Federal Gov’t Shutdown: A Failed Strategy

TEHRAN (Iran News) Although he was ultimately forced to sign a bill that did not meet his main demands, the crisis caused widespread disruption and imposed heavy costs on the American people and federal employees. Trump’s main goal was to pressure the Democrats into approving a budget without extending the healthcare subsidies known as Obamacare.

But the direct outcome was the passage of a temporary budget bill (CR) that only provides the government with liquidity and funding needs until January 30, 2026—without fulfilling the Republicans’ primary demand regarding healthcare subsidies. The media fiasco and the confusion of 1.5 million employees during the 43-day shutdown made it the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

The impact on the public and the stoppage of various services—1.5 million federal employees without pay or on forced leave, disrupted air travel, and the suspension of food assistance for millions of Americans—had widespread consequences. The evaluation of the results and the disappointing outcomes amounted to nothing more than an unsuccessful partisan struggle.

Trump failed to achieve his core demand and could not secure the elimination of healthcare subsidies, and in the end, he was forced to sign a bill that he essentially had from the beginning. This outcome marked the failure of the core strategy of “shutdown as blackmail.”

Republicans accused Democrats of “extortion,” while Democrats and some polls blamed Republicans—and Trump personally—as the main culprits of the shutdown. This deepened partisan divides across the United States. And although Trump called the outcome a “great victory,” reports indicated that the shutdown ultimately harmed Republicans in public opinion, as people viewed them as responsible and coercive.

Considering all aspects, it appears the government shutdown initiated by Trump was not a successful move. Although he managed to attract media attention, he failed to achieve his primary budget demand, imposed significant human and economic costs on the country, and weakened his party’s standing in public opinion. This event, rather than being a display of power, revealed political deadlock and the challenges of governing in a polarized society.