The federal government entered a partial shutdown Wednesday morning after lawmakers failed to pass a funding bill for the new fiscal year, triggering the first lapse in appropriations since 2018. Independent Political Report has compiled responses from various national alternative political parties.
The shutdown, which went into effect on October 1 following disputes over healthcare subsidies and Medicaid funding, has furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers and disrupted services nationwide. Programs affected include national parks, small business loan processing, and routine operations at agencies like the EPA, IRS, and SSA, though other programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, otherwise continue to operate.
While Democrats and Republicans have largely traded blame, several third parties used the moment to critique the broader system and share their own policy visions. The following statements were issued by such political parties in the lead-up to or following the shutdown. They are presented in alphabetical order by party name and quoted as released.
Representatives of parties not listed, or readers aware of additional statements, are invited to submit them to the editorial team for inclusion. IPR has attempted to include as many statements as could be identified, and this article will be updated as additional statements are received.
While the Constitution Party has yet to issue a formal statement, it made several remarks on social media in support of the shutdown. In the hours leading up to midnight, the party wrote, “Republicans should be the ones wanting to stop the massive spending and letting the government shut down until there are even more cuts. Spending at Biden levels is rediculous.” It later added, in response to a video by Senate Leader John Thune suggesting Republicans could reopen the government tomorrow, “Tomorrow is too soon. How about January? Or May? Or next October? Just a few suggestions.”
The Forward Party issued a statement on social media on October 1:
A government shutdown is not a show of strength or principle, it’s partisan politics getting in the way of good government.
The Forward Party supports leaders driven by problem solving, accountability, and service to the people, not just fighting against the other side.
Congress’s most basic duty is to fund the government and keep essential services running. When politicians choose stalemate over solutions, it’s you – working families, small businesses, veterans, and everyday Americans – who pay the price.
Forward is building something different. We stand for leadership that puts people and our communities first, honors the Constitution, and gets the job done. Shutdowns are not leadership. They’re a betrayal of public trust. You would be fired if you didn’t do your job, and elected leaders should be held to the same standard.
They work for you.
Americans deserve leaders who do their jobs, honor their commitments, and respect the people they serve. We call on Congress and the President to end the shutdown and put the country back to work.
The Libertarian Party shared a response from LNC Chair Steven Nekhaila on social media on October 1:
Since both Republicans and Democrats are not taking credit for the shutdown, the Libertarian Party will take credit.
However, we will blame whoever restarts the government.
The United States Pirate Party shared a brief remark on social media on October 2:
What are we even supposed to say about this shutdown? This wouldn’t have happened under [Vermin Supreme]? That is not helping anybody, even if that is true
The Reform Party of the United States issued a statement on social media on October 1:
The Government Shutdown that will affect federal workers and others on today, shows America that once again a resolution has not been reached for the betterment of our citizens and the future of this country. Early this year in March, Congress passed the “Big Beautiful Bill” that threatened healthcare for millions of American’s.
Agreement between two parties who make daily decisions regarding the functionality of this country are currently at a standstill. America wants to know when will Republicans and Democrats decide in favor together as a government, bring what the “people” need in this country?
Reform knows real solutions are created and enforced with balance and agreement as well as accountability. Putting the needs of the people versus self is what will make and break this country.
The Working Families Party made a series of remarks on social media on October 1, which IPR has compiled below:
Trump and the Republicans are choosing to shut down the government and withhold paychecks from federal workers, all so they can take away money for health care and give it to billionaires.
If Republicans get their way, tens of millions will lose their care, premiums will explode, and funding for life-saving cancer research will go away.Democrats need to stand firm and fight for a funding bill that keeps families on their health care.
Shutdown? How can they tell?
James Belcher: Thanks for reading! I’m not sure if you intended this as a question for me, but it’s something I’ve definitely seen asked before. The way the Working Families Party interacts with the Democratic Party varies by state, though most of its endorsements tend to go to Democratic candidates. That said, the party is open to working outside the two-party system depending on the circumstances.
In 2024, the Oregon chapter ran Mary King for state treasurer against Democrat Elizabeth Hayward. King was also endorsed by the Pacific Green Party that cycle. More recently, the New York affiliate threatened to use its ballot line in a “stick or carrot” situation in the New York City mayoral race. It initially endorsed a slate of several Democratic candidates (including Mamdani), but if none of them had won, the party planned to keep Gowri Krishna on its ballot line into the general election.
Is the Working Families Party truly independent from the Democratic Party?