The recent government shutdown, which lasted for 43 days, has ended, leading to mixed reactions among the American public. A CBS News/YouGov poll indicates that 55% of Americans perceive Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, as having gained more from the negotiations, while only 6% believe Democrats were successful. This sentiment is echoed by a significant portion of Democrats who express frustration, feeling their party compromised excessively during the negotiations. In contrast, Republicans largely felt their delegation's approach was appropriate.

During the shutdown, public disapproval was directed at all parties involved, but post-shutdown assessments show a slight increase in disapproval for congressional Democrats compared to Republicans and Trump. This shift may be influenced by the views of Democrats and independents, who previously expressed approval of the Democrats' handling of the situation. Frustration and dissatisfaction are prevalent among Democrats regarding the deal that ended the shutdown, while Republicans report feelings of relief and satisfaction.

Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) criticized Senate Democrats for their decision to vote in favor of reopening the government, labeling it a significant failure of leadership. He called for new direction within the party, emphasizing the need to prioritize constituents' needs over political maneuvering that could jeopardize essential services. Khanna's remarks reflect a growing concern among lawmakers regarding the impact of legislative inaction on vulnerable populations, particularly those reliant on social programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) also expressed discontent, stating it was a mistake for eight Senate Democrats to negotiate with Republicans without securing an extension of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He warned that this decision undermined a potential political advantage that could have lowered health insurance premiums for many Americans. Approximately 20 million individuals are expected to face increased health insurance premiums due to the lack of a compromise on ACA subsidies.

The agreement reached during the shutdown provides funding for most federal agencies through January 30, and secures SNAP funding until the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2026. However, the future of health care subsidies remains uncertain, as Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson did not commit to a vote on extending ACA subsidies in the House.

The poll also revealed that 70% of Republicans felt their party made appropriate compromises during negotiations, while 55% of Democrats believed their party conceded too much. Disapproval ratings showed that 60% of respondents were dissatisfied with the Democrats' handling of the shutdown, compared to 54% for Republicans. Additionally, 56% disapproved of Trump's leadership during the negotiations.

Overall, the discussions surrounding the shutdown highlight the complexities of navigating political negotiations, the implications of economic policies on public welfare, and the challenges of maintaining party cohesion in a polarized political environment.