Core Points - The recent U.S. government shutdown has exposed the fragility of the national machinery, leading to significant disruptions in various sectors, including air travel [1][3] - The shutdown is rooted in a political struggle over citizen welfare qualifications, driven by the controversial "Great and Beautiful Act" pushed by Trump and the Republican Party [3][5] - The act's provisions are expected to result in over 12 million people losing healthcare coverage and threaten food assistance for nearly 5 million [5][19] Group 1: Political Dynamics - The "Great and Beautiful Act" aims to redefine social welfare eligibility, mandating that non-disabled adults must provide proof of at least 80 hours of work per month to receive medical and food assistance [3][5] - The act includes tax cuts that favor specific groups, such as restaurant workers and blue-collar employees, which aligns with Trump's core support base [5][10] - The government shutdown has been utilized strategically by the Trump administration to target perceived Democratic supporters within the federal workforce [8][10] Group 2: Economic Implications - The act is projected to create a fiscal deficit of $5 to $6 trillion over the next decade, exacerbating an already high deficit rate, which is expected to rise from 6.4% to 7.3% [19][21] - The historical context of tax cuts leading to economic instability is highlighted, referencing the 1920s and the subsequent Great Depression as a cautionary tale [21][23] - The current political maneuvering is seen as a potential threat to the independence of the Federal Reserve and long-term economic stability [16][18] Group 3: Social Impact - The welfare debate has transformed into a moral judgment on who deserves assistance, fostering negative sentiments towards welfare recipients and creating new social divides [7][10] - Local elections have shown a backlash against the Republican strategy, with Democratic candidates successfully focusing on economic issues rather than cultural controversies [12][14] - The political landscape is shifting, with signs indicating a potential increase in Democratic control over Congress, reflecting changing public sentiment [23][25]

Group 1 - The article highlights the unprecedented 40-day federal government shutdown in the U.S., exposing the fragility of the national machinery, with significant disruptions in air travel and essential services [1][4] - The core issue revolves around the "Great and Beautiful Act," pushed by Trump and the Republicans, which aims to redefine social welfare eligibility, leading to a moral judgment on who deserves assistance [4][6] - The Act's stipulation that non-disabled adults must provide proof of at least 80 hours of work per month to receive medical and food assistance is projected to remove over 12 million people from the healthcare system and threaten food assistance for nearly 5 million [6][8] Group 2 - The government shutdown is being utilized as a strategic tool by the Trump administration to target perceived Democratic supporters, with approximately 150,000 federal employees being encouraged to leave their positions [14][16] - The Democratic Party has successfully focused on economic issues such as inflation and healthcare in local elections, avoiding divisive cultural topics, which has led to significant electoral victories [19][21] - The "Great and Beautiful Act" is expected to create a fiscal gap of $5 to $6 trillion over the next decade, raising the deficit rate from 6.4% to 7.3%, which could lead to higher borrowing costs and threaten the financial stability of the U.S. [25][27] Group 3 - The ongoing political struggle is not just about a single piece of legislation but is indicative of a deeper, more dangerous shift in the U.S. political landscape, potentially undermining the independence of the Federal Reserve and long-term economic stability [23][31] - The article warns that the current government shutdown reflects a fundamental change in governance, where public service is being transformed into a tool for partisan conflict and social restructuring [33]

Core Viewpoint - The current U.S. government shutdown is not merely a budget dispute but a significant political crisis centered around the "Big and Beautiful Act," which reveals deep societal divisions in the U.S. [7][16] Group 1: Legislative Impact - The "Big and Beautiful Act" redefines the standard for "poor," reflecting a strong sentiment against welfare dependency, which has garnered support from certain voter demographics [9][11] - The act includes tax cuts for specific groups, such as restaurant workers and blue-collar employees, aiming to attract Republican voters while simultaneously cutting welfare benefits for Democratic supporters [11][12] Group 2: Social and Economic Consequences - The new regulations under the act will require non-disabled adults to work at least 80 hours a month to qualify for Medicaid, potentially removing up to 12 million people from the program [12] - The act is projected to cause a revenue loss of $5 trillion to $6 trillion over the next decade, exacerbating an already high deficit rate of 6.4%, which could rise to 7.3% [17] Group 3: Political Dynamics - The shutdown provides an opportunity for the Trump administration to conduct a political purge, with approximately 150,000 federal employees believed to lean Democratic already leaving the government [14][20] - The conflict over the act represents a deeper struggle over defining who constitutes "the American people," with implications for welfare distribution and fiscal policy [16][22]