- Government Shutdown Looms as GOP-Led House Fails to Pass Funding Bill Backed by President-Elect Trump
President-elect Donald Trump on Friday morning took to Truth Social to insist that any potential government shutdown should occur under President Joe Biden’s administration rather than his own.
“If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP,’” Trump wrote, asserting that the responsibility to resolve the issue lies with the current administration.
House Speaker Mike Johnson responded, stating, “We’re expecting votes this morning, so y’all stay tuned; we’ve got a plan,” though he refrained from confirming any new agreements. Johnson is reportedly meeting with Vice President-elect JD Vance, former OMB director Russell Vought, and members of the House Freedom Caucus to strategize.
Debt Ceiling Clash
Amid the budget impasse, Trump also reignited the debt ceiling debate, calling for an extension until 2029. He criticized the concept as “ridiculous” and argued that without an extension, no deal should be made.
The debt ceiling, which is set to return on January 2, 2025, after its suspension under the Fiscal Responsibility Act in June 2023, has become a flashpoint. Trump’s endorsement of a bill to extend the debt ceiling to 2027 was defeated in the GOP-controlled House, adding to the legislative gridlock.
Funding Bill Fails
Congress is racing against the clock as government funding is set to expire at midnight Friday. A Trump-endorsed proposal that included a three-month funding extension, a two-year debt ceiling suspension, and $110 billion for disaster relief failed to secure the required two-thirds majority.
The bill faced opposition from both conservative Republicans and House Democrats. Critics argued over the measure’s lack of significant reforms for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and accused GOP leadership of bypassing bipartisan efforts.
Inside the GOP Divide
The failed vote underscores internal divisions within the GOP. Some Republicans rejected the bill’s provisions, while others blamed House Speaker Mike Johnson for failing to unify the party. Meanwhile, Vice President-elect JD Vance accused Democrats of undermining Trump’s leverage for his upcoming term.
High-Stakes Inauguration Diplomacy
In a lighter development, Trump reportedly extended an inauguration invitation to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago attended by Elon Musk. While details of the discussion remain private, the invitation hints at potential collaboration with major business leaders in the new administration.
As the clock ticks toward a shutdown, Trump’s dual focus on securing immediate leverage and shaping his legislative agenda for 2025 reveals a complex balancing act in the early days of his return to the White House.
