White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a sharp warning Thursday, telling Democrats that the consequences of the ongoing government shutdown are “very real” and will intensify if they refuse to pass a clean continuing resolution.
Speaking on America’s Newsroom, Leavitt argued that Democrats are holding the government hostage. “The Democrats should know that they put the White House and the president in this position, and if they don’t want further harm to their constituents back home, then they need to reopen the government,” she said.
Leavitt emphasized that President Donald Trump is prepared to pursue layoffs and permanent cuts to federal agencies that “do not best serve the American taxpayer.” She confirmed that Trump will meet with OMB Director Russell Vought to map out reductions while ensuring “critical funding,” including pay for military members, remains intact.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-LA, underscored the same point in an interview on FOX Business, calling the shutdown both damaging and an opportunity. “While a shutdown is very damaging for real American people who depend upon government services, it can provide an opportunity to downsize the scope and the scale of government,” Johnson said. “In a way, Chuck Schumer has now handed the keys to the kingdom to the executive branch under President Trump.”
Republicans argue that Democrats’ refusal to act has given Trump leverage to reshape the federal government in ways that would otherwise face opposition in Congress. For Democrats, the longer the shutdown lasts, the more political fallout they may face back home.
