President Trump vowed mass layoffs and deep cuts to Democrat-backed programs, using the government shutdown as leverage to reshape the federal workforce.
The administration has already frozen $18 billion in infrastructure funds for New York projects tied to Democratic leaders, with layoffs expected to begin within days.
Economists warn the shutdown could furlough 750,000 federal workers, cost $400 million daily in lost wages, and drag down U.S. GDP if it continues into October.