GOP leaders face shutdown crisis after Trump’s demands

House Republican leaders are urgently working on new legislation to avoid a government shutdown this weekend.

President-elect Donald Trump has rejected a bipartisan deal that would have extended funding until mid-March, insisting that GOP lawmakers follow his directives.

The potential for a partial shutdown at 12:01 a.m. Saturday is increasing, as House Speaker Mike Johnson is in discussions with advisers to find a solution.

Any new proposal must first pass the Republican-controlled House, which has relied on Democratic support for previous spending bills.

If successful in the House, the bill would then need approval from the Democratic-led Senate. Tensions are high, as Democrats expressed their unwillingness to cooperate after Trump and Elon Musk dismantled the earlier agreement.

Christmas deadline

There is talk of a possible week-long funding extension, pushing the deadline past Christmas, but this requires bipartisan support in the Senate.

Trump has outlined his demands, requesting a stopgap bill that includes disaster relief and aid for farmers.

He also wants to raise or eliminate the debt ceiling to enable the U.S. to meet its financial obligations.

Trump has urged Republicans to abandon what he refers to as Democratic “bells and whistles,” which includes various provisions that are not directly related to funding.

He has warned that any Republican opposing a debt-ceiling adjustment could face primary challenges in the upcoming election.