The first day of the federal government shutdown saw Republicans and Democrats trading blame, as iconic sites across the United States (US) — from the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii — were temporarily closed, news agency AP reported.
Vice-President JD Vance appeared at the White House briefing room to assert that Democrats had refused to keep the government funded because they were seeking to extend health coverage to people in the country illegally. This claim was disputed by top leaders of the Opposition, who argued that their sole aim was to renew funding for health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act to prevent insurance premiums from rising nationwide, AP reported.
Neither side showed signs of compromise, raising concerns that the economic impact of the shutdown could grow, putting hundreds of thousands of jobs and essential services at risk.
Callers to the White House comment line heard a recorded message from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blaming Democrats for shutting down the government to prioritise healthcare for illegal immigrants over American citizens, AP reported. Several federal agencies also posted messages on their websites echoing this claim.
In a controversial move, the White House additionally revived a deepfake video of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, edited with a moustache and sombrero, which Jeffries described as offensive. He responded with a meme mocking Vice-President Vance.
The Vice-President admitted that he could not predict the shutdown’s duration but hoped some moderate Senate Democrats would vote with Republicans to restore funding. “If this thing drags on for another few days, or God forbid weeks, we are going to have to lay people off,” said Vance.
Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused the Trump administration of using the American public as pawns. “Donald Trump says it loud and clear: He is threatening pain on the country as blackmail,” Schumer said.
An estimated 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed, with some potentially facing permanent job losses. Many offices have been shuttered as the administration seeks to pressure Democrats, though key policy priorities — including deportation measures — continue with minimal disruption.
The Trump administration has also withheld funds for projects in Democratic states, including nearly USD 18 billion for New York City transport projects and almost USD 8 billion in green energy initiatives across 16 states.
The US shutdown has partially disrupted public services, with national parks and memorials closed to tourists. At Acadia National Park in Maine, visitors found trail maps missing and rangers absent, leaving them uncertain about hiking.
“It’s frustrating that they’re playing politics in D.C.,” said visitor Jim Feather, adding, “Their job is to pass a budget. If they’re not doing their job, what are they doing down there?”
Federal courts and essential services like weather forecasting remain operational, but the US shutdown is beginning to affect everyday life and tourism nationwide.