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Poll Shows Split Blame for Shutdown Amid Trump Approval Rise

10/21/2025

47 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A recent poll shows 58% attribute the shutdown to U.S. President Donald Trump and Republicans, while 54% blame Democrats.
Trump's approval has improved slightly, with 48% now blaming him, down from 61% in the previous standoff.
Analysts say the landscape is different, as Trump's base remains largely unaffected.
Senate Democrats are skeptical about a GOP plan to pay federal workers and question the president's authority to define 'essential'.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to October 17, stemmed from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, affecting 800,000 federal employees. This conflict highlighted the growing partisan divide, with 81% of Americans disapproving of the shutdown. The event underscored ongoing challenges in bipartisan governance, echoing sentiments seen in current political disputes.

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Story summary

A recent poll shows 58% attribute the shutdown to U.S. President Donald Trump and Republicans, while 54% blame Democrats.
Trump's approval has improved slightly, with 48% now blaming him, down from 61% in the previous standoff.
Analysts say the landscape is different, as Trump's base remains largely unaffected.
Senate Democrats are skeptical about a GOP plan to pay federal workers and question the president's authority to define 'essential'.

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