The government shutdown has arrived, and many Americans are asking themselves: What happens next? The reality is straightforward—Democrats need to recognize when they’re pushing a losing fight. Their demands—$1.5 trillion in new spending, the permanent continuation of COVID-era emergency programs, and taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants—aren’t just unrealistic, they’re politically damaging. These talking points won’t win support, and blaming Republicans won’t change that.

On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance joined Fox News to discuss what he called the Schumer Shutdown. In his typical direct style, Vance laid out why the responsibility falls on Democrats. His key reminder: Republicans had already passed a clean funding bill, but Democrats chose to reject it.

Vance explained: “You don’t shut down the government simply because of a policy disagreement. These are two separate issues. Essential services—such as military pay, air traffic control, and food benefits—are already funded. Democrats decided to hold all of that hostage because they wanted leverage over unrelated policy disputes. It’s astonishing.”

He also pointed out the irony, noting that for decades Democrats had insisted government shutdowns were irresponsible. “For as long as I’ve been following politics, Democrats have told the American people you don’t close the government just because you’re not getting your way. Yet here we are—last night, the far-left wing of Senate Democrats brought the government to a halt.”