Early Wednesday morning, at precisely 12:01 a.m., the federal government officially shut down due to a deadlock on spending bills in Congress.
Trump and the Republicans are blaming Democrats for this, pointing to their healthcare demands, while Democrats are insisting that Republicans need to get back to the negotiating table.
Alongside this, the Trump administration has been making threats of extensive layoffs affecting federal workers during the shutdown period.
What’s New
Oct 2, 4:28 AM
Trump Wants to Cut ‘Dead Wood’ in Government Due to Shutdown
On Wednesday night, Trump urged Republicans to take advantage of this first shutdown in nearly seven years to eliminate some “dead wood” from the federal government.
“Republicans must use this moment, caused by Democrats, to eliminate waste and inefficiency,” Trump declared on social media, a sentiment echoed by the White House.
He claimed, “Billions of dollars can be saved,” reiterating the need for cuts.
Earlier on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned reporters that layoffs for certain federal employees are “imminent.”
Leavitt lamented that these job losses are “unfortunate consequences of a shutdown.”
Oct 1, 5:21 PM
Managed Staff Cuts in the Horizon
OMB Director Russell Vought informed Republican lawmakers during a conference call that layoffs will commence within the next “day or two.” These cuts are aimed at furloughed federal employees.
A memo was issued last week by Vought warning of potential layoffs in light of the shutdown.
Although Vought did not specify which departments would face cuts, he did note that the WIC nutrition program—which supports women, infants, and children—will soon run out of funds.
-ABC News’ John Parkinson
Oct 1, 3:12 PM
$8 Billion Energy Funding Cuts Announced
Russ Vought, the OMB Director, reported that $8 billion in energy funding will be canceled as part of what he described as efforts to halt programs supporting the Democratic climate agenda.
Vought emphasized that this $8 billion in funding is from projects involved in the “Green New Scam“ initiative.
Favoring states where Democratic Senators opposed a resolution for funding the government, he specified the states affected include CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, MN, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OR, VT, WA.
This announcement came after the administration suspended funds for an infrastructure program in New York backed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
-ABC News’ Michelle Stoddart
Oct 1, 2:56 PM
Social Security Payments Unaffected
Despite the shutdown, Social Security payments will proceed as planned for over 74 million Americans, according to a Social Security Administration spokesperson.
They emphasized that SSA would implement a contingency plan ensuring beneficiaries receive their benefits without delay during the shutdown, stating there’s “no change in payment dates.” They also mentioned local offices would remain open, although services may be limited.
-ABC News’ Elizabeth Schulze
Oct 1, 2:23 PM
All Federal Courts Remain Operational
As of now, all federal courts will remain open and fully operational through October 17, regardless of how long the shutdown lasts.
This announcement suggested that court fees and funds not needing new appropriations would keep operations afloat during the shutdown.
While no expected disruptions in court proceedings are anticipated, some may occur if government staffers are furloughed and seek a delay.
-ABC News’ Devin Dwyer
Oct 1, 2:01 PM
Layoffs Confirmed, Says Leavitt
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the impending nature of federal job cuts as a result of the shutdown.
“It’s unfortunate, but like many shutdowns, layoffs will soon occur,” Leavitt stated on Wednesday, without specifying a percentage or date.
Oct 1, 1:57 PM
Rejecting Immigration Remarks
Pope Leo was asked about his controversy regarding his decision to honor Senator Richard Durbin, who endorses legalized abortion, with a lifetime achievement award.
The Pope emphasized that discussions should focus on nuances around ethical issues, suggesting that commitment to life should be wider in context to include positions held beyond just abortion.
When questioned about the Pope’s immigration comments, Leavitt stated she rejects the notion of inhumane treatment of undocumented immigrants under the current administration, prior to pivoting the topic towards past administration policies.
Oct 1, 1:49 PM
Vance Working Across Aisles to End Shutdown
Vice President JD Vance mentioned he was in talks with several Democrats and Republicans in a bid to bring an end to the shutdown.
He humorously referenced that action from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries could halt the circulation of sombrero memes mocking him, a reference to Trump’s circulated deep fake video stirring controversy.
Oct 1, 1:49 PM
Avoiding Political Traps in Cuts
During his press interview, Vance was asked about laying off government employees, referring to Trump’s suggestion of targeting supposed Democratic agencies.
Vance emphasized, “We’re not making cuts based on political affiliation. Our goal is to sustain essential services for all citizens,” clarifying the need for nationwide functionality.
Oct 1, 1:45 PM
Call for Efficient Use of Resources
Addressing criticisms regarding freezing funding for New York’s transit improvements, Vance refrained from giving a direct answer, focusing on effectively managing resources during this shutdown’s fallout.
“We all want to assist Americans, but the necessary cuts prioritize urgent services whenever the government isn’t funded properly due to shutdowns,” responded Vance.
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