Trump scraps Democrats meeting amid shutdown fears

In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a critical White House meeting with top Democratic leaders as the threat of a government shutdown grows increasingly imminent.

The Hill reported that the cancellation, announced Tuesday on Truth Social, has intensified partisan divisions and significantly reduced the likelihood of a bipartisan agreement to keep the government funded beyond the October 1 deadline.

Lawmakers had already left Washington last Friday for a week-long recess, departing the capital without securing a resolution to the urgent funding crisis facing the nation.

Early Struggles Over Budget Proposals

Both political parties have found themselves at an impasse, unable to agree on a path forward, with the Senate rejecting both a Republican proposal for a seven-week funding extension and a separate Democratic alternative plan.

The Republican measure sought to maintain government operations until November 20, allocating $30 million for congressional security, $58 million for executive and judicial protection, and making necessary adjustments to funding for Washington, D.C.

In contrast, Democrats pushed for a plan that included extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of this year, a provision that Republicans adamantly opposed including in a temporary funding bill.

Republican Leaders Sway Trump's Choice

Trump had originally been slated to meet with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in the Oval Office later in the week to discuss potential solutions to the deadlock.

However, after a Monday night phone conversation with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Trump made the decision to call off the scheduled Thursday discussion entirely.

During their call, Republican leaders voiced strong objections to what they characterized as Democratic attempts to secure permanent ACA subsidies, arguing that such a move would effectively provide health benefits to undocumented immigrants, which they oppose.

Heated Exchanges and Public Criticism

Johnson reiterated this position publicly to reporters, declaring firmly, “We’re not going to pay for health care for illegal aliens, that’s against the law, we’re not doing that.”

He further criticized Schumer and Jeffries for tacking on what he described as “wild partisan demands” to what he believed should remain a straightforward, short-term funding extension without additional policy provisions.

Trump, in his announcement on Truth Social, expressed his frustration, stating, “After reviewing the details of the unserious and ridiculous demands being made by the Minority Radical Left Democrats in return for their Votes to keep our thriving Country open, I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive.”

Democrats React to Abrupt Cancellation

Following the sudden cancellation, Schumer accused Trump of evading responsibility, saying he was “running away from the negotiating table before he even gets there.”

Jeffries delivered a pointed critique on X, posting, “Trump Always Chickens Out,” while affirming that Democrats are prepared to work diligently toward a resolution to prevent a shutdown.

Jeffries also urged House Democrats to return to Washington on Monday, despite Republican leaders opting to cancel votes near the critical deadline, highlighting their commitment to finding common ground and averting a government closure that could impact millions of Americans.