Vice President J.D. Vance says Democrats’ refusal to act is forcing a painful problem as President Trump pushes to reopen the government.
Vice President J.D. Vance issued a powerful warning to Americans on Sunday, saying that federal job cuts will only get deeper the longer Democrats block President Trump’s plan to reopen the government.
Appearing on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with host Maria Bartiromo, Vance said the administration had done everything possible to avoid layoffs — but Democratic leaders are using the shutdown as leverage to protect their expiring Obamacare subsidies instead of putting American workers first.
“The longer it goes on, Maria, the more significant the cuts are going to be,” Vance said. “President Trump wants to get this government reopened and pay our federal workers. But Democrats are refusing to cooperate.”
The shutdown, now entering its third week, has already furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers. According to a court filing from the Trump administration, more than 4,000 employees could soon lose their jobs entirely if Democrats continue their blockade.
“To be clear, some of these cuts are going to be painful,” Vance admitted. “This isn’t something we want to do. But Democrats have dealt us a tough hand by holding America hostage for political gain.”
Democrats have made it clear they won’t agree to the GOP’s clean stopgap bill unless it includes an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies — benefits that primarily go to blue-state voters and are set to expire at the end of the year. Without renewal, premiums could spike for millions of Americans.
Conservatives argue that the move exposes the left’s misplaced priorities, choosing partisan power over protecting families, small businesses, and taxpayers.
Vance emphasized that President Trump remains committed to reopening the government, securing the border, and defending the American worker — with or without Democratic support.
“The president is doing everything he can to make this right,” Vance said. “But Washington Democrats are more interested in obstruction than solutions.”
As the standoff continues, everyday Americans are being reminded once again which party stands for fiscal responsibility, law and order, and putting America first — and which one doesn’t.