Trump Threatens Shutdown to Slash Popular Democratic Programs
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced intentions to utilize the ongoing government shutdown to target and cut programs favored by Democrats. This announcement came during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on October 9, 2025, as the shutdown entered its ninth day.
Trump’s Strategy for Government Shutdown
During the meeting, Trump emphasized his focus on programs that he claims are popular among Democrats but not supported by Republicans. He stated, “We’re only cutting Democrat programs,” highlighting a deliberate strategy to inflict political pressure on his opposition.
Details of the Funding Stalemate
The current situation arose when Republican and Democratic congressional leaders failed to agree on appropriations bills necessary to fund government operations past the end of the fiscal year on October 1. Trump’s remarks reflect a growing partisan divide as both parties grapple for control over funding priorities.
- Shutdown Duration: 9 days (as of October 9, 2025)
- Planned Cuts: Focus on “popular Democrat programs”
- Vought’s Announcements:
- Freeze of $18 billion for New York City infrastructure.
- Cancelation of $8 billion in climate-related funding.
- Hold on $2.1 billion for Chicago transit projects.
- Additional $12 billion in clean energy projects under consideration.
Political Reactions and Proposals
Trump’s approach follows earlier comments made on Truth Social, where he described the funding lapse as an “unprecedented opportunity” to make cuts to what he referred to as “Democrat Agencies.” He plans to meet with Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, to discuss specific targets for these cuts.
In contrast, Republicans are advocating for a stopgap funding measure to maintain current funding levels through November 21. Meanwhile, Democrats argue that any funding legislation should include provisions for critical health-care protections, such as the extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits before they expire at year’s end.
The ideological clash between the two parties has led to repeated failures to pass funding proposals in the Senate, revealing the deepening political divide as the shutdown continues.
