In a significant political development, former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed a bipartisan spending agreement crafted by Senate Republicans and Democrats, designed to prevent an imminent federal government shutdown. The arrangement, however, leaves critical negotiations on immigration enforcement tactics unresolved for the time being.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump acknowledged the possibility of a shutdown despite the deal, stating, ‘It could happen. I don’t know.’ The agreement’s fate in the House of Representatives remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for when the chamber might consider the measure. House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated logistical challenges in recalling representatives from their scheduled break before the regular Monday session, creating risk of a brief weekend government closure.
The breakthrough arrangement strategically decouples the debate over aggressive immigration enforcement from essential government funding legislation that must pass before Friday’s midnight deadline. This separation ensures continuous operation for crucial agencies including the Pentagon and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Trump expressed hope for bipartisan support in a social media post, writing: ‘Hopefully, both Republicans and Democrats will give a very much needed Bipartisan ‘YES’ Vote.’
The compromise emerged following heightened tension after Senate Democrats threatened to block funding packages in response to the shooting of a second U.S. citizen by immigration agents in Minneapolis last weekend. The incident prompted demands for substantial reforms within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees federal immigration enforcement.
Under the proposed solution, DHS funding would receive a two-week extension through separate legislation, creating a negotiation window for addressing Democratic demands. These include restrictions on roving patrols, prohibitions on face masks for agents, and mandatory body camera requirements—measures gaining traction following public outrage over the shooting death of nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents.