Trump labels Democrats’ shutdown tactics a ‘kamikaze attack’, says ‘they have nothing to lose’

Donald Trump warned that a prolonged shutdown could permanently cut many federal jobs, Chuck Schumer urged him to personally negotiate
PUBLISHED OCT 8, 2025
President Donald Trump delivered a scathing remark to democrats as he accused them of sabotaging the government in lieu of the ongoing government shutdown (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump delivered a scathing remark to democrats as he accused them of sabotaging the government in lieu of the ongoing government shutdown (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)


 

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump accused Democrats of “reckless sabotage” over the ongoing government shutdown on on Tuesday, October 7. He compared their approach to a “kamikaze attack” by Japanese pilots during World War II.

“They’re the ones that started it,” Trump said while speaking at a White House press briefing, alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. “They’re the ones that have it, and it’s almost like a kamikaze attack by them. You want to know the truth, this is like a kamikaze attack,” he stated.

Trump claimed that Democrats have “nothing to lose” after their massive electoral losses, suggesting that they were prolonging the shutdown out of spite. “They’ve lost the elections. They’ve lost the presidential election in a landslide,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum (L), U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (2nd-L) and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi (R), speaks during a news conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House August 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump announced he will use his authority to place the DC Metropolitan Police Department under federal control to assist in crime prevention in the nation's capital, and that the National Guard will be deployed to DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump, accompanied by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaks during a news conference in the James S Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House August 11, 2025 in Washington, DC (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Trump warns of 'substantial' job losses if shutdown continues

When asked how many federal jobs might be permanently eliminated if the shutdown continues, Trump said, “I’ll be able to tell you that in four or five days, if this keeps going on. If this keeps going on, it’ll be substantial, and a lot of those jobs will never come back.”

The president was also questioned about a draft White House memo suggesting that some federal employees may not receive back pay once the shutdown ends.



 

“You’re gonna have to figure that out, ok? Ask the Democrats that question,” Trump said when pressed on the issue.

A reporter noted that federal law requires back pay once the government reopens. “I follow the law, and what the law says is correct,” Trump replied.

Chuck Schumer urges Trump to intervene in talks

On the Senate floor, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Trump to personally intervene in negotiations, arguing that House Speaker Mike Johnson had become “a massive roadblock.”

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 18: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks during a news conference on reproductive rights at the U.S. Capitol Building on June 18, 2024 in Washington, DC. Senate Democrats held the news conference to mark two years since the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks during a news conference on reproductive rights at the US Capitol Building on June 18, 2024 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

“Ending this shutdown will require Donald Trump to step in and push Speaker Johnson to negotiate,” Schumer said. “Without the president’s involvement, Speaker Johnson and MAGA Republicans in the House are increasingly dug in.”

Schumer also dismissed Trump’s recent claim that he was in talks with Democrats over health care reforms.

“Only one problem, that’s not true,” Schumer said. “He certainly hasn’t called my office or Leader Jeffries. Still, Jeffries and I happily welcome a chance to talk with the president and with Republicans to sit down and seriously negotiate.”

 U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a news conference after a House Republican Caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol on September 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. House Republicans are working towards agreeing to pass a continuing resolution on the House floor to fund the government through December 20th. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a news conference after a House Republican Caucus meeting at the US Capitol on September 24, 2024 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated he was open to advancing legislation that would ensure military personnel continue receiving pay during the government shutdown.

“We want to make sure our troops are paid,” Johnson said. “We’re working to get everyone back together and move this forward quickly. But the first priority is to get the government running again so Congress can handle all of this important business," he added. 

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