Two-Thirds Approve Deal Ending Shutdown, Nearly Half Credit GOP

A Strong Majority Welcomes the Shutdown’s End

A new Rasmussen Reports survey finds broad support for the deal that reopened the federal government this week. Sixty-seven percent of likely voters approve of ending the 43-day shutdown, including 44% who strongly approve. Only 24% disapprove, underscoring a national sense of relief after weeks of political stalemate.

President Donald Trump signed the legislation on Wednesday, concluding a shutdown that began in October after Senate Democrats filibustered a House-passed spending bill. While the conflict exposed deep partisan divides, most voters agree on one thing: reopening the government was the right move.

Who Benefits Politically? Voters See an Edge for Republicans

Nearly half of voters — 49% — believe Republicans benefit the most from ending the shutdown. Just 18% think Democrats come out ahead. The remaining third aren’t sure, reflecting uncertainty about how long-term political narratives will develop.

The divide falls along familiar lines:

• 62% of Republicans think their party benefits most.
• 45% of Democrats agree that the GOP gains the advantage.
• Among unaffiliated voters, 40% say Republicans benefit, compared to 10% who say Democrats do.

Who’s to Blame? Opinions Split Almost Evenly

Blame for the shutdown itself remains sharply divided.

• 39% of voters blame Republicans in Congress.
• 37% blame congressional Democrats.
• 21% say both parties share responsibility.

Notably, those who blame Democrats are most likely to strongly approve of reopening the government.

A Cross-Demographic Look at Approval

Support for ending the shutdown cuts across demographics:

• 66% of both white and Black voters approve.
• 61% of Hispanic voters approve.
• 76% of other minority groups approve.

Men approve at slightly higher rates than women, and voters over 65 are most likely to strongly support reopening the government. Among Trump 2024 voters, 61% strongly approve, compared to 31% of Kamala Harris voters.

A Political Reset — But Not a Political Consensus

While most Americans agree on ending the shutdown, the question of political winners and losers remains unsettled. For now, polling suggests Republicans hold the edge — but the broader debate over governance, partisanship, and leadership is far from over.