'Open up the country': Trump blames Democrats as shutdown threatens millions

Trump’s shutdown blame game intensifies

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Democrats to end the government shutdown, accusing them of blocking efforts to reopen federal agencies amid an escalating budget standoff that has left hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid and key programmes at risk.

“All they have to do is open up the country,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “You know, we voted 14 times to open up the country. We have voted 14 times to open up the country. And they vote to keep it closed. All they have to do is vote to open the country. And we only need five Democrats. They have a lot of Democrats, we only need five. But the Republicans have voted 14 times to open the country.”

The president’s comments came as the impasse between Republicans and Democrats entered its second week. Democrats are insisting that any deal to fund the government must include an extension of federal tax credits that help Americans buy private health insurance. Republicans, led by Trump, want the government reopened before discussing any additional healthcare subsidies.

The shutdown has already had a widespread impact. Roughly 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed, while others—such as law enforcement and immigration officers—are continuing to work without pay. The Trump administration has taken steps to ensure troops and essential personnel continue to receive compensation.

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the partial shutdown could shave between 1.5% and 2% off fourth-quarter GDP, costing the U.S. economy an estimated $7 billion to $14 billion if it continues.

Meanwhile, around 42 million Americans are set to lose food assistance on Saturday when funding for food stamp benefits is expected to lapse.

Trump dismissed suggestions of a complex compromise, reiterating his demand for immediate action from Democrats. “Well, it is a much easier situation than that,” he said. “If they vote to open up the country immediately, we don’t even need to think about that.”

The standoff shows little sign of easing, with both parties entrenched—Republicans pressing for a clean funding bill, and Democrats demanding relief for struggling families before reopening the government.