U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet with his budget director, Russell Vought, on Thursday to strategize cuts to what he has termed “Democrat Agencies.” This meeting takes place on the second day of a government shutdown, which was initiated due to a partisan impasse in Congress.
As part of the government shutdown measures, Trump has already suspended federal funding for transit and green energy initiatives, targeting predominantly Democratic states. The President has also indicated plans to terminate more federal positions, with projections showing around 300,000 federal employees could be let go by year-end.
In a statement, Trump highlighted Vought’s involvement with Project 2025, an initiative by the conservative Heritage Foundation aimed at significantly downsizing the federal government. The Trump administration has previously undertaken aspects of this plan, including dismantling the Department of Education and limiting governmental power to combat pollution.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt mentioned that Trump could move to fire thousands of workers, but did not elaborate further on the specifics. Meanwhile, several federal employee unions have launched a lawsuit aiming to halt these layoffs, although federal courts currently permit the layoffs to continue amidst ongoing legal proceedings.
Senator Patty Murray, the leading Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, emphasized that further dismissals would not resolve the legislative gridlock that has led to this government shutdown.
This current situation echoes broader trends within the Trump administration, including a proposed budget cut targeting $163 billion from various federal sectors aimed at achieving significant reductions in government spending, which has sparked heated debates among lawmakers. The overarching priority remains centered on bolstering defense and border security, marking a definitive shift in federal spending priorities with implications for various social welfare programs.
While the current environment seems contentious, there remains an opportunity for dialogue among lawmakers, offering a glimpse of hope that bipartisan cooperation could pave the way for productive discussions regarding the fiscal responsibilities and social needs of American families amidst turbulent political waters.