Staff Reports
In the latest episode of the political sitcom known as Washington, D.C., President Trump has thrown down the gauntlet, blaming the Democrats for any impending government shutdown following the recent passage of the Continuing Resolution (CR) in the House of Representatives. While sharing the stage with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump made it abundantly clear that if the Senate Democrats choose to dig in their heels, it’s the American people who will be paying the price for their stubbornness.
Trump, in his trademark style, pointed out that if Senate Democrats refuse to support the CR, they could be stalling progress on critical Republican initiatives—tax cuts and border security legislation—only two of the hottest topics that turned out voters in droves during his last campaign. The President emphasized that a government shutdown, should it occur, would solely rest on the shoulders of the Democrats, putting them in the awkward position of being the party that not only blocks progress but also robs citizens of necessary benefits.
The CR squeaked through the House with a vote of 217-213, largely thanks to a solid GOP majority, with only one lone Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, opting to cross party lines in support. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, however, decided to take a stand of his own, siding with the Democrats on this one. As if that doesn’t make for enough drama, Senate Democrats are now playing a game of chicken, with all eyes fixated on Chuck Schumer, who recently made a splash by declaring the Democrats would reject the funding bill. Talk about a political circus!
Trump: Democrats Would Be Responsible for Government Shutdown if It Happens https://t.co/QL6a20pL89
— Steve Ferguson (@lsferguson) March 13, 2025
However, behind closed doors, the narrative seems to be shifting, with reports suggesting that some Senate Democrats are quietly scrambling to prevent a government shutdown like it’s a game of hot potato. Despite Schumer’s earlier bluster about amendments and short-term CRs, insiders spill that he might just be letting his “centrists” have their say in this high-stakes game as they weigh their options. The self-preservation instinct among politicians appears to be kicking in, as the likelihood of a PR disaster looms over any party that takes the blame for shuttering the government.
Amidst the confusion and back-and-forth tactics, Trump optimistically stated that he hears many Democrats may be willing to vote in favor of the CR. Whether the promise of appeasing the party’s activist base or not, some Democrats are reportedly keen to avoid the fallout of a government shutdown, making it increasingly likely that a compromise, however tenuous, could be in the works. The situation underscores the messy nature of partisan politics, where face-saving measures and backroom deals could ultimately dictate whether the government continues to function or goes on pause.
