White House Warns of Imminent Federal Layoffs As Shutdown Continues
As the government shutdown enters its first full day, the White House warns that mass layoffs could begin within 48 hours unless Congress reaches a deal. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said layoffs are “imminent” during Wednesday’s briefing and that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is actively working with agencies to identify where the cuts will fall. “These RIFs (Reductions in Force) are unfortunately going to have to happen very soon.” Vice President JD Vance struck a more cautious tone, saying, “We haven't made any final decisions,” but admitted that “if this thing drags on, we are going to have to lay people off.”
The shutdown was triggered after Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a new spending bill before the midnight deadline. Democrats want guaranteed healthcare funding for low-income Americans, while Republicans are pushing for a short-term measure to keep the government open at current funding levels through mid-November.
Both sides are blaming each other. “Democrats have taken the American people hostage in a way that they think benefits them politically,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Democrats say they’re defending healthcare programs and accuse Republicans of stonewalling talks.
President Trump, meanwhile, added fuel to the fire earlier this week, saying “a lot” of federal workers could lose their jobs and suggesting the layoffs could even be politically motivated—though Vance denied athis. “We’re not targeting federal agencies based on politics,” he said. “We’re targeting the people’s government so that as much as possible of the essential services can continue to function.”
Roughly 40% of federal workers—about 750,000 people—are expected to be put on unpaid leave. While some workers have already been furloughed, Trump officials have hinted that some jobs may be permanently eliminated. This would be a significant escalation from past shutdowns, where workers typically received back pay once the government reopened. Essential workers, including border agents and military personnel, are still reporting to work—but without pay.
A new vote on a Republican funding bill is set for Friday, but with no deal in sight, concerns are growing that the crisis will deepen.
