It’s been over half a month since Donald Trump shut down the government, and he still hasn’t been able to make a deal to reopen it. Trump’s own Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admitted that Trump’s government shutdown is costing the US economy $15 billion a day. Meanwhile, Trump is hosting lavish fundraisers with wealthy donors. 

In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer issued the following statement:

“We are 17 days into Donald Trump’s government shutdown, and Trump seems content hosting his rich friends and wealthy donors for a lavish fundraiser for his gold-plated ballroom. Americans blame Trump and the Republicans for shutting down the government and allowing health care premiums to spike for 22 million Americans. Between his chaotic policies, failure to bring down rising prices, and now his government shutdown, Trump’s favorability has taken a substantial hit. With Republicans in control of the White House and Congress, why can’t they make a deal? We’re saying what everybody is thinking: The dealmaker-in-chief has lost his touch.”