Cher Called for a General Strike Amid Fears of Another Government Shutdown

Yes, that Cher.
Image of Cher speaking at a rally
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

As another government shutdown looms, talk of a general strike has once again begun picking up steam. While the idea was discussed during the longest-ever government shutdown, it’s on some folks’ minds again as the temporary funding bill that reopened the government is set to expire on February 15. While The New York Times has reported that, on February 11, lawmakers reached a deal “in principle” by agreeing to provide over $1.3 billion for the construction of border fencing, there is a general strike already in the works for February 16.

“Imagine the power of working people standing together to demand that our government work for us,” the group General Strike 2019 writes on its website. “If the shutdown continues, we call on all Americans to join us on February 16th at our nation’s airports to show what workers united can achieve.”

“Led by courageous aviation workers, whose lives and livelihoods are endangered if the shutdown continues, we will come together and demand that Washington stop playing political games with our safety and security,” the message continues. “Together, we have the power to end this nightmare for millions of Americans and demand a government that works for all of us.” The impacts of the government shutdown have been intense for many.

There can’t be a general strike without folks getting the word out. Enter Cher: the Emmy-, Grammy-, and Oscar-winning actress, singer, and all-around entertainment icon. When she’s not busy making a Mamma Mia sequel shine, the 72-year-old is a Twitter fanatic rivaling President Donald Trump — but with a very different set of priorities. For instance, she joined the call for a general strike in a tweet Monday.

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While it lacked her normal emoji-filled, all-caps commentary, the link to the General Strike 2019 site caught the eyes of some on Twitter, who were delighted to see Cher’s endorsement.

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Cher has long been an outspoken political commentator. While her history as an LGBTQ+ ally is no secret, she’s been particularly critical of Trump, whom she often refers to using the toilet emoji.

It’s unclear whether the general strike will go ahead, given the news that lawmakers appear to have reached a deal. Teen Vogue has reached out to organizers for comment.

But if the new congressional deal holds, it will mean the president won’t get the amount of money he asked for to construct a wall — as noted by the Associated Press, the $1.375 billion allocated for 55 miles of new fence is a far cry from the $5.7 billion the White House sought for 215 miles of wall.

Additionally, Democrats said that part of the deal will mean Immigration and Customs Enforcement loses funding for almost 9,000 beds in its detention centers. That means ICE will go from detaining 49,000 people (as of February 10) to no more than 40,520 — a 17% reduction.

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Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: Everything You Need to Know About General Strikes