By maleeha zahid
Copyright dailytimes
US President Donald Trump’s administration has frozen $26 billion in federal funds for Democratic-leaning states, intensifying the ongoing government shutdown. The move targeted $18 billion for New York’s transit projects and $8 billion for green-energy programs across 16 Democratic-run states, including California and Illinois. The decision marked a clear effort to use the shutdown as leverage against political rivals while expanding Trump’s control over the $7 trillion federal budget.
Vice President JD Vance warned that if the shutdown continues beyond a few days, the administration may extend layoffs across federal agencies. Already, 750,000 government employees have been told not to work, while troops and border agents are performing their duties without pay. The Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed that although burials at national cemeteries would proceed, headstones and grounds maintenance would be suspended. The shutdown has also halted scientific research, financial oversight, and environmental cleanup efforts.
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Top Democrats voiced sharp criticism, accusing the administration of punishing ordinary Americans for political gains. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that halting funds for New York subway and harbor projects would destroy thousands of jobs. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of using the American people as “pawns” in a partisan game, while labeling the funding freeze as “blackmail.” However, Republican leaders defended the decision, insisting that reopening the government would immediately resolve the funding dispute.
Meanwhile, the Senate failed again to pass two separate measures aimed at reopening the government. A Republican plan to extend funding through November 21 fell short, while a Democratic proposal linking funding to healthcare expansion also failed. With Republicans holding a slim majority, bipartisan support is needed to reach the 60-vote threshold for approval, but negotiations remain deadlocked. Senators from both parties huddled in search of compromise, but no breakthrough emerged.
At the heart of the standoff lies a dispute over $1.7 trillion for agency operations, representing one-quarter of annual federal spending. Democrats also seek assurances that Trump will respect future spending bills, as he has previously disregarded them. Both parties are working to shift blame ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with Democrats accusing Republicans of holding the government hostage and Republicans claiming Democrats are obstructing funding to oppose Trump.
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This shutdown marks the 15th since 1981 and could rival the longest in US history if unresolved. During Trump’s first term, a record 35-day shutdown ended only after major air travel delays forced action. Now, with escalating tensions, frozen projects, and looming layoffs, the standoff threatens to deepen political divisions and inflict wider damage on the American public and economy.
