The White House said President Donald Trump's plan to lay off large numbers of federal workers in response to a temporary federal government shutdown will become a reality, adding the number could reach into the thousands.
On the 2nd (local time), White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a Fox News interview that Trump's warning of cuts to government agencies and programs was "a very real issue," when asked whether it was a negotiating tactic.
Leavitt, the spokesperson, said, "Democrats need to know that they brought the White House and the president to this situation," adding, "If Democrats had not voted to shut down the government, this discussion would not be taking place at the White House today."
She added, "This is an unfortunate outcome, and the president and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought are scheduled to meet later today."
Leavitt also addressed moderate Democratic senators, saying, "They know what the right thing is. They just lack the courage to do it," and added, "But they must vote for this 'clean continuing resolution' to keep the government running. They did so on Mar. 3, and 13 times in the past."