Kudlow Defends Trump Amid Shutdown

November 7, 2025

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As the federal government shutdown continues into its second week, Fox Business host Larry Kudlow has attributed the standoff to partisan hostility and what he described as excessive media criticism of President Donald Trump. Kudlow’s remarks, delivered during his program on November 3, have drawn both support and criticism as Washington remains deadlocked over federal funding and border policy.

Story Snapshot

Fox Business host Larry Kudlow defends President Trump, blaming the shutdown on relentless opposition labeled as “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Media outlets and Democratic leaders intensify blame on Trump, while conservative analysts highlight obstruction and media bias as root causes.
Millions of Americans face missed paychecks and service disruptions as the shutdown enters its second week.
Partisan divides and media narratives threaten to erode trust in government and deepen national polarization.

Kudlow Defends Trump: Blames Shutdown on Partisan Hostility

During his Fox Business broadcast, Kudlow, who previously served as Trump’s National Economic Council director, asserted that the media and Democratic lawmakers bear primary responsibility for the shutdown. He cited “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a term commonly used by conservative commentators to describe what they view as disproportionate or reflexive opposition to Trump’s policies. Kudlow argued that the administration’s efforts to negotiate have been hindered by political hostility and misrepresentation in the press.

The phrase “Trump Derangement Syndrome” has become part of conservative discourse since 2017, used to criticize media and political reactions perceived as overly negative. Kudlow’s comments align with broader messaging on Fox Business and similar outlets that emphasize opposition obstruction and media bias. Political analysts, including those at the Brookings Institution and Columbia Journalism Review, note that such framing reflects a recurring tactic in polarized media environments, where blame is often shifted to ideological opponents rather than policy processes.

Shutdown Impacts: Families and Workers Bear the Brunt

As the shutdown entered its second week in early November 2025, the economic and social consequences became increasingly visible. The Office of Personnel Management reported that approximately 800,000 federal workers were affected by delayed paychecks, while certain agencies curtailed operations. Programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faced potential funding shortfalls, raising concerns among advocacy groups about food insecurity. Small businesses reliant on government contracts also began to experience disruptions, amplifying frustration across multiple sectors.

Meanwhile, the political blame game intensified. Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Mark Warner, accused the Trump administration of using the shutdown as leverage in negotiations, while Trump allies like Kudlow argued that partisan obstruction and negative media narratives are obstructing progress. The clash underscores the widening ideological divide between the two parties, with both sides seeking to shape public perception as pressure mounts to reach a compromise.

Media Narratives and the Erosion of Public Trust

Coverage of the shutdown has reflected the broader polarization in American media. Conservative networks such as Fox News and Newsmax have emphasized Democratic obstruction and questioned the objectivity of mainstream outlets. In contrast, CNN, The Washington Post, and others have focused on the shutdown’s economic fallout and its impact on federal employees. Kudlow, in his recent broadcast, dismissed predictions of recession, characterizing them as exaggerated and asserting that key economic indicators remain stable.

Economists from the Congressional Budget Office and Moody’s Analytics, however, have cautioned that prolonged shutdowns can weaken GDP growth and public confidence in financial markets. Political communication scholars have noted that media framing during crises can influence public opinion and deepen partisan divisions. As citizens navigate conflicting narratives, the standoff risks compounding frustration and mistrust toward both government and journalism.

'This Isn't Trump's Fault!' Fox's Kudlow Blames 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' for Shutdown https://t.co/SkhUZfFkho

— Mediaite (@Mediaite) November 3, 2025

Looking ahead, resolving the shutdown will require bipartisan negotiation and a willingness to move beyond partisan talking points. Policy experts suggest that cooperation on budget priorities, rather than continued blame, will be essential to protecting workers, restoring services, and maintaining economic stability.