Trump Accuses Democrats of Launching ‘Kamikaze Attack’ in Government Shutdown Dispute

President Donald Trump labeled Democratic leaders’ refusal to endorse a budget bill a self-destructive “kamikaze attack” that shut down the government on Tuesday. Even though Republicans control Congress and the White House, he blamed Democrats for the gridlock.
The federal shutdown began on October 1 after lawmakers failed to pass funding legislation before the fiscal year deadline. Trump accused Democrats of “starting it” and being extreme in a meeting with Canada’s prime minister. After losing many elections, Democrats have political nothing to lose and are destroying the nation, he added.
Trump blasted the opposition and hinted not all furloughed government workers will be paid after the closure. He said “depend on who we’re talking about,” and some workers “don’t deserve to be taken care of.” The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act gave furloughed workers deferred pay during previous shutdowns.
Democrats strongly opposed Trump’s framing. The president is closing federal agencies and firing workers during the shutdown, they alleged. Democrats won’t support Republicans until they extend ACA subsidies, which expire this year.
Public opinion changes. Recently, 39% blamed Trump and congressional Republicans for the impasse, 30% blamed Democrats, and the rest were undecided. The poll showed poor approval for how both parties handled the closure, with many viewing it as a political dispute unrelated to government services.
Way forward is unclear. The Senate failed to oppose government reopening, but neither side is backing down. Republicans want to reopen first, but Democrats won’t unless health care subsidies are retained. If the closure continues without a resolution, government workers and the public may face economic and social costs.