Trump summons four lawmakers to White House showdown as shutdown looms
Share and Follow

Donald Trump has called on four congressional leaders for a White House showdown ahead of a looming government shutdown next week. 

The government is on the brink of losing its funding come Tuesday, prompting Trump to organize a meeting on Monday. The attendees include Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

‘President Trump has once again agreed to a meeting in the Oval Office,’ Schumer and Jeffries said in a statement.

Democrats emphasize their willingness to negotiate a bipartisan spending deal that prioritizes the needs of Americans. They are determined to prevent a government shutdown and tackle the Republican healthcare crisis, while noting that time is of the essence.

Trump had previously called off a shutdown discussion with Schumer and Jeffries earlier in the week, citing the belief that it wouldn’t lead to productive results, as reported by The Hill.

Jeffries held daily news conferences last week criticizing the meeting’s cancellation, and slammed the president for making time to attend the Ryder Cup on Long Island. 

‘He didn’t have the time to meet with Democratic leaders and fund the government and address the Republican health care crisis, but Donald Trump right now, as we speak, is at a golf event?’ the lawmaker queried. 

Schumer called on Thune urging him to set up a meeting with the president as the deadline for a government shutdown fast approaches, an aide to Schumer told the outlet. 

President Donald Trump has called on four congressional leaders for a last minute meeting at the White House ahead of a looming government shutdown on Wednesday

Trump called on Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Mike Johnson (R-La) and John Thune (R-SD) for a meeting on Monday at the White House

Trump called on Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Mike Johnson (R-La) and John Thune (R-SD) for a meeting on Monday at the White House

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (pictured) slammed the president for making time to attend the Ryder Cup on Long Island after Trump cancelled a meeting to discuss the shutdown

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (pictured) slammed the president for making time to attend the Ryder Cup on Long Island after Trump cancelled a meeting to discuss the shutdown

Unless Congress takes action, once government funding runs out on Tuesday a shutdown will take place on Wednesday.

Any action from Congress to pass a spending package under chamber’s rules will need bipartisan support and requires support from at least seven Senate Democrats. 

Earlier in September, Senate rejected a ‘clean’ continuing solution passed by the House from Republicans. The movement would have continued funding through until November 21. 

Democrats in Congress have been asking Republicans to take action on issues such as Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire at the end of the calendar year, or rolling back Medicaid cuts signed into law by the Republican megabill earlier this year, The Hill reported. 

Republicans have argued those issues are unrelated and can be solved on their own separately, while they have said other asks are unreasonable. 

Trump condemned Democratic demands as ‘unserious and ridiculous,’ CNN reported.  

Thune had said earlier in the week that he ‘did have a conversation with the president’ and offered his opinion on the meeting, which he declined to disclose.

‘But I think the president speaks for himself, and I think he came to the conclusion that meeting would not be productive,’ Thune added. 

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (pictured) said that he 'did have a conversation with the president' and said Trump 'came to the conclusion that meeting would not be productive'

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (pictured) said that he ‘did have a conversation with the president’ and said Trump ‘came to the conclusion that meeting would not be productive’

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (pictured) and Thune have argued against making a deal with the Democrats

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (pictured) and Thune have argued against making a deal with the Democrats

Trump shakes hands with Keegan Bradley, Captain of Team United States on the first tee during the Friday afternoon four-ball matches of the 2025 Ryder Cup

Trump shakes hands with Keegan Bradley, Captain of Team United States on the first tee during the Friday afternoon four-ball matches of the 2025 Ryder Cup

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (pictured) called on Thune urging him to set up a meeting with the president as the deadline for a government shutdown fast approaches

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (pictured) called on Thune urging him to set up a meeting with the president as the deadline for a government shutdown fast approaches

Johnson and Thune have argued against making a deal with the Democrats. Republican leaders are looking for an extension of funding for seven weeks, with additional money for security for the legislative, executive and judicial branches. 

Both parties are seemingly unwilling to back down, with Democrats confident that the blame for a shutdown would fall on Republican shoulders, while Republicans were set on showcasing the Democrat’s refusal to agree to the stopgap measure. 

The House GOP planned to stay away from Washington as a show of their own unwillingness to engage Democratic alternatives. Democrats slammed House Republicans for being ‘on vacation.’ 

Should a government shutdown happen, it’s expected to be unlike any other with Trump and the White House Office of Management and Budget already urging agencies to cut workforce in programs that don’t align with the president’s goals.

Trump has already seen a notable government shutdown in his first term, which started in December 2018 and lasted 35 days – the longest recorded, the outlet reported.  

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bears game time Sunday: Chicago Bears to take on Los Angeles Rams in NFL playoffs at Soldier Field at 5:30 p.m.

Chicago Bears vs. LA Rams: Sunday Showdown at Soldier Field – 5:30 PM NFL Playoff Clash

CHICAGO (WLS) — The city of Chicago is abuzz following the Bears’…
Florida Sex Money Murder gang leader convicted, faces up to 5 life sentences

Florida Gang Leader of ‘Sex Money Murder’ Convicted, Could Receive Five Life Sentences

Officials report that the gang leader skillfully orchestrated operations while steering clear…
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, or OBAP, celebrates 50 years, partners with American Airlines

Celebrating 50 Years of Impact: OBAP Teams Up with American Airlines for a New Era in Black Aerospace Excellence

CHICAGO — A pioneering initiative aimed at supporting Black pilots is marking…
Kiefer Sutherland arrested in Hollywood after rideshare altercation

Kiefer Sutherland Arrested in Hollywood Following Heated Rideshare Dispute

Actor Kiefer Sutherland found himself in hot water on Monday following an…
Stephen A. Smith makes shocking Charlie Kirk mistake on ESPN

Stephen A. Smith’s Unexpected Mix-Up Involving Charlie Kirk Captures Attention on ESPN

Stephen A. Smith found himself in an awkward situation on Tuesday’s episode…
West Wing star Timothy Busfield SURRENDERS to New Mexico cops

West Wing Actor Timothy Busfield Voluntarily Turns Himself into New Mexico Authorities

Actor Timothy Busfield has turned himself in to authorities in New Mexico…
Linda Brown, Chicago teacher found dead in Lake Michigan at 31st Street Harbor, died by suicide, drowning: medical examiner

Tragic Loss: Chicago Teacher Linda Brown’s Passing at 31st Street Harbor Ruled Suicide by Drowning

CHICAGO — The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that…
The power couple loved by Trump and loathed by liberals

Inside the Controversial World of Trump’s Favorite Power Couple: A Love-Hate Saga

If there was anything that unnerved Donald Trump’s critics more than his…