Google Gemini was used to research this piece. This Essay was posted on 10/15/2025.
The government shutdown is in its 15th day with no end in sight. Democrats want Obamacare Premium Tax Credits restored, Medicare and Medicaid cuts extended, reverse Medicare cuts, restore funding for public media outlets like PBS and NPR, and limit Donald Trump’s ability to withhold funding already approved. Republicans don’t want any of these changes and are not willing to enter negotiations. Democrats fear that Republicans would not negotiate in good faith if Congress restores funding that would end the shutdown. Right now, the government is deadlocked with no end in sight.
Experts suggest that Trump is using the shutdown to shrink or cut programs not aligned with Republican goals, like Healthcare and Education. Trump is also trying to make Democrats the scapegoats over the shutdown, which would help Republicans in 2026. But there is another reason bigger than the issues and election politics.
Donald Trump’s goal is to be the Unitary Executive and assume total control over the Executive Branch. This move would remove all checks and balances over the Executive Branch by Congress and the Courts. Using the shutdown as an excuse, Trump has free rein over the Executive Branch, and a deadlocked Congress is virtually powerless. The courts can rule against Trump, but they have no power to enforce the rulings. There is no incentive to end the shutdown.
Without help from Republicans, Democrats are in a bind. If they accept the Republican bill, they will be on a clear path to autocracy, and if they hold the line on healthcare, the shutdown will continue indefinitely with Trump in control of the purse strings.
It is now up to us, the public voters to use our power to protest, vote, and hope that the elections stay fair enough.
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