Summary
Former President Donald Trump has suggested cutting funding for certain federal agencies he describes as "Democratic" due to the ongoing government shutdown in the United States. He plans to discuss potential budget cuts with his budget director, Russ Vought, which could lead to permanent reductions in spending. The White House is preparing for possible mass layoffs of federal workers as part of this strategy.
Key Facts
- Trump announced on social media his intent to cut funding for agencies he refers to as "Democrat agencies".
- He plans to meet with budget director Russ Vought to discuss potential temporary or permanent spending cuts.
- Vought has already withheld $18 billion for projects in New York and is canceling $8 billion in green energy projects in Democratic states.
- The ongoing government shutdown is causing about 750,000 federal employees to be sent home without pay.
- Mass layoffs of federal workers are being prepared by the White House instead of the usual practice of temporary furloughs during shutdowns.
- Democratic leaders have dismissed the layoffs threat as intimidation and believe it will not hold up in court.
- Senate activities are paused due to the Yom Kippur holiday, delaying votes needed to resolve the shutdown.
- Five additional Democratic votes are needed in the Senate to approve a House-passed bill to end the shutdown.
