We need to shut down the shutdown, oh, and CNN doesn't know anything about the market

[embed]https://twitter.com/cmt_anthony/status/1980044842995478578[/embed] Anthony Esposito, CEO and founder of Ascalon VI Capital, joined Newsmax to discuss the economic fallout from the ongoing government shutdown and recent Treasury Department projections. Esposito said the shutdown is “not necessary” and should end immediately, warning that each additional week chips away at U.S. economic growth. While the overall GDP impact may be limited — roughly 0.1 to 0.2 percent — he argued that prolonged gridlock risks undermining the momentum gained through recent fiscal discipline. Citing nearly $200 billion in new tariff revenue generated under Trump-era trade policies, Esposito credited those gains with helping reduce the federal deficit but cautioned that the deficit-to-GDP ratio of 6% remains unsustainable, saying it should be closer to 2–3%. He also rejected reports of widespread investor panic, calling CNN’s “Fear and Greed Index” “absolute garbage” and insisting that markets are not reacting to the shutdown. “Any volatility we’re seeing has nothing to do with government operations,” Esposito said, urging viewers to ignore “media-driven fearmongering.” Esposito concluded that the U.S. economy is “moving in the right direction” and should stay focused on sustaining growth and reducing spending rather than fueling political drama.