The Socialist Program with Brian Becker Government Shutdown or General Strike? How to Fight Trump’s Agenda
Nov 12, 2025
Joining Brian Becker is Professor Richard Wolff, an economist and co-founder of Democracy at Work. They dissect the implications of the recent government shutdown, criticizing Democrats' tactics and revealing the political theater behind it. Wolff explains how America's economic decline and rising global competition drive political choices, linking budget cuts and shutdowns to elite interests. They highlight the potential doubling of ACA premiums, showcasing the real stakes for millions relying on subsidies and the failures of the Democratic Party to mobilize public support.
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Shutdowns Misfire Politically
- Government shutdowns harm millions of ordinary people while protecting political elites' interests.
- Richard Wolff argues the tactic is a weak, political-class response that misdirects public anger.
Crisis Signaling To Creditors
- Wolff links the shutdown tactic to deeper economic decline and global competition pressures.
- He says leaders use theatrics like shutdowns to signal fiscal toughness to creditors.
Cuts Target The Vulnerable
- The shutdown is framed as a cost-cutting move that targets vulnerable programs, not elites.
- Wolff emphasizes Republicans avoid taxing the rich and instead cut services that hit ordinary people.
