Summary
President Trump is considering layoffs of government workers if negotiations with Democrats about government funding do not progress. Kevin Hassett, the National Economic Council director, indicated that layoffs might begin if talks continue to stall. Labor unions have challenged these layoffs as unlawful, arguing they are being used as a negotiation tool.
Key Facts
- President Trump may start mass layoffs if funding negotiations with Democrats fail.
- Kevin Hassett suggested layoffs could happen if talks are "going nowhere."
- Labor unions have sued the Trump administration over these threats, calling them unlawful.
- Firing workers during a shutdown could violate appropriations laws, according to federal officials.
- Trump and the administration have discussed which Democrat-favored agencies might face cuts.
- The shutdown has triggered a partisan blame game, with both sides holding the other responsible.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasizes the President's reluctance for layoffs, placing responsibility on Democrats.
- Recent discussions with Republican leadership took place at the White House on Monday.
