Polls Show Most Americans Blame Trump and Republicans for Government Shutdown

President Donald Trump and his allies have attempted to shift blame for the shutdown onto Democrats. However, recent polls indicate voters are skeptical of this claim.

As political leaders from both parties exchange accusations over who is responsible for the ongoing government shutdown, recent polling suggests that President Donald Trump’s efforts to falsely attribute the shutdown to Democrats are not convincing to the American public. He has claimed through social media, televised statements, government websites, and directives to federal employees that Democrats are to blame for wanting to provide “free health care for illegal aliens.”

However, a new nationwide survey of over 1,000 Americans conducted by The Washington Post shows that nearly half of respondents blame Trump and Congressional Republicans for the shutdown, while 30% blame Democrats. About 25% remain unsure, and interestingly, 8% of Republicans blame Trump and the GOP, compared to just 2% of Democrats who blame their own party.

The White House’s assertions are factually incorrect. Most undocumented immigrants are ineligible for federal health programs, and Democrats are seeking to restore access to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies for documented immigrants, including refugees and asylum seekers. The Republican bill passed this summer also contained Medicaid cuts, and the ACA subsidies are set to expire at year’s end under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Despite this, top Republicans continue to falsely claim the Democrats’ intentions are behind the shutdown.

Pre-shutdown polls reflected similar sentiments. An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found about 40% of Americans blaming Republicans compared to 27% blaming Democrats, with more respondents blaming both parties equally. A separate New York Times/Siena poll showed higher blame on Trump and Republicans—26% versus 19% for Democrats—though a significant portion remained undecided or uninformed.

An overwhelming 71% of Americans support extending the subsidies that reduce ACA plan costs, which are a key point of contention. Nearly half believe Democrats should push for the extension even if it results in a government shutdown. Studies show these subsidies saved enrollees over $700 last year and could save more than $1,000 in 2026 if extended.

Democrats are emphasizing this context, with Senator Elizabeth Warren stating that the shutdown is driven by Republicans’ preference to make health care more expensive rather than keep the government functioning.