White House changes public voicemail to say Democrats holding government ‘hostage’

The White House's public comment telephone line isn't accepting calls amid the ongoing government shutdown, and its recently updated recorded message blames it on Democrats.

Upon calling the comment line Sunday morning at (202) 456-1111, a woman's voice reads the following message:

“Thank you for calling the White House. Unfortunately, we cannot answer your call today because congressional Democrats are holding government funding, including funding for our troops and other national security priorities, hostage to an unrelated immigration debate," she says.

“Due to this obstruction, the government is shut down," she continues. “In the meantime, you can leave a comment for the president at www.whitehouse.gov/contact. We look forward to taking your calls as soon as the government reopens.”

The call then disconnects.

The government shutdown stretched into its second day on Sunday, with no clear indication that an agreement to reopen it is imminent.

Meanwhile, Republicans and Democrats have steadfastly blamed the other side for causing the shutdown.

Democrats have opposed any funding measure that doesn't include assurances for addressing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Republicans have argued that by doing so, Democrats are holding government funding hostage.

Democrats have pinned the blame on Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress, and President TrumpDonald John TrumpSouth Carolina detention centers say it will not relocate inmates in mandatory evacuation zones Letitia James routs three Dems to win New York AG primary Trump slams Kerry for 'illegal' meetings with Iran MORE in particular, saying the president changes his positions too frequently to be a reliable negotiating partner.