White House Press Secretary Outlines Impact of the ‘Democrat Shutdown’

The White House is putting Democrats on blast for orchestrating what is now the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt laying out the severe economic and personal consequences Americans have endured during the 43-day standoff.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Leavitt did not mince words.

“The Democrats dragged on the government shutdown for 43 days… The damage caused by the Democrats by this reckless government shutdown cannot be forgotten,” she said.

Despite repeated offers from President Donald Trump and Republican leadership to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR), Democrats blocked progress at every turn. Leavitt pointed directly to the vote count as evidence that Republicans were ready to fund the government from day one, but were stonewalled by a party obsessed with political brinkmanship.

The consequences have been staggering:

• Hundreds of thousands of federal employees missed paychecks.

• Tens of billions in wages and benefits were withheld, devastating working families.

• Millions of low-income Americans missed SNAP food benefits.

• Nearly 20,000 flights were delayed due to staffing shortages, impacting over 5.2 million travelers, according to Airlines for America.

• The Congressional Budget Office warns of a 2% hit to Q4 GDP, with $7 to $14 billion in lost growth that will never be recovered.

All of this, while the Democrats posture as champions of affordability even as they sabotage the economy, rob Americans of their paychecks, and paralyze critical services.

Leavitt made clear that President Trump remains focused on delivering relief where it matters most at the kitchen table. She highlighted several major efforts under the administration’s affordability agenda:

• Middle class tax cuts that eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security.

• Gas prices at five-year lows, thanks to Trump’s renewed push for American energy dominance.

• Ongoing negotiations to slash drug prices through major pharmaceutical partnerships.

• A dramatic reduction in regulatory red tape, cutting 30 regulations for every new one.

Inflation under Trump? Holding steady around 2.5%. Under Biden? A disastrous 5% average, with a peak of 9% that punished working Americans.

Leavitt pulled no punches in her conclusion. “The notion that the same Democrats who shut down the federal government, sabotaged our economy, robbed people of their paychecks and helped Joe Biden ratchet up inflation to 9% are now suddenly affordability champions is completely absurd.”

With a potential deal in place and the shutdown expected to end imminently, the White House is already turning the page focused not on D.C. theatrics, but on restoring prosperity, slashing prices, and getting America back on track.

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