What Donald Trump, Martha Stewart and Other Entrepreneurs Tweeted About the U.S. Government Shutdown Politics and business don't always mix but these owners spoke out about the shutdown.
By Jason Fell
It's usually wise for business owners to keep their political views off of social media. Besides, most entrepreneurs are too busy growing their companies to worry about tweeting their opinions about what happens on Capitol Hill.
But something big happened in Washington last night: the U.S. government partially shut down as Democrats and Republicans failed to overcome issues related to President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act and to pass a new federal budget. It's the first time the government has been shut down in 17 years.
And while many entrepreneurs have remained silent on Twitter, others have taken to the social-media site to express their views as business owners.
Or, at times, to poke a little fun.
Here's a quick roundup of what some business owners have tweeted about the government shutdown:
Outspoken serial entrepreneur and one-time potential Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was critical of his party:
The Republicans can absolutely win if they stick together-but they are NOT sticking together. Sen. McCain just said "we can't win".Very bad!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 1, 2013
Martha Stewart is not pleased:
Are you worried about our government closing down?? I am. Will they come to an agreement or not?
— Martha Stewart (@MarthaStewart) September 30, 2013
Another serial business owner, Gurbaksh Chahal, channeled his inner entrepreneur:
If startups fuel America by working afterhours, why can't the House and Senate stay up and agree on a deal? #governmentshutdown #politicians
— Gurbaksh Chahal (@gchahal) October 1, 2013
The founder and chief executive of Box had this to say:
You know when America tries to bring stability and order to another country's government? Well, that's awkward.
— Aaron Levie (@levie) October 1, 2013
Peter Shankman, who founded HARO, was hoping for a day off (joking, right?):
A government shutdown is like the teacher being absent. So we can cut work today without getting in trouble, right?
— Peter Shankman (@petershankman) October 1, 2013
Similarly, paidContent and Skift founder Rafat Ali was wondering this:
So which companies are doing "sympathy shutdowns" in solidarity?
— Rafat Ali (@rafat) October 1, 2013
Like others, Anil Dash, co-founder of Activate and ThinkUp, was worried about government agencies like the SEC:
Shutdown should impact the SEC first, and result in a halt in trading markets. Instead, we stop WIC payments that provide food to kids.
— Anil Dash (@anildash) October 1, 2013
Tech entrepreneur David Galbraith tweeted:
Seems ironic that some people patriotic enough to care for America aren't patriotic enough to want care for Americans.
— David Galbraith (@daveg) October 1, 2013
