Charles Hunt

Political scientist Charles Hunt from Boise State University dives into the chaos of the longest U.S. government shutdown. He breaks down its triggers, highlighting the role of healthcare subsidies and the impact on over a million federal workers. Hunt discusses the Trump administration's strategy to shrink government and the unusual legal battles around funding. The conversation touches on electoral consequences, pressure dynamics, and the surprising decisions of Democrats that shaped the outcome. Hunt sheds light on the risk of future shutdowns and the slim policy gains achieved.