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The nation’s second-longest shutdown has become a stage for President Donald Trump to flex control, from attempting layoffs of thousands of federal workers to redirecting defense research funds to pay troops, while agencies post blame on Democrats. Democrats have doubled down, repeatedly rejecting a GOP reopening bill, framing the standoff as a check on expanding presidential power. With federal employees missing nearly a month of full pay, SNAP facing a Nov. 1 funding cliff, and air travel delays mounting, Sen. Angus King warns the impasse only strengthens the presidency and harms the country.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.