

Trump, Musk, The Shutdown — And You
Mar 10, 2025
Nicholas Wu, a Congressional reporter at Politico, dives into the high-stakes negotiations to prevent a government shutdown. He highlights the slim chances of bipartisan support amidst funding controversies, particularly those favoring the Pentagon while cutting social programs. The conversation also touches on Trump's recent cuts to Columbia University grants and escalating violence in Syria. Wu sheds light on the spread of conspiracy theories and their societal implications, making for a compelling discussion on the current political climate.
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Government Shutdown Risks
- Congress is crucial for preventing a government shutdown, even amidst concerns about Trump and Musk's influence.
- A continuing resolution is being debated, with potential negative impacts for both Republicans and Democrats if a shutdown occurs.
Continuing Resolution Details
- The continuing resolution includes increased funding for defense and border security, but cuts other programs.
- This resolution aims to appease Republicans while potentially alienating Democrats, setting up a larger fiscal fight in September.
Democratic Stance
- Top Democratic leaders oppose the current bill, but the Senate's decision remains uncertain.
- Republicans aim to pass the bill in the House and leave the Senate with the choice of passing it or risking a shutdown.