In a recent interview, President Trump indicated that a government shutdown is becoming increasingly likely unless top Democrats reconsider their negotiating stance. "I just don't know how we are going to solve this issue," Trump stated during a phone interview with CBS News, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Trump expressed confidence that if government funding were to expire in the coming days, the American people would support him. He believes that Democrats will face political repercussions for not collaborating with him on measures to cut spending. "They're not interested in fraud, waste, and abuse," Trump remarked, criticizing the Democrats' approach to fiscal responsibility.
On Monday, Trump is scheduled to meet with congressional leaders ahead of the October 1 deadline for reaching an agreement on a spending bill that would prevent a shutdown. According to a source close to the president, Trump privately welcomes the possibility of a shutdown. This would enable him to utilize executive power to reduce funding for certain government programs and salaries.
Last week, the White House's Office of Management and Budget issued a memo to federal agencies, advising them to prepare for potential layoffs should a government shutdown occur. The memo, which was obtained by CBS News, instructs agencies to consider reduction-in-force notices for employees involved in discretionary programs or projects that would lose funding after October 1.
During the interview, President Trump dismissed the Democrats' recent demands, particularly those related to extending Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies, as misguided. He asserted that any discussions regarding health care must also address immigration issues to be acceptable. "The Democrats, incredibly, want to keep their old policies of open borders, and we're not going to have it," Trump declared, signaling a hardline stance on immigration and public benefits.
Democrats have strongly countered Trump's portrayal of their positions on government funding and immigration. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized that individuals in the U.S. illegally are not eligible for Medicaid coverage under current federal law. "What we are doing is fighting to protect the healthcare of everyday Americans," Jeffries said during an appearance on MSNBC, framing the situation as a crisis exacerbated by Republican policies.
President Trump is set to meet with key congressional figures, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Jeffries. This meeting follows a previously canceled session due to what Trump referred to as the Democrats' "unserious and ridiculous demands."
Earlier this month, the House passed a GOP-led continuing resolution to maintain government funding until November 21. In contrast, Democrats proposed a plan to fund the government until October 31, which includes their health care priorities. However, both proposals have struggled to gain traction in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed to advance most legislation.
The Democrats' proposal includes a permanent extension of enhanced tax credits for Americans purchasing health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, which they have identified as a critical issue for their support. Additionally, it aims to reverse cuts to Medicaid and restore funding for public broadcasters that were eliminated earlier this year.
The Senate is returning to Washington on Monday after a weeklong recess, leaving little time to act before a potential shutdown. Echoing Trump's sentiments, Thune remarked on NBC's Meet the Press that the decision to avert a shutdown rests with the Democrats, emphasizing that a bill is currently available in the Senate to keep the government open. "We need eight Democrats to pass it through the Senate," Thune stated, underscoring the urgency of bipartisan cooperation.
Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, highlighted the unity among Democrats regarding healthcare, expressing optimism about the upcoming meeting with congressional leaders. "This is an opportunity for the country because of one big problem, and that is that the Republicans have created a health care crisis," Klobuchar said, pointing to the pressing issue of rising insurance premiums facing American families.
As the deadline approaches, the dynamics between President Trump and congressional Democrats will be crucial in determining the future of government funding and health care policy in the United States.
