Trump Aide Kevin Hassett Predicts Government Shutdown Deal “Likely” by October 2025

• Why Is the Government Shutdown Still Happening?
• What’s the White House’s Next Move?
• House Speaker’s Controversial Delay
• FAQ: Your Shutdown Questions Answered

In a surprising twist, Kevin Hassett, former top economic advisor to Donald Trump, has confidently predicted that the ongoing government shutdown could end as early as this week. With negotiations at a standstill for weeks, Hassett’s Optimism comes as a glimmer of hope for federal employees and agencies caught in the crossfire. But will Democrats and Republicans finally bridge their differences, or is this just another political bluff? Let’s break it down.

Why Is the Government Shutdown Still Happening?

The shutdown, now in its third week, hinges on a classic Washington stalemate: money. Republicans are pushing for a short-term funding bill to keep operations running at current levels, while Democrats refuse to budge unless the bill includes expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies set to expire by year-end. Hassett, speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box, framed the impasse as a tactical delay by Democrats, accusing them of waiting for a politically opportune moment to cave—especially with the "No Kings" anti-Trump protests looming. "Moderate Democrats will eventually fold," he claimed, "but Chuck Schumer’s playing hardball."

What’s the White House’s Next Move?

According to Hassett, the TRUMP administration isn’t just twiddling its thumbs. Backup plans are being drafted, and tougher measures—like leveraging budget chief Russell Vought to force Democrats back to the table—are on the table if talks collapse. "The Senate needs to fix this," Hassett emphasized, though he praised Trump’s "active role" in negotiations. Polls, however, show most Americans blame Republicans for the shutdown, and ACA subsidies remain popular. Will public pressure force GOP concessions? Or will Schumer’s gamble pay off?

House Speaker’s Controversial Delay

Meanwhile, the House isn’t even in session. Speaker Mike Johnson has postponed swearing in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva until the shutdown ends—a MOVE Democrats call petty, given Grijalva’s support for a discharge petition to release Jeffrey Epstein’s full DOJ files. Johnson denies linkage, but the optics are… questionable. With the House on break and the Senate in chaos, Hassett’s prediction of a near-term resolution feels either prescient or hopelessly naive.

FAQ: Your Shutdown Questions Answered

What’s the main sticking point in shutdown talks?

Democrats demand ACA subsidy extensions; Republicans want a "clean" funding bill. It’s a fiscal tug-of-war.

How long could the shutdown last?

Hassett bets on days, not weeks—but if talks fail, brace for WHITE House "stronger measures."

Why won’t Speaker Johnson swear in Grijalva?

Officially, "procedural reasons." Critics suspect retaliation over the Epstein files petition.