Shutdown Shakedown: Trump, Congress, and Panettaâs Democracy Dumpster Fire
On October 1, the U.S. government slammed its own front door, initiating a shutdown so epic it has former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta auditioning for âDecline of Democracy: The D.C. Edition.â Panetta, who proudly mastered juggling Obama-era defense during 2011-2013 before his CIA couch-surfing days, told Axios heâs watching Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump collectively flunk âHow to Govern 101.â With a funding gap signaling âdemocracy is not workingâ to China, Russia, and North Korea, he warned shaky defense mustn't rely on Congress playing patchwork quilt with continuing resolutions. His advice? Actually govern instead of trench warfareâshockingly revolutionary advice in Washington, D.C.
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When Trump, Dems, and Republicans canât even coordinate a lunch, let alone govern, itâs no wonder Panetta says âdemocracy isnât working.â Our enemies probably think weâre just rebooting The Office for 2025âexcept everyone forgot their lines.
The government shutdown started Oct. 1, making Congressâ resume look like a participation trophy collection for 'Failing to Govern.' Panetta's governor advice: less bickering, more governingâsounds easier than teaching cats to do taxes.
Panettaâs solution for strong defense: a strong government. Someone should tell Congress this isnât a Magic 8-Ball, âAsk Again Laterâ doesnât count as a budget plan.
Source: Axios | Published: 10/22/2025 | Author: April Rubin
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