Leavitt tells reporters that government agencies are already preparing for cuts and “layoffs are imminent”.

“Unfortunately, because the Democrats shut down the government, the president has directed his cabinet and the Office of Management and Budget is working with agencies across the board to identify where cuts can be made and we believe that layoffs are imminent,” she says.

The state department has updated the government shutdown banner on its website to join the list of government department sites bearing a partisan message. It reads: “Due to the Democrat-led shutdown, website updates will be limited until full operations resume.” As I reported this morning, it didn’t say that earlier.

The US Forest Service also has one now that reads (with some grammatical issues): “The Radical Left Democrats shutdown the government. This government website will be updated periodically during the funding lapse for mission critical functions. President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people.”