House Speaker Faces Government Shutdown Deadline

House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing immense pressure as he attempts to prevent a federal government shutdown, with a deadline rapidly approaching. Criticism has been directed at billionaire Elon Musk, who allegedly influenced GOP lawmakers against a funding agreement by threatening primary challenges, leading to accusations of him acting as a 'shadow president'. Johnson's revised spending package is expected to mirror a failed proposal that lacked bipartisan support, with Trump’s demands complicating negotiations further. Many Republicans have expressed doubts about Johnson's ability to secure enough votes, as 38 GOP members previously opposed the plan. Trump has publicly insisted on a shutdown unless a clean spending bill that addresses the debt ceiling is passed, leaving Congress in turmoil. As time runs out, the likelihood of a shutdown looms heavily over the negotiations.