Trump Blames Democrats for Partial Government Shutdown

President touts economic wins while accusing Democrats of being upset over falling crime rates

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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President Donald Trump blamed Democrats for the partial government shutdown, claiming they are upset over falling crime numbers and are resisting measures like voter ID and ending mail-in ballots. Trump touted economic wins such as low inflation and falling fuel prices, but the data shows the national average for gas is closer to $3 per gallon, not under $2 as he claimed. The president said he is willing to meet with Democrats to discuss a plan to end the shutdown, but stressed the need to protect law enforcement and immigration officers.

Why it matters

The ongoing government shutdown highlights the partisan divide in Washington and the inability of Republicans and Democrats to reach a compromise on key issues like immigration and election security. Trump's claims about the economy and crime rates also raise questions about the accuracy of his statements and his willingness to take credit for trends that predate his administration.

The details

Trump blamed Democrats for the partial government shutdown, accusing them of being upset over falling crime numbers, which he took credit for, even as data shows murder and other violent crime had been on the decline in major cities before his return to the White House. The president also claimed economic wins such as low inflation and falling fuel prices, but the national average for gas is closer to $3 per gallon, not under $2 as he stated. Trump said he is willing to meet with Democrats to discuss a plan to end the shutdown, but stressed the need to protect law enforcement and immigration officers.

  • The partial government shutdown is ongoing as of February 17, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who is blaming Democrats for the partial government shutdown and touting economic wins for his administration.

Democrats

The political party that Trump is accusing of being responsible for the partial government shutdown and resisting measures like voter ID and ending mail-in ballots.

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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.”

— President Donald Trump (Fox News)

“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.”

— President Donald Trump (Fox News)

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.