Trump Blames Democrats for Government Shutdown, Touts Economic Wins

President claims Republicans have 'nothing to do' with partial shutdown over DHS funding

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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President Donald Trump blamed Democrats for the ongoing partial government shutdown, accusing them of being upset over falling crime numbers and resisting measures like voter ID and ending mail-in ballots. Trump touted economic wins such as low inflation and falling fuel prices, but acknowledged the shutdown and said he is willing to meet with Democrats to discuss a plan to end it.

Why it matters

The government shutdown is the latest political standoff between the Republican White House and Democratic-controlled Congress, with both sides digging in on key issues like immigration enforcement and election security. The president's comments reflect the partisan divide and his continued focus on his economic record and conservative priorities ahead of the 2024 election.

The details

Trump said the shutdown is a 'Democrat shutdown' that has 'nothing to do with Republicans,' accusing Democrats of being upset over falling crime numbers, which he took credit for. He also claimed Democrats don't want voter ID or to end mail-in ballots, and are resisting Republican demands for proof of citizenship. Trump said he is willing to meet with Democrats to discuss ending the shutdown, but stressed the need to 'protect our law enforcement' and that immigration officers have 'done a great job' in removing 'criminals that were brought in'.

  • The partial government shutdown began in early 2026 over a dispute between the White House and Congress on Department of Homeland Security funding.
  • Trump made these comments aboard Air Force One on February 16, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 46th President of the United States, who is blaming Democrats for the ongoing partial government shutdown.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader, who has criticized the administration's immigration enforcement policies following recent fatal shootings by federal agents.

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What they’re saying

“This is a Democrat shutdown. This has nothing to do with Republicans, and Democrats shut down. They're upset that the crime numbers are so good. They're very unhappy that there's a movement.”

— Donald Trump, President (nypost.com)

“They don't want voter ID because they want to cheat in elections. They don't want Mail-In ballots. They want to end mail-in ballots, and one other thing that [Republicans] are insisting on is proof of citizenship. And the Democrats don't want to give proof of citizenship. They don't want to give voter ID.”

— Donald Trump, President (nypost.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.