Shutdown in the US: Country to Lose $15 Billion in GDP Weekly

Politico reports that economic advisors to President Donald Trump are warning that a prolonged shutdown could have serious economic consequences for the United States. The memorandum indicates that the US could lose $15 billion in GDP growth weekly as long as the government shutdown continues.

If the shutdown lasts for a month, it will result in an additional 43,000 unemployed individuals. This loss does not include the 1.9 million federal civil servants who are on furlough or working without pay, 80 percent of whom are located in the Washington D.C. area.

White House aides noted that a document to be sent to Republicans will be utilized to shape Republican responses regarding the government shutdown. “The real economic consequences of the extended government shutdown will fall squarely on the shoulders of Democratic senators who are holding the federal government, the economy, and the country hostage to provide illegal immigrants with free healthcare,” stated White House Press Secretary Kush Desai.

The publication added that this comes as the White House is working to develop a unified Republican response at all levels regarding the shutdown, aiming to directly place the blame on Democrats.

It is important to note that the US federal government has partially ceased operations because Republicans and Democrats have failed to come to an agreement on budgetary expenditures. As a result, government agencies are being suspended, social programs are being halted, and hundreds of thousands of public employees are being furloughed.