White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified remarks made on Oct. 6 by President Donald Trump about whether federal employees are being fired.
On the evening of Oct. 5, the president was asked by a reporter about federal workers being fired. He responded: “It’s taking place right now, and it’s all because of the Democrats. The Democrats are causing the loss of a lot of jobs with their … shutdown. It’s their shutdown; not our shutdown.”
Leavitt said that the president was referring to furloughs. Plans to fire federal workers are still intact if the shutdown continues, she said.
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Oct. 6, “[Trump is] hoping that we’re going to get the government to stop being shut down,” referring to Senate votes on reopening the government later that day….
Trump Says Federal Layoffs Happening Right Now Amid Shutdown
