Trump, Schumer, and Jeffries to Meet as Government Shutdown Deadline Nears

With less than a week before the federal government runs out of funding, President Donald Trump is set to meet with Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries to discuss ways to avert a shutdown. The high-stakes meeting, scheduled for Thursday, comes amid sharp disagreements between the White House, Republican congressional leaders, and Democrats over the terms of a short-term funding bill.

The Looming Deadline

The government’s current funding expires at midnight on September 30, 2025. Without congressional approval of either a continuing resolution (CR) or a full-year appropriations package, large parts of the federal government will be forced to close, disrupting services and furloughing hundreds of thousands of workers.

Republican leaders in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have backed a “clean” CR—one that would extend current funding levels without attaching new policy provisions. Trump has so far aligned with this position, emphasizing the need to keep the government running without delay.

Democrats Push Back

Democratic leaders, however, have made clear that they will not support a clean extension. Both Schumer and Jeffries argue that a stopgap bill must include protections for health care programs, particularly by reversing proposed Medicaid cuts and extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.

In a joint letter earlier this month, the two Democratic leaders requested a face-to-face meeting with Trump, arguing that GOP leaders had shown little willingness to compromise. “A funding measure that harms vulnerable families cannot be accepted,” Schumer said in a statement, adding that Democrats would insist on “basic protections for working-class Americans.”

The Political Battle

The standoff reflects deeper partisan divides over budget priorities. Republicans argue that Democrats are trying to use the looming shutdown as leverage to push unrelated policy goals. Democrats counter that health care protections are central to any funding package and accuse Republicans of political brinkmanship.

If no deal is reached, the political fallout could be significant. Historically, both parties have faced public backlash during shutdowns, and the outcome often depends on which side voters perceive as being more intransigent.

High Stakes for Millions

Beyond the political maneuvering, a shutdown would carry real-world consequences. Federal workers could face delayed paychecks, national parks might close, and key services from passport processing to nutrition programs could be suspended. Economists warn that even a brief shutdown could cost billions of dollars in lost productivity and undermine public confidence in government institutions.

What Comes Next

The meeting between Trump, Schumer, and Jeffries is seen as a critical opportunity to break the deadlock. With only days left, the question remains whether Trump will side firmly with Republican leaders pushing for a clean CR or make concessions to Democrats to ensure the government stays open.

For now, the countdown continues. By next week, Americans will know whether Washington has struck a deal—or whether the nation is headed into yet another disruptive shutdown.