Schumer Criticizes Trump for Timing of Asia Trip Amid Government Shutdown
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer from New York has voiced concern over President Donald Trump’s decision to travel to Asia while the government remains shut down. The shutdown has been ongoing since earlier this month, with both parties unable to reach an agreement.
Trump’s trip, which began Friday evening, includes visits to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. Both Republicans and Democrats are pointing fingers, blaming each other for the failure to resolve the shutdown.
In a statement, Schumer said, “President Trump’s priorities are clearly out of touch, especially given that this is the longest government shutdown in U.S. history—a crisis that he has contributed to.”
He emphasized that, “The president is leaving the country as Americans struggle financially, federal workers are going without pay, and many families are facing rising healthcare costs.” Schumer further remarked, “America is shut down, yet the president is abandoning his duties.”
According to Schumer, Democrats are eager to negotiate with Trump but feel he has neglected his responsibilities. “We’ve repeatedly called on President Trump to discuss a bipartisan solution to this health crisis and move towards reopening the government. But he’s not doing his part,” he said.
Schumer also urged Republican lawmakers to collaborate with Democrats to find a path forward. “Now that the president is away, the responsibility lies with Republicans in Congress to engage and work towards a deal that will reopen the government and protect Americans from any further healthcare crises,” he stated.
He concluded, “Americans deserve a government that works as hard as they do, instead of a leader who shirks his responsibilities during these challenging times.”
As Trump continues his tour in Asia, he is anticipated to meet with regional partners to discuss trade, particularly the ongoing trade tensions with China, along with issues surrounding security and reaffirming U.S. support for its allies.
