Government Shutdown Enters Fourth Week Amid GOP-Democrat Budget Standoff

As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, President Trump hosted Republican senators for a lunch event in the newly renovated White House Rose Garden, emphasizing GOP unity and firm resistance to Democratic demands for extended health care funding. Trump praised ongoing White House renovations and suggested potential reopening of Smithsonian museums but indicated no immediate compromise with Democrats. Senate Republicans, aligned with Trump, remain steadfast against negotiating until Democrats agree to reopen the government, while Democrats continue to oppose the House-passed funding bill lacking their healthcare provisions. The shutdown has led to furloughs of federal employees, missed paychecks, and disruptions in critical programs like Head Start and transportation, with increased delays at major airports adding to public frustration. Despite some GOP unease over plans to cut transportation funding to Democratic-led states, the White House and Senate Republicans project a united front, with Senate leaders expecting Trump to encourage steadfastness. The impasse continues to strain government services and economic growth, with no clear resolution in sight as both sides await the other's concession.