President Donald Trump delivered a sharp rebuke to congressional Democrats on Sunday, accusing them of deliberately prolonging the federal government shutdown for political gain and urging them to “reopen the government tonight.”
Speaking from the White House, Trump said Democrats are “holding the country hostage” by refusing to approve a clean funding bill that would restore federal operations. He argued that their inaction is punishing millions of Americans who depend on government services, from military families to small businesses awaiting federal loans.
“The shutdown is hurting hardworking citizens who have nothing to do with Washington politics,” Trump said, emphasizing that his administration has already submitted a straightforward funding proposal. “It’s time for Democrats to stop the games and do their job.”
The shutdown, now stretching into its second week, has disrupted federal paychecks, delayed key services, and caused mounting economic strain. The administration insists that Republicans have already approved measures to fund essential agencies but that Democratic leaders continue to reject them, demanding unrelated policy concessions.
Trump described the standoff as “unnecessary and reckless,” calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other top Democrats to “put America first” and end the impasse. “Every minute the government stays closed,” he said, “it’s the American people who pay the price.”
Republican allies echoed Trump’s message, accusing Democrats of prioritizing political optics over governance. Party strategists warned that public frustration could soon shift toward lawmakers perceived as obstructing a deal.
Despite growing pressure, Democrats have yet to indicate whether they will meet Trump’s demand to pass a spending bill before midnight. For now, the shutdown continues to ripple through the economy, testing both parties’ resolve and the patience of voters across the nation.