Fox Host Harris Faulkner Snaps as Effort to Place Shutdown Blame on Dems Fails

Washington, D.C. – On Monday, Fox News host Harris Faulkner sharply rebuked a Democratic voter during a roundtable discussion, insisting Democrats were solely responsible for the 34-day government shutdown and dismissing concerns that millions could lose health insurance if Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies expire without extension.

The exchange, part of a segment on issues shaping the 2026 midterms, highlighted partisan gridlock as Republicans push a temporary spending bill and Democrats demand subsidy renewal in any funding measure, amid projections of 4 million losing coverage and premiums surging 114%.

Shutdown Standoff and Roundtable Tension

The shutdown, triggered by disputes over ACA subsidies set to lapse December 31, has halted non-essential federal operations, including national parks and IRS services, per the Office of Management and Budget.

Republicans propose a continuing resolution to fund government through March 2026 for further debate; Democrats refuse without subsidy extension for 24 million enrollees, per KFF Health News.

Faulkner blamed Democrats: “This is in Democrats’ hands… You think people are hurting now, let it go until Christmas, like it’s time for [Democrats] to step up.” Democratic voter Amanda countered, “But if they step up, then we lose health care.” Faulkner snapped, “You’re not going to lose health care! Health care was going up on its own!”

Amanda replied, “Yes, for millions of people they will.” The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects 3.9 million fewer marketplace enrollees without subsidies, with premiums rising 114% on average for unsubsidized plans, per an October 2025 CBO report. The Urban Institute estimates 4.2 million losses, including 1.5 million children, per their September 2025 analysis.

The shutdown has furloughed 800,000 federal workers and delayed $2 billion in SNAP benefits. National parks closed, costing $500 million weekly in tourism. Republicans argue subsidies inflate costs; Democrats cite 2024 enrollment highs of 21 million.

A November 2025 Washington Post-ABC poll shows 55% blame Republicans for the shutdown, 40% Democrats.

The debate reflects deeper divides. Trump’s October veto threat against subsidy extensions has stalled negotiations. A federal judge’s November 1, order mandating partial payments for air traffic controllers has eased travel disruptions but not resolved the impasse, per FAA. The DOJ’s October guidance on shutdown-related labor laws has sparked union lawsuits.

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The shutdown, the longest since 2018-2019, risks economic damage, with Moody’s estimating $1.5 billion daily GDP loss. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) plans a November 10, vote on the CR; Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) seeks bipartisan talks. If unresolved by December, 24 million face premium hikes averaging $1,200 annually.

‘You’re not going to lose health care!’

Fox News’ @HARRISFAULKNER snaps at Democratic voter during shutdown debate over health care. pic.twitter.com/v6y5M2Sdw1

— Alexander Willis (@ReporterWillis) November 3, 2025