Johnson Speaks On Potential Layoffs

Washington, D.C. — House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is pushing back against claims that the Trump administration’s plan to lay off thousands of federal workers during the ongoing Democrat-induced government shutdown is excessive — saying the real blame lies with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Johnson told host Kristen Welker that the layoffs are “regrettable” but ultimately unavoidable due to Democrats refusing to reopen the government.

“It’s a regrettable situation — one the president does not want,” Johnson said. “But Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries are forcing this crisis by blocking our plan to fund the government responsibly.”

Johnson: Democrats Are Choosing Politics Over People

When pressed on whether he supports laying off federal workers, Johnson made his position clear:

“No,” he said firmly. “I want Chuck Schumer to do the right thing — what he’s done in the past — and vote to keep the government open. We must end this shutdown.”

Johnson emphasized that Senate Democrats are prioritizing partisan politics over the livelihoods of working Americans.

“The administration is being forced to make tough choices because Democrats turned over full control to the White House,” Johnson said. “Russ Vought at the Office of Management and Budget now has to determine which programs and personnel are essential. That’s not a job anyone relishes — but Schumer left him no choice.”

Trump Administration Takes Aim at Washington Waste

President Donald J. Trump met Thursday with OMB Director Russell Vought to discuss what he called an “unprecedented opportunity to reform Washington.” The meeting focused on cutting wasteful spending and removing bureaucrats who have “failed the American people for decades.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the layoffs could impact thousands of positions but stressed that the decision is a direct result of Democrats blocking Republican funding efforts.

“These discussions would not even be happening if Democrats had voted to keep the government open,” Leavitt said. “Instead, they’ve chosen chaos over compromise.”

The Bigger Picture: Trump’s Push for Accountability

The Trump administration views this shutdown not just as a budget battle, but as a historic opportunity to clean house within the federal government — a move aimed at restoring efficiency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility in Washington.

The layoffs, while painful, are being portrayed as part of a broader reform movement to reduce bureaucracy and empower taxpayers over entrenched elites.

“This isn’t about punishing workers — it’s about fixing a broken system,” a senior administration official said.

Summary

Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump are standing firm:

• Democrats caused the shutdown by refusing to pass a GOP funding bill.
• Federal layoffs are the result of Democrat obstruction, not Republican policy.
• Trump’s administration is using this moment to demand accountability, reform, and results.