Hours after the federal government shutdown now in effect, callers to the White House (202.456.1111) were greeted to a new voicemail blaming Congressional Democrats for "holding government funding" hostage to an "unrelated immigration debate."

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.

With both sides "dug in" for what could become a protracted shutdown, Republicans and Democrats are already at each other's throats playing the blame game. After the hashtag #SchumerShutdown began trending on Twitter, #TrumpShutdown was soon to follow.

😂 This is absolutely brilliant! Nice move @realDonaldTrump. AUDIO: Recorded Message When Calling The White House Comment Line Amid #GovernmentShutdown #SchumerShutdown pic.twitter.com/1G7TbjbOCM — Uncle Sam's News🇺🇸🚂💨 (@UncleSamsMedia) January 21, 2018

In addition to the new voicemail message, the White House issued a statement calling Democrats "obstructionist losers, not legislators, " while Press Secretary Sarah Sanders Tweeted "Do your job Democrats: fund our military and reopen our government #SchumerShutdown."

This is the behavior of obstructionist losers, not legislators. When Dems pay our armed forces & first responders we will reopen negotiations on immigration reform. During the politically manufactured #SchumerShutdown, @POTUS will fight for & protect the American people. — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 20, 2018

One year into the Trump presidency, Democrats can't shut down the booming Trump economy so they shut down the government instead. This is the behavior of obstructionist losers, not legislators. Do your job Democrats: fund our military and reopen our government #SchumerShutdown — Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) January 20, 2018

Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense James Mattis issued a memorandum to military personnel:

"I recognize the consequences of a government shutdown. You have my personal commitment that the Department's leadership will do our best to mitigate the impacts of the disruptions and any financial burdens to you and your families. Steady as she goes - hold the line. I know our Nation can count on you."

Letter from Secretary Mattis to our great military on #SchumerShutdown

"Steady as she goes - hold the line. I know our Nation can count on you." pic.twitter.com/BvNYQsuAGU — Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) January 20, 2018

Meanwhile, Chuck Schumer threw mud back at Republicans, claiming "This will be called the #TrumpShutdown. There is no one who deserves the blame for the position we find ourselves in more than President Trump."

This will be called the #TrumpShutdown. There is no one who deserves the blame for the position we find ourselves in more than President Trump. pic.twitter.com/WE3SH9TpRU — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 20, 2018

Are you not entertained?