The Trump administration has ordered federal agencies to prepare for potential mass layoffs amid a looming government shutdown.
Media reveals internal memo
The Washington Post reports that on Wednesday, September 24, the Trump administration instructed federal agencies to prepare for mass layoffs. The directive, obtained by Politico, was issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and raises concerns about a possible government shutdown next week if Congress fails to pass a budget. Democrats in Congress have stated they will not support extending government funding until November 21 unless Republicans address their healthcare demands.
Background of the dispute
The memo instructs agencies to inform employees they may be furloughed or laid off in the event of a shutdown. Normally, some government workers continue working without pay, while others are sent home. The document expresses hope that Democrats will avoid a shutdown, making these steps unnecessary. The fiscal year ends next week, and Republicans and Democrats in Congress remain deadlocked over government funding. Despite Republican majorities in both chambers, they still need Democratic support in the Senate to pass a funding extension—a deal that has yet to materialize.
Democrats accuse Republicans of sabotage
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer previously warned that a government shutdown gives the executive branch, including Trump, Mick Mulvaney, Russell Vought, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), near-total discretion over which government functions to fund. Schumer claimed they would exploit this power to “destroy the government and shut down agencies they dislike.” This time, Democrats argue the situation has shifted, and they must fight for healthcare improvements in response to Republican tax and budget cuts. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Trump administration aims to “ruin your life and punish hardworking families already struggling with tariffs and inflation.”
