President Joe Biden is currently maintaining a low profile amidst a potential government shutdown crisis, with the White House and Democrats shifting the responsibility onto Republicans to find a resolution. The funding issue escalated after President-elect Donald Trump criticized a funding deal negotiated by House Speaker Mike Johnson, which would have funded the government until March. Trump's disapproval of the deal raises doubts about his support for Johnson in the upcoming speaker's race.
Democrats are emphasizing the significant impact a government shutdown would have on millions of Americans beyond government workers potentially missing paychecks. They are highlighting the potential losses individual states could face, such as in disaster relief funding, if a funding plan falls through.
While the White House has not disclosed Biden's direct involvement in resolving the situation, it has been observed that he had no public events scheduled on Thursday as he prepared to return to the White House from Wilmington. The current crisis primarily involves a conflict within the Republican party between congressional members and Trump's inner circle.
The White House has indicated that the responsibility lies with Congress to reach a resolution, with the administration making initial contacts with government agencies for shutdown contingency planning. Many Democrats are urging the White House to play a more active role in highlighting the repercussions of a shutdown, including potential disruptions like the closure of national parks and flight delays during the holiday season.
Both Trump and Elon Musk have suggested that Republicans not supporting Trump's stance on the funding deal should face primary challenges. Trump has also implied that Biden will be blamed for any shutdown, despite Hill Republicans reconsidering the deal due to his criticism.
White House officials and Hill Democrats are coordinating closely to align their messaging on the looming shutdown. While the deadline for a new deal to avoid a shutdown is approaching, some Republicans, including Trump allies, are open to a shutdown until Trump assumes office in January, aiming to shift blame onto the current administration.
Biden has announced that federal workers will receive an extra day off on Christmas Eve, exercising his authority for the first time during his presidency to grant this additional holiday.
