Part 4/13:
This shutdown highlights a fundamental ideological battle. On one side are Republicans—led by figures like President Trump—advocating for smaller government, less regulation, and reduced federal hiring. They argue that shrinking government is a way to cut waste, fraud, and abuse, ultimately creating a healthier environment for private enterprise to thrive. Trump's approach involves aggressive cuts, not temporary freezes, and insisting that once jobs are cut, they won't be restored—marking a deliberate attempt to downsize government substantively.