1:59 Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is present at a news briefing concerning the effects of the continuous federal government impasse on airline travel, held at LaGuardia Airport within the borough of Queens, New York, on Oct. 28, 2025.Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
Below is a swift record of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," which aired on ABC News on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Note that this version might not represent the definitive format; it’s subject to revisions and might have some slight errors in transcription. To access past show records, browse the "This Week" transcript collection.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MARTHA RADDATZ, ABC “THIS WEEK” ANCHOR: Barely 48 hours until voters submit their conclusive votes in critical elections, all occurring amidst an extensive government standstill. A unique segment of "THIS WEEK" is commencing now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY): Funding is accessible. And Trump declared, don't invest a cent.
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: But all that the Democrats require is to concur, let's move forward. Meaning, you know, they’re not obligated to act.
RADDATZ: As the month-long shutdown gains traction, federal initiatives begin to deplete.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Regardless of our status as one of the globe’s most prosperous nations, we’re inclined to permit individuals to suffer from scarcity.
RADDATZ: The repercussions of the expenditure cessation impacting all spheres of American existence.
TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY SEAN DUFFY: Road congestion will escalate. However, aviation is set to confront a catastrophic crisis.
RADDATZ: With electorates across numerous states bracing themselves for the initial significant electoral events since President Trump’s reinstatement to the Executive Mansion.
WINSOME EARLE-SEARS (R), VIRGINIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: Everyone recognizes that the entire world has their focus on this competition!
ABIGAIL SPANBERGER (D), VIRGINIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: The outcomes on Tuesday will embody what we champion.
RADDATZ: We make a stop in New Jersey, a steadfast blue constituency that underwent one of the most pronounced shifts towards conservatism in 2024.
JACK CIATTARELLI (R), NEW JERSEY GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: The limited scope of my campaign and the President’s campaign previously were indeed revelatory.
MIKIE SHERRILL (D), NEW JERSEY GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: I will confront Donald Trump head-on concerning our fiscal framework here in New Jersey.
RADDATZ: Today, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Democratic Senator Tim Kaine are our guests. We are analyzing the most current results from our freshly launched poll, merely 48 hours ahead of Election Day, followed by examination from our distinguished panel.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: This is a unique edition of "THIS WEEK," titled “Your Voice, Your Vote 2025.” Hosting this segment is Martha Raddatz.
RADDATZ: Welcome to "THIS WEEK."
We’re almost two days away from significant elections transpiring in numerous states across the nation. These elections will offer insights into the atmosphere of the country and potentially foreshadow events in 2026 as the Democrats strive to reclaim dominance in Washington after Trump’s controversial return to leadership.
Our latest ABC News/"Washington Post"/Ipsos survey released this morning unveils a decidedly unfavorable national disposition, with the majority of Americans, approximately two-thirds, expressing discontent with the trajectory of the country during President Trump’s tenure. This sentiment, however, demonstrates improvement from the corresponding period last year under President Biden.
The state of the economy emerges as a prominent origin of prevailing discontent. Over six in ten Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of financial matters and tariffs. Furthermore, an equivalent proportion attributes the present inflation rate to his policies. A significant number of Americans disapproved of the president's performance on every surveyed topic.
Regarding the Democratic Party, more Americans perceive the Democratic Party as disconnected from the anxieties of the average citizen today than they do with Trump and the Republican faction.
These developments occur while an escalating number of Americans are experiencing the consequences of the present month-long governmental shutdown, for which resolution seems beyond reach.
And that’s the starting point for today’s program, with ABC’s Jay O’Brien covering the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JAY O'BRIEN, ABC NEWS CORRESPONDENT (voice over): The current government shutdown is nearly poised to turn into the longest in American annals.
MINORITY LEADER SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER: The Republican side operates in illusion, pretending as if the issue will remedy itself.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE REP. MIKE JOHNSON: The culpability here lies fully with the senators on the Democratic side.
O’BRIEN (voice over): Nonetheless, Americans seem to be disapproving more of the GOP. Findings from ABC’s recent survey in partnership with "THE WASHINGTON POST" and Ipsos indicate that 45 percent of Americans pin the blame for the shutdown on President Donald Trump and the Republican contingent, whereas 33 percent assign the same responsibility to the Democrats.
Irrespective of who carries the blame, the discomfort is intensifying by the day. As of Saturday, federal sustenance aid through SNAP has been discontinued, thereby suspending benefits for 42 million Americans.
SYMONE WILKES, SNAP RECIPIENT: I am already under pressure.
O’BRIEN (voice over): Simone Wilkes, a single mother employed in Detroit, is a caregiver to two young boys and relies on SNAP. At the moment, she contemplates taking on an additional vocation.
WILKES: There are some days when only my kids get food, while I survive only drinking water.
O’BRIEN (voice over): The Trump administration is reverting from its earlier strategy to utilize the emergency funds of the Department of Agriculture to support the initiative throughout a shutdown.
BROOKE ROLLINS, AGRICULTURE SECRETARY: The arrangement can be enacted only if the corresponding approval has been obtained.
O’BRIEN (voice over): However, on Friday, a court mandated that the administration must proceed to finance SNAP amidst the shutdown. President Trump addressed the ruling, noting that he instructed government legal representatives “to appeal to the court to interpret how we can legally allocate funds towards SNAP with the most prompt action possible.”
This worsening sustenance shortage is intersecting with the specific issue that the Democrats are tenaciously attempting to address in the existing shutdown. There are growing, skyrocketing health care expenditures for approximately 20 million Americans insured under the Affordable Care Act. Due to the slated expiration of tax credits, enrollees are anticipated to encounter their premiums more than doubling.
STACY COX, ACA MARKETPLACE ENROLLEE: It’s truly damaging. Simply that expense itself exceeds our mortgage, insurance, and the majority of our food expenses.
O’BRIEN (voice over): After a month into this shutdown, over 1.4 million federal employees are without income, inclusive of air traffic controllers. Airports from around the country have recently announced that those whose jobs are essential for safeguarding the airspace are taking sick leave, thus engendering staff depletion and flight interruptions, which is projected to intensify further.
PETE LEFEVRE, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER: The prospect of going without earnings for another pay duration is an issue for all of us.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O’BRIEN (on camera): Besides, Martha, several governors have now announced a declaration of emergencies in an effort to cater to the augmented request currently as SNAP has been halted.
For the moment, there seems to be no end to the shutdown, as Democrats continue to suspend their votes on government funding, seeking to pressure Republicans to negotiate with them regarding health care. Republicans have stated that they won’t negotiate while the government remains shut down.
Martha.
RADDATZ: And for details on the effects of this shutdown, especially on airline travel, I'm accompanied today by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
We value your presence this morning, Mr. Secretary.
American citizens have been subjected to substantial waiting times. This morning, there is a ground stop in Newark, attributed to air traffic personnel taking sick leave. FAA is reporting that “presently, around half of the major air traffic control establishments are facing staffing shortages, and nearly 80 percent of air traffic controllers are out at New York-area facilities.”
We are cognizant that security is your utmost concern, but could there be an eventual need to close segments of the U.S. airspace, or even airports? At what moment do we reach that prospect?
TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY SEAN DUFFY: Initially, I want to say, I have been engaging with air traffic controllers, and the prevailing sentiment is definitely one of frustration. The mere fact that a shutdown exists, that Democrats emphasize illegal healthcare, and that we endanger beneficiaries of SNAP who cannot get paid like air traffic controllers. There is substantial frustration just as in the rest of the nation.
As you’ve specified, security is my primary concern, it is. Therefore, we will hold back or cancel flights across the nation to guarantee individuals’ security.
The entry of a controller undertaking the responsibilities of two workers increases the risk exposure to the system. Our team is monitoring it, addressing it, and security remains the priority.
We will implement all necessary procedures to ensure that you reach your destination both safely and securely.
RADDATZ: For emphasis, how close are we at the moment where you could be required to shut down airspace or airports given the reality of air traffic personnel taking sick leave?
DUFFY: Given past shutdowns, our air traffic controllers, God bless them, have been coming to work. They have been frustrated, but, generally, they did not abandon their jobs. They aren’t getting paid.
I am therefore unable to forecast Martha, the course of the coming events. Nevertheless, as days pass, and with them the passing of an unpaid period, coupled with personal expenses such as sustenance, gas, and ongoing bills whether for online television subscriptions, expenses accumulate, and the strain persists.
Many of these controllers are recent, or are in training, and consequently earn little. They may have to make choices such as reporting to work without payment, thereby affecting their ability to provide food for their family, or to make money through driving for Uber, DoorDash, or working as servers. Those are genuinely the worries and dialogues that these controllers are having.
Thus, I hope, moving forward, that the Democratic Party will restore sanity and revive the government. But as detrimental as it has become, per the statistics just shared, we will look back on the present as the preferable period, not as the inferior if the government does not resume operations within the coming week or two. The situation is subject to becoming more precarious.
Furthermore, Martha, regarding our controllers, we — as you might have mentioned, we utilize seriously obsolete air traffic equipment. What provides us with the safest airspace is not our technologies, but our highly proficient air traffic personnel whom we ought to compensate like the competent experts that they are.
RADDATZ: I would like to talk about that. The Trump government this week compensated service personnel through allocating $2.5 billion in construction reserves from the so-called Big, Beautiful Bill. Why are you not able to do the same for the air traffic controllers?
DUFFY: Certainly, we explored our funding routes to check whether we had the capacity to draw funds and compensate our controllers. We maintained indispensable aviation support functioning. Our academy trainees at Oklahoma City are paid. While in the academy, they obtain a stipend.
We have attempted to pull whatever funds are possible, however, there are many stipulations in the utilization of these funds. When the government remains unfunded, and there's the declaration that there are no resources accessible, it gets extremely challenging to procure finances towards essential workforces who maintain our country's progression.
Again, simply put, Democrats ought to resume governmental operations, come to an agreement, and engage in open discussion, introduce and discuss the bill, and vote. Shutting the government isn't a process to ensure that your desires will prevail.
RADDATZ: Mr. Secretary, I would like to share results from our poll. Results from ABC’s survey involving The Washington Post and Ipsos exhibit that 44 percent of Americans attribute the shutdown blame to Donald Trump and the Republican contingent, while 33 percent assign the same to the Democratic Party.
The electorate looks to Republicans for solutions because they have control of both Houses and the Executive Branch. What ought to be the Republicans’ course of action?
DUFFY: To put it clearly, the Republican representatives in September favored the funding levels of the month to stay in effect through October without modifications.
Once again, shutdowns should not be used to advance legislation. The American people should not be held hostage, nor should the same people be hurt in an effort to gain leverage. That is the Democratic party’s current game plan, in effect, because harm is being caused to citizens.
The hours lost at the airport by individuals traveling to see their families, attend a funeral or wedding, or for their professional duties are being exploited by the Democrats for influence. It's an inappropriate approach in pursuing your aims.
I might add that Donald Trump had a historic victory in the election. His support came through his win of the popular vote and also through the seven key swing states, which Democrats squarely lost.
To then declare, “I am going to shut the government so my will can prevail,” is unacceptable to me. It is not possible to allow a cave-in; in doing so, we are poised to experience a shutdown every four months.
While polls are meaningful, procedures must be given equal thought.
RADDATZ: Let’s explore the process of President Trump’s involvement. As you indicate Democrats must be present, the GOP has not been participating in negotiations. According to Scott Bessent just a week ago, a meeting held by Donald Trump would be rendered time-wasting.
Donald Trump as he was contemplating a presidential bid back in 2011 had previously shared these comments regarding Barack Obama, with a looming shutdown in view, let’s take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, 2011)
INTERVIEWER: So, what course of action do you recommend right now? If you were positioned in the Oval Office?
(CROSSTALK)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I would gather everyone involved in crafting a budget —
INTERVIEWER: They have been assembled.
TRUMP: Well, this is due to the absence of the proper guidance. There is no effective leader present. The president’s obligation is to settle this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
RADDATZ: He added, "The president is accountable for uniting individuals, and the inability to accomplish this would cast a notably negative shadow on the president." Your response to this?
DUFFY: I will share that Barack Obama expressed that blackmailing and hostage tactics aren’t strategies in the negotiation and that because Republicans had lost the election, they should adhere to the process.
That rationale seems suitable right now. And again –
(CROSSTALK)
RADDATZ: Given his prior remarks, should President Trump convene a meeting? Might you be interested in witnessing his lead in another meeting?
DUFFY: Here lies the difficulty. President Trump has no bargaining items for discussion. We approved an unrestricted funding bill. What is there to negotiate when finances were level in September and October?
Democrats are capitalizing on this to apply leverage and enact legislative adjustments that they don’t favor, among which are allocations to extend healthcare to illegal immigrants. Republicans find it senseless.
The termination of healthcare funding is set to occur at the year's close, thus, why shut down government operations in October when discussion can continue in the three months until the close of the year?
It makes no sense. It seems Democrats are angered and are aiming to cater to the left faction of their support base. It is my understanding that most judicious Democrats would advocate for resumption of operations, negotiations, enacting legislative items, and debate.
This method is unsuitable for enacting law.
RADDATZ: Your contribution has been truly helpful. Tim Kaine will provide feedback on your assertions. Thank you a lot.
DUFFY: You’re welcome, Martha.
RADDATZ: We now welcome Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia.
Senator, it is a pleasure to have you here.
The assertions from Secretary Duffy were that the liability rests on the Democratic wing and on seeking legal healthcare options for immigrants.
SEN. TIM KAINE, (D) VIRGINIA: I must state, Martha, that the earlier is a fabrication. The healthcare struggle does not entail supplying illegal immigrants healthcare. Sean Duffy knows this. Rather, it involves the plight of millions of Americans who were just notified within the past few weeks about premium increases as a result of Donald Trump’s Great, Beautiful Bill which will land them with significant insurance premiums within the coming weeks unless we intervene.
We seek pathways for a resolution and to have President Trump finally involved with negotiation and commitment to agreements reached. A deal agreed on for 30 days or three months would not be followed by immediate dismissal of staff, reverse economic development projects, or going after blue cities or allowing funds for red cities.
We’re in pursuit of mechanisms that resolve rising healthcare costs and ask for a commitment to abide by arrangements. To this point, there has been no engagement, and we avert or resolve shutdowns on numerous occasions with presidential engagement.
RADDATZ: Senator, it has now been ongoing for 33 days. Democrats did not support a short term CR that would have prevented the government shutdown. Discussion could have ensued. There are devastating consequences for people who want SNAP, air traffic controllers, and air travel. What has been accomplished by the Democrats?
KAINE: I steer clear of the political view on the situation. The House had budgetary guidance set by President Trump in which he refused negotiations with Democrats. Senate Democrats presented an alternate approach a week and a half prior to September 30 that dealt with the healthcare breakdown caused by Republicans and ensured adherence to a pact by both Congress and the White House. Up until the date before the deadline, the President rebuffed meetings. Though Democrats met at the Oval Office, the President followed the assembly with an A.I. generated video of them in sombreros and voices not actually their own. His approach is devoid of gravity. He will assign $20 billion –
RADDATZ: Respectfully –
KAINE: Please allow for me to conclude. He will assign $20 billion to Argentinians. He had parties at Mar-a-Lago. In contrast to his previous claim from 2011, he’s denied Democratic leadership seating at the table. If he does so, the situation will resolve swiftly.
RADDATZ: Sir, I will refer to the advantages gained by the Democrats.
KAINE: Resolution may result in a matter of hours.
RADDATZ: Pardon me. What are the advantages produced by the Democrats? Can it be sustained?
KAINE: I may be a United States Senator who identifies and represents the Democratic party. But I simply cannot adopt the mentality of seeking personal gains from the Democratic Party when evaluating actions taken. Rather, I am focused on benefiting the American population, and I press President Trump to halt dismissals and economic development cancellations. We hope that he will discontinue raising costs related to healthcare, energy, and housing. Both holidays will be more costly.
So we are asking the President to approach issues as all Presidents do. There is a path to a budget arrangement for a healthcare fix. It doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect, but it has to allow for cost savings that keep people from experiencing premium increases. We hope that he will cease reckless actions and project cancellations he dislikes.
That is the outlook among Americans and the reason for the widespread belief that the greater fault in the circumstances lies with Donald Trump.
RADDATZ: I seek clarification. You implied that there are potential breakthroughs. A segment of the Senate seeks a negotiation for the government’s reopening for a duration of weeks. Are you engaged in the discussion?
KAINE: Discussions for resolution of health issues and guaranteed operations during the President’s self-imposed “moratorium on mischief” are occurring on the Senate floor. During an agreed resumption, it is hopeful that President Trump will discontinue dismissals.
The FAA dismissed a number of people during his term. The goal is to end games, stop the pursuit of certain cities, and allow a truce during the period to address healthcare issues. There could be an arrangement in hours if the President takes part.
RADDATZ: Can you elaborate with confidence on the state of your elections and those of Virginia?
KAINE: Virginia has changed from Red to Blue more favorably than other states over the last 25 years. We do so through addressing finance. Our candidate, Abigail Spanberger’s three core themes involve affordability, jobs, and education. Her competition focuses on offbeat cultural matters. Democrats focus on finance, delivering economic solutions, which is why the state transitioned from Red to Blue from 2000 onward.
RADDATZ: Your participation has been beneficial. Best wishes to you.
KAINE: I send my thanks and support.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
