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Republican leaders are refusing talks until the shutdown ends, even as some GOP lawmakers urge President Donald Trump to step in. Trump has avoided day-to-day negotiations, leaving Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to demand Democrats accept a House short-term funding bill. Democrats requested a meeting and are pushing to extend enhanced Obamacare subsidies. Over cheeseburgers at the White House, Trump predicted Democrats will lose politically, touted deep workforce and funding cuts, and said he’ll talk only after the government reopens. Unease is growing in both parties as the stalemate drags on.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.