It is Day 21 of Trump’s shutdown, and one thing is clear: Trump and Republicans are continuing to inflict financial hardship on families across the nation. This is especially true for Black families. 

At the same time as Trump keeps the government shut down, Black workers are seeing their wages stagnate while costs for essentials like food and housing continue to rise. In the first half of the year, earnings for Black workers — especially younger ones — fell behind. This squeeze is one of the key reasons why 74% of Black voters believe Trump has made them worse off financially, and 86% say he’s responsible for driving up food and grocery prices.

Trump has also used the shutdown as an excuse to quietly eliminate the remaining staff at the Minority Business Development Agency, which helps Black-owned businesses access vital federal contracts and funding. He’s also dismantled the entire team at the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, cutting off support for a program that’s provided billions in loans to underserved communities. And nearly 20% of federal workers are Black, many of whom are furloughed at agencies like the TSA, the Postal Service, and the VA. On top of all that, the shutdown has already delayed more than $2.5 billion in small business and consumer lending.

In response, DNC Senior Spokesperson Marcus W. Robinson released the following statement:

“Trump is focused on hosting high-dollar fundraisers and building a multi-million-dollar ballroom while families across the country can’t make ends meet. Black families are getting hit especially hard in Trump’s economy. With vital programs for Black-owned businesses being slashed and federal workers left without pay, Black communities are facing a real financial crisis. This shutdown isn’t just a political move — it’s a direct attack on the economic security of Black families, and Trump has done nothing but make life harder for our communities.”

Economic approval ratings for Trump have been plummeting among Black voters. According to CBS polling, his net approval on inflation stands at -80 points, with only 10% of Black voters approving of his handling of rising costs. Other polling, including from Economist/YouGov, shows that 86% of Black voters disapprove of his approach to inflation, and Fox News polling shows 85% disapprove of how he’s managing the cost of living.