Washington: As the United States government shutdown stretches into a second day, President Donald Trump announced early Thursday that he would meet with his budget director, Russ Vought, to discuss sweeping cuts to what he labeled “Democrat Agencies.” The meeting, disclosed in a Truth Social post at 7:59 a.m. ET (1159 GMT), signals a potential acceleration of federal layoffs and program reductions already threatened by the administration.
Vought, a key architect behind Project 2025 a 900-page blueprint circulated before the 2024 election has long advocated for dramatic reductions in environmental regulations and a crackdown on workplace diversity initiatives, which the project contends are illegal under current law. Analysts warn that the Trump-Vought consultation could translate into immediate budgetary actions affecting thousands of federal employees.
With Republicans controlling Congress and Democrats resisting concessions, the deadlock has so far prevented any legislation to reopen government agencies. No votes are scheduled for Thursday, ensuring the impasse will continue at least another day. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed or deemed non-essential, halting key government functions across the country.
As the shutdown prolongs, Trump’s administration is reportedly moving forward with plans to reduce or suspend federal programs and execute layoffs, heightening concern among public-sector employees and state governments that rely on federal support.
The shutdown has also disrupted public access to historically significant sites. In Plains, Georgia, visitors hoping to pay tribute on what would have been President Jimmy Carter’s 101st birthday were met with closed gates at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Despite a black wreath being placed early Wednesday by park staff, disappointed fans wandered past a giant smiling peanut outside the Plains Trading Post, which sells presidential memorabilia. “They wanted to pay their respects,” noted gift shop owner Philip Kurland.
A red alert banner on the park’s website echoed a common warning across federal sites: “Government Shutdown Alert. National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable. For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown.”
The shutdown’s ripple effects extend to daily civic activities. The District of Columbia Courts announced Wednesday that the issuance of marriage licenses and courthouse weddings will be suspended during the closure. While other judicial functions case resolutions, juvenile probation services, and certified copies of vital records will continue, couples seeking to wed in court will face delays until the government reopens.
As the shutdown drags on, its impact continues to reverberate from federal employees’ paychecks to public services and cherished national memorials. Observers remain cautious, watching closely whether Trump’s next meeting with Vought will mark the beginning of deeper federal cutbacks.