This won’t be good for anybody.
President Donald Trump warned Thursday that the United States may be headed toward another government shutdown as the January 30 funding deadline rapidly approaches, raising fresh concerns about economic disruption and political gridlock in Washington.
Speaking during an interview on Mornings with Maria, Trump suggested Democrats could once again force a shutdown by refusing to advance key spending legislation.
Trump said he believes the country is facing serious trouble, warning that Democrats may once again push the government into a shutdown. He noted that the previous shutdown caused significant damage and suggested it could happen again, adding that only time will tell how the situation unfolds.
Congress must pass all 12 annual appropriations bills by the end of the month to keep the federal government operating. So far, lawmakers have approved only six. While the House recently passed a two-bill spending package funding the State Department and the Treasury Department, the Senate is not expected to act on the measure until after returning from recess.
Despite public statements from Democratic leaders opposing a shutdown, negotiations remain stalled — particularly over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
The DHS appropriations bill has become a major flashpoint, with Democrats demanding expanded oversight and new conduct standards for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Republicans argue those conditions would weaken enforcement and delay passage of the broader funding package.
The dispute follows a controversial law-enforcement incident that has intensified Democratic pressure on DHS, further complicating already tense negotiations.
Republicans warn that failure to reach an agreement could result in another prolonged shutdown, disrupting government services, federal paychecks, and national security operations.
The most recent government shutdown lasted 43 days and was driven by disagreements over federal healthcare funding. Lawmakers on both sides now face mounting pressure to avoid a repeat as the deadline draws near.