White House says federal layoffs could hit 'thousands' ahead of Trump, Vought meeting

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that thousands of federal employees may face layoffs as the government shutdown continues.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt discusses the government shutdown on the White House lawn on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan VuccI)

Leavitt went on to accuse Democrats of playing politics with the shutdown, arguing there is "zero good reason" for Democrats to obstruct the process.

"They are doing it for political reasons. They are doing it because they want to give taxpayer-funded health care benefits to illegal aliens, which is something that American people resoundingly rejected ahead of the election last year," she said.

VANCE BRINGS RECEIPTS TO TARGET DEMS ON HEALTHCARE BENEFITS FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS

President Donald Trump announced earlier Thursday that he is set to meet with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought later Thursday to discuss which agencies "are a political SCAM."

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought speaks alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance regarding the government shutdown. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday accused Democrats of forcing the shutdown over providing illegal immigrants with taxpayer-funded emergency healthcare and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., fearing a primary challenge from progressive "Squad" member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

Fox News' Stephen Sorace contributed to this report

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

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