Summary

The December 2024 government shutdown standoff highlighted the limits of Trump’s influence over congressional Republicans.

Trump derailed a bipartisan funding bill but failed to rally support for a replacement plan tying spending to a debt limit increase.

The House rejected his proposal, forcing Republicans to compromise with Democrats on a stripped-down funding bill.

The temporary deal avoids a shutdown but sets up future clashes over spending cuts and debt limits.

The episode revealed Trump’s inability to unify his party and emphasized the fragility of the Republican House majority.