Lawmakers Caught Off Guard by Trump’s Demand on Debt Ceiling

Lawmakers from both parties were left scrambling on Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump insisted that a debt ceiling hike be tied to a stopgap government funding bill. This unexpected move disrupts a carefully negotiated bipartisan plan to avoid a government shutdown.

In a joint statement with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, Trump criticized Republicans for mishandling the debt ceiling in 2025 and called for immediate action. “The most foolish and inept thing ever done by Congressional Republicans was allowing our country to hit the debt ceiling in 2025,” the statement read. Trump’s demand includes a “streamlined spending bill” that limits Democratic priorities and increases the debt ceiling.

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), the ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, expressed surprise at the timing. “I was surprised that [Trump] wants to move the debt limit vote up to this year. I don’t know his rationale,” she said.

While some Republicans appeared open to the idea, others voiced skepticism. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said, “I just don’t know why Sen. Schumer would accept it,” pointing out the lack of immediate pressure to act. Representative Dave Schweikert (R-Ariz.) argued that attaching the debt ceiling to the funding discussion could have long-term consequences, including higher interest rates.

On the Democratic side, reactions were swift and critical. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) accused Trump of using the debt ceiling as leverage for tax cuts benefiting billionaires. “Shorter version: tax cut for billionaires or the government shuts down for Christmas,” he posted on X.

The debt ceiling, which caps the amount the Treasury can borrow to meet its obligations, is currently suspended through the end of the year.

However, estimates from the Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) suggest the so-called “X-Date” — when extraordinary measures to avoid default would be exhausted — could arrive as early as June 2025. This looming deadline adds urgency to the debate, even as lawmakers grapple with immediate funding needs.

Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) expressed reluctance about the debt ceiling but indicated he didn’t want it used against Trump. Democrats, however, have historically resisted negotiating over the debt ceiling, demanding clean increases without add-ons. Last year’s contentious negotiations led to a suspension of the ceiling but resulted in a credit rating downgrade for the U.S.

Despite the unexpected demand, some Democrats, like Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), refrained from taking a definitive stance, focusing instead on bipartisan efforts to prevent a government shutdown.

The proposed funding package includes disaster aid, farmer assistance, and healthcare provisions — areas Wyden emphasized as critical. “The president-elect has talked about being fiscally responsible. Our package gets money in the coffers of Medicare and taxpayers and seniors,” Wyden said.

Trump’s opposition to the bipartisan plan has brought congressional action to a standstill, with lawmakers facing a Friday deadline to prevent a shutdown. The president-elect’s insistence on pairing the debt ceiling with immediate funding needs has added a volatile element to an already complex negotiation process.