A breathtaking political drama unfolded in the U.S. Senate late on the night of October 16. President Donald Trump, who has long prided himself on his negotiation skills and absolute power in his second term, was dealt a cold reality check when his emergency legislative package was rejected by a coalition of 60 Senators.

This was not merely a legislative failure; it represents the strongest bipartisan resistance since Trump returned to the White House, pushing the government into the 16th day of a shutdown.

1. A Midnight Terror in the Senate

While President Trump sat in the White House, confident that his legislative package would pass with ease, an unexpected alliance was forming at Capitol Hill. It wasn’t just Democrats; a significant group of Republican Senators also said “No”.

• The Failure of the 60-Vote Rule: In the U.S. Senate, at least 60 “yes” votes are required to end debate and move to a final vote (cloture). Mr. Trump failed to reach this threshold for both of his most critical bills.

• Short-term Budget Bill: Failed with a vote of 51-45, falling well short of the 60 votes needed to clear the way for passage.

• Military Spending Bill: An area traditionally considered “untouchable” was also blocked due to resistance from both parties.

2. The “Fatal Flaws” in Trump’s Legislative Package

Why did the President’s relief package turn members of his own party against him? The answer lies in the controversial conditions Mr. Trump intentionally “bundled” into the deal.

• Healthcare Cuts (Obamacare): Mr. Trump insisted on cutting healthcare tax credits that support insurance for millions of Americans. Democrats viewed this as a “red line” that could not be crossed.

• Hardline Immigration Policies: The package included aggressive enforcement measures and funding for mass deportations—policies that moderate Senators feared would trigger a voter backlash ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

• Federal Employee Firing: During the shutdown, Mr. Trump fired a large number of federal employees. Democrats demanded the full reinstatement of these workers as a condition to reopen the government, but the White House flatly refused.

3. Is the “Art of the Deal” Backfiring?

Donald Trump has always cultivated an image as a master “dealmaker.” However, after 16 days of a government shutdown, this image is severely tarnished.

• Fractures within the GOP: Senate Majority Leader John Thune admitted there had been no progress throughout two weeks of negotiations. Republican Senators from “purple” (swing) states are terrified that supporting Trump’s extreme policies will cost them their seats in 2026.

• Loss of Control: This defeat demonstrates that Mr. Trump no longer holds the absolute sway over lawmakers that he did in his first term. With no possibility of re-election, the fear lawmakers once had of him has diminished, and they are beginning to prioritize their own political futures over the President’s agenda.

4. The Pain of the American People

Behind the political infighting, the lives of millions are being upended.

• Federal Workers Without Pay: Millions have just missed their first paycheck. They are facing bank debts, rent payments, and rising living costs with no idea when their income will return.

• Paralyzed Public Services: From national parks to tax return processing, everything is at a standstill. Even flood insurance for residents in disaster zones has been frozen, making real estate transactions impossible to complete.

Conclusion: A Stormy Second Term

The defeat on the night of October 16 is a milestone that redefines Donald Trump’s power. It proves that even with a powerful President, the American system of Checks and Balances is still functioning.

If a common ground on the budget cannot be found, Mr. Trump faces the next three years in a state of legislative paralysis. The 2026 midterms are approaching, and the American voters will ultimately deliver the final verdict on this deadlock.