Karoline Leavitt Warns Democrats Face ‘Very Real’ Consequences If Shutdown Drags On

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a sharp warning to Democrats on Thursday, saying the Trump administration is prepared to make significant cuts to federally funded programs if the shutdown standoff continues.

“The Democrats should know that they put the White House and the president in this position, and if they don’t want further harm to their constituents back home, then they need to reopen the government,” Leavitt said on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom.” She added, “It’s very simple. Pass the clean continuing resolution, and all of this goes away.”

Leavitt’s warning follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that his administration is reviewing agencies for layoffs and permanent eliminations, targeting programs he says “do not best serve the American taxpayer.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson also said the shutdown gives Republicans an opening to shrink government in ways they normally could not. “While a shutdown is very damaging for real American people who depend upon government services, it can provide an opportunity to downsize the scope and the scale of government,” Johnson said on Fox Business. “So, in a way, Chuck Schumer has now handed the keys to the kingdom to the executive branch under President Trump.”

Leavitt confirmed Trump will meet with Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought later Thursday to review possible cuts while ensuring critical funding, including military pay, remains intact.