U.S. Shutdown Enters Second Month; Americans Blame Trump

A majority of Americans hold President Donald Trump and Republican members of Congress responsible for the month-long government shutdown that has paralyzed large parts of the U.S. federal government.

According to a recent Washington Post–ABC News–Ipsos poll, 45% of Americans blame Trump and his Republican Party for the ongoing shutdown, while 33% blame the Democrats.

The survey also found that public concern is rising as the stalemate drags on. Three out of four Americans said they are “very” or “somewhat” worried about the situation. Anxiety levels are particularly high among low-income families and Democratic supporters.

According to The Washington Post, thousands of federal employees are already going without pay, and numerous essential government programs have been halted.

The shutdown began on October 1, when the federal funding expired amid disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Democrats demanded new subsidies for the healthcare program, while Republicans insisted on passing a broader spending bill first.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer accused Trump of engaging in a political spectacle, saying, “Americans are witnessing with their own eyes what Trump is doing… This shutdown is entirely Donald Trump’s fault, and the public knows it.”

In response, Republican Senator John Barrasso countered that Americans are “tired of the Democrats’ dangerous political games,” accusing them of “holding the normal functioning of government hostage.”

The online poll was conducted between October 24 and 28, surveying 2,725 U.S. adults.

Analysts warn that if the shutdown continues until November 5, it will become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.