The White House has instructed federal agencies to draft plans for potential mass firings if Congress fails to avert a government shutdown before the September 30 budget deadline. According to a memo from the Office of Budget and Management, agencies must prepare “reduction in force” strategies for programs that could lose funding, particularly those without alternative financial support and deemed “not consistent with the President’s priorities.”
The warning follows heightened political tension after President Trump cancelled a planned meeting with Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. Democrats are pushing to secure healthcare funding as part of budget negotiations, opposing cuts introduced in Trump’s sweeping July legislation, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which reduced Medicaid support for low-income and disabled Americans.
While House Republicans recently passed a short-term bill to extend funding until November 20, Senate Democrats blocked the measure, instead advancing their own proposal that prioritizes healthcare protections.
A government shutdown would halt all non-essential discretionary operations beginning October 1. In response to the White House directive, Democrats accused the administration of using fear tactics. “Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one, not to govern, but to scare,” said Senate Minority Leader Schumer.
The administration, however, maintains that it is “hopeful” Congress will reach an agreement to avoid a shutdown.
