Senior Republicans have reportedly urged Donald Trump to shelve plans for mass federal layoffs and steep benefit cuts as the government shutdown enters its second week.

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Senate Majority Leader John Thune had privately begged the president to contain the damage caused by the shutdown—warning him that sweeping cuts and layoffs could backfire and lead voters to blame Republicans.

The outlet says the “hand-wringing” marks a break with Trump’s threat to use the shutdown as an “unprecedented opportunity” to slash agencies and potentially deny back pay.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Journal, “The only reason we are forced to have these conversations is because the Democrats shut down the government,” adding that the quickest fi

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