President Donald Trump is thousands of miles away, leaving Democrats to navigate the government shutdown without him. Since budget negotiations stalled in October, Trump has made two international trips, including his current visit to Asia. Typically, presidents try to avoid travel during shutdowns to show they're focused on negotiations.
However, Trump's absence is notable given his reputation as a skilled dealmaker. The lack of engagement between the president and Democrats in Congress has characterized this shutdown fight. Democratic senators argue that Trump isn't addressing their demands for subsidies to extend health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pointed out that with open enrollment just five days away, tens of millions of Americans face a financial crisis due to rising healthcare costs while the president is dancing on the tarmac in Malaysia. The Treasury Secretary said there's no point for Trump to re-engage in negotiations as Democrats have "dug in."
In contrast to his approach during the 2018-19 standoff, when he hosted top congressional leaders for multiple White House discussions, Trump has largely stayed out of sight during this shutdown. When asked if Trump should meet with Democrats again, a Treasury Secretary replied that it wouldn't make a difference since they've refused to negotiate.
The president's decision not to engage in the talks has fueled uncertainty about when the standoff will end. While some Republicans believe Americans won't hold him accountable for solving the issue, Democrats expect to capitalize on rising healthcare costs as families begin looking at higher rates in the coming days.
However, Trump's absence is notable given his reputation as a skilled dealmaker. The lack of engagement between the president and Democrats in Congress has characterized this shutdown fight. Democratic senators argue that Trump isn't addressing their demands for subsidies to extend health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pointed out that with open enrollment just five days away, tens of millions of Americans face a financial crisis due to rising healthcare costs while the president is dancing on the tarmac in Malaysia. The Treasury Secretary said there's no point for Trump to re-engage in negotiations as Democrats have "dug in."
In contrast to his approach during the 2018-19 standoff, when he hosted top congressional leaders for multiple White House discussions, Trump has largely stayed out of sight during this shutdown. When asked if Trump should meet with Democrats again, a Treasury Secretary replied that it wouldn't make a difference since they've refused to negotiate.
The president's decision not to engage in the talks has fueled uncertainty about when the standoff will end. While some Republicans believe Americans won't hold him accountable for solving the issue, Democrats expect to capitalize on rising healthcare costs as families begin looking at higher rates in the coming days.
I mean I get it, presidents are busy but come on! It's like he think his advisors do all the work for him 
Schumer is right tho, it's lowkey insane that we r facin this crisis cuz of his lack of engagement 
especially with all these people who are going without their health insurance premiums. Trump's absence from negotiations is like, really weird considering he's always talking about how great he is at deals... where's the deal-making now? 
It feels like the politicians are just being super unhelpful and it's not looking good for a quick fix. The fact that Schumer is pointing out how ridiculous it looks with Trump on vacation in Malaysia while Americans are struggling to pay their healthcare bills is low 
. Can't we all just get along and find some common ground? 
. I MEAN, DEMOCRATS ARE TRYING TO NEGOTIATE AND STUFF BUT NO ONE'S LISTENING AND THE PRESIDENT JUST KEPT ON DANCING 
! IT'S SO UNBELIEVABLE THAT CHUCK SCHUMER IS TELLING US THIS 
... if the president is out of sight and not trying to mediate, it's gonna be a tough road for both sides to find common ground. I think it's time for someone to step up and facilitate those talks, maybe even bring in some neutral third parties? It's like they say, when there are two elephants fighting over a bone, who gets hurt in the end? 
. I mean, Trump's been gone on these trips and it feels like the Democrats aren't even trying to negotiate 
I think it's pretty clear that Democrats want some subsidies for people's health insurance, and Trump just isn't willing to budge... or at least, he doesn't seem to be trying too hard. 
It's crazy! 5 million+ Americans who rely on ACA subsidies will face financial ruin if Trump doesn't step up and negotiate 
. The fact that Schumer is pointing out the president's lack of engagement is pretty telling - it's like Trump thinks he can just "dance on the tarmac" while people suffer 
. Can't believe Democrats are being so realistic about this, though - 70% of ppl say they expect the shutdown to end, but only if there's a willingness to negotiate 
and leaving it to the Senate Majority Leader and others to figure it out. It's got me wondering if Trump really thinks Democrats are just gonna cave under pressure or something? The fact that Schumer is saying tens of millions of Americans are in a financial crisis over this is pretty damning...I guess we'll see how this whole thing plays out 
and Schumer is literally saying that with open enrollment just around the corner, it's like he's not even trying to fix the problem 
meanwhile Republicans are saying Americans won't hold him accountable? like, what's next? 
... meanwhile, people are seriously struggling to afford healthcare 
. How long can this go on before someone takes action? 
The lack of engagement is just ridiculous 
.
. I mean, they want subsidies to keep people's health insurance premiums low, but Trump's not budge-ing on that front 
. Will the shutdown end anytime soon? Maybe, maybe not 
.
. i mean, what's up with that? shouldn't he just stay in dc and try to hammer out a deal like everyone else?