The U.S. Shutdown Nears Record Length as Trump and Democrats Dig In

The U.S. government shutdown is on track to become the longest ever, as the impasse between Democrats and Republicans stretches into its sixth week. Despite mounting pressure, there are still no substantial negotiations underway. Millions of Americans could lose federal food assistance, and key health care subsidies are set to expire by year’s end.

In a televised interview, President Donald Trump declared that he “won’t be extorted” by Democrats, who are demanding talks to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Echoing his party’s stance, Trump reiterated that negotiations would only resume once the government is reopened.

The president accused Democrats of “losing their way” and urged Republicans to “get tougher” by abolishing the Senate filibuster, a rule he says prevents the GOP from implementing its agenda. “If we end the filibuster, we can do exactly what we want,” Trump said during the interview.

A Decisive Week for Congress

The shutdown, now in its 33rd day, shows no signs of resolution. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is under pressure as moderates from both parties search for a compromise to reopen the government. Republicans need five Democratic votes to pass a temporary funding bill, but progress has been slow.

“We need five with a backbone to say we care more about Americans’ lives than about political leverage,” Thune said before Congress adjourned for the weekend.

Democrats, meanwhile, have emphasized that any deal must include commitments on health care protections and limits on federal layoffs. Still, it remains uncertain whether these talks will produce tangible results.

Divisions Over Obamacare Subsidies

At the heart of the dispute lies the future of the ACA’s health care subsidies. Trump insists the law is “terrible” and argues that Democrats should reopen the government before discussing reforms. Democrats, however, view the ACA as a critical lifeline, especially after record enrollment numbers this year. They want to extend the pandemic-era subsidies to prevent premiums from rising for millions.

“We want to negotiate solutions to this health care crisis,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, calling for direct talks with Trump and Republican leadership.

Little Appetite for Bipartisanship

Despite bipartisan appeals, Trump has shown little interest in compromise. During his trip to Asia, he again called for scrapping the filibuster, a proposal Senate Republicans have repeatedly rejected. They argue that the rule safeguards minority rights and prevents extreme policy swings.

As tensions rise, Trump has mocked Democratic leaders online, posting satirical content targeting House leader Hakeem Jeffries. Democrats say such behavior underscores the president’s unwillingness to engage seriously.

Economic Fallout and Mounting Pressure

The shutdown’s impact is rippling across the country. Federal workers have missed multiple paychecks, and airport delays are increasing as staffing shortages grow. New York’s Newark Airport reported ground delays of up to three hours due to a lack of air traffic controllers, and officials warned that a full ground stop could be imminent.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned, “Many workers are facing impossible choices: pay rent, buy food, or show up to work without pay.”

SNAP Benefits in Jeopardy

An estimated 42 million Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could lose access to food aid. The Department of Agriculture withheld $8 billion in payments until federal judges intervened, ordering the government to resume funding.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries accused the administration of trying to “weaponize hunger,” arguing that officials had found ways to fund other priorities but delayed aid for vulnerable families. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent countered that “the best way for SNAP benefits to get paid is for Democrats to cross the aisle and reopen the government.”

A Record-Breaking Shutdown Looms

If the standoff continues, the shutdown will surpass the 35-day record set in 2019, when Trump previously clashed with Congress over border wall funding. With talks frozen and political tensions escalating, the crisis shows few signs of ending soon — leaving millions of Americans caught in the crossfire.