
According to a CBS News and YouGov poll released Nov. 15, a majority of Americans now believe Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, stepped up ahead of the recent government shutdown talks.
The survey conducted on 13-14 A November poll shows 55% of Americans think Trump and the Republicans got more of what they wanted, while just 6% believe the Democrats won. Another 24% said neither side had succeeded.
The survey re-contacted respondents who participated in an early November survey conducted during the shutdown.
Democrats criticized too many compromises
While the shutdown is over, Democratic voters are likely to feel frustrated by the resolution, with 55% saying their party compromised too much. In contrast, 70% of Republicans felt their delegation struck the right balance in the negotiations.
Many Democrats now recognize that Republicans have accomplished more than their party, and some independents share that view.
Public disapproval persists
Despite the end of the shutdown, disagreement with how both sides handled the crisis remains high. 60% of Americans disapprove of Democrats’ approach compared to 54% of Republicans in Congress, and 56% disapprove of Trump’s leadership during the negotiations.
Shutdown compromise details
The 43-day shutdown ended after eight Senate Democrats agreed to fund the government and voted with Republicans to pass the measure. Democrats have given up on health care requirements in exchange for a promise of a future vote to extend Obamacare subsidies that help millions afford health care. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to such a vote, leaving the bill’s future uncertain.
Survey methodology
The survey covered 1,288 adults across the country with a margin of error of ±3.3 points. It provides a snapshot of public opinion after the record shutdown and its resolution.





