Donald Trump’s approval ratings are plummeting following his decision to instigate an unusual government shutdown in the United States, leading to an imminent wave of layoffs. Approximately 750,000 government employees are facing furloughs as a result of a budget dispute between Republican and Democratic lawmakers, causing a halt in government operations. This shutdown is expected to disrupt various aspects of American life in October, impacting sectors such as air travel and national park visits. While most Department of Homeland Security workers will remain on duty, an estimated 14,000 employees may be furloughed.
Certain essential services like Medicare and Medicaid are anticipated to continue during the shutdown, although there could be delays due to staffing shortages. Past shutdowns have seen National Parks closed to the public, but in the previous instance, Trump opted to keep them open with minimal staff, resulting in incidents of vandalism and littering at historic sites, as reported by park employees.
Experts like Professor Natasha Lindstaed from the University of Essex suggest that the shutdown reflects the extreme polarization in U.S. politics, with Trump’s uncompromising approach contributing to the current stalemate. Public opinion on the shutdown remains divided, with a recent poll showing that 45% of voters blame Republicans for the shutdown, while 32% hold Democrats responsible. Inderjeet Parmar, an International Politics professor at City St George’s, University of London, explained that the shutdown aligns with Trump’s agenda to streamline the federal government by initiating mass layoffs and reductions in various agencies.
Parmar highlighted the potential ramifications of the shutdown, indicating that Trump aims to portray it as the fault of the “radical left” Democrats. The shutdown, though intended to demonstrate curbing of “fraud and waste,” is likely to exacerbate unemployment and hinder economic growth. Despite the administration’s goals, the prolonged chaos may lead to increased market volatility and backlash from voters, particularly in areas heavily impacted by rising healthcare costs.