White House Directs Agencies To Plan Mass Firings
The White House has instructed federal agencies to prepare for large-scale firings if a government shutdown occurs. This order is more aggressive than past shutdown protocols.
Unlike Past Shutdowns
Traditionally, non-essential federal employees are furloughed—temporarily sent home with pay restored later. This new plan would permanently eliminate positions in programs that lose funding and are not aligned with the President’s priorities.
Scope Of The Directive
The directive comes from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), asking agencies to identify programs whose discretionary funding will lapse as of October 1 and to submit “reduction in force” plans. Employees could receive termination notices even if they would typically be furloughed.
Political Fallout
Democrats have condemned the move as intimidation. They warn of legal challenges and argue it violates protections for federal employees. They also accuse the administration of using the shutdown as leverage in budget negotiations.
What Comes Next
With Congress and the White House failing to agree on funding measures, the risk of a shutdown—and mass firings—remains high. The coming days will be critical in determining which programs get spared and whether the administration follows through on this unprecedented strategy.
