Jeffries blasts Trump as funding talks falter, signaling possible government shutdown

WASHINGTON — House Democrats on Tuesday pressed back against President Donald Trump’s characterization of their funding talks, warning the nation could face a shutdown if spending bills aren’t resolved before the end of the month. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., denounced Trump’s remarks as “unhinged” and said they had nothing to do with the spending bill before Congress or the need to avert a government shutdown.

In Brooklyn, Jeffries held a media briefing after Trump canceled a planned meeting with Democratic leaders on funding. “The statement that Donald Trump issued today was unhinged, and it related to issues that have nothing to do with the spending bill that is before the Congress, and the need to try to avoid a government shutdown,” he said. He added that Democrats would meet to discuss priorities, and that a GOP-only bill would continue to gut healthcare. “Our top priority is to cancel the cuts, lower the costs and save healthcare. Eight words — not difficult for Donald Trump to process,” Jeffries said. “And we've been very clear that if Republicans want to go it alone, then go it alone and continue to do damage to the American people.” Jeffries and Senate Democrats, led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, were set to meet with Trump on Thursday to discuss a path forward. But Trump canceled the meeting in a post on Truth Social, saying, “I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive.”

The House then approved a short-term extension of FY 2025 funding through Nov. 21 to keep federal agencies running while negotiators work on FY 2026. Democrats continue to push to restore or expand enhanced ACA subsidies that are set to expire at the end of 2025 without action, arguing that any plan should protect Americans’ health coverage.

Schumer stepped to a separate microphone and criticized Trump’s approach. “Today seems to be tantrum day for Donald Trump,” the Senate minority leader said. “Mr. President, do your job. Stop ranting, stop these long diatribes that mean nothing to anyone. Get people in a room and let's hammer out a deal.” He noted that the Senate would need at least some Democratic support to move a funding measure and avert a shutdown.

The Senate has already rejected moving forward with the House GOP stopgap plan. With a deadline of Sept. 30 approaching, many lawmakers warned that a shutdown could occur if both chambers cannot agree on a package to fund all agencies. Authorities cautioned that failure to act could disrupt services across the federal government, including agencies that process benefits and national security operations.

Trump has argued that Democrats should accept a wide framework that includes spending cuts and policy changes, including changes to Medicaid under a broader policy package sometimes referred to as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” Jeffries referenced that approach in his remarks, saying Democrats would not participate in policies they argued would harm the healthcare of American families.

If an agreement is reached, it will likely require a broad compromise that protects health funding while providing Republicans with a framework for spending cuts. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Chuck Schumer and other Democrats pointed out that the standoff comes as Republicans push a policy package that many Democrats see as a vehicle for cutting health benefits. The party has warned that any plan must protect health insurance for millions of Americans who rely on federal subsidies and Medicaid.

This dynamic unfolds as lawmakers await a next move, with a pending deadline and negotiations continuing behind closed doors. The White House has not publicly weighed in on the latest round of comments and counteroffers, leaving the path forward uncertain as the nation heads toward a potential funding gap.