Government shutdown: Trump hits out at Democrats for rejecting offer of 'compromise' over Mexico border wall

Peter Stubley, Sarah Harvard, Clémence Michallon
Updated

Donald Trump lashed out at the Democrats after they rejected his so-called “compromise” proposal to end the US government shutdown and secure $5.7bn in funding for his border wall.

The president accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of being a “radical” and acting “irrationally” during a series of tweets on Sunday and blamed his opponents for the continuing impasse, which has now entered its 31st day.

Ms Pelosi responded by calling on Mr Trump to re-open the government before starting talks on border issues, while Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the president’s plan would be blocked.

The government shutdown, now the longest federal closure in American history, has prompted some celebrities to speak up on the continuing standoff between Mr Trump and Democrats. For instance, it sparked a feud between rapper Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, and Fox News personality Tomi Lahren. After Ms Lahren chided the "Bodak Yellow" singer for speaking out against the government shutdown, Mr Almanzar replied "Leave me alone I will dog walk you."

Lady Gaga also chimed in mid-song during a performance on Las Vegas to weigh in on the government shutdown. “If the f***ing president of the United States could please put our government back," the "Bad Romance" singer said. "There are people who live paycheck to paycheck and need their money.”

Other celebrities have responed to the government shutdown in philanthropic ways, including New Age personality Deepak Chopre and rock musician Jon Bon Jovi. In partnership with GoFundMe, Mr Chopra donated $10,000 to the company's crowdfunding campaign for furloughed federal workers. Mr Bon Jovi also offered free meals to government employees on Monday.

Furthermore, the government shutdown has led to some crippling effects on federal workers and public schools. The federal closure has forced some government workers to seek unemployment insurances, and according to a recent report, about 58% of furloughed employees are experiencing negative health effects due to the shutdown. Public schools are also concerned that they might not have enough funds to provide lunches to children. For instance, one school district in North Carolina is rationing off lunches to ensure that there is enough food to last them throughout the continuining shutdown.