Will Donald Trump shut down the US government and what happens if he does?

But will he actually shut it down, and what will happen if he does? Here's what we know.

Will Donald Trump shut down the US government?

After threatening to shut down the US government "for a very long time", Trump is waiting for Democrats to fund the border wall.

If they don't, he promises the shutdown will happen.

He was meeting senators from his own party beforehand to discuss "the funding bill and the importance of border security" according to the White House.

Trump had appeared to change his opinion from earlier this week, when White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the administration did not want to close the government and would “look at other ways” to get the $5billion for the wall, reported news.com.au.

What happens if he does?

Over 420,000 federal employees across various agencies will still work during the government shutdown, if it happens.

All national parks and forests will be closed, reported BBC.

However federal programmes will will still function, as will the military, border patrol, coast guard, federal judiciary, air traffic control and airport security.

The US Postal Service will not be affected by the government shutdown as it's an independent agency.

Federal workers who are deemed "essential" will also remain on the job, but will not receive a pay cheque directly before the Christmas holiday.

Nine federal departments will be shut down along with the government:

  • Department of the Treasury
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Homeland Security Department
  • Department of the Interior
  • Department of State
  • Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • Department of Transportation
  • Department of Commerce
  • Department of Justice

Source: Read Full Article