Trump cancels meeting with Democrats as prospects for shutdown increase

by The editor•23 September 2025•NPR

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speak at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on June 11, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

President Trump called off a planned Thursday meeting with top Hill Democrats to discuss a possible deal to avoid a shutdown. He called Democrats’ demands “unserious.” Democrats say he chickened out.

(Image credit: Kevin Dietsch)