Story perspectives

Trump Blames Democrats for Government Shutdown, Touts Economic Gains

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Democrats for partial government shutdown over Department of Homeland Security funding.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, he touted gains, including low inflation and falling fuel prices, despite gas-price discrepancies.
Trump labeled the shutdown a "Democrat shutdown" and asserted Democrats are unhappy with declining crime rates.
He criticized Democrats' stricter oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and expressed willingness to negotiate while protecting law enforcement.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Democrats for partial government shutdown over Department of Homeland Security funding.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, he touted gains, including low inflation and falling fuel prices, despite gas-price discrepancies.
Trump labeled the shutdown a "Democrat shutdown" and asserted Democrats are unhappy with declining crime rates.
He criticized Democrats' stricter oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and expressed willingness to negotiate while protecting law enforcement.