'We'll Probably Have A Shutdown': Trump On US Government Closure, Says Democrats 'Taking Risk'

(MENAFN- Live Mint) United States President Donald Trump on September 30 stated the US will“probably have a shutdown”, which will be 15th since 1981. He added that his administration could make irreversible changes in such a situation, Reuters reported.

Trump said Democrats were "taking a risk" in their shutdown negotiations and mentioned that the Trump administration has the ability to reduce the benefits it provides. As per AFP, he informed reporters at Oval office that“nothing is inevitable but I would say it's probably likely”.

The government is set to shutdown at 12:01 am on Wednesday unless the Senate approves a House-passed measure to temporarily extend federal funding for seven weeks, giving lawmakers more time to finalise the annual spending bills. Senate Democrats have stated they won't support the measure unless Republicans agree to include a renewal of expiring health care benefits and address other concerns. Meanwhile, Trump and Republican leaders refuse to negotiate, insisting the bill is a straightforward,“clean” proposal that shouldn't be controversial.

Also Read | US Government Shutdown LIVE: Trump says 'can do irreversible things in shutdown'

“It's in the president's hands whether we avoid a shutdown," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said following the meeting.

“Their bill has not one iota of Democratic input,” Schumer mentioned on Monday evening.

Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that Democrats had brought up some "reasonable" proposals during the discussion but criticised them for using the threat of a government shutdown to push their agenda.

Also Read | What is a shutdown furlough as Trump-led US government inches closer to it? Trump threatens 'a lot' firings, blames Democrats

Meanwhile, as Democrats and Republicans remain at a stalemate over federal funding, Trump warned of potentially firing large numbers of federal employees if a shutdown occurs.“We may do a lot and that's only because of the Democrats,” Trump said when asked about the potential dismissals of government workers during a shutdown, according to Bloomberg.

Last week, the White House instructed federal agencies to prepare plans for mass firings in the event of a shutdown. However, no agencies have so far included terminations in their official contingency plans.

In a conversation with Politico, Trump said he didn't believe the public would blame him if the government were to shut down“because people that are smart see what's happening. The Democrats are deranged."

(With inputs from agencies)

MENAFN30092025007365015876ID1110132675