By Diana George

Copyright timesnownews

A new Washington Post poll suggests US President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are taking the lion’s share of public blame for the ongoing partial government shutdown. By a 17-point margin, more respondents hold Trump and Republicans responsible than Democrats in Congress, while 23 percent remain unsure. Those pointing fingers at Trump cited his refusal to compromise, his party’s control of both the presidency and Congress, and his own actions. On the other side, critics of Democrats accused them of obstructing Trump at every turn or echoed Republican claims that Democrats were pushing for government benefits for undocumented immigrants. Independents Break Sharply Against Trump and Republicans The poll also highlights the role of independents in shaping perception: 50 percent say Trump and Republicans are to blame compared with just 22 percent who fault Democrats. Among Republicans, 67 percent say Democrats are responsible, but an overwhelming 87 percent of Democrats point the finger at Trump and his party. “It’s true, it’s the first time that there are three days of strikes and protests in a month without a government or budget. It shows the level of social anger,” Sophie Binet, head of the CGT union, said Thursday. Public reaction so far is marked more by concern than outrage. Roughly two-thirds of Americans say they are worried about the shutdown’s consequences. About one quarter describe themselves as “very concerned,” while 41 percent call themselves “somewhat concerned.” The concern is most pronounced among Democrats (over 8 in 10) and independents (7 in 10), while fewer than half of Republicans report the same. Poll Mirrors Past Shutdowns Where GOP Took the Blame This political blame game mirrors earlier shutdowns, when Republicans historically shouldered most of the criticism – including during two standoffs in Trump’s first term. The lone exception came in late 2023, when more Americans indicated they would fault President Joe Biden and the Democrats than Republicans for a looming shutdown (40 percent vs. 33 percent). That crisis was narrowly averted after Democrats struck a deal with then – House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted soon after. The Washington Post poll also explored one of the central policy disputes: federal subsidies that lower the cost of Affordable Care Act health plans. These subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025, and Democrats are demanding their extension. According to the survey, 71 percent of Americans back extending them, including 95 percent of Democrats and 80 percent of independents. But only 38 percent of Republicans agree, with 62 percent preferring to let them lapse. Democrats and Republicans Divided on Strategy to End Standoff The standoff has created a split over strategy. Just under half of Americans (47 percent) say Democrats should hold firm on extending subsidies “even if it continues a government shutdown.” Another 24 percent say they should compromise. On the Republican side, 21 percent want the subsidies to end and insist the party stick to that demand, while 8 percent call for compromise. Among Democrats, 76 percent want their lawmakers to stand their ground. For independents, that number drops to 55 percent. Republicans themselves are divided: 48 percent back ending subsidies, 38 percent say they should be extended, and 14 percent urge compromise. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.