Trump to meet leaders as shutdown deadline nears
President Donald Trump plans to meet top congressional leaders at the White House as a potential government shutdown looms. Democrats are negotiating to avert the crisis, but critics warn of risks including a lapse in flood insurance programs. New Jersey Senator Andy Kim outlined Democratic efforts to find common ground.
The United States faces a looming government shutdown as partisan disagreements persist over funding legislation. On September 28, 2025, President Trump announced plans to convene top congressional leaders at the White House for urgent talks, according to Fox News reporting. This meeting comes just days before a potential deadline that could halt non-essential federal operations if no deal is reached.
Democratic Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey discussed the party's negotiation strategy in an NPR interview. 'Democrats are working hard to avoid a shutdown that would hurt everyday Americans,' Kim said, emphasizing the need for bipartisan compromise on spending priorities. He highlighted ongoing discussions in the Senate aimed at extending funding without major concessions on unrelated issues.
However, the talks carry risks. A Fox News exclusive revealed warnings from home builders and the White House that Democratic demands could lead to a lapse in the National Flood Insurance Program. 'This would be devastating for communities prone to flooding, especially after recent storms,' a White House official stated anonymously. The program, which insures millions of properties, faces expiration if included in the broader funding bill, potentially leaving homeowners vulnerable.
Background context shows this impasse stems from disputes over disaster relief and infrastructure spending. Republicans, led by Trump, have pushed for stricter fiscal measures, while Democrats seek protections for social programs. No specific timeline for the meeting was detailed, but sources indicate it could occur as early as the following day.
The implications are significant: a shutdown would furlough thousands of federal workers and disrupt services like national parks and air traffic control. Past shutdowns, such as in 2018-2019, cost the economy billions. Both sides expressed optimism for resolution, with Kim noting, 'We're close, but time is short.' Balanced perspectives from the sources underscore the high stakes, with neither party willing to fully yield.