As the federal government enters its second day of shutdown, new surveys indicate that Americans are pointing more fingers at President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans than at Democrats for the budget impasse.
Four separate national polls — conducted in the days leading up to or immediately after the Oct. 1 shutdown — show a consistent trend: Republicans are seen as more responsible, though a sizeable share of the public remains undecided as both parties try to shape the narrative.
Polls point to GOP disadvantage
A Washington Post survey released Oct. 1 found that 47% of adults blame Trump and Republicans in Congress, compared to 30% who blame Democrats. Another 23% said they weren’t sure. Independent voters broke sharply against Republicans, with 50% blaming the GOP versus 22% pointing to Democrats.
A New York Times/Siena College poll taken in late September revealed that 33% of registered voters said both sides deserved equal blame, while 26% singled out Trump and the GOP and 19% blamed Democrats. Roughly one in five said they lacked enough information to judge.
A Marist/NPR/PBS NewsHour poll found 38% faulting Republicans, 27% blaming Democrats, and 31% assigning equal responsibility. Only 5% said neither side was to blame or weren’t sure.
Meanwhile, a Morning Consult survey of registered voters showed 45% would hold congressional Republicans responsible, with 32% pointing at Democrats. Independents again leaned toward blaming the GOP, 41% to 24%.
Political backdrop
The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1 after negotiations collapsed. Republicans control both chambers of Congress and the White House, but with only 53 Senate seats, they lack the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster without Democratic support.
Democrats are pushing for an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, a rollback of proposed Medicaid cuts, and assurances that Trump will not withhold congressionally approved funds — a practice his administration has used in recent months.
Republicans, led by Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), insist Democrats must first vote to reopen the government before negotiations can proceed. Many in the GOP want the ACA subsidies eliminated altogether, despite warnings that premiums will spike if they expire.
Public sentiment on health care
The Washington Post survey found 71% of Americans want the ACA subsidies extended, while 29% believe they should be allowed to lapse. Supporters on both sides of the issue say Congress should stand firm, even if it prolongs the shutdown.
The early data underscores the political risk for Trump and Republicans if the shutdown drags on. But with both parties entrenched — and voters split between blaming one side or both — the longer the stalemate lasts, the harder it may be for either party to avoid lasting fallout.
