Trump Seeks to Avert Government Shutdown Amid Minnesota Tensions
By John Nada·Jan 28, 2026·2 min read
Trump aims to prevent a government shutdown while managing Minnesota's unrest over immigration policies, as tensions rise following recent violence.
President Donald Trump has "brought down the temperature" on Minnesota, a region facing civil unrest over aggressive federal immigration policies, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Trump is actively urging Congress to take action to prevent a partial government shutdown linked to funding disputes for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Without resolution, the shutdown could commence at 12:01 a.m. ET on Saturday.
Bessent emphasized Trump's ongoing communication with lawmakers, highlighting the urgency to avoid a government shutdown. Tensions escalated following the killing of nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, which has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats. The Trump administration's initial defensive stance has softened in light of backlash and declining immigration approval ratings for the president.
The House recently passed a spending package exceeding $1.2 trillion that includes DHS funding, but it requires Democratic support to pass the Senate's filibuster threshold. After Pretti's death, Senate Democrats have united in opposition, demanding the removal of DHS funding from the bill, a request Republicans have refused.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pointed out that the administration's adjustments may not be sufficient to alleviate Democratic concerns. He stated, "The fix should come from Congress; the public can't trust the administration to do the right thing on its own."
Another shutdown could inflict lasting economic damage, with Bessent warning of permanent losses, particularly in the service sector. The stakes are high as Trump navigates these tensions in Minnesota while trying to maintain government operations. A shutdown not only impacts federal services but also highlights the growing divide in legislative cooperation.