On Wednesday, our country officially entered what many are calling the Trump Shutdown.
Why? Because Republicans—who control the White House and both chambers of Congress—refuse to pass a funding plan that would prevent health insurance costs from doubling this winter. Democrats are rightfully holding the line for a budget that blocks Trump’s massive healthcare cuts and price hikes.
This is an unnerving and confusing time, especially for federal workers. We want to break down what’s going on, what’s at stake, and how we can all take action.
What Happens During a Shutdown?
A government shutdown impacts everyone. Some of the immediate and potential effects include:
- Federal services and benefits: Air travel, Social Security applications, and safety-net programs could face delays.
- National parks and sites: Many may close or drastically reduce hours.
- Federal workers: Agencies must classify jobs as “essential” or “nonessential.” Essential workers keep working without pay until the shutdown ends; nonessential workers are sent home. Both receive backpay later—but federal contractors do not.
The president has discretion over what’s deemed “essential,” but a shutdown does not grant him extra legal power to fire workers. And courts remain open to hear cases challenging administration overreach.
It’s important to remember: Trump has been undermining federal agencies since his first day in office. He has fired historic numbers of workers and tried to shut down entire departments illegally—a “rolling shutdown” long before this one began.
Many federal workers themselves are asking Democrats to hold the line, even if it means enduring temporary hardship, because they know what’s at stake: the programs they’ve devoted their lives to administering.
How Does This End?
Trump and congressional Republicans hold the power—and responsibility—to end this shutdown. They must negotiate a bipartisan deal that protects healthcare and stops Trump from weaponizing taxpayer dollars.
Democrats, meanwhile, must stay focused on achievable goals: pushing back against Trump’s budget hijacking and preventing devastating healthcare cuts. This isn’t about solving everything at once; it’s about drawing firm boundaries that protect millions of Americans.
Our Viewpoint and Goals
We are disappointed to be facing a shutdown, and we want it resolved quickly. But Democrats cannot give in to Trump’s demands to raise healthcare prices and expand his unchecked use of our tax dollars.
Our goals are clear:
- Push Republicans to negotiate a bipartisan deal that protects healthcare and rejects Trump’s blank checks.
- Educate our communities about who is responsible for rising costs, chaos, and authoritarian overreach.
- Support Democrats in holding firm and speaking out against attacks on working families, our economy, and our democracy.
What You Can Do
This fight won’t be won in Washington alone—it will take all of us. Here are three actions you can take today:
- Call our MI Democratic senators. Urge them to stay strong and refuse to cave to Trump’s demands.
- Join the movement online with pre-made posts. Share accurate information using pre-made posts, and help spread the truth about who caused this shutdown.
- Bookmark Indivisible’s toolkit. It’ll be updated regularly with resources, talking points, and next steps. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we’ll need to stay sharp, informed, and connected.
The Bottom Line
Republicans could end this Trump Shutdown today by passing a bipartisan deal that protects healthcare and stops Trump’s power grabs. But they won’t—unless we force them to.
Now is the time to get loud, stay united, and demand better for our families, our economy, and our democracy.