The federal fiscal year started out with a bang or a whimper, depending upon one’s perspective. The government, for the third time during Donald Trump’s two presidencies, shut down a few hours ago.

This time, President Trump threatens to fire furloughed government workers rather than rehire them with back pay. This would seem the ultimate checkmate against the party of big government. But given that Americans currently face the choice of supporting the party of bigger government or the party of biggest government, both parties regard such a checkmate as toppling its own king.

The president’s gambit, if it works, may forever provide Republicans a tool to shrink government — and give Democrats pause in playing games.

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