This Christmas, Donald Trump’s ego has delivered a present to America that we weren’t really expecting, but we can’t call unexpected — a government shutdown. The President decided that he would base his signature for a spending bill on whether or not Democrats would agree to provide $5 billion for a wall along the border with Mexico that literally no one but his crazy, racist base wants or thinks would be in any way effective.
Now thousands are left without work and without pay across the country. It’s no small wonder that Trump didn’t take anyone but himself into account when he decided to shut down the government over the wall funding, but we somehow doubt that he even has any idea just how far-reaching the effects would be for those who depend on a functioning government, not just for government workers but even those peripherally related to whether or not federal buildings are open, parks are operating, or mail is being delivered.
Trump, until his wife jumped on a plane and flew back to the White House, was still busy on Twitter trying to blame the Democrats for his heartless decision to cut off pay for thousands just before Christmas:
I am all alone (poor me) in the White House waiting for the Democrats to come back and make a deal on desperately needed Border Security. At some point the Democrats not wanting to make a deal will cost our Country more money than the Border Wall we are all talking about. Crazy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 24, 2018
We can scarcely believe that’s the message the President of the United States wants to send out on Christmas Eve, but here we are. And so in response, hundreds of Twitter users started a hashtag that they’ve been using to tell their stories of how Trump’s decision has affected them and their families.
The Republican Party doesn’t have time for what’s best for the people. They went home while they could have ended this.
It’s too bad regular people who voted Republican voted against their own best self-interest & refuse to see it.#TrumpShutdown #ShutdownStories #GOPShutdown pic.twitter.com/CO6dfssaFK
— Tony Stark 2020 💥 (@1IronMan2020) December 24, 2018
#ShutdownStories remember that even when employees get paid later, it won’t cover the late fees, overdraft fees and shutoff/turn on fees that they incurred because of missing wages.
— Allyson Reid (@atlemont) December 24, 2018
My husband is a Park Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and he had to sign his furlough papers. We have a 4 yr old and a 4 month old, and we don’t know when his next check will come. Mortgage is due, Christmas 2 days away. #ShutdownStories
— Taylor Futch (@TaylorFutch1) December 24, 2018
And again — it’s not just government employees who are screwed over by the Trump shutdown:
I spoke today to Audrey Murray, 59, who works for private companies that clean the Smithsonian and State Dept. She’s lost both jobs bc of the shutdown, and unsure how she’ll pay her mortgage on 1/1.
“It’s just so depressing,” she said through tears.https://t.co/mD3oJsOw2O
— Jimmy Vielkind (@JimmyVielkind) December 24, 2018
I was scheduled to get my biometrics taken today to renew my DACA. The USCIS Application Support Center was closed. My DACA expires soon, I don’t know when my rescheduled appointment will be. #ShutdownStories
— Julio (@DaSilva_7) December 24, 2018
But we don’t imagine Trump will ever see these stories.
My daughter is furloughed. Sole breadwinner. I have enough cash to get her family through January. If it goes longer, I will dip into retirement savings. Whatever it takes to protect my daughter and my grandkids #ShutdownStories
— Mississippi 1962 (@mississippi1962) December 24, 2018
#ShutdownStories I can’t shop at the commissary. Even worse, they need to dispose of 1000’s of $$ worth of meat, eggs, milk & fresh vegs with the #TrumpShutdown
As the widow of a disabled veteran, my food costs have increased 35% along w all active service until govt. reopens.— Becky Johnson (@BeckyJohnson222) December 24, 2018
#ShutdownStories I have a lower paying job in govt service &, yes, I live paycheck to paycheck. I know which check will pay bills so I’m not late to avoid late fees. With the furlough I won’t be able to pay on time so it costs more $$ when I do get paid. #TrumpShutdown hurts!
— Susan (@newsysusie2) December 24, 2018
We were relying on that paycheck to pay the car payment because I was too sick to work most of the month. Thank you, Mr. President. #ShutdownStories
— Grace Franke (@eskimita01) December 24, 2018
#ShutdownStories Last summer, our city was ravaged by the Carr Fire. Whiskeytown Lake (where Carr Fire started) is now unattended. The teams doing recovery work are furloughed. Winter rains and runoff will further damage the rivers, lake and forest. #ThanksTrump
— Belinda McBride 🌊 (@Belinda_McBride) December 24, 2018
But here’s the biggest question of all:
These #ShutdownStories are painful to read. All of these ‘patriots’ donating to fund a billion dollar fence, what about your fellow Americans who are seriously in financial trouble because of this shutdown?
— Black on Both Sides (@madxethnic) December 24, 2018
How about it, patriots? Will you donate to help the thousands of families who will go without a Christmas — or worse — because your President refuses to pay them until he gets his wall?
Featured image via screen capture
