White House Holds News Briefing as Partial Government Shutdown Continues

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to address ongoing budget impasse between Congress and the White House.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A partial government shutdown began on Saturday after congressional Democrats and the White House failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security through September. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will hold a news briefing at 1 p.m. EST to address the ongoing budget standoff.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has left key federal agencies without funding, disrupting government operations and services. The dispute centers around oversight of immigration enforcement, with Democrats demanding changes following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers last month.

The details

Lawmakers and the White House have not shown signs of compromise over the holiday weekend as the partial shutdown continues. Democrats are seeking changes to how immigration operations are conducted after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis last month.

  • The partial government shutdown began on Saturday, February 18, 2026.
  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will hold a news briefing at 1 p.m. EST on February 18, 2026.

The players

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis last month.

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis last month.

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What’s next

The White House and Congress will continue negotiations in an effort to reach a deal and end the partial government shutdown.

The takeaway

The ongoing budget impasse between the White House and Congress has led to a partial government shutdown, disrupting key federal agencies and services. The dispute centers around oversight of immigration enforcement, with Democrats seeking changes following recent fatal shootings by federal officers.