Public sentiment toward the impending government shutdown negotiations is overwhelmingly negative, characterized by frustration and disillusionment with both political parties, particularly Republicans led by President Trump. Many commenters advocate for a government shutdown as a means to enforce accountability and systemic change, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with political leadership's perceived incompetence, the impact on essential services like healthcare, and a strong desire for reform. This mix of anger and resignation reveals a belief that both parties are failing the American public.

Republican Party

Democratic Party

President Trump


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Am I understanding it correctly that Republicans need democratic votes to pass their budget, but refuse to negotiate with them? Further, republicans plan to blame democrats for a shutdown despite holding the house, senate, and the White House? AND, Trump, on his own accord, is now threatening to fire federal employees if there’s a shutdown and blame those firings on the democrats as well? Is that correct?

Slaterpup17

Trump's federal government seems to understand the concepts of defunding what they don't like, regardless of whether they have the authority to do so... so let's go ahead and learn from their example. I call upon every governor of good conscience, from Governor Newsom of California to Governor Mills of Maine, to order their state Treasury departments to STOP ALL PAYMENTS to the Federal government as of October 1st. All payroll companies should be directed to stop withholding federal taxes, all federal property within those state borders should stop receiving any state support or funding (and the electric companies should shut down their accounts), and no logistical support should be provided at any port for the collection of tariffs.

They want to see a government shutdown? Let's go ALL IN on a government shutdown.

DipperJC

So this could happen Tuesday, same day as all the Generals/Admirals are in town?

ah_no_wah

*Gregory Korte for Bloomberg News*  
  
US government shutdowns have become so common in recent decades that every federal agency has a playbook for how to implement them.  
  
But the Trump administration is quickly rewriting those plans in advance of the end of the fiscal year next Tuesday, making a potential shutdown even more unpredictable — and potentially disruptive — than any other in memory.  
  
Government shutdowns all have the same cause: Congress fails to approve new spending when previous spending bills expire. But their impact can vary based on timing, duration and quirks of the budget process that can make money available to some agencies but not others.  
  
[Read the full story to learn what to expect when the US government shuts down, from Social Security to air travel.](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-27/us-government-shutdown-potential-impacts-on-air-travel-social-security?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc1ODk5MTczNiwiZXhwIjoxNzU5NTk2NTM2LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUMzI1WjlHT1QwSkwwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJEMzU0MUJFQjhBQUY0QkUwQkFBOUQzNkI3QjlCRjI4OCJ9.NFysg22MDS_8CfWlEB8JfnqEMkQ1dbvkDt-XhnGWk1E)

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The US, like almost all other countries, issues it's own FIAT currency. It's based on the full faith and credit of the country that issues it. They have to be able to sell US Treasuries to fund the US government, which currently runs a deficit. If you were a bond buyer, would you want to buy US Treasuries if the government is not funding itself? Especially considering the chaos that Dump is unleashing on this country and the rest of the world? He is basically threatening the organic functioning of the government, and thus the government's ability to pay out on debt issued through Treasuries. This is going to have reverberating affects all across the world if it lasts more than a few weeks.

I don't believe the money men behind Dump want the US dollar and the bond markets to crash. If that happens, the questions we are facing now before it happens will look like jokes and the economy will be worse than in 1930. I don't think the Democrats should back down here because I don't believe the money men have the guts to get that close to what could happen. They will persuade Dump, Johnson and Thune, to compromise.

ukengram

Shit we down. The government is a fascist Nazi shithole in Congress already.

Maximum-Ability5950

Trump has made it clear he wants no negotiating or compromising with the Democrats.  
He doesn't want to talk to them, he doesn't even want to look at them.

A shutdown helps no one, but why would Dems help Republicans pass a CR when they had literally no say in it?

Republicans in the senate know they need the democrat's help to pass CR's, so they need to actually work to get those votes. Democrats are not obligated to vote for a CR they have zero say in.

JazzlikeYesterday724

You can only pass the blame so far when you're in control of the house, the senate, the presidency, and the SC.

nik5016

This administration has stuck the middle finger up the ass of Democrats for 9 months and now want them to kowtow to their budgeting demands.

I sorta get why Democrats might be a bit hostile to that.

ChipperHippo

So the president flat out lying about democrats wanting to shut down the government over “transgender everywhere” and “illegals” isn’t working?

gayfrogs4alexjones

Imo, no way republicans avoid blame if the current admin goes on a firing spree during a shutdown.

JSpady1

Its funny to me when people analyze the particulars of congressional makeup to determine how the public will assign blame.

In reality, it will just come down to whose media arm is more effective in spinning blame. In the early 2010s, the media was mostly dominated by Democrats, so Republicans took blame. Conservative media has come a long way, though.

I'm guessing devout Democrats will blame Republicans, devout Republicans will blame Democrats, and the rest will be determined by whatever media they happened to see about it. I doubt there will be a consensus blame. It will be split like every other big event nowadays.

realjohnnyhoax

For those who are still catching up, the deadline for a government funding bill is September 30. If nothing passes, then the government shut downs. The Senate is at an impasse.

Republicans want to pass a 7-week continuing resolution, punt the problem to December where they can hash out another CR.

Democrats want to include ACA subsidy extensions and undo some of the Medicaid rollbacks from the BBB passed in July.

Republicans are still trying to hash out their response to the Democrat's message. House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson wants to accuse Democrats of trying to undo BBB policies that prevent illegal immigrants from accessing government services. Senate Majority Leader wants to blame Democrats simply for being unreasonable for rejecting a simple 7-week extension.

And then there’s President Donald Trump, who delved even deeper into the culture wars Tuesday when he accused the other party of seeking to “force Taxpayers to fund Transgender surgery for minors” as part of the negotiations — an accusation that has puzzled even some fellow Republicans.

This comes after Trump cancelled meetings with Democrat leaders - a move that GOP leaders said would hurt their party in negotiations.

To me, it seems like a government shutdown is likely. Who is more likely to cave in negotiations? Whose message is more likely to win the day? Policy wise, what is the best move for American voters?

Lelo_B

Republicans have told me my entire life that the government is the cause of all my problems.

Why don’t they want it to shut down?

Seems like it would be the logical solution.

AppleSlacks

Why is there even a shutdown looming? Didn't we just pass a massive budget and appropriations bill? I feel like that should have included continuing the budget for a year.

Solarwinds-123

Yeah Trump wants to send Billions to Argentina at the same time not give billions to USA Farmers. Funny thing Argentina just took all of Chinas soybean contract from USA farmers to Argentina Farmers. Hmmm can someone add 1+1

Qbugger

A clean CR has been passed in the House, with time set aside to fund the government in a more usual way (but sadly not through regular order) by November.

Senate leadership on the Democrat side apparently has no interest in passing a clean CR, so they are hoping that the death of journalism isn't real and the majority of the populace will buy what the media is selling, and "force" the Party that controls the House, the Senate, and the White House to spend an extra trillion dollars...for something something democracy something.

Romarion

The Democratic side [isn't looking too hot themselves](https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5522680-schumer-trump-threat-federal-workers/), either.

AdmiralAkbar1

Scenario A: The Republican house passes a bill, every Republican in the Senate votes for it but gets filibustered by Democrats. 

Democrats: look at what you made me do.

Cryptogenic-Hal

2 clowns...are they center right enough for the baby rapers...no ...as usual ..center right democrats are hated by both right and left wings...they are worthless

Delicious-Shirt-2596

So the demand is to make sure insurance companies get paid?  Nothing else important going on to fight for?

Tsakax

These two pathetic milquetoast weiners? Can you send any other dem in, please? Maybe just a random person off the street?

Gunderstank_House

Why negotiate with a guy who will not listen to congressional spending and do whatever with the money

Inevitable-Steph

If people wanted Democrats to be the adults in the room they should have given them the majority.

It's about time the people learned a lesson.

Crazy_Vast_822

“We can’t cave until you come to the table, Mr. President”

Most-Artichoke6184

Spineless Chuck and AIPAC Shakur to the rescue

Any_Frosting_4049

Still haven’t learned anything. You gotta change the game if the other guy isn’t playing by the rules.

FisherKing_54

Draw-Working

RealQ13

Oooo. I wonder what the military members feel about this shutdown coming down. Their pay checks are on the line. 🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

PhoTitan

Mainstream democratic politicians are so goddamn stupid. Is the money really *so* good that you'll sell your your own country? 

They have the leverage... use it!

raventhrowaway666

Shut it the fuck down!!!! The MAGAts can own it this time.

Rambo_Baby

Schumer will cave. Wouldn’t want to shut down Trump or anything. I’m sure the republicans will negotiate in good faith afterward 

Realistic_Branch_657

This is what happens when you throw away your leverage at every single opportunity. Republicans will continue to do whatever the fuck they please until the democrats grow spines.

UltravioletsAreBlue

Cuck Schumer and Jeffries are limp wristed weaklings and should resign in shame.

Sad_Ruin1868

Oh BOY!! This is gonna be an epic battle of fierce ideological rage where Democrats hold to account the authoritarian regime and its abuses of the Constitution. Just wait until these warriors for justice get them in a… what’s that? Already?? Whad we get???
Not invading Greenland… THIS YEAR?
It’s a win!!!!

lostsailorlivefree

Let it die. I'd rather go without health insurance and be free from the federal government once and for all.

Alive_Row_9446

Fuck that shit. Let the government shut down.

6Arrows7416

I urge these sad clowns to resign.

"Urge" him to negotiate… why would he do that, when he knows they will cave in the end and give him everything he wants?

The only way to improve their position is to let the government shut down, to prove they're willing to do it. Then you stop "urging" the president to please please pretty please come negotiate, and you wait. You wait until he comes to you without any urging.

But these losers will never get past step 1.

matunos

So not even a strongly worded email this time. We’re still 5 stages away from the strongly worded email.

AshVandalSeries

Goddamnit New York get these morons out of office!

Chuck will fold. Democratic leadership is the absolute worst. Biggest wimps on earth. At least Pelosi used to fight. Hakeem and Chuck are pathetic.

Certain_Context5923

Dems will shutdown Government and have a tantrum meanwhile screwing all government employees out of a paycheck because Daddy didn't give them their allowance or something?

Rich-Web-9153

Nearby_Mess350

Shut it down, dont fund fascism this should be pretty obvious. Trump will blame dems no matter what they may as well stop caving

centsandsuttlesounds

Schumer just days ago was all for a shutdown.  He has his list of demands.  What changed? 

There is no reason for a shutdown except that is what Dems want.  Come to the table as adults, and let's talk.

Accomplished_Tour481

bsproutsy

TheGreatGamer1389

They’ll go in and bend the knee and then trump will tell them what they want to hear, and then turn around after the vote and stab them in the back!

Proper_Actuary8980

Why? The democratic constituents don't want him in negotiations. Neither do most of the conservatives. Highlight current problems, especially with farming, food prices, and permanent damage and negotiate without him. If conservatives won't negotiate, plead directly to their state for a representative who will.

No-Grapefruit-5464

![gif](giphy|54iMRHgRSB4rJbW22e)

Now you Chuck...

TASTEDLIKEFASCISM

Negotiating with TACO during a shutdown? That’s rich. This is the ghoul who bragged about being “proud” to shut it down in 2018. It doesn’t care if 2 million federal workers go unpaid, if the economy bleeds billions, or if essential services grind to a halt because the chaos slows civil cases against it and gives it a spotlight. TaCO doesn’t negotiate, it takes hostages. Schumer and Jeffries acting like it'll suddenly deal in good faith isn’t leadership, it’s delusion. You don’t bargain with someone lighting the house on fire. You drag them out and tell the truth: the shutdown is TACO's fault, full stop.

Think_Bug_3312

They should press trump to step down over the epstein files.

GrubyBuckmore

Don't negotiate with terrorists. CPAC had a banner saying," we are domestic terrorists."

old-orphan

Specimen_VII

It's a lot easier for him to just shut down the government and say the liberals did it because they hate America.

Just_Another_Gay_Dad

FaschFreeZone

They need to be shutting this crap down. Why are they still playing the wrong game?

tristand666

asurob42

Shut it down. Republicans control all three branches, let them figure it the fuck out.

henryeaterofpies

onegumas

Republicans in charge and government shutdown, I dare you to name a more iconic duo.

TymStark

They want to negotiate with pedo rapist Trump haha, what a bunch of feckless clowns.

Shut it down. It's the best option.

TheElectricSoup

Considering he has already said he won't spend money Congress has allocated to spend, and that he would spend money "crushing his opponents", maybe the Democrats need to get him to publicly apologize for saying these things about his opponents and promise to spend whatever Congress allocates in only the ways they allocate it before they even consider voting for continuing to fund the government.

ImpressiveFishing405

I mean, it *is* Republicans' faults for the impending shutdown, as always it seems, but pleading with tRump to negotiate with them on it is just stupid, they're either too ignorant to understand he *wants* Americans to suffer so he can pretend it's the fault of his enemies in order to rile up his cult of stupidity, or they do know and are just trying to make it appear like "we're the ones trying! Look at us! It's not *our* faults! Look over here!" Which is wasted effort amounting to nothing, the general state of being for moderate and right leaning Dems......

VicariousDrow

Democrats can urge all they want. They aren’t getting any $$ to fund Illegal Aliens. Nut job liberal states will need to pay up for their mistakes.

Inner_Estate_3210

Formal-Hawk9274

Cha0s4201

Fuck these two impotent idiots. They are irrelevant now.

TlkShowHost

He does not negotiate with or acknowledge Democrats as anything but bad.

treygrant57

The US government is the senior center of the damned

BrookeBaranoff

The funny thing is that when democrats were in control they told Republicans to pass a clean CR to avoid the shutdown.  We'll, the Republicans passed a clean CR to avoid a shutdown but now the democrats are grandstanding. 

My prediction is that Schumer will cave and pass the clean CR just before midnight on the 30.

BlackberryRoyal4229

[deleted]

We might be better off shut down for awhile

platoface541

InternetImmediate645

Dems shutting down the government after fighting tooth and nail against DOGE is priceless. What a bunch of cucks

notawildandcrazyguy

Don’t they control everything?  Fuck em just vote no they can pass whatever they want.

Anfield_Cowboy

Another strongly worded letter! This will really show Trump!

It’s kind of funny how little they care about all this.

hollowspond

nono3722

 "Spineless old men mumble" is a better title.

eroticpastry

Don’t worry y’all. Jeffries and Schumer wrote “a strongly worded letter “. Everything is under control 🥴

Tricky_Regular_354

Don't negotiate with the Devil shut it down

No_Mulberry1211

Finally hold a bit of leverage and y’all are begging to give it back

Flimsy_Year5397

What a bunch of do-nothing low performers. Can’t wait to vote their asses out of office

UnluckyAct9492

They better not cave.  Shut it down.  The icing on the cake is ICE won't get paid.

bjdevar25

Stop giving in. Shut that shit down and don’t play ball. Impeach or bust.

SaintAvalon

Shut it down! The government has been robbed in broad daylight by criminals while the people suffer to make ends meet. Anyone who supports this administration is a traitor to the United States.

I know this is the leadership signalling their plan to aim for benefits for real people.

But it's time to shut it down, guys. We're way past negotiations, as if they would even keep the promises.

There is more at stake here than Medicare.

It's time to end the charade. It's time to use the only power you have left and shut this motherfucker down!

kevendo

These shutdowns are never good for the country or either party. But although Republicans have used them in the past as a  negotiation tactic, I really don't know what Trump and his MAGA coalition wants from this. They might even be OK with a prolonged shutdown. This could get bad.

donnysaysvacuum

It was just reported today that the Federal Government had to hire back thousands of employees let go by DOGE because their absence was affecting basic operations. Now they plan on firing more, just to have to hire them back in a couple of months when operations are again affected? This is some next level moronic chaos.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/09/24/hundreds-of-federal-employees-fired-by-doge-return-to-work-report-says/

BrianLefevre5

Trump is on the record telling republicans to not talk or negotiate with Democrats. He also canceled a meeting with the senate democrats to discuss the budget. Schumer has repeatedly asked Trump for a meeting and Trump has declined. 

If there is a shutdown it is 100% on Trump. No reasonable person can argue this is on the democrats.

xxlordsothxx

Starter Comment

Democrats in Congress have been signaling their willingness to fight Trump even at the risk of a government shutdown. Vought of OMB has now upped the stakes by informing agencies, via the White House, to prepare for a massive reduction in force (RiF) in the event of a shutdown. This RiF would likely lead to more employees permanently fired in comparison to the firings under Elon Musk’s DOGE. Effectively, Vought is holding federal employees hostage to get what he wants done via Congress. 

My opinion is that Democrats shouldn’t budge on this. What Vought is likely trying to do may or may not be legal to begin with. Many of the firings that took place under DOGE are still working their way through the courts for a final resolution. Most importantly though, Vought and President Trump are attempting to push forth an unconstitutional [pocket rescission](https://thehill.com/business/budget/5478193-trump-rescission-congress-funding-fight/amp/). Democrats in Congress have an obligation to pushback on Trump’s unconstitutional acts especially when Republicans in Congress have thrown away the constitution and their job responsibilities in favor of Trump. They should focus on getting Vought to stop the rescission in exchange for a deal with Trump on some of the things he wants. I feel for the federal employees that could potentially be harmed by this however we can’t continue to allow this admin to engage in unconstitutional acts unfettered.

How do you feel about Vought’s decision? Should Democrats give in?

Dilated2020

If I were someone to ascribe strategy to this administration, I would say that this is them using federal career civil servants as pawns in an attempt to make the Democrats in Congress play chicken. 

Because they understand Democrats in Congress value the work of federal career civil servants, and they value the work government does to perpetuate society and work to improve Americans’ wellbeing. 

Maybe it’s worth considering why this administration, and those representatives and senators who collaborate with them, are doing this.

Computer_Name

Hmmm. I would think Dems can't cave to this kind of threat or it will be used over and over again and you lose what leverage you have. The threats also ring somewhat hollow after eight months of Trump administration rhetoric about how they've already been trimming jobs as much as possible and yet have had to rehire thousands. And a final consideration is the effect this will have on economic metrics - without government cash entering the economy and with thousands of lost jobs added to unemployment (and who is collecting tariffs in this situation?) an already nervous economic situation could go south fast.


If you pay the Danegeld, you'll never get rid of the Dane.

margotsaidso

This seems like intentional destabilization. Why would anyone threaten this? Seems like a really fucking bad idea for all sides.

ADeliciousDespot

Does anyone else remember when “government shutdown” wasn’t part of our vocabulary because Congress and the President were responsible enough that they would never consider letting the debt limit expire for the sake of political brinkmanship?

jimbo_kun

Bluster. 

OMB doesn’t need a government shutdown to enact any RIFs.

If they want to make life harder on themselves besides the usual simple shutdown then yeah mass firings sound like a very smart strategy…

This government has a self-sabotaging personality disorder….

AgentUnknown821

With a looming deadline to avert a government shutdown, President Trump is set to meet with congressional leaders to discuss a temporary funding bill.

US Government Shutdown Negotiations

Why This Matters

Public Sentiment Summary

Highlighted Comments

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What the people want