However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cautioned that states choosing to shoulder the costs themselves will not be reimbursed while the government remains closed.
Trump Blames Democrats for the Government Shutdown
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Japan, President Donald Trump placed the blame squarely on Democrats, pointing to their refusal to support a “clean” continuing resolution.
“The Democrats can solve that problem with air traffic control,” Trump said, referring to unpaid federal employees such as air traffic controllers. “All they have to do is say, ‘The country’s open.’ We only need five votes. The Republicans are with us.”
When asked how the government might pay air traffic controllers missing paychecks, Trump replied, “Yeah, there is,” though he did not elaborate.
Trump concluded, “I would imagine that gets taken care of — not only the controllers, but other people too.”
Mounting Pressure to End the Government Shutdown
As the shutdown drags on, pressure is intensifying from both public and private sectors. Unpaid federal workers, delayed benefits, and stalled public services have all fueled calls for swift resolution.
