Trump cancels meeting with top Democrats as federal shutdown looms
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Trump Cancels Meeting as Government Shutdown Looms
Above: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Morristown Airport on Sept. 14, 2025 in Morristown, New Jersey. Image copyright: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
The Democrats are holding the government hostage with their outrageous funding demands. Jeffries and Schumer are attempting to sneak through trillions of dollars in spending for unpopular policies while threatening a shutdown unless the Republicans capitulate. This politicking is precisely the kind of Washington game-playing that voters rejected in the election.
Democratic narrative
Trump has once again run away from his responsibility to govern the nation and negotiate in good faith. Rather than address the healthcare crisis they created and talk with the Democrats, the Republicans would prefer to shut down the government. This open cowardice demonstrates that Trump would rather throw tantrums than do the hard work of leading.