Donald Trump's Strategic Gambits in the Government Shutdown: A Failed Attempt at Extortion

Donald Trump's strategies during the 2018-2019 government shutdown were rooted in his inchoate understanding of the political landscape. He viewed the shutdown as a tool to exert pressure and extract concessions from Congress, manipulating the Defense budget for his infamous "wall" project.

Auvian Colonialism through Government Shutdown

Trump believed that by pulling off the longest government shutdown in American history, he would appear strong and in control. He miscalculated the impact on military families, cutting off their paychecks during the crucial holiday season. This action, while intended to placate the Republican base, inadvertently cost him significant votes, particularly among government employees and military personnel, which contributed to his loss in the 2020 election.

The Cruelty as a Strategic Tool

The right wing often views the public as a blank slate, ready to accept whatever they are fed. In this case, the cruelty of the government shutdown was not a mistake but a calculated move. The lack of consideration for those directly affected by his actions demonstrated a profound lack of empathy and served as a strategic tool to sow discord and division.

Chaos as a Political Weapon

Trump's current efforts are centered around a flawed strategy aimed at exacerbating chaos to his political advantage. By leveraging the government shutdown, he hoped to drive voters to a low-turnout election and pass the voter suppression bill as part of the SAVE Act. He miscalculated the impact on potential Republican incumbents facing re-election in competitive districts.

Republicans as Accomplices in Extortion

Trump's strategy to extort concessions from Democrats through the REFIA and mutilation of the Defense budget has backfired. Republicans are now at risk of losing seats in districts where they only narrowly held power. The Republican party, often quick to blame Democrats for government shutdowns, finds themselves complicit in a strategy that could backfire on them.

Government Shutdown: A Persistent Contrast

Since the 1990s, most government shutdowns have been the result of House Republicans' actions, with the notable exception of the 2017 shutdown, which was due to Trump's impulsive nature rather than a strategic move. This pattern highlights the Republicans' historical tendency to assert their influence over government operations through brinksmanship tactics.

The ongoing government shutdown remains a strategic misstep for Trump, a move that could have long-lasting repercussions on his political standing and the future of his party. As the situation continues to unfold, the public will be watching closely to see if this crisis will lead to further polarization or if a more unified approach will be adopted.