A looming federal government shutdown appeared even more likely after top Democrats and Republicans met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.

"I think we're headed to a shutdown because the Democrats won't do the right thing," Vice President JD Vance told reporters after the meeting, which came less than two days before the shutdown will begin in the absence of a funding deal.

The Democratic participants, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , likewise said that the two sides remain far apart.

"We have very large differences," Schumer said after the meeting. But he added that he believes Trump heard Democrats' objections "for the first time," suggesting the face-to-face was at least partially constructive.

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