Trump Hosts Senate Republicans at Renovated White House as the Shutdown Drags Into Fourth Week

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 21: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a luncheon in the Rose Garden of the White House on October 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump hosted the “Rose Garden Club” lunch with Senate Republicans as the federal government shutdown reaches its 21st day. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, President Donald Trump is welcoming Senate Republicans for lunch at the White House. It’s not for urgent talks on how to end the shutdown, but a celebratory display of unity as they refuse to negotiate on Democratic demands for health care funds. Trump is praising GOP leaders by name. But Senate Democrats are also expressing confidence in their strategy to keep voting against a House-passed bill that would reopen the government until Trump and other Republicans engage them. Democrats want to extend health care subsidies that are expiring. Trump says he’ll discuss health care, but only after the government reopens.

(Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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