A government shutdown is halting infrastructure projects only in states that supported Kamala Harris, prompting discussions on recourse for Democrat-led states. Experts suggest options like a 'soft secession' where blue states retain their tax dollars. The issue highlights tensions between federal policies and state interests under President Trump.
The ongoing government shutdown, as of October 2025, is disproportionately affecting blue states. Infrastructure projects reliant on federal funding have been halted exclusively in states that voted for Kamala Harris in the recent election, according to discussions in the Slate podcast 'What Next.' This selective enforcement raises questions about whether the federal government is functioning to punish Democrat-run states.
Guest David Faris, an associate professor of political science at Roosevelt University and author of 'It’s Time to Fight Dirty: How Democrats Can Build a Lasting Majority in American Politics,' explores potential responses. He discusses the idea of a blue-state 'soft secession,' described as not a full breakaway but rather states taking their tax dollars and managing independently. The podcast, titled 'Can blue states fight Trump during the shutdown?,' frames this as a strategic option if federal actions continue to target opposition-led regions.
The episode notes emphasize the unequal impact of the shutdown, questioning what recourse blue states have against a punitive federal approach. Production credits include Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Faris's commentary underscores the political stakes, suggesting Democrats may need aggressive tactics to counter such policies.
This situation illustrates broader divisions in American governance, where federal decisions can exacerbate partisan divides at the state level.