Trump to Meet Congressional Leaders as Shutdown Looms
President Donald Trump will meet Monday with top congressional leaders at the White House amid rising tensions and a looming government shutdown. The meeting follows Trump’s abrupt cancellation of a previous session with Democrats, after Republican leaders urged him to do so.
Expected attendees include Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The meeting was first reported by Punchbowl News.
Democrats have pushed for healthcare measures in the funding bill, prompting public clashes with Trump, who called their demands “unserious and ridiculous.” In a joint statement, Schumer and Jeffries emphasized their willingness to negotiate and avoid a shutdown.
Republicans, however, remain firm in opposing concessions and prefer talks during the appropriations process. Meanwhile, the White House has instructed agencies to prepare for a possible shutdown, with funding set to expire Sept. 30. Millions of federal jobs are at stake if Congress fails to act by Oct. 1.
Schumer reportedly called Thune on Friday to press for the meeting. Senate Democrats are also planning a Sunday call ahead of their return to Washington.