Trump and Democrats End White House Meeting Without Deal to Avert Government Shutdown
On September 29, 2025, President Donald Trump met with top congressional leaders from both parties in an effort to prevent a looming government shutdown but left without reaching an agreement. The talks at the White House occurred just under 48 hours before funding for the federal government was set to expire at midnight on October 1, marking the end of the fiscal year.
The meeting included Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Tom Johnune, along with Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Despite the high-profile gathering, the parties failed to bridge their partisan differences over a stopgap funding bill that would keep the government operational.
This confrontation comes after a tense period in negotiations, including President Trump abruptly canceling a previously scheduled meeting with Democratic leaders on September 25. Trump criticized the Democrats’ demands, labeling them as “unserious and ridiculous,” particularly objections to rolling back Medicaid changes and extending Affordable Care Act tax credits embedded in his administration’s legislative priorities. In response, Democratic leaders expressed disappointment and accused Trump of evading constructive negotiations.
Without a deal, the federal government faces its 15th partial shutdown since 1981. Essential government functions, such as military and law enforcement, will continue to operate, but many non-essential services, including national parks and administrative offices, will face closures or workforce reductions.
The Trump administration has warned of significant consequences if a shutdown occurs, including widespread layoffs of government employees and cuts to programs benefiting low-income women and children. Congressional leaders from both parties must overcome ideological divides quickly to avert these disruptions.
House Democratic Leader Jeffries disclosed plans to hold virtual and in-person caucus meetings to prepare Democratic members for the upcoming budget fight, emphasizing readiness to meet the moment. Meanwhile, Republicans remain firm on preserving priority spending cuts and resisting Democratic proposals they view as detrimental to fiscal responsibility.
As the deadline nears, the lack of compromise adds uncertainty to Washington, with the risk that millions of Americans could be impacted by paused government operations if the deadline passes without a resolution.