Staff Reports
The House of Representatives is currently on recess, leaving town without passing a spending bill to keep the government open. This means that a potential government shutdown is looming, with the deadline set for September 30th. As expected, both parties are engaging in their usual rhetoric about spending cuts, with a likely spending spree to follow.
However, what’s interesting is that some Trump supporters in Congress see this shutdown as an opportunity to help the former president with his legal troubles. They believe that by shutting down the government, they can also put a halt to investigations into Trump by the Justice Department. Trump himself has expressed support for this idea, claiming that it is the “last chance to defund the political prosecutions against me and other patriots.”
But here’s the reality check: a government shutdown would not necessarily end the investigations against Trump. The Justice Department has made it clear in past shutdowns that criminal investigations must continue regardless, as they are essential to public safety and the protection of property. While federal courts may stay open initially, they could eventually run out of funds and be forced to close if the shutdown persists.
In addition to a shutdown, Trump’s supporters have also floated the idea of defunding the investigators themselves, such as special counsels, to prevent them from investigating Trump without congressional approval. Some lawmakers have even proposed cutting all federal funds to state courts in Georgia and New York if they are investigating a president.
But let’s be real here: these proposals are unlikely to pass and President Biden would never sign such a bill. It certainly adds to the intrigue surrounding a potential shutdown, but we’ve seen attempts to defund investigations against Trump before, and they have not been successful. Ultimately, Trump will likely face trial, although it may not happen for months.
