WASHINGTON (AP) — President Trump isn’t curtailing travel, avoiding golf, or drastically minimizing activities in the West Wing. While previous administrations typically reduced public events during shutdowns to express solidarity with those affected, the Trump administration has operated much as usual over the past 29 days.
This shutdown has led to approximately 750,000 federal employees being furloughed and many working without pay. Essential programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are experiencing funding lapses, impacting millions who rely on them.
In stark contrast to typical responses from past presidents during shutdown periods, Trump has managed to keep his public schedule busy, engaging in a six-day trip through Asia following a recent visit to the Middle East to foster a ceasefire in downed regional conflicts.
Despite the turmoil, the White House staff has seen fewer furloughs this time; only 32% of the executive team is expected to be sent home. This is a notable drop from the 61% during the previous shutdown under Trump. The operational normalcy has resulted in minimal visible effects from the shutdown for the American public.
Political analysts note that Trump's approach can help him appear presidential while sidestepping negative narratives associated with the shutdown. Observers like Paul Begala remark on how his low-profile strategy may prevent backlash, comparing it to past political strategies in various shutdowns.
Unlike previous interruptions, Trump seems less anxious about immediate political repercussions, continuing to work overtly on behalf of the American populace while highlighting the adversities caused by the shutdown. The administration is framing the narrative around blame, asserting that the Democrats are responsible for the disruptions.
As debates continue surrounding essential tax credits and federal funding, both sides of Congress face pressure for resolution, yet both remain entrenched in their positions as the shutdown persists.
This shutdown has led to approximately 750,000 federal employees being furloughed and many working without pay. Essential programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are experiencing funding lapses, impacting millions who rely on them.
In stark contrast to typical responses from past presidents during shutdown periods, Trump has managed to keep his public schedule busy, engaging in a six-day trip through Asia following a recent visit to the Middle East to foster a ceasefire in downed regional conflicts.
Despite the turmoil, the White House staff has seen fewer furloughs this time; only 32% of the executive team is expected to be sent home. This is a notable drop from the 61% during the previous shutdown under Trump. The operational normalcy has resulted in minimal visible effects from the shutdown for the American public.
Political analysts note that Trump's approach can help him appear presidential while sidestepping negative narratives associated with the shutdown. Observers like Paul Begala remark on how his low-profile strategy may prevent backlash, comparing it to past political strategies in various shutdowns.
Unlike previous interruptions, Trump seems less anxious about immediate political repercussions, continuing to work overtly on behalf of the American populace while highlighting the adversities caused by the shutdown. The administration is framing the narrative around blame, asserting that the Democrats are responsible for the disruptions.
As debates continue surrounding essential tax credits and federal funding, both sides of Congress face pressure for resolution, yet both remain entrenched in their positions as the shutdown persists.
