Trump threatens permanent cuts to 'popular Democrat programs' as shutdown enters second week

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump ramped up his attacks on Democrats during a Cabinet meeting Thursday, October 9, warning that his administration will begin cutting what he called “Democrat programs” as the government shutdown entered its second week.

The president blamed Democratic leaders for the standoff and accused them of putting partisan politics above the needs of Americans.

Donald Trump mocks Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, blames Democrats for shutdown impact

Trump began his remarks by mocking Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who had reportedly invited Republican lawmakers to “come to her office and negotiate” amid the shutdown stalemate.

“Oh, I didn’t know she was in leadership,” Trump quipped. “But she’s taking Hakeem Jeffries’s place.”

He then accused Democrats of prolonging the shutdown to obstruct his administration’s agenda, saying, “Meanwhile, the Democratic shutdown is causing pain and suffering for hardworking Americans, including our military, our air traffic controllers, impoverished mothers, people with young children—people that have to live not the greatest of lives.”

Despite this, Trump touted what he described as the success of his tax policies, highlighting provisions from what he called the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which he claimed had provided significant relief for workers.

“We’ve cut their taxes at levels nobody’s ever seen,” Trump said. “No tax on tips, social security, and overtime pay—it’s been great for a lot of people. They are doing great.”

Donald Trump threatens to cut 'Democrat programs' 

As the shutdown’s effects began to mount, Trump vowed to escalate pressure by slashing federal programs he linked to Democratic priorities.

“The shutdown has been pretty damaging, you know, not yet because it’s early, but it gets a little bit worse as it goes along,” Trump said. “And we’ll be making cuts that are permanent.”

He continued, “We’re only gonna cut Democrat programs, I hate to tell you. I guess that makes sense. But we’re cutting Democrat programs. We are going to start that. Russell [Vought] can talk to you about it if he wants to, but we will be cutting some very popular Democrat programs that aren’t popular with Republicans, frankly. 'Cause that’s the way it works. They wanted to do this so we will give them a little taste of their own medicine.”

Trump did not specify which programs would be targeted, but suggested that Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought would oversee the cuts.

The president also singled out Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), accusing him of prioritizing party politics over governance.

“Sen Schumer is acting not to serve the people but to serve the partisan interests of his party,” Trump said. “And I don’t think he’s serving them well, because they just lost an election in a landslide.”