Trump spending plan rejected/ government shutdown 2024/ Speaker Mike Johnson struggles/ Congress budget crisis/ federal funding deadline/ WASHINGTON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The House rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s spending and debt ceiling proposal on Thursday, leaving a government shutdown increasingly likely as Friday’s midnight deadline looms. Speaker Mike Johnson vowed to regroup, but resistance from Democrats and some Republicans underscores deep divisions.
Government Shutdown Imminent as Trump Plan Rejected: Quick Looks
- House Rejects Deal: Trump’s revised spending and debt ceiling plan fails 174-235.
- Speaker Johnson in Crisis: Faces backlash and struggles to find a new path forward.
- Trump and Musk’s Influence: Both push for GOP unity but face bipartisan resistance.
- Democratic Opposition: Democrats refuse to negotiate under Trump’s sudden demands.
- Shutdown Preparations: Federal agencies brace for impact as lawmakers scramble.
House Rejects Trump-Backed Plan, Shutdown Looms Closer
Deep Look
With a federal government shutdown hours away, the House overwhelmingly rejected a Trump-backed spending and debt ceiling plan Thursday night, plunging Washington into chaos. The failure to pass the bill, which included $100.4 billion in disaster aid, highlights growing rifts within the Republican Party and deep resistance from Democrats unwilling to yield to President-elect Donald Trump’s demands.
Trump’s Surprise Intervention
In a move that blindsided many on Capitol Hill, Trump intervened late Wednesday, calling for a revamped spending deal that included raising the debt ceiling through 2027. Trump declared the proposal a “very good deal,” but his demands sparked outrage among Democrats and created divisions within Republican ranks.
“Anybody that supports a bill that doesn’t take care of the Democrat quicksand known as the debt ceiling should be primaried,” Trump warned on social media.
Trump’s ally, billionaire Elon Musk, used his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to rally conservatives against the initial bipartisan deal brokered by Speaker Mike Johnson, labeling it a betrayal of Republican principles.
A Blow to Speaker Johnson
The rejection of Trump’s proposal marks a significant setback for Speaker Johnson, who had promised a bipartisan approach to avert a shutdown. Instead, Johnson found himself abandoning earlier agreements with Democrats to appease Trump’s demands, only to face rejection from lawmakers in both parties.
“We’re going to regroup and come up with another solution,” Johnson said after the vote. The hastily crafted proposal failed 174-235, with 61 Republicans joining 174 Democrats in opposition.
The collapse of the deal leaves Johnson politically weakened, especially ahead of a Jan. 3 vote to retain his speakership. Trump’s support for Johnson remains conditional, with the president-elect urging him to act “decisively and tough.”
Democratic and Republican Reactions
House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, were quick to reject the revised plan.
“It’s not a serious proposal,” Jeffries said, calling the new deal “laughable.” Inside a Democratic caucus meeting, lawmakers reportedly chanted, “Hell, no!” in defiance of Trump’s demands.
Meanwhile, Republicans who opposed the bill, such as Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, criticized their colleagues for succumbing to pressure from Trump and Musk. “It’s shameful!” Roy said, pointing at fellow Republicans during a heated House debate.
Federal Shutdown Preparations
With the clock ticking toward Friday’s midnight deadline, federal agencies have begun preparations for a potential shutdown. The White House’s Office of Management and Budget has been in contact with agencies to plan for disruptions that could furlough workers and halt key services.
The original bipartisan spending bill, which Johnson had brokered before Trump’s intervention, included provisions for disaster relief and a pay raise for lawmakers. However, the Trump-backed revision stripped many of these elements, reducing the package from 1,500 pages to just 116.
What’s at Stake?
If a shutdown occurs, it will further destabilize an already fragile Congress and disrupt federal services during the holiday season. Economists warn that a prolonged shutdown could harm the economy, while federal workers and contractors face the possibility of missed paychecks.
The failed vote also signals challenges ahead for the incoming Trump administration. As Republicans prepare to control both chambers of Congress, the inability to pass Trump’s proposed deal highlights the difficulty of governing with slim margins and entrenched opposition.
The Road Ahead
Johnson now faces the daunting task of crafting yet another plan to fund the government. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for a return to the original bipartisan agreement, but Johnson remains under pressure from Trump and Musk to deliver a new proposal that meets their demands.
As lawmakers brace for a likely shutdown, Johnson offered little clarity on the next steps, saying only, “We’ll see.”
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