FX.co ★ Trump to Meet Leaders as U.S. Shutdown Deadline Looms

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to convene with the top four congressional leaders at the White House on Monday in a final effort to avert a government shutdown. This meeting is crucial, as federal funding is slated to lapse on Tuesday night. The discussion will include Republicans Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, alongside Democrats Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Previously, Trump had canceled negotiations with Democratic leaders after labeling their proposals as "unserious and ridiculous," following conversations with Johnson and Thune, who were resistant to making concessions. A government shutdown would lead to the suspension of many U.S. government operations, delay salaries for federal employees, and have consequential effects on global markets. This impasse underscores a significant ideological divide: Democrats aim to maintain funding for social programs, whereas Republicans are advocating for more substantial spending reductions.