Here’s what Americans need to know.
Washington, D.C. — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sounded the alarm Sunday, warning that the Democrat-led government shutdown is crippling America’s economy and could slash growth “by as much as half” if it drags on.
“We’ve seen the damage from day one, and it’s getting worse,” Bessent told ABC’s This Week. “Under President Trump, our economy was roaring. But thanks to Washington gridlock, we could lose half our growth this quarter if Democrats don’t act.”
The Shutdown’s Real Cost to America
The shutdown, which began October 1, has already forced hundreds of thousands of federal workers to go without pay and delayed key economic reports. Businesses are struggling to plan, families are feeling the pinch, and vital government services are falling behind.
Bessent said the Trump-era economy had delivered record job growth, rising wages, and strong consumer confidence — but that momentum is now in danger. “The shutdown is starting to ripple through the supply chain,” he said. “It’s hitting truckers, airlines, and small businesses hardest.”
History Repeats Itself
Since 1976, the U.S. government has endured 20 shutdowns, but few have dragged on this long. The last major shutdown came under President Trump in 2018–2019, when Democrats blocked border wall funding. That standoff lasted 34 days.
This one, Bessent warned, could go even further. “It’s déjà vu,” he said. “But this time, the stakes are even higher — for jobs, for families, and for the future of American industry.”
Ripple Effects Nationwide
From delayed SNAP food assistance to growing problems in the air travel system ahead of the Thanksgiving rush, the shutdown’s impact is spreading fast.
“There’s a real human cost,” Bessent said. “We’re heading into the busiest travel week of the year. Americans are tired of partisan games. Five Democratic senators could end this today if they put the country first.”
He added that shipping delays could soon cause product shortages, driving up prices for everyday goods. “Cargo is backing up at ports,” he warned. “If this continues, store shelves could start looking a lot emptier.”
The Bottom Line
Bessent’s message to Americans was clear: The shutdown isn’t just politics — it’s an economic emergency.
“This is no longer a Washington problem,” he said. “It’s a Main Street problem. Every paycheck, every flight, every grocery store is being affected.”
Economists say the longer the impasse continues, the greater the risk of recession, wiping away the progress made during Trump’s historic economic comeback.
