Majority Americans Blame Republicans For Historic US Government Shutdown

Multiple recent polls reveal that a majority of Americans hold President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans primarily responsible for the ongoing government shutdown, which has become the second-longest in U.S. history. NBC News polling indicates that blame is split almost evenly between Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress, with over 50% assigning them the most fault. The shutdown has led to significant disruptions, including the suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), affecting over 40 million low-income Americans, and furloughing or unpaid work for hundreds of thousands of federal employees. Economic concerns are prominent, as most voters believe President Trump has fallen short in managing the economy and aiding the middle class, contributing to a decline in his approval ratings. Despite the stalemate, voter interest and enthusiasm for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections are notably high, presenting challenges for Republicans. The political impasse continues with Democrats demanding extensions of Affordable Care Act subsidies as part of budget negotiations, while Trump criticizes Democrats for obstructing the budget process.