Johnson Rejects Schumer’s Private Talks as Shutdown Standoff Deepens

House Speaker Mike Johnson has flatly rejected an offer from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to meet privately in hopes of striking a deal to end the ongoing government shutdown, now stretching well into its third week.

Speaking at a press conference surrounded by House Republican leaders, Johnson dismissed the idea of any behind-the-scenes negotiations, saying such an approach would be “a relic of the past.”

“Republicans cannot and will not solve this in a backroom deal,” Johnson declared. “Chuck Schumer has been suggesting that the four congressional leaders gather in a smoke-filled room, like in the old days, to come up with a deal. That’s not how government should work — and it’s not possible in this case.”

Johnson said the complexity of the budget dispute makes any quick fix unrealistic.

“It was never appropriate, and it’s not possible to just slap together a continuing resolution,” he added. “Once Senator Schumer agrees to reopen the government, every one of our members will have the opportunity to participate in the critical debate over how to make Obamacare affordable again.”

At the heart of the stalemate is a funding dispute over health care subsidies. Democrats have refused to back what Republicans describe as a “clean” continuing resolution to keep federal agencies funded unless it includes an extension of Obamacare premium subsidies, which are set to expire by year’s end.

Republicans argue that Democrats’ proposal is part of a broader $1.5 trillion spending package that would also expand Medicaid and indirectly provide taxpayer-funded health benefits to individuals living in the country illegally. GOP lawmakers have said repeatedly that such provisions are unacceptable.

“We’re not going to take part in Democrats’ hostage-taking, and we won’t pay a ransom,” Johnson told reporters.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump weighed in on the negotiations during a Diwali celebration at the White House, signaling that he is open to meeting with both Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries — but only if Democrats first agree to reopen the government.

“I’d be happy to meet with them,” Trump said, according to The Independent. “But there’s one condition — they have to open the government first. The American people want to work, they want their services, and many need their paychecks. Once the government is open, I’ll meet with anyone.”

The shutdown has entered its 21st day, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees either furloughed or working without pay. Essential services, including air travel, immigration processing, and national park operations, remain limited.

During his remarks, Trump praised Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, comparing him to Star Wars villain Darth Vader for his aggressive budget cuts targeting programs favored by Democratic states.

“Russ is tough — he’s cut almost everything they wanted,” Trump joked.

In the Senate, Republican Majority Leader John Thune suggested that any meaningful discussions between congressional leaders and the president would likely take place only after the government has reopened.

“We can’t have productive talks until we end the shutdown,” Thune said.

While the House has been largely inactive since passing a Republican-backed stopgap bill that attracted only one Democratic vote, some senators have been pushing for renewed bipartisan talks.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voiced her frustration after a private luncheon, noting that while some members are attempting to broker compromises, any lasting deal will require White House involvement.

“We’ve got good people trying to work through this,” Murkowski said. “But it’s not just up to the House. The administration needs to be engaged, because they’re ultimately going to have to sign off on whatever agreement is reached.”

Democrats, however, place the blame squarely on President Trump. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) accused him of mishandling the negotiations, mocking his self-proclaimed reputation as a master dealmaker.

“He says he knows the art of the deal, but his behavior shows otherwise,” Baldwin said. “He could solve this if he wanted to. He owns this shutdown.”

But new polling data suggests that Baldwin’s claim may not reflect public sentiment. According to CNN analyst Harry Enten, surveys show that Trump’s approval ratings have risen slightly during the shutdown, while more Americans are beginning to fault Democrats for keeping the government closed.

These trends have fueled speculation that the political calculus may be shifting. With public patience thinning and both parties digging in, the standoff shows no clear path to resolution.

For now, Speaker Johnson remains firm in his refusal to cut a deal behind closed doors, Democrats continue to insist on healthcare funding, and the American public — caught in the middle — waits for Washington to find a way forward.