US Government Shutdown Expected as Trump, Democrats Deadlock on Funding

As the Sept. 30 government funding deadline nears, a shutdown appears nearly certain amid escalating tensions between President Donald Trump's administration and Senate Democrats. Trump canceled a planned meeting with Democratic leaders, signaling no last-minute compromise, and Republicans are pushing a "clean" short-term funding bill, which Senate Democrats reject without direct talks. The White House has intensified pressure by directing agencies to prepare for potential layoffs and permanent cuts if funding lapses, a move Democrats denounce as intimidation and leverage against them. Despite these threats, Democrats remain steadfast in demanding concessions, particularly on healthcare costs, viewing a shutdown as a political stand to maintain leverage for future negotiations. Analysts and former officials warn that this shutdown could be more damaging and harder to reverse than past ones due to the administration's aggressive stance. The standoff exemplifies a high-stakes game of political brinkmanship with significant consequences for federal workers and government services.