In brief
A new poll indicates that the ongoing government shutdown has left approximately 6 in 10 Americans attributing significant blame to both President Trump and Congress, with frustrations notable among Democrats and independents. The standoff revolves around health care funding that Democrats are advocating to extend while Republicans seek a funding bill. Over half of adults view the shutdown as a 'major issue,' with significant implications expected for federal workers and the public.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The ongoing government shutdown is affecting countless Americans, and a new AP-NORC poll shows that most view it as a significant problem, with both major political parties receiving substantial blame.
Approximately 60% of Americans attribute at least a portion of the shutdown responsibility to President Trump and congressional Republicans, while 54% also fault Democrats in Congress. The emerging consensus indicates that no party is successfully avoiding accountability in the matter.
As the shutdown stretches into its third week, leaders have warned that it might become the longest in U.S. history, intensifying public concern. Democrats are pushing for the continuation of health care tax credits heavily relied upon during the coronavirus pandemic, while Republicans maintain they will not engage in talks until a funding bill is passed to reopen the government.
The standoff is evolving into a battle of public perception, with both sides eager to present a narrative that shifts blame to the opposing party. For Democrats, facing a potential loss of power in the upcoming 2026 midterms, framing the issue may prove crucial.
Polling data suggests anger is more pronounced toward the party controlling the presidency. About half of respondents believe Trump is chiefly responsible, followed closely by congressional Republicans, while 40% assign blame to Democrats.
As the effects of the shutdown become more apparent, such as travel delays and unpaid federal workers, a significant portion of Americans—54%—categorize it as a 'major issue,' contrasting starkly with only 11% who believe it is 'not a problem at all.'
House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that the nation is heading toward one of the longest shutdowns in history. The previous shutdown lasted for a record 35 days, highlighting historical trends in public sentiment regarding such governmental impasses.
A federal judge recently updated the narrative by blocking the Trump administration from firing workers during the shutdown, citing concerns over politically motivated actions. This decision fuels apprehension about employment instability, particularly amongst federal workers.
“Things are just going to keep getting worse for federal workers,” remarked Angie Santiago, a concerned resident from Miami. “If people like me are struggling, I can’t imagine what federal workers are going through.”
In the heart of this conflict lies a debate over health care subsidies. Nearly 40% of American adults support extending these tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, while a significant portion remains indifferent, indicating a lack of engagement with the underlying issues fueling the shutdown.
Despite the challenges, both parties show little sign of gaining a definitive advantage in public favor, with confidence in Congress hovering at an all-time low.
The poll of 1,289 adults was conducted from October 9-13, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
