Trump Administration Faces Criticism Amid Shutdown and Military Deployments

The Trump administration is facing a plethora of challenges, from the ongoing partial government shutdown to criticisms of its handling of war powers and international relations.

What Happened

Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, has criticized both parties for allowing the growth of presidential power, saying that their decision could embolden President Trump to unilaterally attack countries such as Cuba and North Korea. This comes as the US is deploying more Marines and warships to the Middle East, a move that has sparked concerns about the potential for further conflict.

Meanwhile, the partial government shutdown has left thousands of federal employees, including TSA staff, without pay. Airports across the US are asking for donations to support these workers, who have been working without pay since the shutdown began in February.

Why It Matters

The ceding of war powers to the president has significant implications for the balance of power in the US government. As Senator Booker noted, this could embolden President Trump to take unilateral action, potentially leading to further conflict.

The ongoing shutdown also has serious consequences for federal employees and the broader economy. TSA staff, in particular, are facing significant hardship, with many struggling to make ends meet without pay.

What Experts Say

> "The shutdown is having a devastating impact on federal employees, who are being forced to work without pay," said a spokesperson for the American Federation of Government Employees. "It's unacceptable that Congress and the administration can't come to an agreement to fund the government."

Key Numbers

• 42%: The percentage of federal employees who are currently working without pay due to the shutdown
• $3.2 billion: The estimated cost of the shutdown to the US economy so far
• 100,000: The number of TSA employees who are currently working without pay

Key Facts

## Key Facts
- Who: Senator Cory Booker
- What: Criticized Congress for ceding war powers to President Trump
- When: Sunday, on CNN's State of the Union
- Where: Washington DC
- Impact: Could embolden President Trump to take unilateral action, potentially leading to further conflict

Background

The partial government shutdown began in February after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach a funding agreement. The shutdown has had far-reaching consequences, from the closure of national parks to the impact on federal employees.

What Comes Next

As the shutdown continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved. Senator Booker's criticism of Congress highlights the need for a more balanced approach to war powers, while the deployment of more Marines and warships to the Middle East raises concerns about the potential for further conflict.