New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday (September 30) suggested that a government shutdown could be leveraged to inflict political and policy setbacks on Democrats. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump warned that a shutdown could allow irreversible cuts to programs and benefits Democrats support.

"We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible that are bad for them and irreversible by them, like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like," Trump said.

Trump praised White House budget director Russell Vought for his ability to reduce spending efficiently, framing potential shutdown measures as strategic leverage against Democrats.

"You all kn...