Trump blasts ‘kamikaze’ Democrats

Govt shutdown becomes longest ever

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President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the America Business Forum at the Kaseya Center in Miami, on Wednesday. NYT

(NYT)

US President Donald Trump accused “kamikaze” Democrats of being prepared to destroy the country as the government shutdown became the longest in history on Wednesday, eclipsing the 35-day record set during the Republican leader’s first term.

Federal agencies have been grinding to a halt since Congress failed to approve funding past Sept 30, and the pain has been mounting as welfare programs — including aid that helps millions of Americans afford groceries — hang in the balance.

Some 1.4 million federal workers, from air traffic controllers to park wardens, remain on enforced leave or are working without pay. Some courts are using emergency funds to stay open, warning that operations could slow if the shutdown drags on.

“T just got back from Japan,” the 79-year-old president told a breakfast meeting with Republican senators at the White House as the shutdown entered its sixth week.