Big Take Will the Shutdown Lead to DOGE 2.0?
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Oct 5, 2025 
Justin Wolfers, economist and University of Michigan professor, discusses the implications of the government shutdown, emphasizing its political nature and limited macroeconomic impact. He highlights the human cost for public servants caught in the crossfire. Zeke Fox, a BusinessWeek reporter, dives into the world of crypto, tracing Justin Sun's rise from pariah to Trump donor while uncovering the intertwining of political power and cryptocurrency. Their insights reveal the complex dynamics at play in the current economic landscape.
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Students Describe Real Economic Anxiety
- University of Michigan students voiced worries about cost of living and job prospects.
- One student said their Pell Grant disappeared without notification, illustrating real effects on young people.
Shutdowns Hurt Public Servants' Morale
- Public servants and recent public-policy students face real hardship and demoralization during shutdowns.
- Wolfers finds treating them as political pawns dismaying and harmful to public service morale.
Justin Sun's Big Payments To Trump Entities
- Justin Sun paid large sums to Trump-related entities while facing SEC enforcement.
- Zeke Fox reports Sun's $75M payment coincided with the SEC's case being paused, raising questions about influence.
