Trump Rejects Democrats’ Trillion-Dollar Demands Amid Government Shutdown Standoff

President Donald Trump is engaged in a contentious battle with congressional Democrats over government funding, with a looming shutdown deadline of October 1. Trump canceled a scheduled meeting with Democratic leaders, accusing them of making "unserious and ridiculous" demands including over $1 trillion in new spending for issues such as free healthcare for undocumented immigrants, transgender surgeries for minors, and other social policies, which he claims threaten to shut down the government. Senate Democrat Chris Van Hollen accused Trump of "mafia-style blackmail" for threatening mass firings of federal employees beyond typical furloughs during a shutdown, criticizing the administration's approach as harmful and potentially illegal. Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, have called for bipartisan negotiations to prevent the shutdown, warning of significant healthcare premium increases if enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire. The standoff highlights deep partisan divisions, with Republicans needing some Democratic support to pass a continuing resolution and Democrats rejecting the House-passed bill as inadequate. Both sides remain entrenched, raising the prospect of a government shutdown and service disruptions.