Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed victory over Democrats in the resolution of the longest-ever US government shutdown during a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Speaking at the annual event honoring America’s military veterans, Trump highlighted that several Senate Democrats had broken ranks on Monday to vote with Republicans on a compromise deal to end the congressional standoff.
“Congratulations… on a very big victory,” Trump said, addressing Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson in the audience. “We’re opening up our country — it should have never been closed.”
The shutdown left around a million federal workers unpaid, disrupted holiday travel, and threatened food benefits for low-income households. The compromise bill, supported by eight Senate Democrats, funds the government through January and is set for a House vote on Wednesday, potentially ending the shutdown by Friday.
The decision has caused divisions within the Democratic Party, with senior figures arguing they should have held out for an extension of health insurance subsidies central to the shutdown dispute. The rift comes just days after Democrats celebrated electoral victories in three states amid public concerns over the cost of living.
Trump said he would comply with the terms of the deal, which include reversing the dismissal of federal workers during the shutdown — a key Democratic demand.
In his remarks, Trump also signaled plans to rename Veterans Day on November 11 as “Victory Day” for World War I and May 8 in honor of World War II.
Earlier, wearing a dark overcoat, burgundy scarf, and gloves, Trump laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, paying tribute to America’s war dead. His speech marked a rare instance of a US president delivering a politically partisan message at a commemorative event.
