A new YouGov/The Economist poll shows that more Americans still blame Republicans than Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown, though the gap is narrowing. Currently, 39% blame President Trump and congressional Republicans, while 33% point to Democrats—a 6-point difference. Last week, that gap was 11 points. The share blaming both sides equally has dropped slightly from 23% to 20%.
This shift appears largely driven by independent voters. Blame toward Democrats among independents has risen significantly, from 17% to 26%, while blame directed at Republicans has declined slightly from 41% to 38%. At the same time, the percentage of independents who say both parties are equally at fault dropped from 32% to 27%.
The shutdown, now entering its third week, has seen little progress toward a resolution. Democrats are pushing to include an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies in any deal to end the impasse. These subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year, which could lead to higher health insurance premiums for millions of Americans.
Republicans, on the other hand, have said they won’t negotiate on healthcare subsidies until Democrats support their proposal to reopen the government. Although the GOP-controlled House has passed a clean continuing resolution, Senate rules require 60 votes to move most legislation forward. With just 53 Republicans in the Senate, most Democrats—under Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer—have refused to back the measure.
Additional polling shows the blame is more widely distributed. An AP-NORC poll found that 58% of Americans believe both Trump and congressional Republicans bear significant responsibility, while 54% say the same about Democrats. A Reuters/Ipsos poll earlier this month found an even split between those blaming Trump and congressional Democrats, with fewer pointing to Republicans in Congress.