Trump cancels meeting with Democrats as prospects for shutdown increase
President Trump abruptly cancelled a planned Thursday meeting at the White House with top congressional Democratic leaders, increasing the chances of a government shutdown on Oct. 1.
Shortly after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries claimed victory in a joint statement for securing the meeting on Tuesday morning, the president posted on his social media platform that he was calling it off.
“After reviewing the details of the unserious and ridiculous demands being made by the Minority Radical Left Democrats in return for their Votes to keep our thriving Country open, I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive,” the president wrote.
He argued that the items in the Democrats’ alternative funding proposal like rolling back the Medicaid changes enacted in the president’s signature tax bill and extending Affordable Care Act tax credits were nonstarters. “There are consequences to losing Elections but, based on their letter to me, the Democrats haven’t figured that out yet,” Trump wrote.
Jeffries shot back his own response on social media saying “Trump Always Chickens Out,” a reference to the “TACO” slogan that some popularized around the president’s shifting positions on imposing tariffs.
As a sign the messaging war is only starting about who is to blame in the event of a shutdown next week, Jeffries added, “the extremists want to shut down the government because they are unwilling to address the Republican healthcare crisis that is devastating America.”
Schumer said in a statement that the president was “running away from the negotiating table before he even gets there.” He said the president would “rather throw a tantrum than do his job.”
Schumer argued, “Trump and Republicans are holding America hostage. Donald Trump will own the shutdown.”
On Friday the House narrowly approved a bill extending current funding levels through Nov. 21, but the Senate did not have the 60 votes needed to advance it. An alternative proposal from Democrats also failed. Both chambers are on recess this week, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated he will bring up a straight extension of funding levels on Sept. 29. House leaders cancelled planned votes for next Monday and Tuesday and the chamber isn’t scheduled to return until late next week.
GOP leaders insist Democrats would bear the blame if there is any interruption in funding, and have dubbed the dynamic “the Schumer shutdown.”
Opinion: Remembering Ai, a remarkably intelligent chimpanzee
We remember Ai, a highly intelligent chimpanzee who lived at the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University for most of her life, except the time she escaped and walked around campus.
The near death — and last-minute reprieve — of a trial for an HIV vaccine
A trial was about to launch for a vaccine that would ward off the HIV virus. It would be an incredible breakthrough. Then it looked as if it would be over before it started.
Is RFK Jr.’s Administration for a Healthy America — AHA — in the works or not?
The Administration for a Healthy America is RFK Jr.'s plan to tackle chronic disease, addiction and other persistent problems. But so far it's not being set up like previous new agencies.
Bessemer data center developer to request rezoning for additional 900 acres
The city’s attorney informed council members of the request on Tuesday, warning that there may be media scrutiny.
Events in Minneapolis show how immigration enforcement has changed. What’s the impact?
Minneapolis is at the center of sweeping, evolving federal immigration push. It demonstrates how different immigration enforcement is under Trump's second administration - and raises questions about the lingering effects on local communities and law enforcement.
Major plumbing headache haunts $13 billion U.S. carrier off the coast of Venezuela
The crew of USS Ford is struggling to handle sewage problems on board the Navy's newest carrier.
