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Washington Week with The Atlantic

Why this shutdown is different and what Trump gets out of it

Season 2025 Episode 40 | 9m 12s

At some point, the government will reopen, but the fight that has shut the government down this week is in some ways unique. For Democrats, this is the chance to show their base they have the capacity to stand up to President Trump. For Trump, this is an opportunity to punish Democrats, cut funding to blue states and fire even more federal workers.

Major funding for “Washington Week with The Atlantic” is provided by Consumer Cellular, Otsuka, Kaiser Permanente, the Yuen Foundation, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Extras
Watch • 26:45
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 10/3/25
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 10/3/25
Episode: S2025 E40 | 26:45
Watch • 14:05
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Russell Vought and his role in expanding executive power
Russell Vought and his role in expanding executive power
Clip: S2025 E40 | 14:05
Watch • 26:46
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 9/26/25
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 9/26/25
Episode: S2025 E39 | 26:46
Watch • 18:38
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Trump delivers on promise of retribution against adversaries
Trump delivers on promise of retribution against political adversaries
Clip: S2025 E39 | 18:38
Watch • 4:49
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Hegseth summons top U.S. military leaders for sudden meeting
Hegseth summons top U.S. military leaders to Washington for sudden meeting
Clip: S2025 E39 | 4:49
Watch • 26:46
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 9/19/25
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 9/19/25
Episode: S2025 E38 | 26:46
Watch • 3:59
Washington Week with The Atlantic
As Russia tests NATO, Trump says Putin 'has let me down'
As Russia tests NATO, Trump says Putin 'has let me down'
Clip: S2025 E38 | 3:59
Watch • 18:29
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Free speech under fire
Free speech under fire
Clip: S2025 E38 | 18:29
Watch • 26:46
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 9/12/25
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 9/12/25
Episode: S2025 E37 | 26:46
Watch • 2:37
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Kirk’s assassination and escalating political violence
Charlie Kirk’s assassination raises questions about escalating political violence
Clip: S2025 E37 | 2:37