The U.S. Congress faces a looming government shutdown as President-elect Donald Trump rejected a bipartisan spending deal, demanding action on the debt ceiling before his inauguration. With less than two days to avoid a shutdown, House Republicans scrambled behind closed doors to devise a fallback plan that could gain Trump's approval while securing bipartisan support. Failure to act would disrupt essential government operations and impact over 2 million federal workers, though Social Security payments would continue.

Trump's stance has added new uncertainty to an already fraught situation. The President-elect, joined by ally Elon Musk, criticized the proposed bill as fiscally irresponsible, threatening primary challenges for Republicans who back it. Trump called for a stripped-down package addressing the debt ceiling and extending government funding, while also suggesting Congress abolish the debt limit altogether—a move Democrats have opposed, citing fiscal accountability concerns.

The escalating shutdown risk reflects deep divisions in U.S. politics as Trump and his allies challenge fiscal norms. With the debt ceiling and federal budget at the forefront, the situation underscores broader tensions surrounding economic governance as Trump prepares to take office.

The resolution of this crisis will set the tone for fiscal policymaking in 2025. Congress must balance immediate funding needs with long-term fiscal sustainability amid mounting federal debt and political uncertainty.