Americans Blame Trump, Democrats, and Republicans Equally for Government Shutdown: New Poll

Government Shutdown Blame

• 📊 A new CBS News poll indicates that Americans are assigning blame for the government shutdown almost equally among President Trump, Democrats, and Republicans.
• 🗓️ The shutdown has reached day 34, with federal food assistance remaining in limbo for millions.

President Trump's Stance and Actions

• 🗣️ In a "60 Minutes" interview, President Trump slammed Democrats, accusing them of voting against ending the shutdown and losing their way.
• 🏛️ He urged five Democrats to vote with Republicans on a short-term funding measure and suggested Republican leaders consider the "nuclear option" (eliminating the filibuster) to pass legislation with a simple majority, though Republican leaders oppose this.
• ⚖️ Regarding SNAP benefits, two federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration must use contingency funds to pay benefits for over 40 million Americans.
• 🚫 President Trump also faced criticism for hosting a Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago shortly before SNAP benefits were set to expire.

Immigration and Enforcement Tactics

• 🚨 President Trump defended immigration raids and ICE tactics, stating they haven't gone far enough and that judges have held them back.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 He justified the actions by emphasizing the need to deport individuals, including those with criminal records, stating, "if you enter the country illegally, you're going to be deported."
• ❓ He was questioned about tactics like agents tackling mothers and the use of tear gas, and whether the administration intends to deport individuals without criminal records.

Public Disapproval and Economic Concerns

• 📉 The CBS News poll reveals that Americans' feelings about the shutdown are worsening, with increasing disapproval ratings for President Trump, congressional Republicans, and congressional Democrats.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe Congress is not working to end the shutdown.
• 📈 There is growing concern among Americans about the shutdown's impact on the US economy, with a majority now very concerned.
• 💸 Americans are also increasingly concerned about the personal impact of the shutdown, sensitive to current low ratings for the economy and perceptions of high and rising prices.