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Trump Pushes For Government Shutdown Amid Debt Ceiling Standoff

Image: AP Photo/Alex Brandon
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President-elect Donald Trump urged House Republicans on Thursday to refuse federal government funding unless it includes a debt ceiling increase, escalating tensions as a government shutdown looms. Trump’s demand puts pressure on House GOP leaders and could stall progress on a compromise funding bill just hours before a potential shutdown.

Trump’s Ultimatum

In a Truth Social post, Trump lashed out at Republican lawmakers opposing his stance, calling them “obstructionists” and singling out Texas Rep. Chip Roy for blocking what he described as a “Great Republican Victory.”

“Our Country is far better off closing up for a period of time than it is agreeing to the things that the Democrats want to force upon us,” Trump wrote, signaling his willingness to endure a shutdown if his conditions aren’t met.

The president-elect’s insistence on tying the debt ceiling increase to the funding bill comes amid growing Republican infighting, further complicating efforts to avoid a shutdown.

House GOP in Disarray

House Speaker Mike Johnson and senior Republican leaders spent Thursday scrambling to reconcile demands from Trump with differing views within their own caucus. Without a resolution, the federal government faces a partial shutdown beginning late Friday night, potentially leaving tens of thousands of federal employees furloughed days before Christmas.

Complicating matters, any bill passed by the Republican-controlled House must gain approval from the Democratic-majority Senate before being signed by President Joe Biden. Bipartisan support is crucial, as emphasized by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who warned on MSNBC that a shutdown would only create “unnecessary chaos.”

“A shutdown does not solve anything. It doesn’t save us money. It just creates unnecessary chaos,” Lawler said.

Trump’s Influence and Musk’s Role

The current funding impasse follows Trump’s last-minute opposition to a bipartisan funding bill on Wednesday. The deal had been painstakingly negotiated and required Democratic votes to pass in the narrowly divided House.

Trump’s opposition came on the heels of criticism from billionaire GOP donor Elon Musk, who publicly decried the bill throughout the day. Musk’s influence appears to have swayed House Republicans, making support for the funding package politically untenable.

Trump argued that addressing the debt ceiling under his incoming administration would be more challenging. “If Democrats won’t cooperate on the debt ceiling now, what makes anyone think they would do it in June during our administration? Let’s have this debate now,” Trump said.

Debt Ceiling: A Recurring Battle

The debt ceiling remains a perennial flashpoint in Washington politics, often sparking heated debates that threaten economic stability. Trump’s insistence on tackling the issue now reflects his desire to avoid a similar confrontation during his second term.

However, his hardline approach puts Speaker Johnson in a precarious position. Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, already faces challenges within his caucus, and his speakership will be up for a vote early next year.

Potential Fallout

If no agreement is reached, the federal government will enter a partial shutdown, disrupting operations and delaying paychecks for federal employees. The shutdown would also come at a politically sensitive time, with the holidays approaching and economic uncertainty lingering.

As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on House Republicans to determine whether they will bow to Trump’s demands or find a bipartisan path forward. The outcome will not only shape short-term government funding but also set the tone for Trump’s second term and GOP unity heading into 2025.