Trump Escalates Threats on Government Programs
President Donald Trump has renewed his threat to eliminate federal programs he calls “Democrat programmes” as the United States government shutdown enters its fifteenth day. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump claimed, “The Democrats are getting killed on the shutdown because we’re closing up programmes that are Democrat programmes that we were opposed to… and they’re never going to come back in many cases.”
Trump indicated that a list of specific programs could be released as soon as Friday, though he provided no further details. He emphasized that “Republican programmes” would remain untouched.
Impact on Federal Funding and Workforce
The administration has already used the shutdown to pause or cut $28 billion in federal funding for infrastructure and energy projects in Democrat-leaning states such as California, Illinois, and New York.
Additionally, the White House has begun cutting the federal workforce. Around 4,200 employees across eight government departments and agencies received “reduction-in-force notices” last Friday. Major impacts were reported at the Treasury Department, the Health and Human Services Department, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some cuts targeted programs historically supported by both parties, including the Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, which aids low-income communities.
Furloughs and Military Funding
Of the roughly 2.25 million civilian federal employees, about 60% work in Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security. Approximately 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed since the shutdown began, while “essential” workers continue working without pay, to be reimbursed once the shutdown ends.
In a rare move, the White House announced it will reallocate $8 billion in existing funds to maintain pay for military and Coast Guard personnel, who traditionally continue working without pay during shutdowns.
Senate Deadlock Over Spending Bill
The shutdown persists as the Senate remains deadlocked over a government spending bill required to reopen federal operations. A Republican-backed bill aiming to extend funding to November 21 failed Monday in a 49-45 vote, largely along party lines.
The legislation required 60 votes to pass. Republicans have been unable to secure additional Democratic support, while Democrats are using the standoff to press for negotiations on healthcare subsidies.
Implications of the Shutdown
The prolonged government shutdown is affecting federal employees, critical programs, and public services nationwide. Trump’s targeting of so-called “Democrat programmes” signals a partisan approach to federal funding that could extend the shutdown unless compromise is reached. Meanwhile, military personnel remain a priority, with special funding measures ensuring continued pay despite the impasse.
The coming days will likely see heightened tensions in Washington, as both parties weigh the political and economic consequences of the ongoing shutdown.
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