Mass Federal Firings Threatened Amidst Looming Government Shutdown!

2025-09-25 12:00:27.985

The White House is directing federal agencies to prepare for potential mass firings of employees if the government shuts down next week. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) instructs agencies to consider a "reduction in force" for programs whose funding would lapse, a more aggressive approach than previous shutdowns. This would not only lay off employees but eliminate their positions. Democrats, who oppose a clean funding bill proposed by Republicans, are unmoved by the threat. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the OMB head a "malignant political hack" and stated they would not be intimidated. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the memo an intimidation tactic and predicted legal challenges or rehiring of the fired workers. The OMB claims the Democrats' refusal to support the clean funding bill is causing the need for these drastic measures, citing their demands for healthcare improvements. The memo notes that the GOP's recent tax and spending bill provides resources to continue Trump administration priorities.