New US government shutdown may occur, Trump warns
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
The work of the US government could be suspended for a certain period due to the inability of Republicans and Democrats to approve a funding bill.
This was stated by US President Donald Trump, citing the leader’s briefing at the White House.
US President Donald Trump expressed skepticism that Republicans and Democrats would be able to reach an agreement, noting that 60 votes are required in the Senate.
Republicans currently hold 53 seats in the upper chamber, meaning at least seven Democrats would need to back the funding bill to keep the government operating.
"We’ll continue talking with the Democrats, but I think there may be a shutdown for a certain period of time. And we’ll take care of the military. We’ll take care of Social Security. We’ll take care of the things we have to take care of," Trump said.
According to him, "a lot of the things Democrats are fighting for … will not be funded. So we’ll just watch and see how we deal with it."
Trump doubted whether Republicans could strike a deal with Democrats, who have insisted on maintaining healthcare subsidies and restoring funding under the Medicaid program.
"I don’t know if you can make a deal with these people. I think these people are crazy," the president added.
Trump also thanked Democratic Senator John Fetterman for opposing a government shutdown.
"He wants to keep the country open. We are making such great progress as a nation," Trump said.
Risk of US government shutdown
A shutdown occurs when part of the US government is forced to suspend operations due to the lack of an approved funding bill.
On Friday, September 19, House Republicans passed a short-term government funding package to avoid a shutdown at the end of the month. The bill was prepared by Republicans without Democratic involvement.
However, within hours, Senate Democrats blocked the legislation. Republicans also failed to push through an alternative measure that would have extended the deadline to October 31, increasing the likelihood of a shutdown.
Republicans criticized the Democrats’ $1.5 trillion funding proposal, calling it unrealistic and certain to face Trump’s veto.
Government shutdowns in the US occur at the end of nearly every fiscal year. A similar situation unfolded in December 2024, when Trump and Elon Musk derailed a vote on a temporary budget bill aimed at avoiding a shutdown.
A second attempt succeeded, with both the House and Senate approving funding through March 14, 2025.
In March, the US once again faced the threat of a shutdown, but thanks to Republican efforts and Trump’s backing, government funding was extended until September.
