"In shutdowns past - including during Trump's first term - presidents normally scaled back their schedules. With staffers deemed "non-essential" sent home, the White House often sought to appear sympathetic to Americans affected by disruptions to health care, veterans benefits and other key services. The current shutdown has left around 750,000 federal employees furloughed and others working without pay. Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is lapsing after Friday - affecting 1 in 8 Americans who rely it to help buy groceries."
"Trump is on a six-day swing through Asia, after a recent, whirlwind Middle East visit to celebrate a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal in Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza. He hosted a White House fundraiser for major donors to his $300 million ballroom that has seen construction crews tear down the East Wing, and held another fundraiser at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida."
President Trump has continued near-normal public and private activities during the 29-day government shutdown, including international travel, fundraising events and hosting donors. Approximately 750,000 federal employees are furloughed, while other workers remain on the job without pay. Funding for SNAP is set to lapse after Friday, affecting one in eight Americans who rely on the program for groceries. Executive Office of the President furlough rates are about 32%, down from 61% during the 2018-19 shutdown. Cabinet members have traveled domestically and internationally during the shutdown for diplomatic visits, events and public appearances.
Read at Fortune
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