Trump and Democrats Grapple for Edge in the Government Shutdown

First US Government Shutdown in Years BeginsPhotographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg

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By Catherine Lucey

October 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM UTC

Hours into the US government shutdown, the standoff is already shaping up as a political quagmire for all involved.

President Donald Trump has gleefully pinned the blame on “crazed” Democrats, in the hopes they will shoulder the political consequences. But the president could face blowback over his tumultuous leadership.