Poll Shows Most Americans Hold Trump and GOP Responsible for Government Shutdown

A new national poll finds that many Americans blame former President Donald Trump and House Republicans for the government shutdown. Trump blames Democrats, but the survey reveals broad disbelief.

The poll found that 47% of Americans blame Trump and Republican lawmakers for the shutdown, which began when Congress failed to pass a budget by September 30. 30% blame Congress Democrats, 23% are unclear. Independents, who decide elections, disliked Trump and Republicans more than Democrats. Half of independents blamed Republicans, 22% Democrats, and 29% were confused.

Party division was evident in the poll. Democrats blamed Trump and his party 87%, while Republicans blamed Democrats 67%. This disparity reveals how political Washington’s shutdown debate has become.

Obamacare subsidies expiring next year are a big reason for the shutdown. Democrats said any new budget deal must extend these subsidies or millions of Americans will pay higher health insurance premiums. The study found that 71% of Americans want subsidies to continue and 29% want them ended.

The public disagrees on Democratic negotiating tactics. 47% said Democrats should seek subsidies even if it delays closure. 24% thought Democrats should compromise to reopen the government.

On October 1, little over 1,000 adults were surveyed. The error margin is 3.5 percent. These numbers suggest that Republicans in Congress struggle to sway public opinion on the shutdown. His incessant attacks on Democrats seem to have little impact outside his Republican constituency.

As the debate persists, politics’ bargaining period and shutdown duration are unknown. Republicans refuse to compromise on healthcare subsidies, but Democrats insist. Political impasse shuts down the government and leaves millions of Americans wondering.

Sources

The Washington Post poll data and reporting on the U.S. government shutdown.