President Donald Trump walks down the stairs of Air Force One upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, after giving a speech at the American Business Forum in Miami. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)
President Donald Trump is seen in his limousine, known as "The Beast," upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, after giving a speech at the American Business Forum in Miami. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)
President Donald Trump walks down the stairs of Air Force One upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, after giving a speech at the American Business Forum in Miami. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)
LMA
President Donald Trump is seen in his limousine, known as "The Beast," upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, after giving a speech at the American Business Forum in Miami. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)
Elections this week that energized Democrats and angered President Donald Trump have cast a chill over efforts to end the record-breaking government shutdown, raising fresh doubts about the possibility of a breakthrough despite the punishing toll of federal closures on the country.
Trump has increased pressure on Senate Republicans to end the shutdown — now at 37 days, the longest in — calling it a “big factor, negative†in the poor GOP showings across the country. Democrats saw Trump’s comments as a reason to hold firm, believing his involvement in talks could lead to a deal on extending , a key sticking point to win their support.
Trump is refusing to meet with Democrats, insisting they must open the government first.
Here's the latest:
Senators search for a potential deal
Central to any resolution will be a series of agreements that would need to be upheld not only by the Senate but also by the House and the White House, which is not at all certain in Washington.
Senators from both major parties, particularly the members of the powerful Appropriations Committee, are pushing to ensure the normal government funding process in Congress can be put back on track. Among the goals is guaranteeing upcoming votes on a smaller package of bills to fund various aspects of government such as agricultural programs and military construction projects at bases.
More difficult, a substantial number of senators also want some resolution to the standoff over the funding for the Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at year’s end.
Trump’s approach to the shutdown stands in marked contrast to his first term
During the shutdown in Trump’s first term, the government was partially closed for 35 days over his demands for money to build . At that time, he met publicly and negotiated with congressional leaders. Unable to secure the money, he relented in 2019.
This time, it’s not just Trump declining to engage in talks. The congressional leaders are at a standoff, and Republican sent lawmakers home in September after they approved their own funding bill, refusing further negotiations.
Trump sets another shutdown record
Now at 37 days, it’s the longest in U.S. history.
While some Democrats saw Trump’s comments on the shutdown Wednesday as evidence that he’d soon get more involved, he’s largely stayed out of the fray. Instead, the talks have intensified among a loose coalition of centrist senators trying to negotiate an end to the shutdown.
Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats over their demands to salvage expiring until they agree to reopen the government. But skeptical Democrats question whether the Republican president will keep his word, particularly after his administration despite to ensure funds are available to prevent hunger.
Progressives see election wins as reason to fight
Grassroots Democratic groups nationwide touted Tuesday’s election results as voter approval of the shutdown strategy — and warned lawmakers against cutting a deal too soon.
“Moderate Senate Democrats who are looking for an off-ramp right now are completely missing the moment,†said Katie Bethell, political director of MoveOn, a progressive group. “Voters have sent a resounding message: We want leaders who fight for us, and we want solutions that make life more affordable.â€
Some Senate Democrats echoed that sentiment. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats and a leading voice in the progressive movement, said Democrats “have got to remain strong†and should secure assurances on extending health care subsidies — including “a commitment from the speaker of the House that he will support the legislation, and that the president will sign.â€
