As the federal government shutdown kicked in Saturday, callers to the White House were greeted by a new outgoing voicemail message informing them that the administration "cannot answer your call today," and blaming Democrats for the lack of service.
saw this going around and wanted to check for myself: here’s the message you hear today when you ring the White Hou… https://t.co/CB15P1fLxr
If you call the White House comment line (202-456-1111) this is the full outgoing message you'll hear:
"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. Due to this obstruction, the government is shut down. 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 White House has not yet responded to BuzzFeed News' request for comment about the new message.
Many people who called the number Saturday morning were struck by the automated recording.
And urged people to call the number to hear it for themselves.
Call the White House comment line at 202-456-1111. Listen to the outgoing message. That's not governing by mature a… https://t.co/0Tl6lfUkzf
They have spun OUT OF CONTROL. Call the White House now, and listen to the recorded message. 202-456-1111. Unbelievable message!
Some were particularly taken aback by the line about congressional Democrats "holding government funding ... hostage," and called the message "petty" and "berserk."
Here is the message on the White House recording. Call 202.456.1111 to hear for yourself. Yes, they said hostage.… https://t.co/sBkYo9Y17q
@ECMcLaughlin Please call the White House 202-456-1111 you won't believe the petty recorded message - keep trying if busy. SAD!
@EdKrassen Call the White House at (202) 456-1111. The recorded message is berserk. They blame the shutdown on the Dems and go on and on.
Some are accusing the president of politicizing this White House resource.
Seriously, this is really bothering me - how is this in line with ethics rules?? It’s the White House phone line b… https://t.co/t1A7CzjWfF
But at least some Trump supporters are into it.
😂 This is absolutely brilliant! Nice move @realDonaldTrump. AUDIO: Recorded Message When Calling The White House Co… https://t.co/A155kKAHT0