Pakistan, Oct. 2 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has halted $26 billion in federal funding for states that tend to support Democrats, escalating the current government shutdown. This action specifically affected $18 billion designated for transportation initiatives in New York and $8 billion allocated for renewable energy projects in 16 Democratic-controlled states, such as California and Illinois. The move represented a direct attempt to utilize the shutdown as a tool against political opponents while increasing Trump's influence over the $7 trillion federal budget.
Vice President JD Vance cautioned that if the shutdown persists for several days, the administration could expand furloughs to various federal departments. So far, 750,000 government workers have been instructed to stay away from work, while military personnel and border officers continue their roles without receiving pay. The Department of Veterans Affairs stated that although funerals at national cemeteries will still take place, the installation of headstones and upkeep of grounds will be paused. The government shutdown has also disrupted scientific studies, financial regulation, and environmental restoration projects.
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Top Democratic officials expressed strong disapproval, claiming the administration is penalizing regular Americans for political benefits. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, cautioned that stopping funding for New York subway and harbor initiatives would jeopardize thousands of jobs. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, criticized Trump for treating the American public as "pawns" in a partisan conflict, calling the funding pause "extortion." Nevertheless, Republican leaders supported the move, stating that restarting the government would instantly settle the financial issue.
In the meantime, the Senate once more was unable to approve two distinct measures designed to restart the government. A Republican initiative to prolong funding until November 21 did not receive enough support, and a Democratic suggestion that tied funding to healthcare expansion also did not pass. Given the Republicans' narrow majority, cooperation across party lines is necessary to achieve the 60 votes required for approval, yet discussions are still at an impasse. Senators from both sides gathered in an attempt to find a middle ground, but no progress was made.
At the core of the conflict is a disagreement regarding $1.7 trillion for operations, which accounts for a quarter of annual federal expenditure. Democrats are also requesting guarantees that Trump will adhere to future budget bills, as he has done so in the past. Both parties are attempting to assign responsibility before the 2026 midterm elections, with Democrats blaming Republicans for holding the government captive and Republicans asserting that Democrats are blocking funding to oppose Trump.
Read more: Trump mocks Democrats during U.S. government shutdown -
This shutdown is the 15th one since 1981 and might match the longest in U.S. history if not resolved. During Trump's initial presidency, a record 35-day shutdown concluded only when significant air travel disruptions prompted intervention. Currently, with rising tensions, stalled initiatives, and potential job cuts, the impasse risks intensifying political splits and causing broader harm to the American public and economy.
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