In a sudden move, President Trump called off a scheduled meeting with leading Democratic congressional figures at the White House on Thursday, heightening the likelihood of a government shutdown as the October 1 deadline approaches.
This cancellation came shortly after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced they had secured the meeting earlier Tuesday morning. However, the president took to his social media platform to declare the meeting would no longer take place.
President Trump explained his decision by criticizing the Democrats’ demands as “unrealistic and absurd,” stating that no productive discussion could arise from meeting with their congressional leaders under such conditions.
He specifically rejected elements of the Democrats’ alternative funding plan, such as reversing Medicaid modifications included in his landmark tax legislation and prolonging Affordable Care Act tax credits, labeling these proposals as unacceptable. Trump added, “Losing elections has consequences, but it seems the Democrats have yet to grasp that based on their letter to me.”
Responding swiftly, Jeffries took to social media, accusing the president of “always backing out,” a jab referencing the “TACO” slogan that critics have used to highlight Trump’s inconsistent tariff policies.
Jeffries further asserted that “extremists are pushing for a government shutdown because they refuse to confront the Republican healthcare crisis that is harming Americans.” This exchange signals the beginning of a fierce battle over who will be held responsible if the government ceases operations next week.
Schumer condemned the president’s move, stating that Trump was “fleeing from negotiations before even sitting down.” He accused the president of preferring to “throw a tantrum rather than fulfill his responsibilities.”
Schumer further charged that “Trump and his Republican allies are holding the nation hostage,” warning that “Donald Trump will be held accountable for any shutdown.”
Last Friday, the House narrowly passed a bill to maintain current funding levels until November 21, but the Senate failed to secure the 60 votes required to move it forward. A competing Democratic proposal also did not pass. Both chambers are currently on recess, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune planning to propose a straightforward funding extension on September 29. Meanwhile, the House has postponed votes scheduled for early next week and is not expected to reconvene until later in the week.
Republican leaders maintain that Democrats would be responsible for any funding lapse, coining the term “the Schumer shutdown” to describe the potential impasse.
