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Shutdown Looms as Trump Threatens Layoffs, Blames Democrats
WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States is edging closer to a government shutdown as negotiations stall and both parties trade blame,with former President Trump reportedly telling politicians he doesn’t believe the country would blame him if a shutdown occurs. The White House is now threatening to fire employees rather than implement temporary furloughs, escalating the stakes in the standoff.
The potential shutdown comes as Congress struggles to agree on a funding extension, particularly regarding fiscal credits for health programs. Mayor mike Johnson, Republican of Louisiana, expressed skepticism about a resolution, telling CNBC on Tuesday, “I’m optimistic, but I’m a little skeptical this morning.” He accused Democrats of using the attempt to renew health credits as political leverage, arguing the issue doesn’t require immediate resolution as the credits aren’t set to expire until the end of the year. “open the government and then we will have all the discussions,” he stated, calling the current situation “just a distraction.”
Democratic leaders have countered, accusing Republicans of refusing bipartisan negotiation. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told CNBC on Tuesday that his party will not participate in an “or my way or nothing” approach. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed this sentiment Monday night, stating, “Their project does not have a drop of democratic contribution. It is up to Republicans to decide whether they want a stoppage or not.”
Trump, according to reports, has told politicians that “intelligent people see what is happening. Democrats are uncontrolled,” and wouldn’t hold him responsible for a shutdown.
Republicans have increasingly used the phrase “Schumer’s stoppage” in an attempt to shift blame to their Democratic opponents. Senate Republican leader John Thune told CNBC on Tuesday, “Chuck Schumer needs a Schumer stoppage and I think that’s where we’re probably walking.”
While last-minute agreements have averted shutdowns in recent years, the current situation appears particularly fraught, with the heightened rhetoric and firm stances on both sides raising concerns about a prolonged disruption in government services.
