Government Shutdown: Public's Frustration Rises Amidst Blame Game

Fri Oct 17 2025 08:56:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A recent poll reveals widespread discontent among Americans regarding the ongoing government shutdown, with both major parties facing significant blame for the stalemate, especially as it begins to impact everyday lives.

As the government shutdown extends into its third week, a new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center reveals that many Americans attribute significant blame to President Trump and both parties in Congress. The rising discontent underscores the growing frustrations with the ongoing impasse, where crucial issues, particularly concerning health care subsidies, sit unresolved. With the potential for the shutdown to become the longest in U.S. history, public confidence in Congress diminishes while the impacts on federal employees and public services intensify.

As the government shutdown persists with no resolution in sight, a recent AP-NORC poll highlights significant public frustration, with most Americans attributing blame to both President Trump and congressional leaders from both parties.

The survey indicates nearly 60% of Americans believe that Trump and congressional Republicans hold considerable responsibility for the shutdown, with 54% assigning similar blame to congressional Democrats. At least 75% of adults feel that each party carries a moderate or greater share of the responsibility, emphasizing the widespread discontent with the political stalemate.

With the shutdown now in its third week, leaders warn it could become the longest in U.S. history, raising alarms as delayed flights and furloughed federal workers start to impact the daily lives of citizens. Evidence of this mounting frustration is seen as families struggle to make ends meet, with many government employees facing unpaid work or layoffs amidst this congressional standoff.

The core issue driving the stalemate revolves around federal tax credits tied to health care. Democrats are petitioning for an extension of these credits, arguing they are essential for millions relying on health insurance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, Republicans assert they will only negotiate these terms once a funding bill is passed to reopen the government.

Poll results indicate that about 54% of U.S. adults consider the government shutdown a major issue, with Democrats most likely to express this opinion at 69%, followed by 59% of independents and 37% of Republicans. House Speaker Mike Johnson noted that the situation could soon mirror the longest shutdown in history, reminiscent of the 35-day impasse seen during Trump's previous administration.

As the shutdown continues, many Americans are growing disillusioned with the efficiency of Congress, with only about 4% expressing high confidence in its operations. Members of the public are increasingly voicing their concerns about the implications the shutdown could have on their lives and the economy as a whole.

The poll, conducted among 1,289 adults, has a margin of error of ±3.8 percentage points and reflects an urgent call for political accountability as Americans await resolution. The situation remains fluid as leaders on both sides gear up for an arduous negotiation ahead, particularly pushing towards the critical 2026 midterm elections.