Donald Trump (AP)
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday blamed Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown and asked them to “open our government tonight.” He noted that the shutdown comes during what he characterized as one of the strongest periods for the US economy, highlighted by a “record stock market.””Democrats have SHUT DOWN the United States Government right in the midst of one of the most successful Economies, including a Record Stock Market, that our Country has ever had,” he said through a post on Truth Social. Trump said the shutdown has hurt “many programs, services, and other elements of society that Americans rely on.” He stated that he is open to collaborating with Democrats on healthcare and other policy matters, but maintained that such discussions can only take place once the government is reopened.The president criticized what he referred to as Democrats’ “failed healthcare policies,” adding that the shutdown “should not have happened.”“I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open. In fact, they should open our Government tonight!” he said. Now in its sixth day, the US government shutdown continued Monday as the Senate once again rejected competing funding proposals from both Democrats and Republicans. The Democratic plan failed 45–55, while the Republican measure was voted down 52–42, with both falling short of the 60 votes needed for approval.Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and John Fetterman, along with Independent Senator Angus King, voted in favor of the measure, while Republican Senator Rand Paul opposed it, as cited by ABC News. Earlier on Monday, Trump warned that another failed vote could lead to layoffs among federal employees. He added, however, that talks were underway with Democrats to address their demand for extending Obamacare subsidies beyond the end of the year.This is the first US government shutdown since 2019. At the center of the dispute are expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, with Democrats seeking their extension while Republicans are pushing for a “clean” funding bill without what they describe as policy riders.This shutdown could have far-reaching consequences compared with previous ones. Unlike past temporary disruptions, the Trump administration is reportedly using the crisis to reshape the federal workforce, with agencies instructed to prepare “reduction-in-force” notices, effectively laying off employees in programs that do not align with the president’s priorities.The standoff could furlough up to 750,000 federal workers, disrupt essential services, and inflict significant damage on the US economy.
