As the U.S. government shutdown remains unresolved, a new AP-NORC poll indicates that most Americans view the ongoing situation as a significant problem, casting blame on both political parties involved.
About 60% of Americans hold President Trump and Republican Congress members accountable for the shutdown, while 54% assign similar blame to Democratic Congress members. This poll, conducted during the shutdown's third week, signifies a widespread perception that both sides share culpability in the crisis, with a substantial 75% of respondents indicating that each side bears at least moderate responsibility.
The current deadlock centers around an impasse over federal tax credits supporting health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Democrats demand an extension of these credits, while Republicans insist that the government must be reopened before negotiations occur.
The political standoff has initiated a messaging battle, as Democrats, now out of power, seek opportunities to consolidate their base ahead of the critical 2026 midterm elections. With public sentiment indicating that Americans are frustrated with both the political landscape and the stalemate in Congress, the stakes are high.
Recent developments show that the effects of the shutdown—such as delayed flights and furloughed federal employees—are already being felt across the nation. According to the poll, 54% of U.S. adults view the shutdown as a major issue, with a notable disparity in perception among political affiliations: 69% of Democrats, 59% of independents, and only 37% of Republicans feel the shutdown poses a significant threat.
House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked on the potential for this shutdown to become one of the longest in U.S. history. The last shutdown, during Trump’s first term, lasted 35 days, and current projections suggest a grim outlook if compromise is not reached soon.
In public discourse about the central issue—health care subsidies—about 40% of Americans favor extending the tax credits, though 42% have no opinion, indicating a lack of widespread knowledge on the issue driving the shutdown.
While both parties aim to pivot the narrative toward their partisan benefits in light of the upcoming elections, dissatisfaction with Congress remains prevalent, with only 4% of respondents expressing a high degree of confidence in the institution.
As the shutdown continues, it remains vital for political leaders to navigate these public sentiments effectively to prevent further economic strain on Americans, particularly for those most vulnerable, such as federal employees who are facing delayed paychecks and increased financial uncertainty.
