A significant portion of the American populace is opposed to a government shutdown orchestrated by Democrats, as revealed by new polling data from The New York Times.
This polling emerges as Democrats are considering a government shutdown centered around their ambitious $1.5 trillion proposal, which includes allocations for taxpayer-funded benefits to undocumented immigrants, funding for what some critique as “woke” public media, and proposed cuts affecting rural hospitals. Ironically, these cuts threaten critical services for veterans, seniors, and vulnerable populations—an ironic twist in a narrative often dominated by calls for social safety nets.
There’s no mistaking that the more radical factions within the party are pushing for a shutdown:
- ABC News (9/29/25): “Democrats perceive potential political gains from a shutdown as their base rallies for more assertive tactics.”
- Bloomberg (9/29/25): “Progressive factions are intensifying pressure on party leadership to demonstrate a readiness to challenge the Trump administration.”
- NOTUS (9/29/25): “With mounting pressure from the party’s left, any concessions seem increasingly elusive.”
- The Hill (9/29/25): “Frustrated Democratic senators view a shutdown as a necessary tactic to communicate discontent with Trump, hoping it revitalizes their disillusioned voters.”
- The Washington Post (9/29/25): “After harsh criticisms surrounding their last deal with Trump, Democrats are signaling a firm unwillingness to reach a compromise this time.”
- AP (9/28/25): “Democrats appear increasingly prepared to let a shutdown occur, driven by their supporters’ calls to resist Trump’s agenda.”
- AP (9/27/25): “Many party activists demand that Senate leader Chuck Schumer show determination, especially after perceived failures in prior negotiations.”
- Business Insider (9/27/25): “Pressure from party activists pushes Democrats to showcase their willingness to confront the opposition.”
- The Guardian (9/27/25): “Democrats feel compelled to leverage their position to counter Trump’s policies effectively.”
- AP (9/26/25): “This time around, it’s Democrats now voicing demands, propelled by an energized and vocal support base.”
- Newsweek (9/26/25): “With the urgency of their base, Democrats seem unwilling to yield.”
- The New York Times (9/26/25): “The party is eager to illustrate to its base that they are prepared to engage in the struggle.”
- Axios (9/25/25): “Months of pressure have primed Democrats to fight against what they see as an alarming trajectory under the current administration.”
- HuffPost (9/25/25): “Candidates looking to join the Senate are urging strong rebuttals, tightening the noose on Schumer amidst discontent.”
- NBC News (9/25/25): “The central concern among the Democratic base is not merely about losing a shutdown standoff but about being perceived as unwilling to fight at all.”
- Roll Call (9/25/25): “Demands from their progressive base are urging Democrats to confront Trump regardless of the cost.”
- The Wall Street Journal (9/25/25): “The palpable yearning for a tougher approach underscores the frustrations stemming from previous confrontations.”
- Politico (9/18/25): “Democrats are openly considering the perilous route of a shutdown devoid of a clear plan, reflecting their base’s dissatisfaction.”
- Axios (9/10/25): “A shutdown might be seen as the only viable option to placate a restless party base.”
- Indivisible: “Past concessions have left deep scars; a repeat of that scenario is simply unacceptable for many.”
- MoveOn: “Ensuring that representatives remain accountable in their healthcare battles is paramount, especially as they face the looming threats of a shutdown and Trump’s policies.”