Donald Trump, president-elect of the United States, has stirred controversy by suggesting an immediate government shutdown while Joe Biden remains in office. Taking to Truth Social on Friday morning, Trump declared the situation a “Biden problem” that Republicans could assist in solving.
“If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP,'” he wrote.
Trump’s comments follow the House GOP’s rejection of a Republican bill to temporarily fund the government, sparking fears of an imminent shutdown.
Republicans’ Efforts to Prevent a Shutdown
On Wednesday, House Republicans dismissed a 1,500-page bill that proposed:
- $100 billion in disaster relief funding.
- Additional billions in farm aid.
- Extended federal spending at current levels until March 14, 2025.
Instead, a condensed 116-page proposal, dubbed “Plan B,” was presented but failed to gain sufficient support.
Trump’s Stance on the Debt Ceiling
In a follow-up Truth Social post early Friday, Trump emphasized his opposition to the current debt ceiling, calling it “ridiculous.” He urged Congress to either eliminate it or extend it until 2029, asserting that the “pressure is on whoever is President.”
Democrats React to Shutdown Threat
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of jeopardizing the nation’s economy, stating, “Extreme MAGA Republicans are marching America to a painful government shutdown that will crash the economy and hurt working-class Americans.” Jeffries argued that Republicans prioritize tax cuts for wealthy donors over essential services like cancer research.
Implications of a Shutdown
A government shutdown would lead to:
- Suspension of federal programs.
- Furloughs for government employees.
- Potential economic disruptions impacting everyday Americans.
With both parties remaining at odds, the looming shutdown raises concerns about bipartisan cooperation and the future of federal funding under the incoming administration.
