In a sharp exchange on CNN, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and President Donald Trump’s upcoming Asia trip took center stage during an interview with Democratic Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar.
According to the Daily Caller, the discussion highlighted the nearly three-week-long government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, while also addressing Trump’s planned trip to Asia to address trade issues, including a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The government shutdown, which started on October 1, 2025, has now stretched into its third week. This closure has left federal services halted and many workers furloughed or unpaid. The impasse stems from deep partisan divisions over funding the government.
On Monday evening, before the CNN report, nearly all Senate Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, voted against a bipartisan measure to fund the government. This marked the eleventh consecutive failed attempt to resolve the shutdown. Democrats have repeatedly tried to shift blame to Republicans for the ongoing crisis.
During the CNN program "The Source," host Kaitlan Collins pressed Senator Klobuchar on the deadlock. Klobuchar criticized Trump for not engaging with congressional leaders to resolve the issue. She expressed frustration over the lack of direct talks with Democrats.
“The president needs to meet with the leaders in Congress. [Senate Minority] Leader [Chuck] Schumer, [House Minority] Leader [Hakeem] Jeffries asked to meet again before he [Trump] flies off to yet another part of the world,” Klobuchar said.
“He’s been willing to negotiate in the Mideast. He’s been willing to negotiate in Asia, but he’s not willing to walk down the block and meet with the leaders of Congress,” she added. “So, I think what has changed since the beginning of this is the American people are starting to see the bills,” Klobuchar concluded.
In a pointed remark, Klobuchar also stated, “Donald Trump refuses to negotiate, and gets on his plane and flies away.” This comment came as Trump prepares to depart for Asia at the end of the week. The trip has sparked debate about the timing amid the unresolved shutdown.
Collins clarified during the interview that Trump’s journey to Asia is not a leisure getaway. “Well, he’s going on a trip — a long-planned trip to Asia. It’s not just like a vacation,” Collins noted. The trip focuses on easing trade tensions, with a key meeting expected with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Collins also questioned whether progress on reopening the government could happen before Trump’s departure. “But I asked him that today and I said, would you meet [with Democrats] before you go to Asia. Because obviously he’ll be gone for several days,” Collins explained. “But he basically said I’ll meet with them [Democrats] if they reopen the government. We haven’t seen any movement from Democrats. Should we expect their government to be reopened by Friday?” she added.
Klobuchar responded with uncertainty about Trump’s next steps. “I don’t know what he’s [Trump is] going to do. He’s not here,” she said. “Clearly the rubber stampers that behind closed doors say to us, ‘We really need to do something about these [health care] premiums. We know it, we understand it, but they’re waiting for his orders.’ And so that’s what’s happening right now,” Klobuchar continued.
The shutdown’s broader impact on issues like health care costs remains a concern for lawmakers. Many federal programs and services tied to such critical areas are stalled. The public continues to feel the effects as the stalemate drags on.
Despite the political gridlock, public opinion on Trump appears relatively stable. CNN senior data analyst Harry Enten reported that the shutdown has not significantly dented Trump’s support. Enten noted on Monday, before the report, that Trump’s net approval rating has risen by one point.
This slight uptick in popular support suggests that voters may not be holding Trump solely accountable. The data contrasts with Democratic efforts to frame the shutdown as a Republican failure. Enten’s analysis indicates the political fallout may be more complex than anticipated. As the shutdown persists, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. With Trump’s Asia trip looming, the window for negotiation appears narrow. The coming days will test whether any compromise can emerge before his departure.