Trump Blasts Democrats: 'They're Kamikazes Now' Amid Government Shutdown

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Democrats for extending the ongoing government shutdown, claiming the impasse gives him the leverage to permanently eliminate what he called Democratic “welfare programs”. “The Democrats are now kamikazes. They are now kamikaze pilots. They have nothing going on. They have no future,” Trump said during an exclusive interview with Fox News. Trump targets Democratic leadership Trump argued that Democrats lack effective leadership and strong candidates for upcoming elections. He suggested the shutdown would allow his administration to cut billions from programs traditionally championed by Republicans. “They didn’t realize that it gave me the right to cut programs that Republicans never wanted — you know, handouts, welfare programs,” he said. “And we do. We cut them permanently.” According to the Trump administration, shutdown rules allow the freezing or suspension of certain federal programs and projects. Shutdown Impacts and Democratic Concerns The government shutdown, now approaching its third week, began after Democrats refused to approve a funding bill unless it included an extension of the Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that will expire in 2025. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees remain without pay. Democrats warn that failure to act before open enrollment in November could lead to higher premiums for millions of Americans. The White House has opposed Democrats pushing billions for Medicaid coverage for undocumented immigrants, which Trump says could jeopardize health care for American citizens. Frequently Asked Questions: Q1: Why is the US government shutting down? A: The shutdown began after Democrats refused to pass a funding bill without extending the Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire in 2025. As a result, federal agencies are operating without full funding, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees are without pay. Q2: What does Trump criticize about the Democrats? A: Trump has accused Democrats of prolonging the shutdown, calling them “kamikazes” and claiming they have no future. He argued that their lack of leadership and strong candidates allow him to cut what he calls Democratic “welfare programs.” Q3: What programs is Trump targeting during the shutdown? A: Trump has said he is cutting programs traditionally championed by Democrats, referring to them as “giveaways” or welfare programs. His administration claims shutdown rules allow freezing or suspending certain federal projects. Q4: How long has the government shutdown been going on? A: The shutdown is now approaching its third week. Q5: What concerns do Democrats have about the shutdown? A: Democrats warn that failure to act before the Affordable Care Act’s open enrollment in November could leave millions of Americans facing higher health insurance premiums.