Government Shutdown Begins: Blame Game Intensifies Amid Iconic Closures

Tue Oct 21 2025 02:15:16 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The federal government shutdown has officially commenced, triggering a fierce exchange of accusations between Republicans and Democrats as iconic American landmarks temporarily close their doors.

The start of the federal government shutdown leads to closures of significant sites such as the Liberty Bell and Pearl Harbor, while Republicans and Democrats argue over funding and responsibilities. Vice President JD Vance claims Democrats prioritize immigrants' health care over American citizens, while Democrats insist on necessary healthcare funding for families. Economic repercussions loom with potential job losses as 750,000 federal workers face furloughs. Key projects in Democratic states are being targeted, and public dissatisfaction grows over the political impasse.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government shutdown has taken effect, leading to a heated blame game between Republicans and Democrats, resulting in the closure of iconic American sites, from the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

Vice President JD Vance took to the White House briefing room to assert that Democrats are holding up government funding to prioritize health coverage for undocumented immigrants. Meanwhile, top Democrats argue their focus is on renewing health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act to prevent a spike in insurance premiums for American families.

Neither party appears willing to compromise, raising concerns of widespread economic repercussions with possible job losses threatening hundreds of thousands of federal workers. Reports indicate that around 750,000 federal employees could face furloughs as essential services grind to a halt.

In a temperature gauge of public sentiment, a recorded message from press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Democrats of prioritizing undocumented immigrants over American workers. This has sparked further contention, as Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries countered with his own social media meme targeting Vance's claims, demonstrating the ongoing partisan tensions.

Compounding these tensions, the Trump administration has also commenced halting funding for crucial projects within Democratic states, pressing an agenda that appears to leverage the shutdown to assert control. Specifically, over $26 billion in funds designated for projects in states with Democratic Senators are on hold.

This shutdown is the largest since the 2018-2019 stalemate that lasted over a month, during which Trump faced major backlash over demands for a border wall. Current polling suggests that both parties may face backlash, as public opinion sheds light on a government perceived as dysfunctional.

As federal workers brace for layoffs and essential services suspend operations, the closure of landmarks like the Liberty Bell and the Gateway Arch serves as a stark reminder of the political chess game unfolding in Washington.

— Associated Press writers contributed to this report.