The Trump government shutdown entered its third week as Senate Democrats once again blocked a proposal to reopen federal operations. The political standoff has hardened despite mounting economic pressure and growing frustration among federal workers. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, insist on renewing expiring healthcare subsidies before any deal is approved. President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans continue to reject those terms, intensifying the gridlock on Capitol Hill. The Trump government shutdown has now become one of the longest full closures in modern history.
Senate Minority Leader Schumer emphasized that Democrats want to protect Americans relying on Affordable Care Act tax credits. Without action, he warned, premiums could rise sharply for millions. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune reiterated that Republicans will not negotiate until the government reopens. He said Democrats have made expensive demands while refusing to compromise. Thune added that his team would continue to bring the short-term funding bill to the Senate floor repeatedly.
Over the weekend, Trump ordered mass layoffs to begin at several agencies, signaling growing impatience with the stalemate. Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought announced reductions in force for nonessential staff. Despite this, Schumer’s caucus has remained united, demanding a deal that includes healthcare funding extensions. A few moderates broke ranks, with Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Angus King voting with Republicans, but the bill still failed to pass. The Trump government shutdown has now stretched beyond two full weeks.
During a rally outside the budget office, Senator Chris Van Hollen urged the President to negotiate. He called on Trump to bring down costs and end the disruption affecting families nationwide. Meanwhile, Trump told reporters that Schumer had allowed radicals to dominate his party. He described the Democrat leader as “a weakened politician” and reaffirmed his commitment to fiscal discipline.
The White House has sought to ease pressure on service members by moving Pentagon funds to ensure timely paychecks. However, uncertainty remains for Senate staffers and other furloughed employees awaiting their next payment. Thune has also scheduled a vote on the defense spending bill in hopes of restarting appropriations discussions. The House has already passed its version, signaling that legislative momentum could resume soon.
Political analysts warn that the deadlock could deepen further if neither side softens its position. Historically, only two shutdowns have lasted this long, the most recent during Trump’s first term in 2018. Lawmakers now face growing public pressure to end the disruption and restore government operations. Still, with both parties entrenched, the Trump government shutdown appears far from over.
For more political updates, visit DC Brief.
