Will Trump Shut The Government Down This Fall ?

(This caricature of Donald Trump is by DonkeyHotey.)

Funding for the United States government ends on the last day of September. At that time, the government will shut down unless Congress passes and Trump signs either a new budget or a continuing resolution. At this time, it looks like it will have to be another continuing resolution -- since Congress is having a tough time agreeing on a budget.

Donald Trump wants at least $25 billion in funding for his wall on our southern border. He has threatened in the past to shut down the government if he doesn't get that money. Will he follow through this time -- afraid it will be his last chance (because Democrats might take control of at least one part of Congress in January).

I believe there's a good chance he will do exactly that. He's been trying more and more to flex his power, and this would be another opportunity for him to do that (and try to blame Democrats for his own action). All he would have to do is veto any funding proposal sent to him.

I'm not the only one believing Trump will shut down the government. Stan Collender at thebudgetguy gives us four reasons why he thinks Trump will shut down the government:

First, Trump may see this as his last opportunity to get funding for his wall. If the Democrats win the majority this November, the chances of the wall being funded over the next two years will be close to zero.

Second, a Trump-induced shutdown this September over full funding for the wall may be perceived by the White House as the best immigration issue to inflame his base just before the midterm election and, therefore, counter the enthusiasm gap about voting between Democrats and Republicans. If higher Trump-voter enthusiasm translates into continuing GOP House and Senate majorities, this year won’t be the last chance to get funding for the wall.

Third, Trump may look at the GOP congressional leadership’s strong desire to get its members home to campaign as increased leverage to get the full $25 billion because there will be an immediate negative impact — having to stay in Washington — if they don’t do what he wants.

Fourth, especially if his Supreme Court nominee is confirmed by the Senate and the economy remains strong, Trump may be feeling politically invincible this fall. To him, that would make this the perfect time to shut down the government because he will be able to blame others for it.