WASHINGTON (AP) — As the government shutdown drags on with no end in sight, a new AP-NORC poll finds that most Americans see it as a significant problem — and all of the major players are being blamed.
Roughly 6 in 10 Americans say President Trump and Republicans in Congress have ‘a great deal’ or ‘quite a bit’ of responsibility for the shutdown, while 54% say the same about Democrats in Congress. At least three-quarters of Americans believe each deserves at least a ‘moderate’ share of blame, underscoring that no one is successfully evading responsibility.
The survey, conducted as the shutdown stretched into its third week, reveals that both parties are seeking to manipulate public perception, betting that voters will blame the other side. With the stakes especially high for Democrats, they are looking for a unifying issue to rally support ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
More than half of Americans consider the shutdown a ‘major issue,’ with Democrats leading this sentiment at 69%. The effects are palpable, with delayed flights and federal employees missing paychecks becoming increasingly common.
As tensions rise, House Speaker Mike Johnson warns the country is ‘barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history.’ This follows a pattern observed during a past shutdown, which led to extended dysfunction.
The ongoing stalemate centers around a tax credits conflict related to health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. While Democrats are pushing for an extension of these credits, Republicans refuse to negotiate on this issue until a funding bill is passed to reopen the government.
Public support for extending health care subsidies is notable, with 40% of adults indicating their support. However, many Americans are not closely following the fundamental differences that are fueling this impasse.
Ultimately, as both parties prepare for the impending elections, the groundswell of public opinion may yet influence their strategies in a rapidly evolving political landscape. The essence of negotiation appears lacking, conveying a clear message that the compromise is not merely necessary, but urgent.
Roughly 6 in 10 Americans say President Trump and Republicans in Congress have ‘a great deal’ or ‘quite a bit’ of responsibility for the shutdown, while 54% say the same about Democrats in Congress. At least three-quarters of Americans believe each deserves at least a ‘moderate’ share of blame, underscoring that no one is successfully evading responsibility.
The survey, conducted as the shutdown stretched into its third week, reveals that both parties are seeking to manipulate public perception, betting that voters will blame the other side. With the stakes especially high for Democrats, they are looking for a unifying issue to rally support ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
More than half of Americans consider the shutdown a ‘major issue,’ with Democrats leading this sentiment at 69%. The effects are palpable, with delayed flights and federal employees missing paychecks becoming increasingly common.
As tensions rise, House Speaker Mike Johnson warns the country is ‘barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history.’ This follows a pattern observed during a past shutdown, which led to extended dysfunction.
The ongoing stalemate centers around a tax credits conflict related to health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. While Democrats are pushing for an extension of these credits, Republicans refuse to negotiate on this issue until a funding bill is passed to reopen the government.
Public support for extending health care subsidies is notable, with 40% of adults indicating their support. However, many Americans are not closely following the fundamental differences that are fueling this impasse.
Ultimately, as both parties prepare for the impending elections, the groundswell of public opinion may yet influence their strategies in a rapidly evolving political landscape. The essence of negotiation appears lacking, conveying a clear message that the compromise is not merely necessary, but urgent.
