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White House Calls Democrats' Shutdown Proposal 'Unserious'

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, called Democrats' proposal to resolve the Department of Homeland Security shutdown unserious.
During a Wednesday briefing, she said White House officials, excluding U.S. President Donald Trump, have communicated with Democratic leaders about the impasse.
Leavitt accused Democrats of forcing some federal employees to work without pay.
She expressed hope for a more serious approach from Democrats soon, underscoring the potential impact on Americans.

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Story summary

Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, called Democrats' proposal to resolve the Department of Homeland Security shutdown unserious.
During a Wednesday briefing, she said White House officials, excluding U.S. President Donald Trump, have communicated with Democratic leaders about the impasse.
Leavitt accused Democrats of forcing some federal employees to work without pay.
She expressed hope for a more serious approach from Democrats soon, underscoring the potential impact on Americans.