After a record 37 days, the U.S. government shutdown has become less of an exception and more of a political routine. What started as a fight over healthcare spending has turned into a high-stakes game of chess, with both parties refusing to budge.
Behind closed doors, the Trump administration saw an opportunity to reshape the federal workforce, using the stalemate to downsize departments led by Democrats. Many federal employees felt the impact, with paychecks delayed and services on hold.
On the other side, Democrats have rallied around healthcare benefits, projecting unity and energizing their base. Town halls, social media campaigns, and public statements have all framed the shutdown as a battle for everyday Americans’ well-being.
As the political impasse drags on, what was once a rare emergency now feels routine. With each fresh shutdown threat, our expectations shift—and young global citizens watching Washington may start to wonder: is this the new normal?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
