US government shutdown: Threat looms as Trump blocks deal with Democrats; what's the deadline?

US is moving closer to a government shutdown after president Donald Trump on Friday told Republicans not to negotiate with Democrats on spending bills. Democrats have refused to back legislation that does not address their demands on healthcare.

Trump, speaking to Fox News, urged Republicans to act alone, accusing Democrats of wanting to “destroy the country”. “Don’t even bother dealing with them,” he said.

The fight over spending comes as Democrats push back against Trump’s cuts to Medicaid and other health programmes.

Lawmakers have made progress on some of the 12 spending bills that form the budget, but a short-term measure now looks inevitable.

Congress has until the end of this month to pass a budget or a temporary funding bill. Without it, federal departments will shut down and thousands of workers will be sent home.