Democrats, led by Senator Schumer and Rep. AOC, are determined to derail, defund, and even disband ICE no matter what.

And they are willing to hold the very security of the nation hostage to see this accomplished.

But Trump swears he will carry out his plans no matter what the Democrats do.

President Donald Trump on Monday placed responsibility for the ongoing partial federal government shutdown squarely on Democrats, arguing that Republicans bear no blame as negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security remain stalled.

Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described the impasse as a “Democrat shutdown,” saying his party had “nothing to do” with the lapse in funding. 

The disagreement centers on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations, where lawmakers from both parties have failed to reach a consensus on a path forward.

During the exchange, the president also highlighted what he characterized as major successes under his administration, particularly on economic indicators and public safety. 

Trump pointed to what he called “great financial numbers,” asserting that inflation has dropped significantly and fuel prices have declined.

He claimed gasoline in many parts of the country has fallen below $2 per gallon — though nationwide averages remain higher — and credited his energy policies for the shift. 

Trump referenced his long-standing call to expand domestic energy production, arguing that boosting oil and gas output has helped drive down fuel costs, which in turn eases prices for other goods and services.

“As goes oil and gas, so goes the rest of the economy,” he suggested, maintaining that his administration inherited economic difficulties and has since turned conditions around.

When asked specifically about the shutdown, Trump contended that Democrats were deliberately withholding cooperation. 

He suggested they were frustrated by what he described as improvements in crime statistics, even though public data shows that violent crime, including homicide rates, had already been trending downward in several major cities before his return to office.

Negotiations have been complicated by Democratic demands for stronger oversight and reforms within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

Their calls intensified after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by federal agents last month in Minneapolis, sparking renewed debate over agency practices and accountability.

Trump, however, defended immigration enforcement officers, saying they have been effective in targeting and removing individuals with criminal records. 

He argued that law enforcement agencies should be supported rather than subjected to additional restrictions.

The president also broadened his criticism to election policy. 

He accused Democrats of opposing measures he says are designed to safeguard voting integrity, including the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility Act. 

That legislation, which passed the House, would require voters in federal elections to present documentation proving citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, along with government-issued photo identification.

Democrats have resisted including such provisions in broader funding agreements, warning they could create barriers for eligible voters. 

Trump countered that proof-of-citizenship and voter ID requirements are essential to maintaining confidence in elections.

As the shutdown continues, Trump indicated he remains open to talks with Democratic leaders. However, he reiterated that any agreement must prioritize support for immigration enforcement and law enforcement personnel more broadly.

Despite the funding lapse, the president said plans for his upcoming State of the Union address would proceed as scheduled next week, even if a deal has not yet been reached.

President Trump has made it clear that he will deliver his upcoming State of the Union address – the first proper SOTU of his second term – even if the Democrats continue the government shutdown.

The standoff underscores deep partisan divides not only over immigration enforcement and federal spending, but also over election law and public safety policy. 

With neither side signaling immediate compromise, the path to reopening fully funded DHS operations remains uncertain.

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