Washington Today Weekend Edition: Government Shutdown, Secretary Hegseth's Address to US Admirals & Generals, Political Extremism in the United States
Oct 4, 2025
Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, discusses the ramifications of a government shutdown on federal workers, emphasizing the need for bipartisan action. Retired Army Colonel Peter Mansoor reflects on the unusual presidential gathering of generals, questioning its implications for civil-military relations. Lastly, Rob Henderson from the Manhattan Institute dives into online radicalization among young men, analyzing the psychological factors that drive political extremism and suggesting ways to counteract it.
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Government Being Recast For Partisan Ends
- Max Stier warns the current administration treats government as a vehicle for partisan aims rather than the public good.
- He sees this shift as damaging democracy and warns Congress should stop unilateral restructurings.
Shutdowns Don’t Authorize Mass Firings
- Stier explains a shutdown does not legally permit firing federal employees beyond standard furloughs.
- He calls the president's RIF threats unrelated to shutdown authority and inflammatory.
Hold Leaders Accountable To Keep Government Open
- Max Stier urges party leaders to fulfill their responsibility and keep the government open.
- He advises holding congressional and executive leadership accountable rather than proposing punitive stunts against employees.