Senate Republicans Unite with Trump Amid Prolonged U.S. Government Shutdown

President Trump hosted a Rose Garden luncheon with Senate Republicans amid the ongoing government shutdown, urging unity and steadfastness in refusing to negotiate with Democrats until they vote to reopen the government. Trump criticized Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats for holding the government hostage, calling for a clean continuing resolution without concessions on healthcare subsidies. Republican senators, including Markwayne Mullin and Steve Daines, expressed support for Trump's leadership style and shutdown strategy, emphasizing that negotiations should only happen after the government reopens. Meanwhile, Democrats continue to oppose the House-passed bill, insisting on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies to prevent rising insurance premiums. The shutdown has now stretched into its fourth week, affecting hundreds of thousands of federal workers and disrupting vital federal programs. Despite some calls for dialogue, the White House meeting was seen by Democrats as a Republican pep rally, with no immediate sign of compromise.