US President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday froze $US26 billion ($A40 billion) for Democratic-leaning states, following through on a threat to use the government shutdown to target Democratic priorities.

The targeted programs included $US18 billion ($A27 billion) for transit projects in New York, home to Congress's top two Democrats, and $US8 billion ($A12 billion) for green-energy projects in 16 Democratic-run states, including California and Illinois.

Vice President JD Vance has meanwhile warned that the administration might extend its purge of federal workers if the shutdown lasts more than a few days.

The moves made clear that Trump would carry out his threat to take advantage of the shutdown to punish his political opponents and extend his control over the $US7 trillion

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