Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the ongoing federal government shutdown presents an "unprecedented opportunity" to reduce the number of jobs at federal agencies linked to the Democratic Party. He attributed the responsibility for the shutdown to the Democrats.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump declared his intention to meet with Russ Vought, the White House Office of Management and Budget Director, to assess which federal agencies will experience job cuts. Historically, government shutdowns have led to employee furloughs rather than firings, and Democrats argue that terminating jobs would be illegal.

Trump shared on Truth Social, a platform he owns, "I have a meeting today with Russ Vought, he of PROJECT 2025 Fame, to determine which of the many Democrat Agencies, most of which are a political SCAM, he recommends to be cut, and whether or not those cuts will be temporary or permanent." Project 2025 has been a controversial proposal for extensive governmental changes during Trump's potential second term, which he had previously distanced himself from.

He further commented, "I can't believe the Radical Left Democrats gave me this unprecedented opportunity. They are not stupid people, so maybe this is their way of wanting to, quietly and quickly, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

The shutdown, now in its second day, resulted from a Congressional impasse over a temporary budget. Republicans require Democratic backing to pass the spending plan, but Democrats insist on incorporating provisions to manage health care costs into the budget.

While a shutdown does not necessarily lead to an economic catastrophe, it significantly disrupts various aspects of American life. Numerous federal employees face furloughs or are compelled to work without pay, while others are placed on mandatory leave until a new budget is ratified. Each federal agency devises its own shutdown strategy, deciding which employees are deemed essential.