President Donald Trump has escalated his position during the ongoing government shutdown, announcing that he plans to permanently cut several “Democrat programs” while continuing full funding for the US military. The statement has further fueled political tensions as negotiations in Congress remain at a standstill.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said Democrats were “getting killed” politically over the shutdown and hinted that a list of targeted programs could be released by Friday. He did not provide specific details but assured that “Republican programs” would not be affected.
Reports indicate that the administration has already redirected or frozen nearly $28 billion in federal funds originally allocated for infrastructure and energy projects in Democratic-leaning states, including California, Illinois, and New York.
According to the White House, about 4,200 federal workers across eight departments have received termination or “reduction-in-force” notices since last week. Major job cuts were recorded in the Treasury Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One of the affected programs includes the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, which provides financial support to low-income areas.
Despite the shutdown, the administration announced that $8 billion would be redirected to ensure continued pay for military and Coast Guard personnel. In previous shutdowns, service members have been required to work without pay until government funding resumes.
The Senate remains deeply divided over a new spending bill to reopen the government. A Republican-backed measure to extend federal funding through November 21 failed to pass on Monday, with a 49–45 vote split largely along party lines.
As the stalemate drags on, around 750,000 federal employees remain furloughed without pay. Essential staff continue to work in critical departments, hoping for back pay once the shutdown ends.
The prolonged political standoff has raised concerns about its impact on public services, the economy, and national morale, with both parties blaming each other for the deadlock.
