Trump wields axe over 'Democrat Agencies' as blame game rages on Capitol Hill

He said the shutdown could be an opportunity to "clear out dead wood", giving no hint of concessions to Democrats.

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He suggested Republicans should seize the opportunity to "clear out dead wood" and gave no hint of concessions to Democratic demands that legislation funding the government should include healthcare insurance subsidies.

Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill, meanwhile, continued to blame each other for failing to keep federal agencies open.

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are staying home, while others worked without pay. Some federal attractions closed to visitors while others, including the Statue of Liberty, stayed open.

Watch: "Find common ground", tourists in Washington tell lawmakers amid shutdownAnalysts don't expect either side to budge without pressure from everyday Americans, most of whom have yet to feel direct impacts on their lives.