Trump slams Schumer and Senate Democrats over shutdown: ‘We will not be extorted’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Tuesday, October 21, accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats of "holding the entire federal government hostage" amid a prolonged shutdown. 

He declared, "We will not be extorted on this crazy plot of theirs."

Trump says Schumer is in 'deep trouble' 

Speaking during a luncheon at the White House Rose Garden, Trump urged Democrats to pass a "clean, bipartisan" continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the government.

"Chuck Schumer and the Senate Democrats need to vote for the clean, bipartisan CR and reopen our government. It’s got to be reopened right now," he said. 

"They are the obstructionists. And the reason they’re doing it is because we’re doing so well… we’re doing well all over the world," the president added.

Later, when speaking to the press during Diwali celebrations, Trump was asked about meeting with Schumer and Jeffries.

He said, "I would like to meet with both of them, but I set one little caveat: I will only meet if they let the country open. The people want to go back to work."

The president described Schumer as a politician in "deep trouble" and "losing in all of the polls."

He added, "He’s even losing to AOC, plus three," referring to Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and other members of her self-titled "squad."

Shutdown enters third week amid partisan standoff

The federal shutdown has now stretched into its 21st day, with both sides refusing to budge.

Trump said the deadlock was the result of Democrats pushing for policies that his administration was determined to block.

"You can call it the Schumer shutdown or the Democrats shutdown," Trump said.

"Many of the things that they wanted are things that we don’t want. Things that are just so bad for our country and we’re cutting those things out," he added.

Referring to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, Trump joked, "They call him Darth Vader. I call him a fine man, but he’s cutting Democrat priorities, and they’re never going to get them back."

Trump urges Senate Democrats to 'stop the madness'

Calling for an end to the impasse, Trump said, "Today I’m calling on every Senate Democrat to stop the madness, to let our country get back."

"In the greatest moment in the history of our country, in terms of wealth, in terms of job creation, in terms of investment coming in, these guys go on strike," he added.

"It’s really a shame. So, I’m asking them to be smart. It’s not working. They’re getting killed in the polls. The public understands what they’re doing- they’re doing the wrong thing," Trump continued.

He also emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections for Republicans, warning of the consequences of Democratic victories.