Trump Signals Permanent Cuts to “Democrat Programs” as Shutdown Drags Into Third Week

President Donald Trump said his administration will release a list on Friday of “Democrat programs” that will be permanently closed as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its third week.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump did not specify which programs would be targeted but suggested the closures would not be temporary. His comments came as the Senate once again failed to advance legislation that would reopen the government.

The Senate voted 49–45 to move forward with a House-passed bill that would fund the government through November 21, falling short of the 60 votes required. This marked the eighth failed attempt to end the shutdown, with Republicans and Democrats locked in a stalemate and trading blame for the impasse.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, accused Democrats of making “very expensive demands” in exchange for reopening the government. Democrats, meanwhile, are using their leverage to push for health care reforms, including the extension of a federal tax credit.

Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, said the deadlock could be resolved quickly if Trump engaged directly with Democrats. “If the president engages, we can solve this in 48 hours,” Kaine told NPR.

The shutdown has already begun to impact federal workers and military personnel, many of whom face the prospect of missing paychecks. The Trump administration has pledged to redirect funds to ensure troops continue to receive pay, though uncertainty remains for other federal employees.

Thune also blocked a Democratic alternative bill that would have reopened the government with temporary funding while extending the disputed health care tax credit. Republicans oppose making the credit permanent, leaving the two sides at an impasse.

The standoff has intensified political tensions in Washington, with Trump framing the shutdown as an opportunity to eliminate programs he opposes, while Democrats warn of mounting economic and social costs if the government remains closed.