WASHINGTON – Officials from the Trump administration defended on Friday their decision to terminate federal projects in areas that backed Democrats. They argued that this move isn’t politically motivated; rather, it’s about downsizing the government during the ongoing shutdown.
Congressional Republican leaders supported the White House, suggesting that cutting funds previously approved on a bipartisan basis was justified. In contrast, Democrats decried the action as an unacceptable infringement on Congress’s constitutional spending authority.
“The president and (White House Budget Director) Las Vought don’t have any extra authority during this closure. They really shouldn’t act like they do, nor should they intimidate people,” stated a D-Wash ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee.
Speaker Mike Johnson from R-La. offered a somewhat convoluted take during a morning press briefing, noting the cancellation of the project was “stricken.” He indicated that while the situation was serious, Trump and his team are somehow relishing the shutdown’s effects on social media.
“Do they really relish this? Not really,” Johnson clarified, pivoting to the topic of governance. “Is Trump being unfair to the Democrats? Yeah, sure, and people are noticing this.” That same day, Johnson decided to postpone a scheduled vote, pushing the earliest return to Capitol Hill to October 14th.
Shutdown: “I’m not kidding”
Throughout the shutdown, Trump actively posted on social media. There was a bizarre AI-generated video showing House Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries in a sombrero and portraying Vought as a grim reaper, which seemed to provoke laughter among some Republicans.
Murray remarked in a call that the Republicans’ approach suggested they were treating the situation lightly. “This isn’t a joke,” she said. “They need to cease these provocations and silly antics. It’s hurting people, and we need to collaboratively tackle real issues.”
When asked about the videos at a press conference, Jeffries asserted that they demonstrated Republicans’ insecurity on healthcare and policy matters. “Trump’s behavior shows a blatant disregard for safety, and it highlights Republicans’ weak arguments. They rely on sensationalism instead of addressing policy concerns,” he commented.
X project in Blue State of Chicago, New York
Johnson mentioned that he had earlier discussed Vought’s views on Project 2025, expressing hope that bureaucrats wouldn’t be adversely affected. He reflected, “Russ envisions a more efficient federal government, like we do, but he doesn’t wish for anyone to lose their jobs.” He argued that the intricacies of effective governance must be standard.
Typically, federal workers are categorized as exempt during government shutdowns, meaning they either work unpaid or are furloughed. Both groups receive compensation if Congress passes a bill to restore funding.
However, Vought has indicated intentions to use the shutdown as justification for significant federal workforce reductions, a tactic not seen in previous shutdowns. He has also taken to social media multiple times to announce the cancellation of projects in areas not seen as Republican strongholds.
Shortly after the shutdown commenced, Vought wrote that funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project and New York’s Second Avenue subway was “pending.” Both projects are tied to Senate Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Jeffries.
Vought also noted a cancellation of $8 billion in climate funding designated for various projects in multiple states, including California and New York. Reports indicated that some funds had been allocated toward hydrogen initiatives in the Pacific Northwest and research efforts in New Mexico.
Additionally, Vought stated on Friday that he would freeze $2.1 billion in funding for Chicago’s “Red Line Extension and Red and Purple Modernization Project,” suggesting a preference to avoid funding that involved racial-based contracts.
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, representing Illinois, has had ongoing discussions with Trump regarding heightened immigration policies in Chicago, with state governor JB Pritzker persistently resisting Trump’s calls for National Guard involvement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., commented in a press conference alongside Speaker Johnson that the Trump administration seems to be viewing the shutdown through a political lens. “I believe they’ll make choices aligned with their priorities,” he added.
Hatch Act Questions
The actions of the Trump administration officials have raised concerns about a potential violation of the Hatch Act—a 1939 law that limits certain political activities for federal employees. The law seeks to ensure nonpartisan management of federal programs, safeguarding employees from workplace political coercion.
Federal employees found to have breached this law could face removal from their positions or fines of up to $1,000, among other penalties. Public Citizens has filed multiple complaints against the Trump administration, alleging that messages about the shutdown posted on government platforms could violate the Hatch Act.
Civic ethics expert Craig Holman expressed serious concern, stating, “Even for an administration known for testing ethical boundaries, these posts strongly suggest that Trump and his cabinet feel they are above the law.”
Similar to previous actions by the Trump administration, the precedent set could have lasting implications for future Democrats, potentially harming Republican voters and the regions that consistently support GOP policies.
Layoffs are still threatened
In a briefing later in the day, White House Press Chief Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the administration is deliberating on further spending cuts and layoffs during the shutdown. “The Bureau of Management and Budget is maintaining communication with our Cabinet Secretaries and agencies to identify where layoffs and cuts must occur,” she explained, adding that a resolution to reopen the government might forestall the need for such measures.
Leavitt did not confirm whether thousands of federal employees would be fired or whether plans to cut funds for Democratic projects would proceed if Congressional negotiations to reopen the government faltered. She noted that the “blueprint” for reducing the federal government was designed by the president and executive authorities.
