Congress Reaches Deal to Avert Government Shutdown, Defying Trump’s Push for Political Showdown
JOSE LUIS MAGANA/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Congressional leaders have reached an agreement to prevent a government shutdown, dealing a political setback to former President Donald Trump, who had reportedly been urging House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to let the shutdown happen. Trump believed that forcing a government shutdown would benefit his chances in the upcoming presidential election, but Johnson chose a different path, reaching a deal to keep the government running.
The Associated Press reported that Speaker Johnson decided to move away from Trump’s strategy, saying in a letter to Republican colleagues that the budget agreement would be “very narrow, bare-bones” and only extend the provisions that are “absolutely necessary.”
“While this is not the solution any of us prefer, it is the most prudent path forward under the present circumstances,” Johnson wrote. “As history has taught and current polling affirms, shutting the government down less than 40 days from a fateful election would be an act of political malpractice.”
This decision drew quick reactions online, with many political figures and commentators weighing in. David Frum, a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, pointed out that Johnson had distanced himself from Trump’s demands, tweeting, “Speaker Johnson bested Trump first on Ukraine aid, now on shutdown.”
On the other side, criticism came swiftly from both Republicans and Democrats. Former prosecutor Ron Filipkowski slammed Johnson for what he called weakness: “Just as I predicted, weak, feckless, and incompetent Mike Johnson has just surrendered again to the Democrats after Trump forced him into a public humiliation. Republicans can’t govern.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, expressed frustration at the delay in reaching the agreement. “This same agreement could have been done two weeks ago. Instead, Speaker Johnson chose to follow the MAGA way and wasted precious time,” Schumer reportedly said.
Far-right influencers also voiced their disappointment with Johnson’s handling of the situation. Joey Mannarino, a conservative commentator, reflected on his initial optimism for Johnson’s speakership, saying, “I remember when Mike Johnson became Speaker and everyone (including me) was saying how amazing he would be… and alas, [Trump associate Laura Loomer] wasn’t wrong. As usual.”
Loomer herself criticized Johnson’s performance, stating, “I see I was right about Mike Johnson.” She added that the GOP had failed to deliver on key promises, particularly regarding election integrity, accusing the party of being “inept” and only good at “fundraising over losses.”
The decision to avoid a government shutdown may have prevented immediate political turmoil, but it has left Trump loyalists and some Republicans frustrated with Johnson’s leadership, signaling ongoing divisions within the party.
