Big Take Will the Shutdown Lead to DOGE 2.0?
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Oct 5, 2025 
Justin Wolfers, economist and University of Michigan professor, discusses the implications of the government shutdown, emphasizing its political nature and limited macroeconomic impact. He highlights the human cost for public servants caught in the crossfire. Zeke Fox, a BusinessWeek reporter, dives into the world of crypto, tracing Justin Sun's rise from pariah to Trump donor while uncovering the intertwining of political power and cryptocurrency. Their insights reveal the complex dynamics at play in the current economic landscape.
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Students Describe Real Economic Anxiety
- University of Michigan students voiced worries about cost of living and job prospects.
- One student said their Pell Grant disappeared without notification, illustrating real effects on young people.
Shutdowns Are Political, Not Macro Crises
- Government shutdowns are largely political theatre with modest macroeconomic impact.
- Justin Wolfers warns the waste of billions is real even if GDP effects are small.
Normalization Lowers Pressure To Resolve Crises
- Indifference to shutdowns reduces political urgency to end them.
- Wolfers warns normalization could let future shutdowns run longer and cause more harm.
