As the government shutdown continues, Republican leaders have maintained a firm stance in their negotiations with Democrats: no discussions will occur until the shutdown is resolved. However, as the impasse prolongs, some members of the GOP are beginning to reconsider this approach, expressing a desire for a change in tactics.
Recently, several GOP lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to take a more active role in addressing the shutdown. They suggest that he might need to engage directly with Democrats to facilitate negotiations. “If he gets involved, he can move it,” stated GOP Senator Tommy Tuberville. “He can make a decision on what we do.” Similarly, GOP Representative Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey emphasized the need for Trump’s leadership, asserting, “We absolutely need him. He has the strength and skills to get it done.”
The growing anxiety within the Republican conference reflects concerns over the ramifications of the ongoing shutdown on the nation and the potential political fallout. While Trump and the Republican leadership project confidence in their strategy, some members worry about which party will ultimately bear the blame for the current crisis. “At the end of the day, to move this needle and get this thing off the bubble, President Trump will have to get involved,” remarked Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia.
It is noteworthy that Trump has not communicated with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries since prior to the shutdown, a fact confirmed by a White House official. The two Democratic leaders have since requested a meeting with Trump, but he has opted to refrain from daily negotiations, delegating the management of the shutdown to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Both Johnson and Thune have firmly rejected the idea of negotiating with Democrats, insisting they will not concede to demands for health care reforms in exchange for government funding. “He (Trump) is not going to negotiate with the Democrats, who have taken the American people hostage,” Johnson told reporters, emphasizing their refusal to pay a ransom to reopen the government.
Senator Thune explicitly stated to CNN that there is no “plan B” for resolving the shutdown, indicating that Republican leaders are committed to pressuring Democrats to accept the House’s short-term funding bill. This prolonged standoff marks a significant departure from previous shutdowns, where bipartisan negotiations typically sparked efforts to reach an agreement.
During past shutdowns, such as the notable 35-day impasse during Trump’s first term over border wall funding, lawmakers frequently proposed solutions to break the deadlock. In contrast, current leaders from both parties have shown little interest in initiating dialogue, focusing instead on outlasting one another. The House has not been in session for over a month, with Johnson asserting that they will not reconvene until Democrats are willing to negotiate.
On Tuesday, Trump hosted Senate Republicans at the White House, aiming to bolster party unity. In his remarks, he suggested that Democrats would ultimately face political repercussions for their role in the shutdown. “They are the obstructionists,” he stated. “The reason they’re doing it is because we’re doing so well.”
During the lunch, Trump indicated his openness to discussions with Democrats, but reiterated that any talks would only occur after the government reopens. This position aligns with the ongoing narrative among congressional Republicans. “He’s open to a conversation if there’s something substantive they have to offer, but the idea that they can hold the government hostage in a shutdown is not going to work,” remarked Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota.
While Trump appears to relish the opportunity to exert greater control over government operations, some congressional members express frustration over the standstill. With Democrats showing no signs of compromising, they argue that Trump may be the key to applying the necessary pressure for a resolution. Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley encouraged Democrats to reach out directly to Trump, asserting, “He would answer anybody. They could call him. He would answer.”
Democrats have echoed calls for Trump to re-engage with Capitol Hill, especially as they seek to secure an extension of enhanced Obamacare subsidies set to expire at the year’s end. “We know that House and Senate Republicans don’t do anything without getting permission from their boss, Donald J. Trump,” stated House Democratic Leader Jeffries, who argues that Trump’s involvement is crucial for any forward movement.
Despite the mounting pressure from both sides, Republican leaders remain steadfast in their refusal to negotiate. “I don’t know what there is to negotiate,” Thune asserted, maintaining that the government must first be reopened.
Inside the West Wing, officials convey a similar determination. They have noted subtle shifts in polling that suggest voters may start to blame Democrats for the shutdown, interpreting the Democrats’ push for negotiations as a sign of desperation. “This is just frantic wishcasting from the Democrats because they’re in disarray and their shutdown strategy has led them into a trap,” remarked a White House official. “Our position has not changed in terms of what we want, and our feelings on the government shutdown.”
