, the enigmatic figure in the crypto world. They explore how cryptocurrency ties into political spheres, including Sun's surprising connections with Trump, and reveal a quirky economic indicator involving wealthy 'sugar daddies' reducing their support for partners amid financial strain.
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Shutdowns Are Economically Small But Morally Large
- Government shutdowns are often politically manufactured but can still cause real, localized harm.
- Justin Wolfers says shutdowns may be small macroeconomically yet are a pointless waste of billions and harm public servants.
Indifference Prolongs Political Crises
- A prolonged shutdown can persist if public indifference reduces political pressure to resolve it.
- Wolfers warns normalization of chaos removes urgency and can make shutdowns last much longer.
Plan For Pay Delays Not Immediate Job Loss
- Recognize shutdown impacts on pay, not just jobs; Congress usually retroactively pays furloughed workers.
- Track your household exposure and plan short-term cash buffers if you rely on federal paychecks.
