The twenty-day U.S. federal government shutdown is expected to conclude this week, according to White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett. He shared this positive outlook on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Speaking in an interview on CNBC, Hassett stated, "I think the Schumer shutdown is likely to end sometime this week." This remark was made in reference to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.
Hassett, who serves as the director of the National Economic Council, conveyed that his contacts within the Senate felt it would present "bad optics" for Democrats to resolve the government impasse before the recent 'No Kings' rallies. However, he now believes there is a strong possibility for an agreement to be reached this week.
Just prior to Hassett's comments, on Saturday, October 19, 2025, various 'No Kings' rallies were held across the United States. Participants of all ages protested against what they perceived as the authoritarian tendencies and widespread corruption of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Following the conclusion of these protests, Hassett cautioned that if the government shutdown persists, the White House would then explore additional measures for cost-cutting.
He elaborated, "We've been basically hearing from moderates that, look, we just can't do it in front of the 'No Kings' rally. If that ends up not being true, then I think that the White House is going to have to look very closely, along with White House budget director Russ Vought, at stronger measures that we could take to bring it to the table."