The White House has warned that mass layoffs of federal workers could begin if President Donald Trump decides negotiations with congressional Democrats over the partial government shutdown have stalled.

As the shutdown entered its fifth day, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said layoffs would occur only if talks completely broke down.

Trump blamed Democrats for any potential job losses, calling them “Democrat layoffs.”

He attended a U.S. Navy anniversary event in Norfolk, Virginia, amid the shutdown, calling it a display of “Naval aptitude and strength,” Al-Jazeera has reported.

The impasse began on October 1 after Senate Democrats rejected a short-term funding bill, and no significant negotiations have taken place since.