US government shutdown likely to conclude this week, says White House adviser

Politics

US government shutdown likely to conclude this week, says White House adviser

1 month ago

News sources:

REUTERS

CHANNELNEWSASIA

SCMP

US government shutdown likely to conclude this week, says White House adviser

Credited from: SCMP

The 20-day U.S. government shutdown is expected to end this week.
White House adviser Kevin Hassett cites political optics surrounding recent protests.
"No Kings" rallies criticized perceived authoritarianism linked to President Trump.

The 20-day U.S. federal government shutdown is likely to end this week, according to White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett. In an interview, he referred to the shutdown as the "Schumer shutdown," implying it was politically orchestrated by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, and suggested that conditions may now be ripe for resolution, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.

Hassett indicated that the White House needed to consider timing in light of recent "No Kings" rallies that drew widespread participation across the United States. He noted that his "friends in the Senate" believed it would be "bad optics for Democrats" to reopen the government prior to these demonstrations. Now, with the protests concluded, there is a renewed hope for legislative progress, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.

If the shutdown persists, Hassett stated that the White House would explore additional cost-cutting measures. He highlighted that there has been significant pressure from moderates, emphasizing that opening the government in the midst of the rallies would not be feasible. Moving forward, they must evaluate stronger strategies to address the situation, as conveyed by Reuters, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.