Trump to Meet with Congress in Last-Ditch Effort to Avert Government Shutdown

With just three days remaining before a potential U.S. government shutdown, President Donald Trump is set to meet with congress leaders from both parties at the White House on Monday in a final attempt to broker a funding agreement.

The high-stakes meeting comes amid growing partisan tensions over federal spending and the future of key social programs, with the start of the new fiscal year looming on October 1.

According to a report by Reuters, a federal watchdog group warned that approximately $8 billion previously approved by Congress for healthcare and education programs could go unused due to what it described as obstruction by the Trump administration.

The group, Protect Democracy, criticized the administration’s approach, alleging it was undermining Congress's constitutional authority over federal spending in an effort to reshape the scope of the U.S. government.

These hidden cuts, the organization noted, have further deepened mistrust between the White House and federal prosecutors, complicating negotiations over funding the government for the 2026 fiscal year.

This would mark the 15th partial government shutdown since 1981 if Congress fails to pass a funding bill before midnight on September 30. According to The Los Angeles Times, the ongoing disputes are largely centered around spending priorities, including funding for social safety nets and immigration enforcement.