Mass Firings Threat: Government Shutdown Looms!

2025-09-25 06:00:31.411

The White House is directing federal agencies to prepare for 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 and are not aligned with the President's priorities. This is a more aggressive approach than previous shutdowns, where non-essential workers were furloughed temporarily. This reduction in force would eliminate positions, adding to existing workforce cuts. While agencies would revise plans after a shutdown to retain minimal staff, the move significantly raises the stakes. Democrats, refusing to support a clean funding bill without healthcare improvements, have been unmoved by the threat. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have rejected the threat, with Jeffries calling the OMB head a "malignant political hack." Schumer predicts court intervention or rehiring of fired workers. The OMB stated that agencies were asked to submit shutdown plans by August 1st and that many, but not all, submissions have been received. The memo blames Democrats' "partisan demands," including health insurance subsidy extensions and Medicaid cut reversals, for the potential shutdown. The GOP's tax and spending package is cited as providing resources to continue Trump administration priorities during a shutdown.