Trump Adviser Sees ‘Stronger Measures’ If Shutdown Continues

Oct. 20, 2025, 1:44 PM UTC

A top economic adviser to President Donald Trump suggested that “stronger measures” could be in the offing if the government shutdown, now in its 20th day, doesn’t end this week.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on CNBC Monday that unless Democrats set aside their health-care demands and support a federal spending package “the White House is going to have to look very closely” at “stronger measures.”

Hassett also suggested the shutdown might end this week after the “No Kings” protests over the weekend, predicting moderate Democrats would be more likely now to agree to fund the government. He ...

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