Kevin Hassett on Trump's Shutdown Strategy and Agency Funding

Trump's "Democrat Agencies" Remark

• 💡 Kevin Hassett explains President Trump's comment about "Democrat agencies" as shorthand for agencies favored by Democrats, such as the Council of Economic Advisers.
• 🎯 The administration is preparing to act if necessary, but hopes to avoid a government shutdown.

Concerns Over Targeted Funding

• ⚠️ Republican Senators Susan Collins and Tom Tillis have expressed concerns that the administration's targeting of funding for projects in blue states, including canceling climate change projects and pausing infrastructure in New York City and Chicago, could backfire.
• 📌 Senator Collins views the president's actions as inappropriate, while Senator Tillis warns of potential negative consequences for Republicans.

Justification for Pressure on "Transigent" Senators

• 🧠 Hassett defends the administration's approach, suggesting it's logical to put pressure on states with "transigent" senators to make them see the costs imposed on the American people.
• 🏛️ He contrasts the Democrats' unified approach with the independent voice the Senate is supposed to provide, referencing the Federalist Papers.

Presidential Involvement in Shutdown Negotiations

• 🗣️ When asked about President Trump's direct involvement with Democratic leaders like Schumer, Hassett states that the President is working tirelessly and that White House staff, including James Blair, are regularly taking calls from senators on both sides of the aisle.
• ✅ Conversations are ongoing, and there is hope for a positive resolution to the shutdown.