Donald Trump is reportedly planning to host a bipartisan meeting with the top four congressional leaders at the White House on Monday to address the risk of a government shutdown. This announcement follows a recent decision by Trump to cancel a planned discussion with Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer regarding the potential crisis. Trump had criticized their proposals as “unserious and ridiculous,” but left room for negotiation if they presented serious options.
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that both Democratic leaders agreed to participate in the meeting, although it is unclear if Trump will negotiate directly with them. Johnson expressed a desire for productive discussion, aiming to convince Democrats to prioritize the common good.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed cautious optimism about the meeting but noted concerns over Trump’s potential demeanor. He emphasized the need for serious negotiations to prevent a shutdown. Meanwhile, reports indicated that Trump may not anticipate a successful agreement from the meeting, as talks have stalled.
If an agreement is not reached, parts of the federal government could begin to shut down as early as Wednesday morning. Agencies have been instructed to prepare for potential furloughs or layoffs. As the Tuesday funding deadline approaches, blame has been exchanged between Republican and Democratic leaders.
The House previously passed a short-term spending bill to fund the government for seven weeks, but it faces opposition in the Senate, where bipartisan support is necessary. Democrats are insisting on extending expiring healthcare protections as part of any funding agreement, warning that failure to do so could lead to significant increases in healthcare costs for millions.
Both parties have expressed concerns about the implications of a shutdown, with Johnson arguing against the partisan nature of the spending bill and Democrats insisting on addressing healthcare issues as a vital priority.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/28/trump-congress-leaders-government-shutdown