Donald Trump, the President of the United States, emphasized the possibility of a government shutdown, stating that the chance of a bipartisan agreement on a short-term spending bill is slim.
On the 28th (local time), President Trump criticized in a phone interview with CBS News, “I really don’t know how we can resolve this issue,” adding, “The Democrats are not interested in fraud, waste, and abuse.”
The U.S. Congress has been unable to agree on a government budget for the fiscal year 2025, which ends on September 30. If no agreement is reached by the 30th, the U.S. federal government will enter a shutdown, suspending all administrative functions except for essential services, starting October 1st.
The House passed a seven-week short-term spending bill to keep government agencies running beyond the end of the fiscal year, but it was rejected by the Senate on the same day.
The Republicans are advocating for a ‘clean CR’ to maintain current spending levels for government agencies, allowing time for the 2026 fiscal year budget process and negotiations. Meanwhile, the Democrats are opposing the CR, demanding extensions for subsidies related to the public healthcare insurance known as ‘Obamacare’ (ACA – Affordable Care Act).
Regarding this, President Trump stated, “The Democrats are trying to stick to their existing policy of open borders, which we will not allow,” asserting that all healthcare negotiations should address immigration and border issues. He pressured that if a shutdown occurs, the public will support him, and the Democrats will pay the price for not cooperating.
A close associate of President Trump told CBS that the President personally welcomes the possibility of a shutdown, as it would allow him to exercise administrative power to cut some government programs and salaries. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is reportedly considering a plan to lay off a large number of federal employees in the event of a shutdown.
President Trump is scheduled to meet directly with the bipartisan leadership of both the House and the Senate at the White House on the afternoon of the 29th. The names mentioned include House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican), Senate Majority Whip John Thune (Republican), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (Democrat), and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (Democrat).