As the US government shutdown entered its third day, President Donald Trump announced plans to collaborate with his budget director to identify and cut funding for what he termed ‘Democrat Agencies.’ Trump urged Republicans to use the opportunity to ‘clear out dead wood,’ dismissing Democratic demands to include healthcare insurance subsidies in the government funding legislation. The impasse has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers at home or working without pay, while some federal attractions closed their doors. The Statue of Liberty, however, remained open, with the Department of the Interior crediting Trump’s leadership. On Capitol Hill, Republicans and Democrats continued to blame each other for the shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of being ‘selfish,’ while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Republicans for neglecting working-class Americans’ healthcare needs. Analysts predict that neither side will compromise until public pressure mounts. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 750,000 federal workers are on unpaid leave, though essential employees, including law enforcement officers, continue to work without pay. Air travel remains unaffected for now, but past shutdowns have seen delays due to sick calls among air traffic controllers and TSA workers. Tourists faced closures at several federal sites, including Federal Hall in Manhattan, a historic landmark where George Washington was inaugurated. Meanwhile, the Smithsonian museums remain open for a week due to reserve funds. The political deadlock shows no signs of easing, with both parties entrenched in their positions and public opinion divided along party lines.
Trump wields axe over ‘Democrat Agencies’ as blame game rages on Capitol Hill
