Trump Announces First Layoffs as US Budget Impasse Enters Second Week
washington D.C. – President Donald Trump announced the begining of federal layoffs Sunday, directly attributing the job losses to a continuing budget blockage that entered its second week on Monday. The “shutdown,” stemming from a dispute between the Republican majority and the democratic opposition over budgetary priorities, shows no immediate signs of resolution.
“It’s in progress right now,” Trump told reporters at the White House, stating definitively, “All this is the fault of the democrats. Democrats cause the loss of many jobs.” He abruptly shifted focus after making the announcement, proceeding to an event inaugurating a new gallery of presidential portraits.
The current impasse began on Wednesday, with both parties blaming the other for the failure to reach an agreement. No substantive discussions have taken place between congressional leaders since a failed meeting at the White House last Monday, according to a senior Democratic official.A key sticking point remains health insurance subsidies, with democrats refusing to concede on the issue.
kevin hassett,President Trump’s chief economic advisor,warned on CNN Sunday that further layoffs are imminent if negotiations remain stalled. “If the president considers that the negotiations do not take anywhere, then the layoffs will start,” Hassett stated.
Despite the grim outlook, the governance expressed hope for a breakthrough. “We keep the hope that with a new start at the start of the week, we can convince Democrats that common sense is to avoid such layoffs,” Hassett added.
