Democrats can end the shut-down at any time they want.

So can the Republicans. As it is the Republicans can't be trusted. They've had two years to straighten it out but instead have ignored Democrats input totally. Now they can't ignore it.

The Republicans have lied, stolen funds that were already allocated for projects by denying the spending, and put tons of misdirections out, like the idea that the Democrats want to include immigrants in the social security and medicare. That's a bald faced lie as they can not get that without being a citizen across the nation with the exception of California who does not use national funds but rather state funds.

By the polls the Republicans are on the losing end of this by voter opinions. The only way Trump will be able to keep a majority in all three branches is by activating the troops to guard the polls, allowing only his people to count the votes.