Trump stands firm as shutdown drags on: "We will not be extorted"
By bellecarter // 2025-10-24
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  • The shutdown persists as President Trump and Senate Republicans demand $5 billion in border wall funding, while Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, refuse to negotiate, calling the wall ineffective and wasteful.
  • Trump accuses Democrats of obstructionism and using the shutdown as political leverage, vowing not to reopen the government without wall funding. He also threatens to cut Democrat-backed programs to pressure concessions.
  • Schumer and Pelosi insist they will only discuss border security after reopening the government, accusing Trump of holding federal workers hostage. No compromise appears imminent.
  • The shutdown has left federal workers unpaid, disrupted airports, closed national parks and cost the economy billions daily—deepening partisan divisions.
  • With both sides entrenched, the impasse may drag on for weeks or longer, testing public patience and escalating political risks for Trump and Democrats alike.
The government shutdown shows no signs of abating as President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans stand firm in their demand for border wall funding. Trump, speaking at a White House lunch with Senate Republicans, accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats of holding the government "hostage" and vowed that Republicans "will not be extorted." This stance is a stark contrast to the Democrats' refusal to negotiate on border security, leading to a stalemate that has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay and essential government services shuttered. Trump and the Republicans have made it clear that they will not reopen the government without funding for the border wall, a key campaign promise of the president. Democrats, led by Schumer and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have refused to allocate the $5 billion Trump demands, arguing that the wall is ineffective and a waste of taxpayer money. In his speech, Trump described Schumer as a politician in "deep trouble" and losing in the polls. He accused Democrats of obstructionism and using the shutdown as a political ploy to gain leverage. "They are the obstructionists," Trump said. "And the reason they're doing it is because we're doing so well. We're doing well all over the world." The president also praised Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, whom he likened to Darth Vader, for cutting "Democrat priorities." Trump pledged to release a list of federal programs slated for cuts, which he said would target Democratic programs. This move is seen as an attempt to inflict pain on Democratic constituencies and force a compromise. Schumer and Pelosi have maintained that they will not negotiate on border security until the government is reopened. They have accused Trump of using federal workers as hostages and causing unnecessary suffering. Schumer told reporters that he and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries wanted to meet with Trump before his trip to Asia to discuss a potential deal to extend health care tax credits. However, Trump has shown no signs of backing down and the impasse continues.

Economic and social impact

BrightU.AI's Enoch points out that the shutdown has had far-reaching consequences, affecting hundreds of thousands of federal workers and disrupting essential services. "Airports have experienced delays and staffing shortages and national parks and museums remain closed. The economic impact is also significant, with the shutdown costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars each day," the AI engine adds. This shutdown is part of a broader political battle between Trump and the Democrats, who have been at odds since the 2016 election. The border wall has been a central issue in this conflict, with both sides dug in and unwilling to compromise. The shutdown is a reflection of the deep divisions in American politics and the growing polarization between the two parties. As the shutdown enters its third week, the prospects for a quick resolution remain uncertain. Trump's firm stance and the Democrats' refusal to negotiate suggest that the impasse could continue for some time. The economic and social costs of the shutdown are mounting and the political fallout could be significant for both sides. The American people are watching and the pressure is on for both parties to find a solution that addresses the border security concerns without causing further harm to the nation. The shutdown is a stark reminder of the importance of informed consent, personal liberty and the need for transparency and accountability in government. As Americans continue to navigate this political landscape, it is crucial to remain vigilant and demand leaders to act in the best interests of the people. Watch the video below that talks about Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn blaming the Democrats for the dragging shutdown. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

FoxNews.com Bloomberg.com CBSNews.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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