Donald Trump is meeting Monday at the White House with top Republican and Democratic congressional leaders as negotiations remain deadlocked ahead of a potential federal government shutdown Tuesday night.
If no budget, even temporary, is passed by midnight Tuesday, the U.S. will face a shutdown, halting most federal services. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers would be furloughed, air travel could be disrupted, and many social benefits delayed.
Both parties traditionally try to avoid this unpopular outcome, often blaming the other side—especially with the 2026 midterm elections approaching, which could shift congressional majorities.
With less than 48 hours to the deadline, positions remain entrenched. Republicans propose extending the current budget through November, while Democrats demand restoring hundreds of billions in health spending, including funding for the “Obamacare” program targeted by Trump’s new budget law passed in July.
Although Republicans hold a congressional majority, Senate rules require 60 votes to pass a budget, meaning at least seven Democrats must agree.
House Republican leader Mike Johnson told Fox News Sunday that Trump is “open to discussion” and wants to “act in good faith” during the White House meeting with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries.
Schumer called the meeting a “first step” toward “serious negotiation,” while Jeffries said he hopes to find “common ground” addressing Americans’ health, safety, and economic needs, adding, “I hope we can avoid a shutdown.”
The White House, however, shows little willingness to yield. Last week, Trump blamed Democrats, accusing them of demanding “unreasonable” measures.
To pressure Democrats, White House Budget Director Russell Vought threatened to make permanent the staffing cuts for furloughed workers if a shutdown occurs. Jeffries condemned Vought as a “malicious politician,” declaring, “We will not be intimidated.”
In March, faced with a similar shutdown threat, ten Democrats reluctantly supported a Republican budget to avoid federal paralysis, sparking backlash from their base. This time, Schumer appears ready to confront the Republican president.
AFP
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