Trump Opposes Stopgap Bill to Avert Shutdown

President-elect Donald Trump has made his stance clear: he is firmly opposed to the proposed Continuing Resolution (CR), a stopgap bill designed to fund the government temporarily and avert a shutdown. Speaking with Fox News host Lawrence B. Jones, Trump described the CR as a bloated and irresponsible measure, signaling his unwillingness to let it pass unchallenged.

The backlash from Trump’s inner circle has been swift. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed to lead the incoming Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have criticized the CR for its hefty price tag and unnecessary spending. Ramaswamy, after meticulously reviewing the 1,500+ pages, labeled the bill as wasteful and counterproductive.

Ramaswamy broke down the staggering costs associated with the legislation:

• $380 billion for general government operations until mid-March

• $130 billion to extend the Farm Bill

• $100 billion in disaster relief

• $10 billion in farm stimulus

• $8 billion to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge

“These numbers are not just unsustainable they're reckless,” Ramaswamy argued. He further noted that for every dollar of discretionary spending extended, the CR would add an additional 65 cents in new expenses. This, he said, is a financial burden that will cripple future generations.

“Debt-fueled spending sprees may ‘feel good’ today, but it’s like showering cocaine on an addict,” he remarked, highlighting the long-term consequences of unchecked spending, including higher taxes and increased foreign land purchases by nations like China.

Ramaswamy contended that a legitimate stopgap measure could have been achieved in a concise 20-page bill. Instead, the CR balloons into a catch-all omnibus that includes items not immediately necessary, such as infrastructure projects and extended stimulus programs.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) defended the proposal, framing it as a temporary fix to address immediate needs, such as disaster relief, while deferring larger debates until March. Johnson argued that under Trump’s presidency and with a Republican majority in Congress, fiscal discipline would return.

“Millions of Americans devastated by historic hurricanes or struggling farmers can’t wait until March,” Johnson wrote. “This bill ensures they get help now while giving Republicans control of FY25 spending decisions.”

Trump’s rejection of the CR sets the tone for his fiscal agenda ahead of his return to the White House. It signals a hardline approach to government spending, prioritizing efficiency and trimming waste. With allies like Musk and Ramaswamy leading the charge, expect significant scrutiny over every dollar spent.

For now, Trump has drawn a clear line: reckless spending will not be tolerated, even as a short-term solution.

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