"No Meeting with Democrats Would Be Productive"
As the U.S. federal government faces a heightened risk of a shutdown (temporary suspension of government operations) starting October 1 (local time) due to the failure of Congress to pass a short-term spending bill (continuing resolution, CR), President Donald Trump has refused to meet with the opposition Democratic leadership.
On the 23rd, President Trump wrote on the social networking service Truth Social, "After reviewing the outrageous and ridiculous demands put forth by the Democrats, I have decided that no meeting with them could be productive." He added, "If they become serious about the future of the country, I will meet with them."
Previously, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of the Democratic Party sent a letter to President Trump on the 20th requesting a meeting. Some U.S. media outlets reported that this meeting was expected to take place this week, but President Trump has decided not to meet for now.
President Trump claimed that the Democrats are demanding over 1 trillion dollars in new spending for free medical services for undocumented immigrants, forcing taxpayers to cover gender transition surgeries for minors, including deceased individuals on Medicaid rolls, and reopening the border for criminals. He pointed out, "These radical left-wing views and policies are the reasons I achieved a historic victory in the seven key swing states and in the popular vote during the presidential election." He continued, "Now the ball is in your court (referring to the Democratic leadership). I will meet when you become realistic about the values our country stands for. Do the right thing."
With President Trump deciding not to meet with the opposition leadership just before the shutdown deadline, concerns over a government shutdown are expected to intensify. The Democratic leadership immediately pushed back. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized on X (formerly Twitter), "President Trump always runs away," adding, "Republican extremists are trying to shut down the government because they have no will to solve the healthcare crisis that is devastating America."
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