Is Trump Open to Talks Amid Ongoing US Shutdown?
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Synopsis
As the US government shutdown stretches into its ninth day, President Trump remains non-committal about negotiations with Democrats. With military pay at stake and air travel disruptions, tensions are rising. Explore how these political standoffs affect ordinary Americans and what could lie ahead.
Key Takeaways
- The US government shutdown has lasted nine days.
- President Trump is hesitant to negotiate with Democrats.
- Military personnel face delayed payments.
- Air travel has been disrupted significantly.
- National parks are affected due to furloughs.
Washington, Oct 10 (NationPress) The US government shutdown has now reached its ninth day, with Republicans and Democrats exchanging accusations. President Donald Trump remains evasive about engaging in discussions with Democrats regarding the government reopening. He stated, “We don’t want to have a gun held to our head.”
“I envision the deal simply being prolonged as we keep conversing, but we're ready to pay because we are already paying; it's straightforward. I believe this will be resolved, but we need to come back before we proceed. We don’t want to feel pressured. The public disapproves of this too. We aim to return, and I am confident it will turn out positively,” he elaborated.
Vice-President JD Vance also placed blame on the Democrats over the stalled payments to military personnel due to the shutdown.
“We are working on how to compensate our troops, as Chuck Schumer is responsible for this government closure. Veterans' benefits will be adversely affected. Ordinary Americans will face hardships because Chuck Schumer is neglecting his responsibilities,” he remarked.
During this shutdown, military and civilian staff are not receiving their pay, and active-duty soldiers are set to miss their paycheck on October 15.
Republicans have accused Democrats of pushing for healthcare subsidies for undocumented immigrants, which Democrats dismiss as misinformation propagated by the Trump administration.
Democrats assert they are advocating for the reversal of healthcare cuts for American citizens included in the “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed earlier this year.
On Thursday, over 200 flights were delayed at two airports in Chicago. Earlier, delays occurred in airports across New York, Denver, and Los Angeles due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. Reports of staffing shortages are also emerging from Washington, DC, Newark in New Jersey, and Jacksonville in Florida.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy continued to hold Democrats accountable for the ongoing crisis.
“Air traffic controllers need to report for duty. However, I understand their frustration. @SenSchumer prioritizes illegal immigrants over their salaries,” he posted on X.
Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without compensation, and many are not showing up. The DoT has suspended additional activities like hiring and training air traffic controllers.
Duffy announced on Monday that a federal program designed to subsidize air travel to rural areas might run out of funds this week if the shutdown continues.
“Numerous small communities across the nation will no longer have the resources to ensure air service,” he stated.
About two-thirds of the employees of the National Park Service, which oversees national parks, have also been furloughed, impacting tourist attractions such as the caves in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, and White Sands National Park in New Mexico.
In Washington, DC, the Library of Congress, the National Archives Museum, the Washington Monument, and the National Arboretum have been closed, and tours of the Capitol Building and the Pentagon have been suspended.
The Smithsonian Institution museums and the National Zoo in Washington announced last week that they would remain accessible to the public until October 11.
This marks the first US government shutdown in seven years, following the previous one during Trump’s initial term, which lasted for a record 35 days.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the profound impact on military personnel and ordinary citizens. As a national editor, I emphasize the need for bipartisan cooperation to resolve this impasse swiftly and effectively, ensuring that the needs of all Americans are prioritized over political posturing.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the current US government shutdown?
The shutdown is primarily due to disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over budget allocations, particularly concerning healthcare subsidies and funding for military personnel.
How long has the shutdown been ongoing?
The government shutdown has now lasted for nine days, with concerns growing about its impact on various sectors.
Who is responsible for the military payment delays?
Vice-President JD Vance has pointed to Chuck Schumer and the Democrats as the cause of the delays in military payments due to the shutdown.
What are the implications of the shutdown on air travel?
The shutdown has led to significant delays in air travel due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, affecting numerous flights across major cities.
What impact does the shutdown have on national parks?
The shutdown has resulted in furloughs for two-thirds of the National Park Service employees, leading to the closure of several national parks and tourist attractions.
