Shutdown an “unprecedented opportunity,” says Trump
Donald Trump called the ongoing federal shutdown an “unprecedented opportunity” to cut Democrat-aligned agencies and reshape government.
Trump posted on Truth Social that he would meet with Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to decide "which of the many Democrat Agencies … he recommends to be cut, and whether or not those cuts will be temporary or permanent."
The administration froze about $26 billion in funding to Democrat-led states, including projects in New York. Trump's budget team described the cuts as a strategic step amid efforts to use the shutdown to reduce federal programs.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration is preparing for layoffs rather than standard furloughs. Some federal programs, especially infrastructure projects in Democrat-led states, are being cut or deferred.
The shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to enact funding legislation. Many nonessential government services have been suspended, and federal workers are facing either furloughs or delayed pay.
The administration froze about $26 billion in funding to Democrat-led states, including projects in New York. Trump's budget team described the cuts as a strategic step amid efforts to use the shutdown to reduce federal programs.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration is preparing for layoffs rather than standard furloughs. Some federal programs, especially infrastructure projects in Democrat-led states, are being cut or deferred.
The shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to enact funding legislation. Many nonessential government services have been suspended, and federal workers are facing either furloughs or delayed pay.
Analysts estimate the shutdown could cut about $15 billion in GDP per week if it continues. Senate Democrats maintain that funding for healthcare subsidies must be preserved in any agreement.
Republicans in control of Congress back Trump's approach. Legal experts have raised questions about whether the president has authority to dismantle agencies unilaterally.
Trump's strategy connects to the Project 2025 agenda, which outlines reorganizations of federal power and staffing. He is using the shutdown to implement parts of that agenda while congressional negotiations remain stalled.
The standoff between the White House and Congress centers on whether Democrats will yield on policy priorities or Trump's administration will follow through on planned cuts. Federal operations remain curtailed as negotiations continue.
Republicans in control of Congress back Trump's approach. Legal experts have raised questions about whether the president has authority to dismantle agencies unilaterally.
Trump's strategy connects to the Project 2025 agenda, which outlines reorganizations of federal power and staffing. He is using the shutdown to implement parts of that agenda while congressional negotiations remain stalled.
The standoff between the White House and Congress centers on whether Democrats will yield on policy priorities or Trump's administration will follow through on planned cuts. Federal operations remain curtailed as negotiations continue.
Author
Sebile Fane cut her teeth in blockchain by building tiny NFT experiments with friends in her living room, long before the buzzwords took hold. She’s driven by a curiosity for the human stories behind smart contracts — whether it’s a small-town artist minting her first token or a DAO voting on climate grants — and weaves technical insight with genuine empathy.
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