UPDATE - US government shutdown 'probably likely,' says Trump

​​​​​​​ADDS SENATE MINORITY LEADER'S REMARKS

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Donald Trump said a government shutdown is “probably likely” at the end of Tuesday as negotiations over a federal funding package stall amid fierce partisan disagreements.

"Nothing is inevitable, but I would say it's probably likely because (Democrats) want to give healthcare to illegal immigrants, which would destroy healthcare for everybody else," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Democrats are pressing for legislation to extend current subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which is designed to make coverage affordable but does not include illegal immigrants.

Saying that Republicans do not want to shut the government down, Trump warned of the consequences for Democrats, such as firing federal employees and ending certain programs.

"We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them and irreversible by them, like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like," he said.

Trump warned that the Democrats are taking "a risk" by allowing a shutdown.

Fiscal year 2025 ends on Tuesday when the clock strikes midnight, but Republicans and Democrats have not reached an agreement on the federal government’s budget. Leaders of both parties in Congress met with Trump on Monday to discuss the issues, but neither side is willing to compromise.

Democrats are demanding an extension of health insurance subsidies and the reversal of Medicaid cuts, while refusing support for the Republican bill, as it would make accessing health care more difficult. Republicans are unwilling to compromise on this point.

- 'Republicans have until midnight to cut the garbage and get serious'

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of carelessly steering the country toward a shutdown.

Talking to the reporters at the Capitol, Schumer noted remarks by Trump reflect the administration’s strategy.

"I just heard something that Trump said, here's what he said, 'We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible and bad for them and irreversible, like cutting vast numbers of people out.' Well, there it is. Trump admitted himself that he is using Americans as political pawns. He is admitting that he is doing the firing of people," Schumer said.

Democrats do not want a shutdown, Schumer reiterated.

"We stand ready to work with Republicans to find a bipartisan compromise, and the ball's in their court," he stressed.

He faulted House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson for triggering the shutdown, criticizing his decision to keep the House out of session until after the funding deadline had passed.

"If you want an indication of how serious Republicans are about keeping the government open. Who wants the shutdown? There's no better proof than the fact that Speaker Johnson sent everybody home this week, ensuring a shutdown no matter what the Senate did. So, don't argue. Who wants the shutdown? It's Johnson," he said."

Democrats remain ready to get to work, negotiate a bipartisan agreement and keep the government funded, Schumer said.

"Republicans have until midnight to cut the garbage and get serious with us about solving the health care crisis," he stressed.