House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sharply criticized President Trump after the White House called off a meeting with congressional Democratic leaders meant to hammer out a funding deal ahead of the looming September 30 shutdown deadline.
Jeffries, speaking in Brooklyn, dismissed Trump’s remarks accusing Democrats of making “unserious and ridiculous demands” as disconnected from the core issues in the current spending debate. He said the president’s language was about politics, not policy, and that the real question is whether funding bills protect critical programs like health care.
He also reaffirmed that Democrats are open to negotiations and willing to sit down on the issues that concern Americans—especially preserving health care benefits and preventing further cuts.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joined the rebuke, accusing Trump of running away from the responsibility and calling for leadership to focus on solutions instead of divisive rhetoric. With time rapidly running out, both sides appear more entrenched than ever.