Tensions are boiling within the Republican Party after former President Donald Trump torpedoed a bipartisan spending deal just days before a potential government shutdown. Trump's public denouncement of the agreement, coupled with behind-the-scenes pressure on GOP lawmakers, has left Congress scrambling to avoid a funding lapse.
Trump’s Role in Derailing the Deal
The spending package, negotiated by Democratic leaders and moderate Republicans, sought to fund the government through mid-2025. It included increases for defense and domestic programs, as well as disaster relief funding. However, in a blistering post on Truth Social, Trump labeled the deal a "sellout" and accused its Republican backers of betraying their voters.
“This spending bill is a DISASTER!” Trump wrote. “Republicans in Congress should NEVER agree to this total surrender. Stand strong, or risk losing your base in 2024 and beyond.”
Following his statement, several hardline conservatives in the House and Senate reversed their support, effectively killing the deal’s chances of passing before the looming deadline.
Republican Fallout
Trump’s intervention has reignited long-simmering tensions within the GOP, pitting his loyalists against moderates and party leaders desperate to avoid a government shutdown.
“This is a betrayal of responsible governance,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). “We negotiated this deal in good faith, and now our party looks incapable of leading.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), already struggling to unite his caucus, now faces additional pressure to craft a new agreement. Behind closed doors, some GOP lawmakers reportedly expressed frustration with Trump’s meddling, accusing him of prioritizing political grandstanding over practical solutions.
Others, however, praised Trump for standing firm against what they see as reckless federal spending. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) called Trump’s intervention “a necessary correction” and urged colleagues to support deeper spending cuts.
Democratic Reaction
Democrats, meanwhile, have been quick to criticize the chaos within the GOP. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) accused Trump and his allies of “sabotaging” bipartisan efforts to keep the government running.
“Once again, former President Trump is playing politics with people’s lives,” Schumer said. “The American people deserve better than this dysfunction.”
Shutdown Looms
With just three days remaining before a government shutdown, the path forward is uncertain. Analysts warn that a shutdown could have far-reaching consequences, from furloughing federal workers to delaying public services like Social Security payments and passport processing.
What’s Next?
Speaker Johnson is expected to meet with GOP leaders and Trump allies in an attempt to salvage negotiations. However, with divisions within the party deepening, the odds of reaching a new agreement before the deadline are slim.
FAQs About the Spending Deal and Shutdown
1. What was in the original spending deal?
The bipartisan agreement included increased funding for defense, disaster relief, and domestic programs. It was designed to avoid a shutdown and provide funding stability through mid-2025.
2. Why did Trump oppose the deal?
Trump criticized the deal as a "sellout" and argued it did not do enough to reduce federal spending. He also framed his opposition as a loyalty test for Republican lawmakers.
3. How does this affect the government shutdown deadline?
The government will shut down if Congress does not pass a spending bill by Friday night. Without funding, many federal services will halt, and hundreds of thousands of workers could be furloughed.
4. What happens during a government shutdown?
Non-essential federal operations, such as national parks and passport processing, will stop. Essential services, like Social Security and military operations, will continue, but with delays in administrative functions.
5. Can Congress still avoid a shutdown?
It’s possible, but the odds are shrinking. Lawmakers will need to either pass a temporary stopgap funding measure or quickly renegotiate a broader deal, both of which face significant political hurdles.
6. Why are Republicans divided on the issue?
Moderates want to avoid a shutdown to prevent disruptions and political backlash, while Trump-aligned conservatives are pushing for deeper cuts to federal spending and see the deal as a betrayal of conservative principles.
Stay tuned for updates as the deadline approaches.