Trump's Eighth Week in Office Promises a Flurry of Actions Amid Shutdown Drama

President Donald Trump is gearing up for another whirlwind week at the Oval Office, with a packed agenda that includes rallying Republican lawmakers to pass a continuing resolution and avert a potential government shutdown scheduled for Friday.

With Capitol Hill in overdrive, lawmakers are scrambling to finalize a stopgap spending bill that would keep the federal government running through September 30. Trump, ever the showman, took to Truth Social to say, "I am working with the GREAT House Republicans on a Continuing Resolution to fund the Government until September to give us some needed time to work on our Agenda." He added, "Conservatives will love this Bill, because it sets us up to cut Taxes and Spending in Reconciliation, all while effectively FREEZING Spending this year." Bold words, but will they translate into bipartisan success?

House Republicans unveiled a 99-page draft bill over the weekend, aiming to maintain current government funding levels through the start of FY 2026 in October. GOP leaders are optimistic they can push it through with Republican votes alone. However, House Democrats are not impressed, accusing Republicans of targeting Medicare, Medicaid, and other essential programs. In a fiery statement, Democrats said, "Republicans have decided to introduce a partisan continuing resolution that threatens to cut funding for healthcare, nutritional assistance, and veterans benefits through the end of the current fiscal year." It’s shaping up to be a showdown of epic proportions.

Meanwhile, Trump has also set his sights on international trade. This week marks the implementation of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, effective March 12. Trump remains bullish, stating that these tariffs are part of a broader strategy to attract global investments, hinting at future plans for "massive new ships" and more car plants on American soil. Say what you will about his policies, but the man loves a grand announcement.

The President is also awaiting a report on two assassination attempts from last year, one in Pennsylvania and another thwarted in Florida. He’s promised to release the findings publicly, saying, "A lot of people have asked that question." Transparency or theatrics? You decide.

In the diplomatic arena, Trump is set to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday, with discussions likely to focus on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. On Wednesday, he’ll welcome Irish leader Micheál Martin in celebration of Irish-American Heritage Month. And yes, somewhere in between all this, he’s likely to fit in more executive orders—87 and counting since January 20, including a staggering 45 in his first 10 days.

Trump’s first two months back in office have been anything but boring. Whether you agree with his policies or not, there’s no denying his knack for keeping the nation on its toes.