As the federal government enters the third day of a shutdown, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Trump administration is compelled to explore avenues for reducing government spending. The shutdown was triggered when the Senate failed to pass a short-term spending agreement, leaving a majority of the federal government halted since Wednesday.
Although the Republicans control the Senate, they require bipartisan support from Democrats to secure the necessary 60 votes for funding approval. Democratic leaders are insisting that any agreement must include an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which millions of Americans depend on, along with reversing cuts made to health spending by President Trump’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In contrast, Republicans propose addressing these health care subsidies only after reaching a consensus on government funding.
In light of the ongoing shutdown, the White House has suggested potential layoffs within the federal workforce, a move that has prompted legal action from various unions representing federal employees. Typically, during such temporary funding lapses, a large number of workers are furloughed rather than permanently dismissed.
In an interview with NPR’s Steve Inskeep, Leavitt emphasized that President Trump is collaborating with the Office of Management and Budget to identify responsible spending cuts that honor the financial contributions of American taxpayers. She framed the current situation as a “Democrat shutdown,” highlighting the urgent need to reopen the government.
During the interview, Inskeep asked Leavitt about the President's strategy for resolving the deadlock. Leavitt responded by reiterating that Trump is keen on making deals and had proposed a simple solution: a clean continuing resolution. This bipartisan legislation had seen support from three Senate Democrats, yet fell short of the votes needed to keep the government operational.
Leavitt expressed frustration over the Democratic leadership’s refusal to support this common-sense resolution, particularly when they had previously backed similar measures. She called for moderate Democratic senators to reconsider their stance, asserting that discussions surrounding health care could take place after government funding is secured.
Inskeep raised concerns regarding the Democrats' push to extend tax credits for Obamacare health insurance premiums, which affect approximately 24 million Americans. Leavitt acknowledged the importance of ongoing discussions but reiterated that the priority must be to reopen the government first. She pointed out that the enrollment period for health care does not begin until November 1, yet premiums are set to increase at the end of the calendar year.
Leavitt emphasized the necessity of passing a clean continuing resolution for a short term of seven weeks, allowing for further discussions on health care afterward. She mentioned the urgency of addressing the needs of military personnel, air traffic controllers, and federal law enforcement officers who are currently working without pay.
Inskeep also probed into the administration's plans for potential layoffs during the shutdown. Leavitt explained that the government’s operational halt necessitated tough choices regarding funding and agency priorities. She noted that the administration is considering which agencies are essential and which do not align with its values, suggesting that the federal government is excessively large.
In relation to infrastructure projects, Leavitt clarified that the recent cancellation of an $18 billion infrastructure project in New York City was not a direct attack on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer but a consequence of the shutdown halting the necessary work. She argued that if Schumer and the Democrats had voted for the funding resolution, those projects would be progressing.
As the federal government shutdown continues, the administration's focus on responsible spending cuts and negotiations with moderate Democrats remains critical. The ongoing discussions around health care and government funding will shape the future course of action as leaders navigate this challenging situation.
