Trump Blames Democrats for “Holding Government Hostage” as Shutdown Enters Third Week

President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Senate Democrats on Tuesday, accusing them of “holding the federal government hostage” as the partial shutdown stretched into its 21st day — one of the longest in U.S. history.

Speaking during a lunch event in the White House Rose Garden, Trump directed his ire at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), arguing that Democrats were blocking a short-term funding bill that could immediately reopen federal agencies.

“Chuck Schumer and the Senate Democrats need to vote for the clean, bipartisan continuing resolution and reopen our government — it’s got to happen right now,” Trump said. “They are the obstructionists. And the reason they’re doing this is because we’re doing so well — here and all over the world.”

The shutdown began after Democrats rejected a temporary spending measure over disputes involving immigration policy, border enforcement, and proposed cuts to environmental and housing programs. As the impasse drags on, hundreds of thousands of federal employees remain furloughed or working without pay, and many agencies have been forced to scale back essential operations.

Trump has placed full responsibility for the crisis on Schumer, repeatedly referring to the stalemate as the “Schumer Shutdown.”

“You can call it the Schumer Shutdown or the Democrats’ shutdown — call it whatever you want,” the president said. “We will not be extorted by their demands. It’s a crazy scheme, and it’s not going to work.”

Political Blame Game Intensifies

Trump accused Democrats of using the shutdown to protect “wasteful” federal programs and special-interest projects, claiming that his administration’s budget reforms are eliminating unnecessary spending.

“Many of the things they’re fighting for are programs that hurt our country,” Trump said. “We’re cutting the waste, and they’re angry because those cuts target their pet projects.”

He praised Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought for spearheading cost-cutting efforts within the administration, even referencing a nickname used by critics.

“You know, they call him Darth Vader,” Trump quipped. “I call him a fine man — because he’s cutting Democrat priorities they thought were untouchable.”

Throughout his remarks, Trump maintained that Democrats were using the shutdown to block his broader policy goals on immigration enforcement and fiscal reform.

“This is about control,” Trump said. “They can’t stand that we’re winning — on the economy, on jobs, and on getting investment back into America. And because of that, they’re trying to stop everything.”

Attacking Schumer’s Leadership

Trump also took aim at Schumer’s leadership within the Democratic Party, claiming the senator was losing influence to younger, more progressive lawmakers such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and her allies.

“He’s in deep trouble — he’s losing in all the polls,” Trump said. “He’s even losing to AOC and the radical left. They’ve taken over his party.”

On social media later that day, Trump went further, suggesting that Schumer had “lost control” of his caucus.

“He’s mentally gone,” Trump wrote. “He’s been beaten up by young radical lunatics. Chuck Schumer is gonzo.”

A Divided Congress

The political standoff has highlighted growing divisions not only between parties but also within the Democratic ranks. Progressive lawmakers have urged Schumer to hold firm against Trump’s immigration and spending policies, while moderate Democrats have expressed concern about the political fallout of a prolonged shutdown.

Republican leaders have backed Trump’s position, accusing Democrats of using the shutdown to obstruct his policy agenda.

“The president has been clear,” one senior White House aide said. “The government will reopen when Democrats stop holding it hostage for political gain.”

Despite ongoing negotiations, Senate Democrats have shown little sign of yielding. They continue to insist that any funding package must address their policy priorities, including stronger oversight of immigration enforcement and protection for social and environmental programs.

Mounting Pressure

As the shutdown moves closer to the one-month mark, the impact is becoming increasingly visible. Federal agencies have warned that benefits and critical services could soon be delayed, while federal contractors and small businesses dependent on government operations face mounting financial strain.

Trump has tried to project confidence, emphasizing the strength of the U.S. economy despite the stalemate.

“In the greatest moment in our country’s history — in terms of wealth, job creation, and investment — these guys go on strike,” he said. “It’s shameful. They’re hurting the very people they claim to represent.”

Behind the scenes, aides say the White House remains firm in its refusal to meet Democratic demands for expanded domestic spending or immigration concessions. Instead, the administration has focused on rallying public support by framing the shutdown as a test of political resolve and fiscal responsibility.

Still, with negotiations stalled and neither side showing signs of compromise, uncertainty looms over how long the shutdown will last — and how much political damage it will inflict on both parties.

“We’re ready to reopen the government,” Trump concluded. “The only question is whether Chuck Schumer and the Democrats care enough about this country to stop holding it hostage.”