Trump keeps easing Democratic pressure points as ‘very real’ shutdown deadline approaches

Published October 22, 2025 6:00am ET



President Donald Trump keeps easing political pressure on Democrats to end the government shutdown, which could become the country’s longest and has no end in sight.

Three weeks since the federal government shut down after Republicans declined Democrats’ demands to extend Obamacare healthcare insurance premium tax credits, Trump has repeatedly undermined his own political leverage over Democrats by promising to pay military service members and fund food stamps for women and children after the White House had tried to use funding deadlines for both to put pressure on Democrats to reopen the government.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.