Trump threatens mass layoffs of government workers if the shutdown lasts –

The White House has warned that there may be mass layoffs of US central government workers. The administration has indicated that if President Donald Trump feels that talks with Democratic members of Congress to resolve the partial government shutdown have not been fruitful, then such action may be taken.

The partial US government shutdown that began on Wednesday (October 1) entered its fifth day on Sunday. The shutdown was triggered by the failure of Republican and Democratic members of Congress to agree on a new government spending or financing plan by midnight the day before the deadline.

Kevin Hassett, director of the White House’s National Economic Council, told CNN’s State of the Union program that he believes Democrats may yet back down. And it will be possible to avoid a major political and economic crisis.

He added that President Trump and Budget Director Russ Vought are preparing everything and are ready to take action if necessary. But they hope they don’t have to. If the president feels no progress is being made in the talks, the layoffs will begin.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump called the potential firings “Democrat layoffs.” “If someone loses their job, remember, it’s because of the Democrats,” he said.

Despite the government deadlock, Trump attended the founding anniversary of the US Navy in Norfolk, Virginia on Sunday. The event, held at the Naval Station in Norfolk, was a demonstration of the strength and capabilities of the Navy.

Before leaving the White House for the venue, Trump wrote in a post on his social media account Truth Social, “I believe, no matter what happens, the show must go on.” He described the ceremony as a symbol of the Navy’s prowess and strength.

Blaming Democrats for the partial shutdown, Trump said they wanted to ruin the U.S. Navy’s extraordinary birthday celebration.

Since the last meeting between Trump and congressional leaders, there has been no meaningful discussion. In this regard, Senate minority Democrat leader Chuck Schumer said on CBS’s Face the Nation program that they are not willing to negotiate with us. An end to the impasse is not possible without new talks between Trump and congressional leaders.

According to the US Congressional Budget Office, the partial shutdown currently forces about 750,000 federal workers out of work.

Political tensions are deepening in this ongoing stalemate. Analysts are also warning that the risk of administrative instability and economic damage in the United States is increasing if no solution is reached in the talks.

Source: Reuters

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