Caving to Trump Now Would Be ‘Betrayal’ of the Constitution – Bernie Sanders

Washington, D.C. — Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has called on Democrats to resist President Donald Trump’s demands in the ongoing federal government shutdown, warning in the Guardian op-ed that capitulation would accelerate America’s slide toward authoritarianism and betray working families facing mounting hardships.

As the shutdown reached its 34th day—tying it for the second-longest in U.S. history—the impasse has left millions of Americans without paychecks, disrupted essential services, and jeopardized food assistance for over 42 million people through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The crisis, which began on October 1 after Congress failed to pass funding for fiscal year 2026, stems from Democrats’ insistence on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits set to expire at year’s end.

Without renewal, premiums for marketplace plans could more than double on average, from $888 to $1,904 monthly in 2026, potentially causing 4 million to lose coverage and contributing to higher uninsured rates.

Republicans, holding a slim Senate majority of 53 seats, have refused bipartisan negotiations, marking a departure from historical norms requiring 60 votes to advance bills.

In his November 1 op-ed, Sanders framed the standoff as a battle against a “power-hungry demagogue,” declaring it potentially “the most consequential moment in American history since the Civil War.”

He rejected GOP assertions that Democrats are to blame, noting: “In order to fund the government the Republican majority must negotiate with Democrats to move the budget forward. This is what has always happened—until now.” Sanders highlighted internal Republican divisions, with at least 14 House members publicly supporting ACA credit extensions to avoid explaining premium hikes to constituents.

The shutdown’s effects have intensified, affecting approximately 2 million federal workers—900,000 furloughed and others working unpaid. National parks remain closed, military funding votes have failed repeatedly, and agencies have posted messages blaming Democrats, prompting accusations of Hatch Act violations. Essential personnel, including TSA agents and air traffic controllers, continue operations without pay, leading to sporadic delays.

A acute flashpoint emerged with SNAP, where the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) exhausted its contingency funds after October payments. Initially, no November benefits were issued, averaging $190.59 per person or $356.41 per household.

Following court orders from judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the Trump administration announced it would partially fund benefits using about $5 billion in reserves—covering roughly 60% of needs—but refused additional transfers for full payments, which require $8-9 billion monthly. Over 25 states sued to compel full distribution, with food banks reporting surging demand and extended lines nationwide.

Sanders acknowledged pressure on Democrats from affected constituents but noted Republicans face similar backlash, citing polls showing public blame on the GOP.

Progressives like Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) have rallied support through town halls and videos, rejecting short-term fixes without ACA protections. Senate votes to reopen government have failed 11 times, with House Republicans largely absent from Washington.

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Elevating the dispute, Sanders portrayed Democrats as the “last remaining opposition” to Trump’s power consolidation, including through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“If the Democrats cave now it would be a betrayal of the millions of Americans who have fought and died for democracy and our constitution,” he wrote. Concluding decisively: “The choice is clear. If the Democrats stand with the American people, the American people will stand with them. If they surrender, the American people will hold them accountable.”