Washington, Oct 3(HS): The U.S. government shutdown entered its third day on Thursday with President Donald Trump vowing to slash funding for what he branded “Democrat Agencies” while Republicans and Democrats exchanged blame for the budget deadlock.Trump said he would consult with his budget director, Russell Vought, to determine which agencies to cut, urging Republicans to use the impasse as an opportunity to “clear out dead wood.” He gave no sign of yielding to Democratic demands for the inclusion of health insurance subsidies in the budget, a key sticking point blocking passage of a funding bill.
The standoff has already forced around 750,000 federal workers onto unpaid leave, with another 200,000 continuing to work without pay. National parks, museums, and federal landmarks are increasingly shutting their doors, while others such as the Statue of Liberty remain open under special arrangements. The Smithsonian network of museums announced it had only enough funds to remain open for one more week.
On Capitol Hill, both sides remained entrenched. House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of orchestrating a “selfish shutdown” and said Republicans would not negotiate on health subsidies. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries countered that Republicans were ignoring working-class Americans’ needs and described Trump’s threats to fire more federal employees as meaningless, given ongoing job cutbacks.
The latest Senate vote failed after only three Democrats sided with Republicans, leaving both parties short of the required numbers. Another attempt is expected Friday.Opinion polls suggest blame is largely split down partisan lines, with independents more likely to fault both sides equally.
Analysts warn that meaningful pressure to reopen the government may not materialize until ordinary Americans begin to feel sharper effects, such as travel delays if aviation staff shortages worsen.
The shutdown has intensified political hardening in Washington. Democrats insist healthcare subsidies must be part of any deal, while Republicans, backed by Trump, insist on a “clean” funding bill with no additional measures — setting the stage for an extended fiscal standoff.
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