Trump Refuses 'Extortion' as Government Shutdown Threatens Record Duration and Millions' Benefits
The government shutdown is on track to become the longest ever, with President Trump refusing to be extorted by Democrats, threatening food aid and healthcare for millions.
Overview
- The government shutdown is poised to become the longest in history, extending into its second month, leaving federal workers unpaid and creating significant uncertainty.
- President Trump has firmly stated he will not be "extorted" by Democrats, contributing to the minimal discussions and ongoing political stalemate over government funding.
- Millions of people, including 42 million reliant on food assistance, face the potential loss of crucial food aid benefits and expiring healthcare subsidies due to the prolonged shutdown.
- Senate Democrats have voted against reopening the government multiple times, while Republicans need five more Democratic votes to pass their bill and end the shutdown.
- Democrats are advocating to prolong subsidies initially implemented during the COVID-19 crisis to prevent health insurance premium increases amidst the ongoing government closure.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the government shutdown with a neutral approach, primarily reporting the statements and actions of political figures from both parties without adopting their rhetoric. They focus on presenting factual developments, the differing stances of Republicans and Democrats, and the tangible impacts of the shutdown on the public, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.
"The government shutdown is poised to become the longest ever this week as the impasse between Democrats and Republicans has dragged into a new month."
Fortune"The stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over federal funding has continued, with no end in sight."
USA TODAY"The elements are in place for Congress to start negotiating out of a likely record-breaking government shutdown, and people are still at the table talking."
Semafor"The government shutdown is poised to become the longest ever this week as the impasse between Democrats and Republicans has dragged into a new month."
Associated Press"Mr. Trump places the blame for the shutdown at the feet of Democrats."
CBS News"President Trump expressed confidence that the government shutdown would eventually be resolved, stating, "It's going to get solved, yeah. Oh, it's going to get solved.""
CBS News"The prolonged shutdown has put millions of Americans at risk of missing their November food stamp benefits."
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FAQ
The current shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, had lasted at least 29 days at the time of reporting, making it the second-longest in U.S. history. The longest shutdown on record lasted 35 days, from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019[2]. The current shutdown is approaching, and may soon surpass, that record.
The political stalemate is primarily due to disagreements between President Trump and Democrats over government funding, including demands for certain spending provisions, with Trump refusing to yield to what he calls 'extortion' by Democrats. Senate Republicans lack the necessary votes to pass a budget without bipartisan support, as Democrats have voted against reopening the government in its current form and are advocating for extended health insurance subsidies initially put in place during COVID-19.
In the record 2018–19 shutdown, 380,000 federal workers were furloughed and another 420,000 were required to work without pay, leading many to seek other jobs or protest[1]. If the current shutdown continues, more workers will face furloughs or be required to work without pay, with potential for wider economic disruption, similar to previous shutdowns.
Crucial programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps 42 million people, may see delayed or suspended benefits. Healthcare subsidies for millions are also at risk of expiring, and national parks, museums, and research grants face closures or disruptions. Previous shutdowns have also led to delayed tax refunds, FBI investigation backlogs, and airport delays due to staffing shortages.
Prolonged government shutdowns are costly, both in direct spending (such as back pay for furloughed workers) and in lost economic activity. For example, the 2018–19 shutdown cost approximately $3 billion in back pay and $2 billion in lost tax revenues, with additional losses from fees and delayed economic growth[1]. The current shutdown is expected to have similar or greater negative impacts if it continues.
History
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