• Trump labels Democrats 'kamikaze' for causing the longest US government shutdown in history.
• 1.4 million federal workers are affected, with vital welfare programs at risk.
• Negotiations stall over healthcare spending as both parties stand firm.
• Transportation Secretary warns of impending chaos at airports due to staffing issues.
• Moderate Democrats are seeking compromises, but leadership remains divided.

US President Donald Trump has accused "kamikaze" Democrats of jeopardizing the country as the government shutdown surpasses 35 days, making it the longest in history. This shutdown began after Congress failed to approve funding past September 30, resulting in significant disruptions to federal agencies and welfare programs that aid millions of Americans. With 1.4 million federal workers affected, many are either furloughed or working without pay, and courts are relying on emergency funds to maintain operations, raising concerns about further slowdowns, according to SCMP, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

Trump, during a breakfast meeting with Republican senators, reiterated his stance that Democrats would "take down the country" if necessary. The shutdown, primarily fueled by disputes over healthcare funding, has left essential services in disarray, affecting particularly vulnerable populations. Democrats maintain they will only resume funding if an agreement is reached to extend expiring health insurance subsidies, while Republicans argue they will address healthcare only after funding is restored, according to SCMP, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

As the shutdown continues, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of impending chaos at airports, suggesting that mass flight delays and cancellations could occur due to staffing shortages. Over 60,000 air traffic controllers and TSA officers are working without pay, heightening the risk of operational disruptions. Past government shutdowns have demonstrated that significant absenteeism can lead to heightened delays, further complicating travel plans for millions, according to SCMP, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

While there are signs of moderate Democrats attempting to find a compromise, overall party leadership displays minimal willingness to negotiate. The situation is exacerbated by Trump's firm stance against concessions, insisting he would "not be extorted" and threatening to cut off vital welfare programs, including a food assistance program affecting 42 million Americans. Although courts blocked this move, the administration has reaffirmed its commitment to meet legal obligations regarding welfare distributions, according to SCMP, India Times, and Channel News Asia.