WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would meet with House and Senate Democratic leaders ahead of a government funding deadline but cast doubt on a deal to avoid a federal shutdown.

Trump has not met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries or Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, both of New York, since returning to the White House on Jan. 20.

“Well, I will, I guess, but it’s almost a waste of time to meet because they never approve anything,” Trump said, responding to a question following his remarks at a Kennedy Center event.

During a lengthy answer, Trump then several times said he would meet with Jeffries and Schumer but repeated his contention that such a bipartisan session likely would not yield legislative fruit.

“So, I mean, we will meet,” Trump said

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