9YearLurker wrote:
“B) Trump already threatened a shutdown and to roll over to a Democrat-style CR instead means he will have zero credibility or will for such a shutdown 5 months from now.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-budget-exclusive-idUSKBN17U0A0
The link had this quote, which I thought was the most relevant:
“Trump said a shutdown would be a “very negative thing” but that his administration was prepared if it was necessary.”
The quote is hardly a threat to shut down the government over this budget. Clearly, Trump did not think a shutdown was necessary at this time.
There may be a more specific quote out there, but it seems unlikely. I do not see that he threatened a shutdown, then backed off. This is just part of his negotiation - strategic plan.
Let’s see what it looks like after a year. Right now, I do not see any reason to panic or doubt him.
I think Trump understands the importance of a shutdown, to use as a tool to take that weapon away from Democrats. He is setting up the battlespace, making sure that he wins the battle. He does not even have all his appointees in place yet.
Now he is signaling that the battle will happen in September.