Democrats are starting to break ranks — and it could be the turning point President Trump has been waiting for.
As the government shutdown stretches into Week Four, growing frustration from unpaid workers and struggling families is pushing some moderate Democrats to side with Trump’s call to reopen the government.
Pressure Builds as Schumer’s Shutdown Backfires
Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., told Newsmax on Saturday that several Democrats have privately expressed concern over the devastating political and economic fallout from what he calls the “Schumer Shutdown.”
“I believe there are a few level-headed Democrats,” Hoeven said during Saturday Agenda. “They’re beginning to realize, ‘We’ve got to take action now.’ That means supporting the clean continuing resolution so we can finally reopen the government.”
Hoeven, a top member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, criticized Democrats for obstructing funding measures that would support the military, Border Patrol, and essential public safety services — actions that have left thousands of Americans without pay.
“This marks the 25th day of the shutdown,” he said. “It’s long overdue for Democrats to move past this Schumer-led standoff, no matter what point they were trying to prove.”
Patriotic Billionaire Steps Up — While Democrats Stall
In a stunning act of generosity, billionaire GOP donor Timothy Mellon reportedly donated $130 million to the Pentagon to cover missed military paychecks — a move Hoeven called “remarkable.”
“That’s still only about $100 per member of our military,” Hoeven noted, adding that the gesture shows Americans’ willingness to stand up when Washington refuses to act.
But he warned that private citizens shouldn’t have to do what Washington won’t. Programs like WIC, SNAP, and farm aid could soon dry up, leaving working families, small business owners, and veterans caught in the political crossfire.
“From law enforcement and Border Patrol to TSA, truckers, and farmers — everyone is being hurt by this,” Hoeven said.
Democrats Once Supported These Bills — Now They’re Blocking Them
Hoeven blasted the hypocrisy of Democrats who once voted for continuing resolutions to keep the government open.
“They passed 13 of them with 100% of Democrat votes,” he said. “Now, suddenly, they’re blocking the same thing — just to score political points. Americans need to understand clearly: it’s Democrats who are keeping this shutdown alive.”
Healthcare Reality Check: Obamacare Driving Up Costs
Turning to healthcare, Hoeven dismissed Democrat claims that Republicans caused rising insurance premiums by refusing to extend certain subsidies.
“They say inflation in healthcare is all because we’re not extending premium enhancements,” he said. “But the truth is, Obamacare itself is driving up costs — and it’s only getting worse.”
Hoeven emphasized that real reform won’t come from throwing trillions of taxpayer dollars at a failing system, but from common-sense conservative reforms that lower costs and restore doctor-patient control.
“Healthcare reform means empowering patients — not Washington bureaucrats,” Hoeven said. “We need reforms that work, not runaway inflation.”
Trump’s Approach Is Working — Democrats Are the Ones Panicking
Republicans say once the government reopens, they’ll be ready to tackle meaningful healthcare reform, secure the border, and strengthen the economy — but only if Democrats stop holding the country hostage for political theater.
“It’s time for Democrats to put America first,” Hoeven concluded. “Stop the games, end the shutdown, and let our people work again.”