‘Gun to Our Head’: Trump Remains Non-Committal on Talks Amid Ongoing US Government Shutdown

U.S, Oct 10 : The US government shutdown entered its ninth day on Friday, with Republicans and Democrats continuing to trade blame over the budget standoff that has paralyzed key federal operations.

President Donald Trump remained non committal about possible negotiations with Democrats to end the shutdown, asserting that his administration would not negotiate under pressure.

“We don’t want to have a gun held to our head,” Trump said, adding that he expected the issue to be resolved but insisted talks could not proceed until Democrats relented.

Vice President JD Vance echoed the administration’s stance, blaming Democrats for the suspension of payments to military personnel and other federal workers.

“We are trying to figure out how to pay our troops, because Chuck Schumer is shutting down the US government,” Vance said, warning that veterans’ benefits and essential services were also being affected.

With the funding lapse, military and civilian staff are going unpaid, and active duty troops are expected to miss their paychecks on October 15.

The Republican leadership has accused Democrats of holding up the budget by demanding healthcare subsidies for undocumented immigrants, an allegation Democrats have strongly denied. They claim their push is to reverse healthcare cuts for American citizens under the “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed earlier this year.

The effects of the shutdown are being felt nationwide. On Thursday, more than 200 flights were delayed across Chicago airports, while earlier disruptions were reported in New York, Denver, and Los Angeles due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. Staffing issues have also been reported in Washington, D.C., Newark, and Jacksonville.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, claiming that Democratic obstruction was jeopardizing workers’ livelihoods.

“Air traffic controllers need to come to work. But I understand why they’re frustrated. @SenSchumer is putting illegal immigrants over their paycheck,” Duffy posted on X.

According to the Department of Transportation, around 13,000 air traffic controllers are currently working without pay, and several have stopped reporting to duty. Duffy also warned that a federal program subsidizing rural air travel could run out of funds by week’s end if the shutdown continues.

“Many small communities across the country will no longer have the resources to ensure air service in their areas,” he said.

Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of National Park Service employees have been furloughed, forcing the closure of major tourist sites including Carlsbad Caverns, Petrified Forest, and White Sands National Park.

In Washington, D.C., the Library of Congress, National Archives Museum, Washington Monument, and National Arboretum have all closed, while Capitol and Pentagon tours remain suspended.

The Smithsonian Institution and the National Zoo have announced they will remain open only until October 11, after which operations will likely halt without new funding.

As the US government shutdown 2025 continues with no breakthrough in sight, millions of Americans are bracing for wider disruptions in services, pay, and travel amid deepening political divisions in Washington.