Trump orders mass firings, prep for federal workers ahead of shutdown

 White House Threatens Agencies to Prepare for Mass Firings in Case of Imminent Government Shutdown

 

The White House threatened the federal agencies in a firm tone, instructing them to prepare for mass firing of employees if Congress fails to present a government funding package by next Wednesday.

 

A memo Wednesday by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) told agencies whose appropriations runs out on Oct. 1 — and for which there are no alternative appropriations or which contradict the President's budget priorities — to consider sending formal "reduction-in-force" notices. Those notices could indicate permanent loss of employment for thousands of federal workers, instead of temporary furloughs.

 

Growing Shutdown Threat

The threat starkly increases the urgency for Congress to come to a bipartisan agreement and avert the shutdown. If Congress fails to act, government operations would be greatly affected, jeopardizing the salaries of most employees.

 

In past shutdowns, federal employees were typically placed on temporary unpaid leave, known as furloughs, until lawmakers resolved budget disputes. During the 2013 shutdown, nearly 850,000 employees were furloughed nationwide. But this latest directive signals that the administration may take more drastic measures, with permanent cuts looming for non-essential programs.

Impact on Federal Programs

"Programs that cannot take advantage of mandatory appropriations will suffer the most from a shutdown," the OMB memo stated. Administrators pointed out that even as they wished a spending deal is reached, the actions outlined can be unavoidable if Congress is unable to come to an agreement prior to the deadline.

 

Political Tensions Rise

The memo prompted Democratic leaders to immediately issue scathing reactions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blamed the administration for intimidation, saying, "Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one — not to govern, but to scare. This is nothing new."

 

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the move, calling it part of a scheme by "MAGA extremists" to destabilize the federal workforce. Blasting fiercely, Jeffries said, "Their goal is to destroy lives and punish working families who are already damaged by tariffs and inflation. We will not be intimidated."

 

Democrats argue that issuing threats of mass firings is pointless and political, especially as budget negotiations still continue.

 

Uncertain Days Ahead

A great deal hangs in the balance: government funding runs out late Tuesday night. If no deal is reached by that time, agencies will need to close many operations on October 1. Unlike previous shutdowns, this one may result in across-the-board firings rather than temporary furloughs.

 

Underlying the standoff are disagreements on significant policy priorities. Democrats have demanded that any spending bill contain a revival of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Republicans have pushed back, calling for stricter spending limits and program cuts.

 

Last week, the House passed a stopgap spending bill to keep the government funded until November 21, but Senate Democrats rejected it, which halted the negotiations.

 

With only days remaining until the deadline, neither party is willing to give in, and there are concerns that federal workers and their families will face disastrous consequences.

 

As the clock ticks, panic mounts across the country. For federal workers, the looming question is: will this shutdown lead to another temporary furlough, or the beginning of mass firings never before seen in American history?