Trump Noncommittal as DHS Shutdown Looms, Says Democrats Have ‘Gone Crazy’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about reaching a deal with Democrats to prevent a partial government shutdown. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire, with negotiations stalled over immigration enforcement limits. A shutdown would primarily affect agencies like ICE and Customs and Border Protection.
Trump DHS Shutdown Standoff Quick Looks
- Trump said “we’ll see what happens” on shutdown deal.
- Democrats demand restrictions on immigration enforcement.
- DHS funding expires at midnight Friday.
- ICE and Border Patrol operations at center of dispute.
- House and Senate set to leave for recess.
- Partial shutdown could impact federal workers and airport screening.
Deep Look: Trump Noncommittal as DHS Shutdown Looms, Says Democrats Have ‘Gone Crazy’
President Donald Trump signaled little optimism Friday about reaching a last-minute agreement with congressional Democrats to prevent a partial government shutdown, as funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was set to expire at midnight.
“We’ll see what happens,” Trump told reporters before departing the White House with first lady Melania Trump. While acknowledging ongoing discussions with Democrats, the president criticized their demands, saying they have “gone crazy.”
At the center of the dispute is funding for DHS, the agency that oversees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal law enforcement bodies responsible for border security and immigration enforcement.
Immigration Enforcement at Core of Standoff
Democrats have insisted that any funding bill must include new restrictions on Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. Their demands follow last month’s fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis, which intensified scrutiny of federal immigration operations.
Lawmakers are seeking stronger identification requirements for ICE and other federal agents, a new code of conduct for enforcement agencies, and increased reliance on judicial warrants in immigration-related arrests.
The White House and Democratic leaders have exchanged proposals in recent days, but negotiations stalled before lawmakers were scheduled to leave Washington for a 10-day break.
Trump defended law enforcement agencies under his administration, praising ICE and Border Patrol and expressing satisfaction with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership.
“We always have to protect our law enforcement. They have done a great job,” Trump said, declining to clarify whether he is personally involved in the negotiations.
Shutdown Appears Certain
With no agreement reached by the end of the week, a lapse in DHS funding appeared all but inevitable.
Unlike the record 43-day federal shutdown last fall, which affected multiple agencies, this closure would be more narrowly focused. Only agencies under the DHS umbrella would face funding interruptions.
However, even a limited shutdown could carry consequences. While essential personnel would continue working, some federal employees could miss paychecks if the impasse extends beyond a short period. Services such as airport security screening could also be strained if the shutdown drags on for weeks.
The looming deadline has added pressure to both parties, but entrenched positions on immigration policy have complicated efforts to find common ground.
Political Stakes Rising
Immigration remains one of Trump’s signature issues and a central component of his administration’s broader policy agenda. Democrats, meanwhile, argue that stronger oversight is necessary to ensure accountability and prevent abuses during enforcement operations.
The clash reflects deeper partisan divisions over border security and federal authority. It also comes at a politically sensitive moment, as lawmakers face mounting pressure from constituents ahead of upcoming elections.
While both sides say talks are continuing, time is running out.
If funding lapses, DHS operations would continue in a limited capacity under shutdown protocols, but the dispute could further strain relations between the White House and Congress.
For now, the president’s message suggested uncertainty rather than urgency.
“We’re talking,” Trump said. “I know what they want, I know what they can live with.”
Whether that knowledge translates into a deal before the funding clock runs out remains unclear.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.