Trump faces a shutdown showdown as the Oregon National Guard is deployed under federal order
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 30, 2025, 20:40 IST
President Donald Trump convenes top congressional leaders at the White House in a last-minute effort to prevent a government shutdown, as federal funding deadlines loom. The Republican-led White House and Congress are negotiating over spending levels and healthcare extensions, with Democrats using the moment to push for protections like ACA subsidies. Simultaneously, Trump has ordered 200 Oregon National Guard troops under federal control to protect immigration enforcement officers and government facilities, sparking objections from Democratic Governor Tina Kotek. The high-stakes developments highlight mounting tensions over federal authority, state objections, and looming economic impacts if a shutdown occurs.
President Donald Trump summons congressional leaders to the White House in a final bid to avert a government shutdown, and 200 Oregon National Guard soldiers are placed under federal authority as tensions escalate over immigration enforcement. The actions show increasing tension between the White House, Congress, and state governments as deadlines approach.
With the clock ticking towards an impending government shutdown, leaders from both parties in Congress are making their way to the White House for emergency meetings with President Donald Trump. Republicans who dominate both Congress and the White House have already approved a spending bill that would keep the government running for seven weeks.
Trump has continually signaled that he anticipates a shutdown this week, pitching the standoff as a test of Democratic will. Last week, he canceled at short notice a scheduled meeting with congressional leadership, declaring Democratic requests "unserious and ridiculous." Democrats have stood firm, insisting on an extension of healthcare coverage as part of any temporary spending fix.
If the legislation is not signed by Tuesday night, federal offices nationwide will temporarily close, and non-exempt employees will face furloughs, adding strain to both workers and the broader economy.
Meanwhile, the Trump government is deploying 200 Oregon National Guard members under federal control to safeguard Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and government buildings. The deployment comes after Trump made a public social media posting announcing the move, attributing it to needing to secure "war-ravaged Portland" from attacks by Antifa and other organizations he describes as domestic terrorists.
Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek protested the deployment in an exchange with the president, reflecting the friction between state and federal officials. Unlike earlier deployments in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., this is a lower-profile National Guard deployment, although others are pending in cities like Memphis, with threats for possible deployment in Chicago.
Trump's overall strategy
Observers say the Trump actions have two functions: conveying strength on national security domestically and using a possible government shutdown to show dominance over Congress. The standoff is building as a high-risk political gamble, with Democrats defying Trump by saying public outcry would fall squarely on the Republican Party if federal services are impeded.
In contrast, the pairing of troop deployments with impending furloughs highlights an intensifying executive style of aggressive foray into domestic politics. Experts warn that the actions may raise tensions with state governments and attract legal attention regarding the deployment of military forces for civilian purposes.
Federal workforce disruption: Federal workers numbering thousands are at risk of temporary forced unpaid leave in case of a shutdown.
State-federal tension: Sending National Guard soldiers into action under federal control without the approval of the state can precipitate legal disputes.Economic effect: Shutdown of the government can stop essential services, ranging from law enforcement to federal contracts.Political fallout: Public perception can sway midterm elections and congressional bargaining position in spending talks.
A: To bargain for temporary government financing and prevent a shutdown, which may start if no pact is inked by Tuesday evening.
A: 200 soldiers have been federalized to guard ICE centers and other government facilities.
A: No, Democratic Governor Tina Kotek has protested the federal takeover of state National Guard troops.
A: Federal offices would be temporarily closed, and non-exempt workers would be furloughed, impacting public services and the economy.
A: Yes, Marines have been sent into Los Angeles, more than 1,000 National Guard members in Washington, D.C., and more is likely to be taken in Memphis and, possibly, Chicago.
White House shutdown summit underway
With the clock ticking towards an impending government shutdown, leaders from both parties in Congress are making their way to the White House for emergency meetings with President Donald Trump. Republicans who dominate both Congress and the White House have already approved a spending bill that would keep the government running for seven weeks.
Trump has continually signaled that he anticipates a shutdown this week, pitching the standoff as a test of Democratic will. Last week, he canceled at short notice a scheduled meeting with congressional leadership, declaring Democratic requests "unserious and ridiculous." Democrats have stood firm, insisting on an extension of healthcare coverage as part of any temporary spending fix.
If the legislation is not signed by Tuesday night, federal offices nationwide will temporarily close, and non-exempt employees will face furloughs, adding strain to both workers and the broader economy.
Oregon National Guard deployment sparks controversy
Meanwhile, the Trump government is deploying 200 Oregon National Guard members under federal control to safeguard Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and government buildings. The deployment comes after Trump made a public social media posting announcing the move, attributing it to needing to secure "war-ravaged Portland" from attacks by Antifa and other organizations he describes as domestic terrorists.
Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek protested the deployment in an exchange with the president, reflecting the friction between state and federal officials. Unlike earlier deployments in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., this is a lower-profile National Guard deployment, although others are pending in cities like Memphis, with threats for possible deployment in Chicago.
Trump's overall strategy
In contrast, the pairing of troop deployments with impending furloughs highlights an intensifying executive style of aggressive foray into domestic politics. Experts warn that the actions may raise tensions with state governments and attract legal attention regarding the deployment of military forces for civilian purposes.
Possible consequences
Federal workforce disruption: Federal workers numbering thousands are at risk of temporary forced unpaid leave in case of a shutdown.
State-federal tension: Sending National Guard soldiers into action under federal control without the approval of the state can precipitate legal disputes.Economic effect: Shutdown of the government can stop essential services, ranging from law enforcement to federal contracts.Political fallout: Public perception can sway midterm elections and congressional bargaining position in spending talks.