CBS News Poll Shows Republicans Got More From Shutdown Deal Than Democrats

Americans breathed a collective sigh of relief last week when the federal government reopened after a grueling six-week shutdown, but fresh polling data reveals deep divisions over who came out on top—and who sold out. A recent CBS News/YouGov survey, conducted just days after the deal was struck, shows that a majority of the public views Republicans and President Trump as the clear winners in the negotiations. By wide margins, respondents said the GOP extracted more concessions, leaving Democrats looking like they folded under pressure.

Digging into the numbers, the poll found that most Democrats believe their congressional leaders compromised too much to end the standoff. In contrast, Republicans largely approved of their side’s handling, saying the level of compromise was just right.

Among the broader electorate, more people faulted congressional Republicans for not bending enough than they did Democrats. Yet disapproval ratings for how everyone managed the crisis remain high across the board, with Democrats now facing even sharper criticism than before the shutdown ended—perhaps a sign that their base feels betrayed by the quick resolution.

This sentiment echoes in other recent surveys. An NBC News poll from early November pegged blame for the impasse at 52% on Trump and Republicans, versus 42% on Democrats, amid growing voter fatigue with both parties. Quinnipiac University’s national poll, released October 22, showed voters slightly more inclined to point fingers at Republicans, though Trump’s approval spiked on unrelated issues like his handling of Israel. And a KFF Health Tracking Poll highlighted how partisans split on responsibility: Democrats and independents overwhelmingly pinned it on Trump or GOP lawmakers, while MAGA supporters rallied behind the president.

The shutdown thrust health care back into the spotlight, with most Americans agreeing it was a key flashpoint in the debates. Two-thirds in the CBS poll expect health insurance premiums to climb in the coming months as a ripple effect—hardly surprising given the chaos that left essential services hanging by a thread. On a brighter note, air travel should smooth out now that federal workers, including air traffic controllers, are back on payroll.

Democrats’ frustration runs deep, topping their emotions over relief or satisfaction. Many in the rank-and-file believed their party’s stances—on issues like SNAP funding and broader spending—were worth fighting for, even if it meant prolonging the pain. Republicans, meanwhile, report feeling more relieved and content with the outcome.

This latest episode raises questions about the forces at play behind the scenes. With mainstream media outlets quick to amplify polls that cast Trump in a negative light, it’s worth wondering if these surveys are truly capturing the national mood or serving a narrative pushed by entrenched interests opposed to the president’s agenda. After all, approval for Trump’s overall management of government has dipped to 33% in a recent AP-NORC poll, down from 43%, but that slide comes amid relentless coverage framing the shutdown as a GOP failure. Even some Republicans are showing unease, per Axios, though the core base remains steadfast.

As Washington dust settles, the real losers appear to be everyday folks caught in the crossfire—furloughed workers, delayed services, and families scraping by without safety nets like food assistance. If history is any guide, these battles over fiscal responsibility and priorities will resurface soon enough, testing whether leaders prioritize principle over political theater. For now, Trump celebrates a win, while Democrats grapple with internal rifts over the deal that got them nothing but backlash.