Trump's new demands trigger chaos ahead of government shutdown deadline

Trump's new demands trigger chaos ahead of government shutdown deadline | N18G
President-elect Donald Trump rejected a bipartisan plan to prevent a government shutdown, sending Congress into disarray just days before the deadline for federal funding. Trump demanded that House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republicans renegotiate the plan, urging them to be "smart and tough." The proposal included continued government funding along with a controversial provision to raise the national debt limit, which had been rejected by many Republicans in the past. Democrats condemned the GOP’s opposition, especially as the plan included vital disaster aid worth $100.4 billion for states affected by natural calamities. Despite these provisions, hard-right conservatives, influenced by Trump’s ally Elon Musk, rejected the plan due to its increased spending. Lawmakers were further displeased by pay raises included in the bill. The situation highlighted the difficulties Republicans face in unifying, especially as they prepare to take control of the House, Senate, and White House in 2024