Why Hasn’t Trump Folded?
Since taking office, the president has often blinked during difficult negotiations. His surprising decision to hold firm now has made this the longest shutdown in history.
by David A. Graham
Jan 12, 2019
4 minutes
Saturday marks the 22nd day of the government shutdown, the longest closure in American history. And with neither Democrats nor the White House budging from their positions, and the president threatening to keep the government closed for months or years, there’s no end in sight.
Which is all the more remarkable in light of how the shutdown began—or rather how it almost didn’t. As the nation approached the end of government funding in late December, President Donald Trump was on the verge of giving in. Then he reversed course, announced he’d shut down the government, and hasn’t blinked since. Why has Trump decided
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days