U.S heading for another shutdown as Donald Trump’s controversial executive actions could be a major factor behind the impasse

The risk of a government shutdown rose as US president Donald Trump clashed with Democrats over his push to freeze federal funding, while Republicans brawl internally over the size and scope of potential cuts, as per a report.

As the mid-March deadline approaches, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have struggled to agree on funding levels and key details for the rest of the year, reported The Hill. Trump’s controversial executive actions, particularly his attempt to freeze previously approved funding, played a central role in the deadlock.

United States senator Patty Murray said, “The level of trust is at the lowest I have ever seen it here in Congress, the level of trust is at the lowest I have ever seen it here in Congress, in our ability to work together, find a compromise and get it passed,” as quoted by The Hill.

Republican division makes bipartisan deal harder

There are plenty of obstacles to a bipartisan deal. It is a stark contrast to the funding plans approved so far in the GOP-led House, where Republicans want lower funding levels with a host of partisan riders that Democrats have decried as “poison pills.”

Despite winning less than 50% of the popular vote, Trump is pushing forward with his agenda without regard for Democratic support. His attempt to block funding already approved by Congress has angered Democrats, who argue that it’s illegal and only deepens the divide between the two parties.

Elon Musk’s involvement in slashing government spending

Trump has also tasked Elon Musk with slashing government spending, and March will be the first real test of whether Republicans are committed to these cuts. Many conservatives in the House are already threatening to block any spending bill that doesn’t include significant reductions, setting up a clash with Democrats, who see these cuts as nonstarters.

Is shutdown possible?

The combination has heightened the threat of a shutdown after March 14, when funding is scheduled to expire.

This political chaos gives Democrats a strong hand in the negotiations, and they’re making it clear they plan to use it. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “Republicans have a narrow majority in the House, and we are ready, willing, and able to work with them, our Republican colleagues, to improve the quality of life for everyday Americans," as quoted by The Hill.

When talks first started, there was hope for a bipartisan deal by January. However, now, with Trump’s executive actions causing more tension, many Democrats have lost hope of meeting the March deadline. Senator Chris Murphy said “They’re destroying the federal government as we speak,” as quoted by The Hill.

Republicans have acknowledged that time is running out, but so far, progress has been slow since the last stopgap measure passed in December to buy more time for talks. Senator John Boozman said “We need to decide very quickly,” as quoted by The Hill.

Trump’s actions, including freezing funds for climate change and infrastructure programs, have caused a political storm in Washington. However, it’s still unclear whether these moves will hold up, especially after a judge recently blocked his broad funding freeze.

Senator Brian Schatz said the risk of a shutdown is higher under Trump, but pointed out that Democrats aren’t asking for new laws, they just want the existing ones to be followed. He said “We’re not making a new law that says they have to uphold the old law. They just have to comply with the law,” as quoted by The Hill.

FAQs

When is the deadline for reaching a funding deal?
The deadline to avoid a shutdown is March 14, when government funding is set to expire. With negotiations stalled, there is growing concern that the shutdown could happen if Congress doesn’t reach an agreement soon.

What is causing the risk of a government shutdown?
The risk of a shutdown is rising due to disagreements between president Trump and Democrats over federal funding. Trump’s push to freeze previously approved funding and Republicans’ internal bickering over cuts are major obstacles.