Americans Blame Both Parties for Government Shutdown, Worry About Impact on Services

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that Americans largely hold both Republicans and Democrats responsible for the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which has entered its ninth day. With nearly a third of federal employees on unpaid leave, many citizens fear the effects on essential services such as Social Security and student aid.

According to the five-day nationwide survey of 1,154 adults, 67% of respondents said Republicans deserve a fair or great amount of blame, while 63% said the same of Democrats and President Donald Trump. The poll, which has a 3-point margin of error, indicates that the public’s frustration is nearly evenly split among both political parties and the president.

The shutdown began October 1 after Congress failed to agree on new spending legislation. Despite Republicans holding majorities in both chambers, they cannot pass a funding bill without at least 60 Senate votes, requiring Democratic support. Democrats have refused to move forward unless Republicans agree to extend health insurance subsidies, a key sticking point tied to rising healthcare costs.

Both parties appear to be maneuvering politically ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, though some lawmakers warn against politicizing the crisis. Republican Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia said, “This is not a game... real people are depending on us to do our jobs right.”

Public concern over the shutdown’s impact is growing—49% worry about disruptions to essential services, while 33% are not concerned. Only 12% of Republicans and 39% of Democrats said they were very worried. Meanwhile, support for mass federal layoffs among Republicans has dropped from 76% in April to 62%, showing waning enthusiasm for Trump’s earlier push to downsize government.

The stalemate underscores deep partisan divisions, leaving millions of Americans anxious about the government’s ability to function—and who will ultimately bear the blame when the shutdown ends.