AP-NORC Poll: Americans Blame Both Parties for Government Shutdown

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AP-NORC Poll: Americans Blame Both Parties for Government Shutdown

A recent AP-NORC poll highlights the significant public sentiment surrounding the ongoing government shutdown. Most Americans blame both major political parties for the impasse, indicating widespread frustration with the situation.

Public Opinion on Government Shutdown

As the shutdown enters its third week, approximately 60% of Americans attribute a considerable portion of the responsibility to President Trump and the Republican Party. Conversely, around 54% believe Democrats in Congress share the blame.

Key Statistics from the Poll

75% of respondents think both parties deserve at least moderate blame.
54% of Americans view the shutdown as a major issue.
69% of Democrats see the situation as critical.
50% assign a great deal of responsibility to Trump.
Only 40% blame Democrats similarly.

Impacts of the Shutdown

The effects of the shutdown are evident nationwide. Delays in flights are becoming common, and hundreds of thousands of federal workers are either furloughed or working without pay. This has led to missed paychecks, exacerbating financial challenges for many households.

Public Concerns About Federal Employees

As frustration mounts, many citizens express concern for federal employees affected by the shutdown. The public’s anxiety is reflected in their perceptions of who is to blame. For example, Sophia Cole, a Republican mother from St. Louis, feels that both Trump and Congress share equal responsibility for the deadlock.

Stalemate Over Health Care Subsidies

The deadlock is centered around federal tax credits for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Democrats demand an extension of these credits, while Republicans refuse to negotiate until the government is reopened. The AP-NORC poll indicates that about 40% of Americans support extending these credits, but many remain indifferent on the issue.

Public Support Divided on Health Care Issues

42% of respondents have no opinion on extending the tax credits.
Only 10% outright oppose extending the subsidies.

Political Repercussions and Future Outlook

Both parties see the shutdown as a pivotal moment ahead of the 2026 midterms. However, the current situation has not significantly altered public perceptions of either party’s favorability. Approximately 30% of U.S. adults view the Democratic Party favorably, while 40% feel the same about the Republican Party.

Trust in Government

Confidence in Congress remains at a historic low, with just 4% of Americans stating they have a great deal of trust in its operations. This suggests political leaders face a challenging landscape as they work to resolve the ongoing crisis.

The AP-NORC poll represents 1,289 adults surveyed between October 9 and 13. It has a margin of sampling error of ±3.8 percentage points, illustrating the significance of public sentiment during this critical time.