Polls initially indicated that voters were blaming former President Trump and the Republican-led Congress for a recent government shutdown, but those numbers have started to shift. As the impact of the shutdown was felt across the Midwest, the White House faced criticism for its treatment of vital programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which saw funding withheld. Questions arose regarding whether the conservative Supreme Court would have upheld Trump’s approach to this crisis.
In Congress, a group of honorable Democratic senators advocated for an end to the shutdown, with notable mention of Wisconsin’s Senator Tammy Baldwin. Frustration grew as Trump and congressional Republicans declined opportunities to negotiate on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, set to expire on December 31. This decision left millions of Americans, including many Wisconsinites, at risk of losing access to affordable healthcare. The impact of these tax credits was particularly significant for farmers, ranchers, self-employed individuals, and small business owners across the nation.
Senator Baldwin took the initiative to call for a Senate vote on extending the ACA tax credits, showcasing her commitment to the issue. Despite all 47 Senate Democrats supporting the proposal, 53 Senate Republicans, including Wisconsin’s Ron Johnson, opposed it. Baldwin’s efforts to make these tax credits permanent predate the shutdown and have garnered support from several Democratic colleagues. The resolution to end the shutdown included a promise from GOP Senate Majority Leader John Thune for a vote in December on extending these critical tax credits.
The political landscape surrounding Trump’s administration has become increasingly complex, compounded by low polling numbers and ongoing scandals, including the release of damaging emails related to Jeffrey Epstein. While many Democrats seek to assign blame for the shutdown, detracting from the larger goal of providing healthcare support, others, like Wisconsin’s Democratic Representative Mark Pocan, have openly criticized party leaders, which could hinder their efforts.
Nevertheless, Trump and congressional Republicans face challenges regarding healthcare affordability. Recent polling data from reputable sources indicates substantial public support for extending ACA tax credits, including a notable percentage of Republicans. More than two dozen Republican lawmakers have also expressed varying degrees of support for some form of extension.
With momentum building for a Democratic wave in the 2026 elections, unity within the party is crucial. The focus should now shift toward organizing for the pivotal December Senate vote and exploring a discharge petition in the House to ensure that healthcare affordability remains a priority, thus sidestepping intra-party conflicts that could weaken their position.