A Schism between Trump and Johnson Sends Government Hurtling toward a Shutdown

By Evans Momodu
6 minute read


The unfolding drama surrounding President-elect Donald Trump's opposition to House Speaker Mike Johnson's short-term government funding plan has plunged Washington into chaos and uncertainty.

The abrupt shift in Trump's stance, heavily influenced by Elon Musk's critical posts on X, has left the government teetering on the brink of a shutdown and highlighted significant divisions within Republican ranks.

The funding bill, which would have extended government operations for three months, raised the debt ceiling until 2027, extended the farm bill, and provided $110 billion in disaster relief, failed due to opposition from 38 Republicans.

This collapse has exposed the precarious position of Johnson's leadership and raised questions about Trump's future interactions with congressional Republicans as he prepares to take office.

Key Developments:

1. Trump's Demands and Musk's Role
   Trump, initially aligned with Johnson, shifted his position after discussing the bill's details with Musk. Musk's posts attacking the bill as "criminal" and highlighting its "pork" galvanised opposition among conservatives. The synchronised efforts between Trump and Musk have led to concerns about Musk's influence over the president-elect.

2. Confusion among Republicans
   Trump's late-stage intervention blindsided GOP lawmakers, many of whom were under the impression that he supported Johnson's approach. The rapid change of direction has caused frustration, with one Republican lawmaker calling the situation "completely avoidable."

3. Trump's "Decks Cleared" Strategy
   At the Army-Navy game last weekend, Trump expressed his desire to resolve contentious budget and debt ceiling issues before taking office to focus on his broader legislative agenda. Despite Johnson's efforts to navigate these demands, time constraints made it impossible to craft a comprehensive long-term deal.

4. Democratic Resistance
   Democrats, who have previously helped Johnson manage internal GOP conflicts, have signaled they will no longer assist the Speaker. This shift could further complicate efforts to avert a shutdown.

5. Role of JD Vance
   Vice President-elect JD Vance has emerged as a key intermediary between Trump and House Republicans, handling negotiations while Trump maintains public pressure. Vance's involvement underscores the incoming administration's desire for tight control over legislative priorities.

Implications:

The failure of the funding bill and the resulting disarray underscore the challenges Johnson faces in leading a fractured Republican majority.

They also reveal how Trump's unconventional decision-making style and his alliances with influential figures like Musk can disrupt legislative processes.

As the Friday shutdown deadline looms, all eyes are on Republican leadership to find a resolution that satisfies both Trump's demands and the need to keep the government running.

If the impasse continues, it could set the tone for a turbulent relationship between Trump and Congress during his second term, with potentially significant consequences for governance and policy implementation.
Source: CNN