Summary
The White House is encouraging congressional Republicans to stay firm during the government shutdown, saying that polling shows public opinion is shifting against Democrats. The administration believes it has the advantage as public blame for the shutdown becomes more balanced between President Trump and the Democrats.
Key Facts
- The government shutdown began on October 1.
- White House polling shows Democrats' public approval has decreased by six percentage points recently.
- Republicans' approval has increased by four points in the same period.
- 44% of people blame President Trump and the Republican-led Congress for the shutdown, while 38% blame Democrats.
- Democrats' previous 13-point advantage in blame attribution has now reduced to a six-point lead.
- The administration intends to proceed with a "Reduction in Force" (RIF) policy, potentially firing more federal workers.
- Federal workers affected are mainly in states with Democratic senators, such as Maryland, Hawaii, and Virginia.
- White House officials claim that the shutdown will end if Senate Democrats agree to the administration's terms.
