The White House on Thursday warned that “thousands” of federal employees could face layoffs if the ongoing government shutdown continues, intensifying the standoff between Republicans and Democrats in Washington.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the administration, alongside the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is preparing contingency plans to determine which departments may be hit hardest. “It’s likely going to be in the thousands,” Leavitt said, adding that the shutdown had already triggered internal reviews of possible program cuts.

Leavitt placed the blame squarely on Democrats, accusing them of “playing politics” over disagreements on healthcare provisions for undocumented immigrants. “These conversations would not be happening if Democrats had

See Full Page