The White House has instructed federal agencies to prepare for large-scale firings of workers if the government shuts down next week amid a partisan dispute over spending plans. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), released on Wednesday night, directs agencies to consider reducing the workforce for programs whose funding would lapse and are not aligned with President Donald Trump's priorities. This marks a significant escalation from previous shutdowns, where non-essential workers were furloughed but typically returned to their jobs once Congress approved new funding.
Democrats have accused Trump of using intimidation tactics, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stating, "We will not be intimidated by your threat to engage in mass firings. Get lost." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the memo an "attempt at intimidation" and predicted that any firings would be overturned in court or lead to rehiring. The memo, first reported by Politico, increases pressure on Democratic leaders to support a short-term funding bill, known as a continuing resolution, which would keep the government operating for seven more weeks.
The sticking point in negotiations is Democratic demands for an extension of subsidies for healthcare plans under the Affordable Care Act, which millions of Americans rely on. Trump repeated his false claim that Democrats are insisting on funding "to give the money to illegal aliens." The memo notes that the Republican tax and immigration package provides ample resources for core Trump priorities to continue uninterrupted, and it urges agencies to be prepared for a shutdown if Democrats pursue one.
Meanwhile, hundreds of federal employees fired during Elon Musk's cost-cutting drive are being asked to return to work. The General Services Administration (GSA) has given these employees until the end of the week to decide, with those accepting required to report on 6 October after a seven-month paid leave. Chad Becker, a former GSA real estate official, said the agency was left "broken and understaffed" after the firings.
