Direct answer: Blame for a government shutdown in the United States typically falls on the party or parties controlling Congress and the presidency, with current public opinion often attributing more responsibility to whichever party holds the White House and the larger share of congressional power at the time. In recent cycles, polls have shown varying degrees of blame assigned to Republicans in Congress, Democrats in Congress, or both, with independents split or leaning toward one side depending on the moment. For the latest, most precise assessment, refer to recent national polls from outlets like NBC News, PBS News/NPR/Marist, and Quinnipiac, as blame can shift with negotiations and the political dynamics at play.