On CNN’s “State of the Union,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said President Donald Trump is refusing to negotiate, making a government shutdown all but certain and laying responsibility firmly at his feet. Schumer argued that the Republican bill being advanced lacks any input from Democrats and is entirely partisan, claiming that Trump’s leadership has blocked the kind of negotiation that used to avert shutdowns in past administrations.
Schumer said the deadline for government funding is now nine days away and that the current proposal from Republicans fails to address key concerns held by Democrats, especially healthcare issues. He emphasized that hospitals are closing, healthcare coverage is disappearing, and people are losing their jobs—outcomes he says the American people cannot tolerate. Schumer and House Leader Hakeem Jeffries have demanded face‑to‑face talks with the President to craft a compromise.
Asked by Dana Bash whether Trump would agree to meet, Schumer said he has declared himself ready to negotiate anywhere, anytime—so long as Republican leadership stops ignoring Democratic input. He maintained the bill introduced by Republicans is a “my way or the highway” approach that deepens divisions. Schumer insisted this coming shutdown will not be blamed on Democrats, but on a president who “won’t even sit down” and discuss policy with the opposition.
Schumer also pushed back on criticism that Democrats are obstructing funding by rejecting certain Republican proposals. He said Democrats offered funding bills but were shut out of meaningful talks. He argued the responsibility lies with Trump and Republicans to engage in good‑faith negotiation now to prevent what Schumer called a “Trump shutdown.”
As funding for health subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid hangs in the balance, both parties are under pressure from their base. Schumer warned that passing a clean funding resolution without these protections is unacceptable. He said the stakes are high—not just for Democrats’ political credibility, but for citizens who rely on government services day to day.
