Hakeem Jeffries Responds to Trump Pulling Congress Meeting Ahead of Shutdown Deadline

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference on Thursday, responding to President Donald Trump‘s decision to cancel a scheduled meeting with congressional Democratic leaders just days before a looming deadline for government funding.

With the Sept. 30 shutdown deadline approaching, both Republicans and Democrats are at an impasse over federal funding, showing little willingness to compromise. Jeffries criticized Trump for the cancelation, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative efforts to avoid a government shutdown.

Earlier this week, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., issued a memo referencing prior warnings from Senate Democrats about the negative impact of a government shutdown on average Americans. Johnson stated, “House Republicans acted responsibly last week to keep the government open with the clean short-term continuing resolution.”

Johnson’s memo also cited remarks from then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and others expressing concerns about a shutdown’s consequences for vulnerable populations such as seniors and veterans. As the deadline approaches, Johnson argues that Senate Democrats have shifted their stance.

Anna Bahr, a spokesperson for Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., reaffirmed that Sanders sees government shutdowns as detrimental. She said, “Senator Sanders urges the administration and his Republican colleagues not to do it,” while noting that Sanders supports Senate Democrats’ counter-proposal over the GOP’s funding bill.

During an earlier standoff in late 2023, Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., highlighted that a shutdown would harm servicemembers and disrupt essential services. He accused Trump and Republicans of prioritizing political tactics over the interests of Americans.

“The only person who wants a government shutdown is President Donald Trump,” Kelly stated.

In the Senate, discussions continue to reveal tension, as Senate Minority Leader Schumer faces criticism for potentially contributing to the imminent shutdown. Republicans assert that Democrats have reverted from their earlier commitment to government funding, while Democrats express frustration over exclusion from negotiations.

As of now, the House passed a short-term extension, maintaining federal funding levels while including security enhancements. However, the Senate’s reaction to this measure remains divided and contentious.

With time running out, both parties are trading blame as they try to avert a government shutdown, which could commence at midnight on Oct. 1 without a bipartisan agreement. The failure to reach a consensus underscores the deepening divide in Congress.