The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, placed blame on congressional Democrats for the government shutdown. Leavitt asserted that Democrats had “officially shut down” the U.S. government. She pointed out that House Republicans had passed a nonpartisan bill to extend government funding until November 21st, but it was opposed by nearly every Democratic senator. Leavitt highlighted that this bill was essentially the same one Democrats approved six months prior, adjusted for inflation. She also mentioned that Democrats had passed similar clean funding bills numerous times during the Biden administration. Leavitt accused the Democratic party of engaging in “pure partisan politics,” specifically mentioning the issue of taxpayer-funded healthcare for undocumented immigrants, stating that the U.S. could not afford it given the national debt. The government shutdown occurred after Congress failed to pass a funding measure. Both parties are publicly avoiding blame; Republicans want Democrats to agree to a funding extension, while Democrats seek major concessions before supporting any funding measure. Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer have placed responsibility on President Trump and Republicans.
