President Donald Trump has intensified his attacks on Democrats, calling them ‘kamikaze pilots’ as the government shutdown drags on into its third week. During an exclusive Sunday Morning Futures interview, Trump claimed Democrats are prolonging the stalemate for political gain, warning that he has the authority to permanently cut ‘welfare programs’ that Republicans have long sought to eliminate. The shutdown, now in its third week, began when Democrats refused to approve a funding bill unless it included a two-year extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire in 2025, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees unpaid. Trump also criticized New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, suggesting the city might elect a ‘communist mayor’ if Democrats win the November elections. Mamdani faces a three-way race against former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, with poll numbers showing him in a strong position against both.
The Democratic strategy centers on ensuring that millions of Americans are not left without healthcare coverage during open enrollment in November, arguing that failing to act could lead to higher insurance premiums. Meanwhile, the White House claims Democrats are pushing for billions in Medicaid coverage for illegal immigrants, a stance Trump warns could jeopardize the healthcare of American citizens. Trump also criticized Mamdani’s past remarks on the New York City Police Department, which he labeled as racist and anti-queer. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has since apologized for those comments on Fox News’ ‘The Story,’ stating his willingness to collaborate with any party to make New York City more affordable.
The shutdown has highlighted growing ideological rifts between the parties, with the GOP blaming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for the stalemate. Trump’s comments reflect his broader strategy to shift blame onto Democrats for the nation’s fiscal challenges, while also attempting to influence the outcome of local elections in key urban areas. As the impasse continues, the political and economic consequences of the shutdown remain uncertain, with both parties facing mounting pressure from their respective bases.