Trump Threatens Government Shutdown Over Debt Ceiling, Blames Biden

President-elect Donald Trump has warned of an imminent government shutdown unless Congress addresses the debt ceiling, calling for its extension or elimination to avoid economic collapse.

“We’re not going to fall into the debt ceiling quicksand,” Trump told ABC News, demanding action before the end of Joe Biden’s term.

The federal government is expected to hit its borrowing limit in spring 2025, early in Trump’s presidency.

Trump insists resolving the issue now is critical. “By doing what I’m doing, I put it into the Biden administration,” he said.

The spending bill rejected by the House on Wednesday, opposed by Trump and Elon Musk, did not include debt ceiling measures.

Trump expressed support for disaster relief and farm aid but criticized excessive spending.

He argued a potential shutdown would reflect poorly on Biden. “Shutdowns only hurt the person who’s president,” Trump said, adding that House Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership will be tested.

With a Friday deadline to pass a funding bill, Congress faces growing pressure to address the debt ceiling, setting the stage for Trump’s incoming administration.