Trump meets Congress to prevent shutdown; 200 Oregon National Guard troops deployed
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 29, 2025, 22:02 IST
Trump
( Image credit : AP )
Highlight of the story: 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 desperate bid to prevent a government shutdown, and 200 Oregon National Guard members are federalized as tensions escalate over immigration enforcement. The actions underscore increasing tensions between the White House, Congress, and state authorities, with deadlines approaching.
With the clock racing toward a possible government shutdown, lawmakers of both parties are racing to the White House for emergency meetings with President Donald Trump. Republicans, who occupy both the White House and Congress, have already approved a spending bill that would keep the government running for seven weeks.
Trump has continued to say he anticipates a shutdown this week, casting the impasse as a test of Democratic staying power. Last week, he suddenly canceled a scheduled sit-down with congressional leaders, labeling Democratic demands as "unserious and ridiculous." Democrats have stood firm, demanding an extension of healthcare benefits as part of any short-term funding fix.
If the bill is not signed by Tuesday evening, federal offices across the country will shut down temporarily, and non-exempt staff will be furloughed, putting additional pressure on workers and the overall economy.
Concurrently, the Trump administration is sending 200 Oregon National Guard soldiers under federal control to defend Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and government property. The deployment came after Trump tweeted that the move was necessary to secure "war-torn Portland" from Antifa and other groups that he brands domestic terrorists.
Democratic Governor Tina Kotek protested the deployment in a call to the president, illustrating the strain between state and federal officials. This is a smaller-scale deployment compared to previous actions in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., although there are further operations planned in places like Memphis, with threats of action looming in Chicago.
The observers say Trump's actions have a dual benefit: testing resolve on domestic security while using a potential government shutdown to assert dominance over Congress. The impasse is emerging as a high-risk political gambit, with Democrats vowing that public outrage would land squarely in the Republican Party if federal services are disrupted.
Simultaneously, the unions of federal troop deployments and impending furloughs highlight a more belligerent executive strategy on domestic politics. Experts warn that these steps may heighten tensions with state governments and face legal challenges over the use of military forces for civilian purposes.
Disruption of the federal workforce: Thousands of federal workers may be sent on temporary unpaid leave in case of a shutdown.State-federal tension: Using National Guard soldiers subject to federal control without state permission could lead to legal action.Economic effect: A government shutdown can suspend essential services, from public safety to federal procurement.fallout: Public sentiment could affect midterm elections and congressional bargaining power during spending talks.
A: To bargain for temporary government funds and prevent a shutdown, which can start if no deal is signed by Tuesday evening.
A: 200 troops were put under federal control to guard ICE centers and other government property.
A: No, Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek has protested the federal takeover of state National Guard troops.
A: Federal offices are temporarily shut down, and non-exempt employees are furloughed, impacting public services and the economy.
A: Absolutely, Marines have been sent in to Los Angeles, more than 1,000 National Guard members in Washington, D.C., and more action is also anticipated in Memphis and possibly Chicago.
White House shutdown summit underway
With the clock racing toward a possible government shutdown, lawmakers of both parties are racing to the White House for emergency meetings with President Donald Trump. Republicans, who occupy both the White House and Congress, have already approved a spending bill that would keep the government running for seven weeks.
Trump has continued to say he anticipates a shutdown this week, casting the impasse as a test of Democratic staying power. Last week, he suddenly canceled a scheduled sit-down with congressional leaders, labeling Democratic demands as "unserious and ridiculous." Democrats have stood firm, demanding an extension of healthcare benefits as part of any short-term funding fix.
If the bill is not signed by Tuesday evening, federal offices across the country will shut down temporarily, and non-exempt staff will be furloughed, putting additional pressure on workers and the overall economy.
Oregon National Guard deployment stirs controversy
Concurrently, the Trump administration is sending 200 Oregon National Guard soldiers under federal control to defend Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and government property. The deployment came after Trump tweeted that the move was necessary to secure "war-torn Portland" from Antifa and other groups that he brands domestic terrorists.
Democratic Governor Tina Kotek protested the deployment in a call to the president, illustrating the strain between state and federal officials. This is a smaller-scale deployment compared to previous actions in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., although there are further operations planned in places like Memphis, with threats of action looming in Chicago.
Trump's overall strategy
The observers say Trump's actions have a dual benefit: testing resolve on domestic security while using a potential government shutdown to assert dominance over Congress. The impasse is emerging as a high-risk political gambit, with Democrats vowing that public outrage would land squarely in the Republican Party if federal services are disrupted.
Simultaneously, the unions of federal troop deployments and impending furloughs highlight a more belligerent executive strategy on domestic politics. Experts warn that these steps may heighten tensions with state governments and face legal challenges over the use of military forces for civilian purposes.
Possible implications
Disruption of the federal workforce: Thousands of federal workers may be sent on temporary unpaid leave in case of a shutdown.State-federal tension: Using National Guard soldiers subject to federal control without state permission could lead to legal action.Economic effect: A government shutdown can suspend essential services, from public safety to federal procurement.fallout: Public sentiment could affect midterm elections and congressional bargaining power during spending talks.