Trump Rejects $1.5 Trillion Shutdown Deal, Says Democrats’ Demands Hurt Americans
In the midst of a government shutdown, former President Donald Trump has taken a strong stance against any spending agreements that include what he deems “handouts” to illegal immigrants. His remarks come as tensions rise in Washington over a proposed budget deal that Senate Democrats are pushing, which includes an additional $1.5 trillion in spending. Republican leaders, including Trump, contend that this proposal would not only burden American taxpayers but also incentivize unlawful immigration.
Trump’s refusal to support the deal was made clear when he stated, “I just can’t do it.” He called for a straightforward path to end the standoff. “I said, come on over, just put the government back. All they have to do is say yes and it’s over and we start, and then we go into a negotiation,” he elaborated. His insistence reflects a deep frustration with the current budget negotiations and the concessions he believes Democrats are demanding.
The partial government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after Congress could not agree on a Continuing Resolution. Central to the impasse is the Democrats’ insistence on including funds that, according to Republicans, would extend healthcare coverage to undocumented migrants and restore pandemic-era subsidies. Trump expressed strong disapproval, saying, “Obamacare has been terrible… they want to allow many, many illegal people… they want them to get paid. And that’s going to hurt the citizens of our country!”
Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, argue that the funding is vital for healthcare access and to maintain social programs that were established during the pandemic under President Biden. However, Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders criticize the Democrats for diverting necessary emergency funding discussions into partisan battles over immigration policy. “This is not how responsible governance is conducted,” Johnson stated, pointing to the availability of a clean CR that Democrats rejected.
The debate has escalated, with both sides accusing each other of misrepresenting the facts. While Democrats deny that their proposal would provide healthcare to undocumented immigrants, Trump’s team maintains that it includes provisions that would effectively do just that at the expense of American taxpayers. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller claimed, “They are trying to sneak it in—free healthcare, expanded subsidies, and they want to pay for it with citizens’ taxes. It’s not going to happen.”
As the shutdown drags on, the impact is becoming more pronounced. Over 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed, and 1.5 million essential workers are operating without pay. Government services, including critical programs like WIC, SNAP, and disaster relief, are either delayed or halted entirely. The strain is evident in the military as well, with active-duty service members at risk of missing pay, which could hit them as early as mid-October.
Organizations representing those affected by the shutdown have expressed urgent concerns. Blue Star Families, a military advocacy group, highlighted the financial strain on military households. “Many are using credit cards to pay rent and fill the gas tank,” a spokesperson noted, emphasizing the growing difficulties families face. Various national associations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Association of Police Organizations, have called on Washington to restore operations, as many sectors relying on federal approval are sidelined.
The economic fallout is severe. Experts predict that the impact of the shutdown could exceed $6 billion weekly, affecting industries from airlines to national parks. The U.S. Travel Association estimates a staggering loss of around $140 million per day in tourism revenues. The urgency for resolution is palpable as public services remain in limbo and the financial repercussions spread.
The heated political rhetoric adds further tension. Trump shared an AI-generated video mocking Jeffries and Schumer, which raised eyebrows for its misleading portrayal. While PolitiFact deemed the video doctored, Trump supporters argue it captures a deeper truth about the divide over immigration policy. Democrats have labeled the video “dangerous misinformation,” indicating the growing animosity on both sides.
In response to criticisms, Schumer and Jeffries accused Trump and the Republicans of using the shutdown as a tactic to evade accountability for rising costs and challenges facing Americans. They warned that Trump’s approach prioritizes political posturing over the well-being of the public. However, Vice President JD Vance pushed back, stating, “Americans are fed up. Every time there’s a shutdown threat, Democrats treat it like an auction, loading it with new demands.” He aligned with Trump’s insistence on prioritizing national sovereignty over governmental concessions.
The standoff highlights intense disagreements over immigration and healthcare spending. Democrats frame the expiration of COVID-related health subsidies as a public health imperative, claiming it will leave millions, including lawful immigrants, uninsured. Yet, reports show only 1.4 million lawful immigrants are at risk of losing coverage, a fraction of the larger narrative painted by Democrats.
Public sentiment leans toward a swift resolution of the shutdown, though skepticism about funding healthcare for undocumented immigrants runs high. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that 64% of likely voters oppose taxpayer-funded healthcare for anyone in the U.S. illegally. This sentiment resonates with Trump, who succinctly stated, “This shouldn’t be complicated. They want to take money away from Americans and give it to people who broke the law to get here. That’s not how it works.”
The future remains uncertain as Congress continues to grapple with the budget impasse. A viable solution, whether in the form of a clean CR or a negotiated compromise, is still on the table. But both sides seem entrenched in their positions. For now, Trump holds fast to his demands, stating, “All they have to do is say yes… They won’t—because their priorities aren’t with the American people.”
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