A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that Americans assign blame for the shutdown to both major political parties, with worries rising about its effects on government services. The survey highlights that a large portion of the public believes neither side is free of responsibility as the federal government remains partially closed.
According to the poll, 67% of respondents said Republicans deserve a fair amount or a great deal of blame for the shutdown, while 63% said Democrats also share responsibility. Another 63% believe former President Donald Trump deserves at least some blame. The findings suggest that public opinion is divided almost equally among the main political actors.
The survey, conducted among 1,154 adults across the United States, carries a margin of error of three percentage points. It found that Americans are increasingly concerned about how long the impasse will last and its potential impact on daily life. Nearly half of those surveyed said they worry about delays in essential services such as Social Security payments and student aid.
The blame for the shutdown continues to be a political issue, with both Republicans and Democrats accusing each other of causing the deadlock. The government has been closed since October 1, after Congress failed to agree on a new spending plan. Lawmakers from both sides are now attempting to use the situation to their political advantage ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Republicans currently hold a majority in both chambers but need Democratic votes to pass funding bills in the Senate. Democrats, meanwhile, have said they will not support any legislation unless it includes provisions to extend health insurance subsidies. They argue that rising healthcare costs will ultimately push public frustration toward Republicans.
Experts warn that the prolonged shutdown could cause significant disruptions in public services and financial uncertainty for federal workers. As the standoff continues, Americans are left waiting for their leaders to find common ground and end the crisis that many see as a shared responsibility.
In other news read more about: White House Warns of Imminent Layoffs as Shutdown Drags On
