US Shutdown Turns Political Weapon: Trump Expands Presidential Power

Washington: The ongoing government shutdown in the US has now become the second longest in history, starting from October 1, 2025, and continuing for more than 25 days till October 26. This surpasses the 21-day shutdown of 1995-96. The main reason for this is Congress's inability to pass a budget bill for fiscal year 2026, in which partisan differences over federal spending are prominent. President Donald Trump is using it as a means not only to put pressure on Democrats but also to shape the federal budget in line with his priorities—such as defense and immigration policies.

The beginning of shutdown

The concept of the shutdown began in 1980, when then-Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti implemented it under the Antideficiency Act. Its basic objective was that the government should not spend any money without parliamentary approval so that financial discipline could be maintained. But the current Trump administration has turned it into a political weapon.

The websites of several government agencies are blaming Democrats, while the controversy focuses on Obamacare subsidy expansion and federal spending. Trump has used Defense Department funds to fund his own priorities and begun the process of laying off more than 4,000 employees. However, on October 15, the federal court put a stay on the layoffs on the complaint of unions.

"I can't believe the radical Democrats gave me this unprecedented opportunity," Trump wrote on social media. It is clear from this that they are seeing it as an expansion of presidential powers. Democrats argue that this is not just a budget dispute but a threat to the US Constitution and the balance of power. Senator Tim Kaine said, "The president's immense powers are hurting the country, and the public is fed up with it." The Senate voted on the funding bill for the 12th time, but it failed.

Impact on the Americans

The shutdown is having a profound impact on ordinary Americans. Food assistance program SNAP is in crisis; states like Pennsylvania, Texas, and New York have temporarily stopped payments to beneficiaries. The TSA staffing shortage is causing increasing delays in air travel, and millions of federal employees are working without pay.

The Defense Department has accepted $130 million in private donations to pay for troops, but not relief for other employees. National parks are partially open, but tourism is affected. Economic experts estimate that this could cause a loss of 0.1-0.2% on GDP. Political analysts believe the shutdown could permanently change the nature of American democracy, especially if it stretches into November.

Bipartisan talks continue in Congress, but the Trump administration has canceled trade talks with Canada and is planning new sanctions on Venezuela. This crisis is affecting not only finance but also global diplomacy. Public anger is rising, and experts are warning that a prolonged shutdown could lead to social instability.