Trump And Vance Call For What?
President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance are urging Republicans in Congress to reject Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposed government funding bill, calling for a clean stopgap measure to avoid a shutdown and raise the debt ceiling. In a statement released Wednesday, Trump and Vance sharply criticized the current funding deal, which they argue would give Democrats too much leverage and could set back the GOP’s goals for fiscal responsibility and conservative priorities.
Trump and Vance stressed the importance of crafting a streamlined funding bill that prioritizes the nation’s needs without compromising to Democrat demands. The two leaders asserted that Republicans should pass a “clean” funding bill that does not include unnecessary spending or concessions to the left. “Republicans must get smart and tough,” the statement said. “We want to support our farmers, provide disaster relief, and set America up for success in 2025—but we must do it without Democrat giveaways.”
The call for a clean funding bill comes amid growing frustration among conservative lawmakers, many of whom have voiced opposition to the 1,500-page funding proposal negotiated by Speaker Johnson. Critics argue that the bill is too bloated, with provisions for disaster relief, farm programs, and healthcare reforms—none of which are directly tied to essential government operations. Of particular concern to Trump and Vance were the proposed pay raises for lawmakers and a provision that would allow House offices to block public access to certain data.
Trump and Vance also advocated for using the debt ceiling as leverage, emphasizing the need for fiscal discipline in government spending. “If Democrats threaten a shutdown to get everything they want, call their bluff,” Trump’s statement boldly declared. The two leaders suggested that Republicans could take a tough stand on the debt ceiling and force Democrats to negotiate in good faith.
In the face of mounting opposition from Democrats, who have criticized the Trump-Vance proposal, Johnson and other Republican leaders are weighing whether to adopt a simpler, clean spending bill. While this option could simplify negotiations, it also risks alienating more moderate Republicans who may fear a government shutdown in the lead-up to the holidays.
Several of Trump’s allies, including billionaire Elon Musk and author Vivek Ramaswamy, have also weighed in, calling for lawmakers to reject the current spending deal and for Republicans to hold firm on fiscal responsibility. Musk, in particular, suggested that no new legislation should pass until Trump takes office, signaling his preference for a more hardline approach.
As the deadline for a government shutdown looms, Republicans are facing a critical moment of decision. Trump and Vance’s call for a clean stopgap bill puts pressure on GOP leaders to hold their ground and not back down from their conservative principles, even as Democrats and moderates push for a more inclusive approach. If Republicans can unite behind this strategy, they could force Democrats into a corner, where they would be responsible for any shutdown. But with a slim majority in the House, passing a clean bill may still be a tough challenge.
