American Frustration Grows Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Tue Oct 21 2025 20:07:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A new poll reveals that a significant share of Americans blame both major political parties for the ongoing government shutdown, raising concerns about its duration and impact on federal workers and public services.

As the government shutdown enters its third week, a recent AP-NORC poll indicates that approximately 60% of Americans attribute blame to both Republicans and Democrats for the deadlock. While frustrations mount, particularly around essential issues like health care subsidies, many view the shutdown as a major problem affecting thousands of federal employees and services across the nation. Despite the turmoil, neither political party has seen a noticeable increase in public favorability, highlighting deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the current political climate.

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the government shutdown drags on into its third week with no end in sight, an AP-NORC poll reveals that a majority of Americans are not only aware of the issue but are placing blame on both major parties involved.

Nearly 60% of those surveyed hold President Trump and congressional Republicans responsible for the ongoing standoff, while over half extend similar blame to congressional Democrats. This indicates a significant public consensus that no party is evading accountability for the stalemate.

The poll, conducted during a period where the shutdown is nearing a potential record length, suggests widespread concern among citizens. Concerns are particularly heightened regarding the current lack of federal funding to extend essential health care tax credits, important for millions of Americans to maintain insurance coverage post-pandemic.

As tensions rise, the shutdown has evolved into a battle of public messaging, with each political faction attempting to sway public opinion in their favor ahead of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Notably, the impacts of the shutdown have already begun to manifest, with reports of delayed flights and furloughed federal workers missing paychecks, amplifying public worry on the economic implications of the deadlock.

Of those surveyed, around 54% denote the situation as a “major issue,” with an increasing number of Americans voicing anxiety over prolonging impacts on daily life and federal services. Federal officials have signaled a potential worsening of conditions, particularly for those in the federal workforce, prompting calls for urgent compromise and action.

At the heart of the shutdown, there exists a stalemate concerning key health care subsidies. Democrats are advocating for their extension, while Republicans remain steadfast, asserting that no discussions can occur until the government is reopened. This stalemate highlights a significant divide on health care issues, an area where Democrats appear to have a perceived advantage according to polling data concerning public trust.

The ongoing rhetoric suggests that a significant proportion of Americans support extending health care subsidies, highlighting a potential area for political leverage in negotiations. However, a substantial lack of public favorability remains among both parties, indicating widespread discontent with current leadership and political strategies.

As the nation awaits a resolution, voices from both sides are calling for urgent action to avert further complications impacting workers and citizens across the country.