Government Shutdown: The Truth Behind Trump and Republicans in 2018

During the presidency of Donald Trump, the United States faced a government shutdown lasting 35 days in 2018. This shutdown was a period of political turmoil and confusion, with many people erroneously blaming President Trump. However, the real story behind this shutdown is often overlooked. This article delves into the facts and provides a detailed explanation of why the government closed down and the factors that contributed to it.

The Budgetlevator: Trump's Call for Congressional Action

President Trump's primary reason for calling for a government shutdown was the need to pass a budget. The 2018 budgeting process was not easy; a key issue was the proposed border wall funding. This budgetiling largely rested on the shoulders of Congress, which, at the time, was controlled by Republicans. However, the Democratic-led House of Representatives was not willing to pass a budget that did not include other provisions that were not directly related to the government shutdown. This deadlock led to the shutdown.

Whose Fault Is It?

The false accusation that President Trump was solely responsible for the shutdown is widely propagated by those who oppose his policies. However, the truth is more nuanced. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, often referred to as “Fancy Nancy” in some quarters, along with her fellow Democrats, played a crucial role in the situation. They continually stalled the budgeting process, adding political conditions that were not related to essential governance. Without a budget, the government has no authority to spend, leading to the inevitable shutdown.

The Role of the Shutdown in Elections and Legitimacy

The 2018 government shutdown can also be seen as a political ploy. The orchestrators were the Republicans, who sought to gain leverage in upcoming elections. It was a calculated move designed to create fear and chaos in the hopes of shifting public opinion against the opposition. However, the strategy backfired as many voters viewed the shutdown as unnecessary and politically motivated rather than a necessity for proper governance.

The Wall and Open Borders

One of the primary reasons why the government shutdown occurred was the proposed border wall. Trump's border wall, initially a campaign promise, was central to the 2018 budget battle. The Democratic-led House refused to fund the wall, and the Republican Senate was split on the issue. When the wall plan was rolled back by the Biden administration, it was seen as a betrayal by many who supported the original plan. Open borders, a concept supported by some Democrats, are seen by many as an unsustainable and dangerous policy choice, leading to the original disagreement.

The Inflation Reduction Act and Its Impact

During the shutdown, a flurry of financial legislation was passed, including the Inflation Reduction Act. This act aimed to reduce emissions and address climate change but was heavily criticized for its high cost. Critics argue that the massive spending on climate measures led to a spike in inflation, something that directly impacted American citizens. The shutdown is often linked to this act, with some saying it was the root cause of the economic downturn.

Final Thoughts on Government Disfunction and Accountability

While President Trump may have contributed to the political climate that led to the 2018 shutdown, the real culprits were the legislators on both sides of the aisle who were unable to reach an agreement. The shutdown was not merely a display of political will but a reflection of the broader dysfunction of American government. As a result, there is a call for greater decorum and civility in the political process. It is crucial that lawmakers prioritize the interests of the nation and the people over their partisan politics.

The truth is, government shutdowns hurt the country and undermine public trust in our political institutions. It is essential that we move towards a future where political disagreements are resolved through dialogue and compromise, not through manipulation and irresponsible actions.