The White House has announced its decision to continue layoffs of federal employees as part of its strategy to pressure Democrats into agreeing to a GOP-led continuing resolution to end the ongoing government shutdown. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) expressed its readiness on X, stating, "OMB is making every preparation to batten down the hatches and ride out the Democrats’ intransigence. Pay the troops, pay law enforcement, continue the RIFs, and wait."

This move follows President Donald Trump and OMB Director Russ Vought's initiation of the threatened shutdown-related layoffs last Friday. Republicans have defended these layoffs as a financially sensible measure, blaming Democrats for necessitating such actions. Trump had previously declared that only "Democrat programs" would face cuts, ensuring that Republican priorities remain unaffected.

Furthermore, the White House has leveraged the shutdown to withdraw billions in funding for climate change and infrastructure projects primarily benefiting states that supported Kamala Harris in the previous year's election. This strategic cutback aligns with Trump's vow to target Democratic initiatives, stating at a Cabinet meeting, "They wanted to do this so we will give them a little taste of their own medicine."

The standoff continues as most Senate Democrats resist endorsing the GOP's resolution, pushing instead for discussions on preserving premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, with open enrollment approaching on November 1. Speaker Mike Johnson has urged Democrats to abandon their "partisan demands" and pass a clean budget, warning of one of the longest shutdowns in American history otherwise.

While recent polls show that American voters are more likely to blame the GOP for the shutdown, they still show greater trust in Republican handling of the economy. The White House has capitalized on this perception, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson criticizing the Democrats' priorities, "Democrats decided to shut down the government because they think free health care for illegal aliens is more important than the American people."

As the shutdown extends, both sides remain locked in a messaging battle, with significant implications for federal workers and the services they provide. The OMB has not yet responded to comments on these ongoing and escalating tensions.