Government Shutdown Poll: Nearly Half Say Democrats Did It for Illegal Aliens

Voters Split on Shutdown Blame

A new Rasmussen Reports poll reveals deep division among voters over the ongoing government shutdown and its cause. According to the survey, 49% of likely U.S. voters agree with White House Deputy Chief of Staff Steven Miller’s statement that Democrats shut down the government to provide free healthcare for illegal immigrants, including those who were granted amnesty under President Biden. In contrast, 44% disagree, with 38% strongly rejecting Miller’s claim.

The shutdown began last week after Senate Democrats filibustered a funding bill intended to keep the government operating. While the political standoff has drawn intense national attention, 44% of voters report feeling no personal impact from the shutdown, while 34% say the effects have been minor and 17% report a major impact.

Partisan Divide on Accountability

When it comes to assigning blame, 41% of voters point to Republicans, while 37% say Democrats are responsible. Another 18% believe both parties share equal blame. Predictably, opinions break sharply along party lines—63% of Democrats blame Republicans, and 55% of Republicans blame Democrats. Among independents, Democrats shoulder slightly more blame (34%) than Republicans (31%).

Impact and Perspectives

Republican voters appear less affected by the shutdown, with 58% reporting no personal impact, compared to 26% of Democrats. Meanwhile, 76% of Republicans agree with Miller’s statement, versus 28% of Democrats and 44% of unaffiliated voters.

Demographic data also show contrasts: men are more likely to blame Democrats, while women lean toward blaming Republicans. Higher-income voters tend to fault Republicans, while Hispanic voters are most likely to fault Democrats.