President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing government shutdown on Thursday, pinpointing the consequences of what he termed a “Democratic shutdown.” He argued that it would compel reductions to programs favored by Democrats, asserting that this impasse is creating hardship for numerous Americans. “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 shared on X.
Trump asserted that despite the shutdown, his administration has implemented significant tax cuts. He emphasized the breadth of these cuts, 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. It’s been a great thing for a lot of people.” He pointed out that many Americans, despite the turmoil, are finding ways to thrive. “They are doing great, despite all of the damage that it’s caused,” he added.
In his speech, Trump made it clear that any potential cuts to government programs would primarily affect those associated with the Democrats. “We will be making cuts that will be permanent, and we’re only going to cut Democrat programs… We are going to start that,” he declared, indicating a willingness to act decisively against what he views as a failed approach by the Democrats.
Later, Trump pivoted to criticize specific Democratic figures during a Cabinet meeting. He mocked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, expressing confusion over Democratic leadership. “The problem is, we really don’t know who the hell is leading the Democrats,” he remarked. Trump added that Ocasio-Cortez’s recent public statements did not demonstrate the type of leadership he believes is necessary, stating, “That’s not leadership.” He acknowledged Nancy Pelosi’s challenge to Ocasio-Cortez, conceding, “But I give her credit—she was the only one to challenge her.”
Trump continued to speculate on the future of Schumer amidst internal party tensions. “Schumer is afraid she’s going to run against him,” he noted, suggesting that Schumer’s political ambitions may be newly precarious. “I think Schumer is going to retire because he can’t beat anybody; his polls are so bad,” he said, reflecting a belief that Democratic confidence is waning.
The former president also addressed the Democratic strategy regarding health care funding, claiming their approach is misguided. “They keep using health care as a cudgel,” Trump said. He criticized the push for subsidies related to Obamacare, framing it as a means to improperly support undocumented immigrants. “We’re the ones that are saving health care,” he insisted, positioning his administration as the defender of a reliable health care system.
As the Senate continued to decline proposals aimed at resolving the shutdown, Trump’s commentary verified the ongoing partisan gridlock. Each side appears entrenched in their positions, with little sign of compromise. The potential cuts he alluded to cast a shadow over the negotiations, as they may further exacerbate the division between Republicans and Democrats during this cloture standoff. The situation remains fluid, but the specter of a shutdown continues to loom large as fiscal policy debates unfold.
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