Donald Trump’s approach to his upcoming second term has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that his behavior resembles that of a petulant toddler. Already the oldest president to ever take office, Trump is pushing for massive changes that many see as part of his ongoing attempt to consolidate power. One of his primary demands is for Congress to remove or substantially raise the debt ceiling for the first two years of his presidency, a move that has sparked significant resistance. His push for this measure, which already suffered a defeat, is exacerbating the potential for another government shutdown.
Trump’s desire to enter office with more control over the government is clear, and he’s using tactics that could lead to an extended shutdown, which might last beyond his inauguration on January 20. This would create widespread disruptions across the country, including potential delays in his own transition to power. As he has shown before, Trump is deeply invested in the optics of his presidency, especially the size of his inauguration crowd. If a shutdown continues into January, it could interfere with preparations for the event, potentially reducing the number of government workers available to help with the logistics.
The Trump team is already behind in planning, exacerbated by several missteps, including security concerns and a reliance on private emails and devices, as well as operating from Mar-a-Lago. These issues could become even more problematic if a shutdown goes ahead. Trump, however, seems to be primarily concerned with how these developments affect his image, particularly his crowd size. Despite the broader consequences, it’s possible that his obsession with optics could be the only factor that compels him to backtrack on his shutdown demands and work toward resolving the situation.
The impending shutdown also means that government workers will face significant hardships, including no pay during the holiday season. Yet, Trump’s lack of concern for these individuals is apparent, as he’s focused on securing his personal goals. The real question remains whether the shutdown, by delaying his transition or harming his public image, will eventually push him to make the necessary compromises.