Trump says government shutdown 'probably likely'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
Today 21:42

US President Donald Trump said a government shutdown is “not inevitable” but remains “probably likely,” as funding talks between Democrats and Republicans stall.

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President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP)

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a potential government shutdown is not “inevitable,” but he admitted it remains “probably likely” as Congress struggles to reach a funding agreement.

“Nothing is inevitable, but I would say it is probably likely,” Trump told reporters when asked about the chances of a shutdown ahead of the midnight deadline.

Speaking at a press conference earlier the same day, Trump emphasized that his administration does not want the federal government to close, claiming the current moment is “the greatest period of time” for the country.

His remarks came as Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over funding, raising the likelihood of the first US government shutdown in six years.

The meeting brought together top Republican and Democratic leaders but produced no breakthrough. Instead, both parties doubled down on their positions and traded blame for the impending crisis that could affect millions of federal workers within hours.

The core dispute centers on healthcare policy, particularly funding for Affordable Care Act subsidies and Medicaid programs. Democrats are refusing to support any funding bill that cuts healthcare for everyday Americans, while Republicans accuse Democrats of holding the government hostage to advance their policy agenda.

This government shut down is all about whether Republicans will get away with raising health care premiums by 75% for 20 million Americans and throwing 15 million people off their health care.

We can't allow that to happen. pic.twitter.com/BWgqZMoUQ4
— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) September 30, 2025

The cost of shutdown

This standoff represents a significant test of political will. Republicans, having won full control of government last year, are eager to demonstrate their power. Meanwhile, Democrats see a rare opportunity to advance healthcare priorities and prove they won't simply cave to Republican demands as they did six months ago.

If the government closes, none of the millions of federal workers would receive paychecks, and hundreds of thousands would be furloughed. Military personnel would also go unpaid, despite White House efforts to protect their paychecks.

Beyond the impact on federal workers, a prolonged shutdown could harm an already fragile US economy. Despite a strong stock market, inflation remains high, Trump's tariffs are hurting farmers and small businesses, and recent college graduates face challenging job market conditions.

Speaking to NBC News by phone on Sunday, Trump acknowledged the shutdown possibility and issued a stark warning that his administration might use the opportunity to permanently fire federal workers. "If there is, we are going to cut a lot of the people that we're able to cut on a permanent basis," he said.