Government Shutdown: Why Democrats are winning and Trump is blaming his own party
Congress deadlock pushes U.S. to brink of shutdown.
Senate Democrats are holding firm in the ongoing federal government shutdown, confident that the latest election results prove their political strategy is paying off. After sweeping gubernatorial victories in New Jersey, Virginia, and California, Democratic leaders believe they have seized the upper hand, especially after President Donald Trump reportedly admitted that the shutdown is hurting Republicans politically.
Sources within the Senate told The Hill that a bipartisan deal to reopen the government has stalled, as Democrats see no reason to back down while public sentiment favors them. One senator said it would be “hugely deflating” for Democrats to cave now, adding that “when your strategy is working, you don’t stop.”
Trump’s Comments Fuel Democratic Confidence
At a private breakfast meeting, Trump told Senate Republicans the party was being “killed politically” by the prolonged shutdown, urging them to end the stalemate by removing the filibuster rule. His remarks reinforced Democrats’ resolve to keep the government closed until Republicans agree to extend health insurance premium subsidies, a key issue heading into the 2026 midterms.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer seized on Trump’s comments, saying the president “is right, Americans realize Republicans are responsible for this awful shutdown.” The government has now been closed for 36 days, marking the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
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Progressives Warn Against Weak Compromises
Progressive leaders such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren warned centrist Democrats not to strike a weak deal that fails to secure real health care concessions. Sanders called Tuesday’s election results “a sweeping indictment of Trumpism,” urging Democrats to “stand tall” for working families struggling with rising health costs.
Warren echoed that sentiment, telling colleagues that “affordability matters to families across this country, and resisting Trump also matters.” She rejected what she described as “show votes” without real commitments to lowering Affordable Care Act premiums.
Republicans Acknowledge Political Damage
Some Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), conceded that the shutdown has become a political liability, especially with the GOP controlling both the White House and Congress. “People saw the shutdown, recognized Congress makes that decision, and we’re the party in power,” Murkowski said.
Others, like Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), warned that Democrats’ perception of “winning” could prolong the shutdown, while Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) argued that the election results were expected since they occurred in traditionally blue states.
Still, Democrats believe the large margins of victory signal a deeper shift in public opinion, one that could reshape the national debate on health care, affordability, and Trump’s leadership.
What’s Next for the Shutdown Battle
As negotiations drag on, Senate leaders from both parties remain divided on how to reopen the government. Centrist Democrats continue to discuss possible compromises, but progressives insist any agreement must include concrete action on health care relief.
For now, Democrats appear emboldened by their electoral success, and by Trump’s acknowledgment that the shutdown is politically damaging for Republicans. With both sides dug in, Washington remains at a standstill, and millions of federal workers are left waiting for relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is there a federal government shutdown in 2025?
The 2025 federal government shutdown stems from a budget impasse between Democrats and Republicans, primarily over health care subsidies and government spending priorities.
2. How long has the U.S. government been shut down?
As of November 6, 2025, the shutdown has entered its 36th day, making it the longest in U.S. history.
3. What is President Trump’s stance on the government shutdown?
President Trump has privately admitted that Republicans are being “killed politically” by the shutdown and has urged Senate leaders to reopen the government using a simple-majority vote.
4. What do Democrats want in exchange for reopening the government?
Democrats are demanding a firm commitment from Trump and House Republicans to extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies and address rising health insurance costs.
5. How have the recent elections affected the government shutdown negotiations?
Democrats’ sweeping victories in New Jersey, Virginia, and California have strengthened their confidence, convincing them that public opinion supports their strategy to hold firm.
6. Are Republicans considering ending the government shutdown soon?
While some moderate Republicans, like Lisa Murkowski, acknowledge the political fallout, GOP leadership remains divided on whether to make concessions to end the shutdown.
7. How does the government shutdown affect federal workers?
Hundreds of thousands of federal employees remain unpaid or furloughed, with key government operations halted until Congress passes a new funding bill.
8. What role are progressives like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren playing?
Progressives are pressuring Democrats to avoid weak compromises, insisting that any deal must deliver real relief on health care affordability.
9. Could this shutdown impact the 2026 midterm elections?
Yes. Analysts suggest the shutdown could reshape voter attitudes on economic management and leadership, especially if it drags on and further harms public services.
10. When will the government reopen?
There’s no confirmed date yet. Negotiations are ongoing, but both parties remain entrenched, meaning the shutdown could last several more weeks unless a bipartisan deal emerges.
