If you’re like many people, you might feel a bit weary of hearing about government shutdowns. It seems like every year, both Republicans and Democrats are negotiating temporary resolutions to keep the federal government running. The concept of having a steady, year-long budget feels like a relic from the past—almost 30 years ago. So here we are, facing yet another day that threatens to shut down non-essential functions of the government, and after a meeting between President Trump and congressional leaders on Monday, no agreement was reached.

Impact of Shutdowns on Democrats

There are several reasons why many believe Democrats could face serious repercussions if there’s a shutdown. For one, the GOP-controlled House has already passed a continuing resolution, which, if enacted, will last until November 21 and maintain current spending levels. Republicans haven’t proposed major changes to the budget, neither cuts nor additions.

After losing control of both Congress and the White House, Democrats seem reluctant to accept their limited power, relying instead on persuading Republicans to adopt their viewpoints in the final moments. If Senators like Chuck Schumer and Representatives like Hakem Jeffries walk away from the negotiating table after Trump deemed their demands “unsafe,” they might find themselves in a bind. Voter approval could plummet to historic lows. On the other hand, if they concede, they may face backlash from their own frustrated supporters for not fighting harder for their agenda. It’s a tricky situation—succeed, and they might be showered with praise; fail, and there could be a storm of criticism.

They’re asking for quite a bit—about $400 billion in adjustments—as well as a permanent extension of pandemic-related tax credits, changes to Medicaid restrictions, reversing laws that stop beneficiaries from accessing services in multiple states, and allowing undocumented immigrants to participate. But, it’s likely Trump and the Republicans will not entertain these requests, as House Speaker Mike Johnson has pointed out that Senate Democrats warning of a shutdown’s impact on seniors and workers are the same ones threatening to create one unless tax cuts are repealed.

Unpredictable Consequences

One of the most significant aspects of a potential shutdown is the unpredictable nature of Trump’s potential moves during the downtime. There’s an old saying that when the cat’s away, the mice will play, and it’s possible a shutdown might allow Trump to pursue a downsizing of the federal workforce further.

On the flip side, those on the right who are advocates for a smaller government usually don’t mind temporary closures, though it can bring about adverse outcomes. Important business loans may stall, bureaucratic operations could halt, energy projects might be delayed, and essential medical evaluations could be postponed.

Schumer previously acquiesced to the Republicans’ CR earlier this year and seems hesitant to do so again, especially with looming challenges from candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2026. While some within the party might celebrate a hardline stance, it generally doesn’t resonate well with the average American. As we approach the deadline to avert a shutdown on October 1, Democrats seem to be caught between a rock and a hard place.