In a sharp rebuke, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has accused President Donald Trump of abandoning his duties by traveling to Asia amid the longest full government shutdown in U.S. history.
According to Fox News, the criticism comes as Trump embarked on a weeklong trip to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, while federal workers go without pay and negotiations to resolve the shutdown remain deadlocked between Republicans and Democrats.
The government shutdown began earlier this month, marking a historic low in federal operations. It has left countless federal employees without income, struggling to meet basic needs. At the same time, millions of American families are facing the looming threat of rising health care costs.
Schumer did not hold back in his criticism of the president’s decision to leave the country. "In the midst of the longest full government shutdown in American history — a crisis of his own making — President Trump’s priorities are severely misplaced," Schumer said. "While Americans are struggling to make ends meet, federal workers are going without pay, and millions of families are bracing for soaring health care costs, the President is leaving the country," he added.
The shutdown has exposed deep divisions between Republicans, who control the White House and both chambers of Congress, and Democrats. Both sides have pointed fingers at each other, with no clear resolution in sight. Negotiations to reopen the government have stalled, leaving the nation in limbo.
Trump departed for Asia on Friday night, despite the ongoing domestic challenges. His itinerary includes key stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea over the next week. During this trip, the president is expected to engage with regional allies on critical matters.
A major focus of Trump’s discussions will be trade, particularly the ongoing tensions with China. He is also set to address Beijing’s recent moves to tighten export controls on rare-earth minerals, which are vital for various technologies. Additionally, Trump will tackle regional security concerns during his meetings.
The president is expected to reaffirm America’s dedication to supporting its allies in the region. These commitments come at a time when many at home feel neglected by the administration. Schumer emphasized this disconnect in his pointed remarks about Trump’s priorities.
"America is shut down and the President is skipping town," Schumer stated. He argued that Trump’s absence sends the wrong message to struggling Americans. "Democrats have asked, again and again, for President Trump to meet with us to negotiate a bipartisan deal that would address the healthcare crisis, and find a path forward to reopen the government," Schumer continued.
"But instead of doing his job, President Trump is abandoning it," Schumer added. He stressed the urgency of resolving the shutdown and related issues like health care costs. The senator’s frustration reflects a broader concern among many Americans.
The prolonged closure of government operations has had a ripple effect across the country. Federal workers, unable to receive paychecks, face mounting financial pressures. Uncertainty continues to grow as no end to the shutdown appears imminent.
Schumer’s final words underscored the need for accountability at the highest level. "Americans deserve a government that works as hard as they do— not a leader that flies away from responsibility at the time they need one most," he said. His comments resonate with many who feel left behind during this crisis.
As Trump continues his international engagements, the domestic situation remains unresolved. The divide between political parties shows no signs of narrowing soon. Americans are left waiting for a breakthrough that seems increasingly elusive.
While Trump’s trip aims to strengthen ties with allies, it has drawn ire at home. Critics like Schumer argue that the focus should be on ending the shutdown first. The coming days will reveal whether any progress can be made on either front