The government shutdown has entered another day, and frustration is boiling over across America.
While both parties are taking hits in the polls, a new CBS survey shows that Democrats may be winning the PR battle — even as they push for more government spending.
According to the poll, 52% of Americans disapprove of how President Trump and Republicans are handling the standoff, while 49% disapprove of Democrats. That slim margin could shape the political narrative heading into the next election — even though Democrats helped trigger the crisis.
Blame Game in Washington
The poll found that 39% of voters blame Trump and the GOP for the shutdown, 30% blame Democrats, and 31% blame both parties. Yet despite the media’s spin, many conservatives argue Democrats are exploiting the situation to protect ObamaCare subsidies and block free-market reforms.
Meanwhile, a majority of voters say Democrats are “weak,” “ineffective,” and “out of touch.” On the other hand, 59% view Republicans as “extreme,” but half still see them as “strong” and willing to fight — a sign that strength and backbone still resonate with voters who are tired of Washington’s political theater.
Rising Prices and Everyday Pain
Americans are feeling the pinch as the shutdown drags on. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say Trump’s policies are driving up food prices, while only 11% believe costs are going down. Yet critics argue inflation was already soaring thanks to Democrat spending sprees and failed Biden-era economic leftovers.
With 750,000 federal employees furloughed and key services frozen, economists warn the shutdown could slow growth and hit middle-class families — the same families already struggling under Biden-era inflation before Trump took office again.
Democrats Dig In — “Worth It,” They Say
Shockingly, 48% of Democrats say the shutdown is worth it — even as American workers lose paychecks. Their reasoning? They want the government to extend ObamaCare subsidies and restore Medicaid funds that were cut from Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which aimed to rein in waste and fraud in the system.
Critics say it’s a classic Democrat playbook — protect bloated bureaucracy, blame Republicans, and then demand more taxpayer money.
National Guard Showdown: Trump Blocked Again
President Trump’s push to deploy the National Guard to restore order in violent cities like Portland has sparked fierce debate. While 61% of Americans oppose sending troops, 79% of Republicans support it, reflecting deep divides over law and order.
Once again, a federal judge — Karin Immergut — blocked Trump’s plan, fueling outrage among conservatives who believe activist judges are undermining national security and tying the hands of a president who’s trying to protect Americans.
Poll Snapshot
The CBS News poll surveyed 2,441 U.S. adults between October 1–3 with a margin of error of ±2.3 points.
✅ Why This Story Matters
This shutdown isn’t just about politics — it’s about who controls the future of America’s economy and freedom. As Washington bickers, Democrats push for bigger government, while Trump fights to restore fiscal sanity and national strength.
And that’s a battle conservatives can’t afford to lose.