Trump’s New Urgency on the Shutdown

“White House officials are increasingly concerned that the impending real-world effects of the shutdown could swamp Republicans if they don’t find a way to make a deal fast,” according to Jonathan Swan.

“Trump’s prime-time address at 9:00 ET tonight, his first from the Oval Office, is part of an urgent P.R. strategy designed to make up for what some Republican officials feel was a languid use of the president’s bully pulpit over the holidays.”

“Trump aides realize the situation could slip away from them politically as the impact is felt by taxpayers and federal workers across America.”