Washington Post Warns Democrats Fall Into Trump Shutdown Trap

The Washington Post editorial board has warned that progressive Democrats have led their party into a "shutdown trap" by rejecting potential compromises to avoid a government shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was pressured by the progressive wing to abandon a plan that could have bought more time for negotiations, mirroring the failed tactics of the House Freedom Caucus on the Republican side. The shutdown grants President Donald Trump and his budget director significant authority to determine which government functions to prioritize or suspend, potentially inflicting damage that could politically harm Democrats. Despite Democrats' demands to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, Republicans have refused to negotiate, and the Post cautions that even a later compromise might fracture the Democratic left. The editorial suggests that Democrats' belief in their political leverage is misplaced, as the shutdown likely favors Trump and may result in greater backlash for Democrats, especially from government workers affected by the closure. Overall, the board concludes that the aggressive tactics employed by progressives are unlikely to achieve their goals and may backfire politically.