U.S. Government Shutdown Deepens as Trump Threatens Mass Firings and End to Back Pay
As the shutdown enters its second week, Congress remains paralyzed — the House is locked, the Senate is stalled, and President Donald Trump warns he may fire federal workers and refuse retroactive pay unless Democrats agree to his terms.
The U.S. government shutdown is entering its second week with no end in sight. Congressional negotiations have collapsed amid a fierce standoff over health care funding, while President Donald Trump has escalated tensions by threatening mass dismissals of federal employees and withholding their back pay.
Health care dispute fuels political deadlock
The core of the impasse lies in a long-running battle over health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Democrats are demanding an immediate extension of federal subsidies that help millions afford private insurance, warning of sharp premium hikes in the new year.
Republicans, however, insist the issue should be addressed only after the government reopens.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders urged both sides to negotiate, saying late Monday on the Senate floor, “You have to negotiate — that’s the way it works.”
Trump signals openness — but insists on reopening first
President Trump told reporters he is open to making a deal on health care and described ongoing discussions with Democrats, saying he wants “great health care for the people.” Yet hours later, he reversed tone, insisting that “the government must reopen first.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed speaking to Trump, adding, “He wants to solve problems.”
At the heart of the dispute are pandemic-era ACA subsidies that expanded federal aid for low- and middle-income Americans. Those enhancements are set to expire at year’s end, potentially affecting more than 24 million enrollees.
Failed Senate votes and rising frustration
Repeated Republican efforts to pass a funding bill without a health care fix have failed in the Senate.
Independent Senator Angus King of Maine, who had previously sided with Republicans, said he might now switch his vote, joining Democrats holding out for a broader deal.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he sees a “path forward” — but only once the government reopens.
