Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that a government shutdown “could happen” if the House of Representatives fails to secure enough votes for a temporary funding bill. However, he expressed confidence that the measure would ultimately pass.
“It could happen. It shouldn’t have happened, and it probably won’t. I think the CR is going to get passed. We’ll see,” Trump told reporters when asked about the risk of a shutdown when government funding expires on March 14.
The bill in question, known as a continuing resolution (CR), would maintain government funding at current levels until the end of the fiscal year on September 30.
House Republicans introduced a six-month stopgap funding bill on Saturday, with a vote expected on Tuesday. Trump publicly endorsed the measure, urging his party members to vote in favor.
“All Republicans should vote (Please!) YES next week,” Trump wrote on social media, adding that the temporary funding plan would allow the government time to stabilize its financial situation.
His endorsement has influenced some hardline Republican lawmakers who previously opposed similar short-term funding measures. Their support could be crucial in the narrowly divided House, where Speaker Mike Johnson leads a slim 218-214 Republican majority.
