Americans Shifting Blame to Democrats For ‘Schumer Shutdown’

A new YouGov/The Economist poll shows that while most Americans still place more blame on Republicans than Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown, the gap is steadily closing — suggesting the political tide may be shifting.

According to the survey, 39% of respondents blame President Donald J. Trump and congressional Republicans, compared to 33% who point the finger at Democrats in Congress — a margin of just six points. That’s down from an 11-point gap in last week’s polling, which found 41% blaming Republicans and 30% blaming Democrats.

The latest numbers also show independent voters are increasingly assigning blame to Democrats, helping narrow the divide. Twenty-six percent of independents now blame Democrats, up from 17% the week before. Meanwhile, blame directed toward President Trump and congressional Republicans dropped slightly from 41% to 38%.

At the same time, the share of Americans who say both parties are equally responsible fell from 23% to 20%, reflecting a more partisan shift as the shutdown stretches into its third week.

Negotiations between both parties remain at a standstill. Democrats continue to demand an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies as part of any funding deal, while Republicans insist on reopening the government first, calling the Democratic position a case of political hostage-taking.

The GOP-controlled House has already passed a clean continuing resolution to fund the government. However, the Senate’s 60-vote threshold has allowed Democrats to block the measure, despite two Democrats and one Independent breaking ranks to support it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s caucus remains unified in opposition, effectively keeping the shutdown in place.

As President Trump pushes to keep government operations funded without further expanding federal health subsidies, Republicans argue that Democrats are the ones prolonging the crisis for political gain — an argument gaining traction with independents and moderate voters.

Other polling data further illustrates how public opinion is beginning to rebalance.

• An AP–NORC poll found that 58% of Americans believe both President Trump and congressional Republicans bear “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of responsibility — but an equal 58% said the same of Democrats in Congress.
• A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted earlier this month found Americans evenly divided between blaming Democrats and President Trump for the shutdown, with fewer respondents blaming congressional Republicans.
• That same poll revealed 63% believe Democrats deserve at least some blame, the same number who said the same of Trump, while 67% said congressional Republicans share some responsibility.

With Democrats refusing to move on a clean funding bill and independents turning against them, the blame game is becoming far more complicated than the corporate media narrative suggests. As the standoff continues, Republicans say it’s becoming clear which side actually wants the government back open — and which side prefers political theater over practical governance.