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White House Press Secretary Blames Democrats for Potential Layoffs

10/7/2025

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Collins Presses Leavitt

During a briefing, CNN's Kaitlan Collins pressed White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on potential government layoffs amid a shutdown.
Collins cited President Donald J. Trump's claim that Democrats would be responsible for layoffs.
Leavitt countered that layoffs would follow Democrats' decision to shut down the government.
She urged Democrats to reopen the government.

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Trump Blames Democrats

The government shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday, furloughing non-essential federal workers.
President Trump blamed Democrats for the shutdown, saying layoffs depend on their funding vote.
Over 100,000 federal employees are expected to resign under a deferred resignation program, the largest U.S. mass resignation.
National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett warned layoffs could begin if negotiations stall.

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Collins Presses Leavitt

During a briefing, CNN's Kaitlan Collins pressed White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on potential government layoffs amid a shutdown.
Collins cited President Donald J. Trump's claim that Democrats would be responsible for layoffs.
Leavitt countered that layoffs would follow Democrats' decision to shut down the government.
She urged Democrats to reopen the government.

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