Journalism of Courage
‘Sad landmark’: Mike Johnson says ready to talk to Democrats as US govt shutdown enters record 36th day
In the initial days of the US government shutdown, the Trump administration was upbeat about it hurting the Democratic Party more than the Republicans.
November 5, 2025 10:19 PM IST
First published on: Nov 5, 2025 at 10:18 PM IST
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Clients wait in line to collect groceries at the Ignatian Mission Center Food Pantry. (Photo: AP) The ongoing US government shutdown, which started on October 1, entered its 36th day on Wednesday, making it the longest so far. US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday termed the longest shutdown a ‘sad landmark’ and insisted he’s willing to talk to Democrats about their demands for health care funds.
The Republican, however, continued to blame Democrats for the record-breaking shutdown, even as US President Donald Trump and some GOP representatives admitted that it hurt the party’s chances in Tuesday’s elections.
Government shutdown backfired on Republicans
In the initial days of the US government shutdown, the Trump administration was upbeat about it hurting the Democratic Party more than the Republicans. The administration used the government shutdown to downsize the federal workforce with mass layoffs and furloughs. While at least 670,000 federal employees are furloughed, a federal judge last month halted the Trump administration’s mass layoffs during the government shutdown.
As the government shutdown continues, with no immediate end in sight, many are feeling the pinch and are queuing up in front of food banks for groceries.
Voters blame Trump
Trump has also become the face of the public’s discontent, and it became evident on Tuesday.
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According to an Associated Press poll, voters in the Virginia and New Jersey governor races, the New York City mayoral contest and the California ballot proposition each ranked economic concerns as a top issue.
Democrats want Trump to meet them
Meanwhile, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said it’s time for Trump to meet with them as well as GOP congressional leaders to negotiate an end to the shutdown and address the health care issue.
“Democrats stand ready to meet with you face to face, anytime and anyplace,” the Democratic leaders wrote. Trump has so far refused to engage in talks until the Democrats vote to reopen the government.
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