Trump Says He ‘Won’t Be Extorted’ by Democrats, Shuns Negotiations as Shutdown Drags On

POTTERVILLE, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 29: Former U.S. President and current Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks about the economy, inflation, and manufacturing during a campaign event at Alro Steel on August 29, 2024 in Potterville, Michigan. Michigan is considered a key battleground state in the upcoming November Presidential election. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he “won’t be extorted” by Democrats to reopen the government, making clear that he has no plans to negotiate as the government shutdown will soon enter its sixth week. In an interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes” that aired on Sunday, Trump predicted that Democrats will eventually capitulate to Republicans. Trump’s comments signal that the shutdown could continue to drag on for some time as federal workers, including air traffic controllers, are set to miss additional paychecks and as there is uncertainty over whether 42 million Americans who received federal food aid will be able to access the assistance.