Trump Administration Prepares Mass Federal Layoffs as Shutdown Talks Stall. The Trump administration is warning it could begin mass layoffs of federal workers as the partial government shutdown enters its fifth day with no sign of a deal. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett told CNN the president and budget director Russell Vought are "lining things up" but still hoping Democrats back down. When asked by reporters Sunday, President Trump said the layoffs are "taking place right now," without elaborating. The shutdown began October 1 after Senate Democrats rejected a stopgap funding bill. They're demanding extended health-insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and assurances spending won't be unilaterally cut. Republicans say Democrats must first agree to reopen the government before negotiating. A fifth Senate vote on rival funding measures is scheduled Monday, but neither side expects the 60 votes needed to pass. [Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT]