In a striking move, the White House has signaled a hardline approach to fiscal restraint by warning of potential government employee terminations if a shutdown occurs.
During a Thursday interview on Newsmax TV, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discussed the administration's tough stance on spending cuts and highlighted a bold threat from Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought about firing employees if government funding lapses, as Breitbart reports.
On Thursday, Hassett appeared on Newsmax TV’s Carl Higbie Frontline to address ongoing budget concerns. Host Carl Higbie pressed him on how to push Congress toward greater fiscal responsibility.
Higbie pointed out that the proposed budget aims to reduce money printing compared to past years. He also noted the administration’s strict spending controls through initiatives like DOGE.
In response, Hassett emphasized that major reductions have already been achieved. He referenced what he called a significant piece of legislation focused on trimming expenses.
Hassett added that efforts to curb spending are far from over. He underscored the administration’s determination to continue tightening the federal budget.
The conversation took a sharp turn when Hassett brought up a warning from Vought. He has reportedly stated that without a continuing resolution to fund the government, there would be no money to pay employees.
As a result, Hassett explained, the administration would be within its rights to let those employees go. This stance marks a significant escalation in tone during funding talks.
Hassett described Vought’s position as both daring and unique. He claimed that no prior administration had issued such a direct challenge during budget disputes.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Hassett warned Democrats against testing Vought’s resolve. He suggested that any attempt to stall government funding would likely fail.
During the interview, Higbie had framed the broader issue of fiscal conservatism. He asked, “What does it take to get the message to Congress, like, you’re going to have to be a little bit more fiscally conservative, guys?”
Hassett responded by detailing the administration’s actions. He said, “Well, we’ve already done a lot to cut spending in the big, beautiful bill. And of course, we’re not done.”
He continued, “And one of the things that you’ve seen is the Director of [the] Office of Management and Budget, Russ Vought, has, basically, in some sense, thrown down against the Democrats, saying, look, if you don’t give us a continuing resolution, if you try to shut down the government, then we’ve not got the money to pay people and so, we’re allowed to say goodbye.”
Hassett further noted, “And that’s something that no administration before has been courageous enough to say to an opponent. But Russ Vought is a tough guy. The president’s tough.”
He concluded, “And I think that, I worry for the Democrats, if they don’t actually give us an open government, if they try to call Russ Vought’s bluff, it’s not going to work.”