Trump's Hands-Off Approach to Government Shutdown Frustrates Democrats and Some Republicans

Oct 17, 2025 04:27 pm CST

President Donald Trump remains disengaged from government shutdown negotiations entering its fourth week, despite growing frustration from Democrats and even some Republican lawmakers. While his administration manages the crisis unconventionally by continuing military payments while furloughing thousands of federal workers, congressional leaders remain at an impasse over funding demands and healthcare subsidies, with both sides claiming they're winning the messaging battle as the American public bears the consequences.