Trump talks a lot of game about his ability to make a deal, but when it’s time to put those words into action, he doesn’t even show up to the bargaining table.
It’s been more than two weeks since the government shutdown began, and he still has yet to put ANY work into negotiating a bipartisan solution.
Trump and Republicans are trying to blame Democrats, but I believe most Americans — especially Virginians — see what’s really happening here: Republicans have control over the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.
So, why did Senate Republicans block our bill to fix their health care mess and fund the government?
Because Trump told them to.
Why are House Republicans refusing to even start conversations with Democrats?
Because Trump ordered them not to negotiate.
Why did Speaker Johnson shut down the House weeks ago — and why is he still refusing to bring it back into session in the middle of a shutdown?
Because Trump demanded they block a vote to make the Epstein files public.
Republicans run this government — and at the end of the day, they all do Trump’s bidding. This is Trump’s shutdown, and this is Trump’s mess.
Over the weekend I talked with a lot of Virginians who are deeply worried about how this shutdown is hurting their families. And what I heard over and over was that this pain didn’t start two weeks ago — it started when Trump returned to the White House.
From the layoffs, to the clawbacks of federal public health funding, to the cancellation of economic development projects — this has been Trump’s plan from day one. He said he wanted to traumatize federal employees, and he’s made good on that promise.
So what can we do?
Keep the pressure on. We make sure Trump and Republicans know that the American people aren’t buying their lies and finger-pointing.
We’ve seen public outrage work when it comes to pressuring Trump and his administration into action — so now is the time to stand up and speak out against this reckless shutdown.
Tell President Trump and his GOP: Open the government, save health care, and do your jobs.
More updates to come,
Tim Kaine
