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The U.S. President Donald Trump blamed the Democrats for the partial shutdown of the federal government, while criticizing the use of public funds to assist individuals who have recently arrived in the country.
“Democrats are the ones who started this... We don't want to give money to other people who have come to our country,” Trump stated in a video published by the White House on X.
Context of the closure
The federal government entered a partial shutdown (shutdown) after failing to approve a new budget on time. The lack of agreement between Republicans and Democrats in Congress has temporarily halted non-essential services and created uncertainty among public employees and beneficiaries of federal programs.
Trump maintains his rhetoric against Democratic immigration policies, insisting that federal funds should prioritize American citizens and not "individuals who have entered the country illegally."
“I am willing to work with the Democrats on their failed health policies, or on any other issue, but first they must allow our government to reopen. In fact, they should open our government tonight!” the president stated on his Truth Social network, in a message shared by the government.
Heated political debate
The Democrats, for their part, have accused the Republicans—especially the more conservative wing of the party—of obstructing budget agreements due to political demands, including severe cuts to social and immigration programs.
This new government shutdown deepens the polarization in Washington and could have political and economic consequences if it lasts, affecting everything from the functioning of federal agencies to the payment of salaries to public employees.
Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Government Shutdown in 2025
Why did the U.S. government shut down in 2025?
The U.S. government shutdown in 2025 occurred due to the lack of agreement between Republicans and Democrats on the budget for 2026. The dispute primarily centered on issues such as health subsidies and spending cuts pushed by President Donald Trump. With a new budget not approved in time, federal agencies were left without sufficient funds to operate fully, leading to an institutional paralysis.
How does the government shutdown affect federal employees?
During the government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal employees may be temporarily suspended without pay. Those considered "excepted" continue to work, but will not receive their salary until a new budget is approved. Furthermore, there is the threat of permanent layoffs, which increases uncertainty among public sector workers.
What services remain operational during the government shutdown?
Essential services such as border patrol, air traffic controllers, the armed forces, and postal services continue to operate during the shutdown. However, employees working in these services will not receive their pay until normal government operations resume. Other sectors, such as preschool education, food assistance programs, and national parks, are experiencing significant disruptions.
What position has Donald Trump taken regarding the government shutdown?
Donald Trump has blamed the Democrats for the government shutdown, accusing them of prioritizing immigration and social policies that, according to him, harm American citizens. Trump has insisted that federal funds should be allocated first to Americans and has used the shutdown as a platform to criticize Democratic immigration policies, stating that money should not be "given away to others who have come to the country."
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