Trump keeps GOP in suspense over shutdown

But as of Monday night, McConnell and Senate Republicans don’t have any plan. What Trump’s intentions are as to a potential shutdown apparently are as opaque to them as they are to anyone else. Senior Republicans suggested the shutdown deadline may have to come closer before either side is willing to make a deal.

“If there’s a plan, I think at the moment it’s the president and the Democrats trying to figure out what they can agree upon,” said Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Thune of South Dakota following a leadership meeting in McConnell’s office.

“This is going to have to build for a few days here before there’s a solution out there,” he added.