Treasury Secretary Bessent Blames Senate Democrats for Government Shutdown Amid Rising Deficit

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent strongly criticized Democratic leaders, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, for causing the ongoing government shutdown by prioritizing their poll numbers over reopening the government. He highlighted that 52 Republican senators have voted multiple times to end the shutdown, with only a few moderate Democrats crossing the aisle. Bessent dismissed calls for President Trump to meet with Democrats to negotiate, stating that the impasse is due to Democrats blocking bipartisan funding bills and playing political games. He emphasized the economic harm caused by the shutdown, including federal employees resorting to food banks and potential impacts on military pay and the broader economy. Bessent also noted the administration's efforts to manage the budget deficit responsibly despite inheriting a difficult fiscal situation. He called on moderate Democrats to act heroically by helping to end the shutdown promptly.