White House Orders Agencies to Prepare for Mass Layoffs Ahead of Potential Government Shutdown

The White House has ordered federal agencies to prepare for permanent layoffs in the event of a government shutdown at the end of September. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget instructs agencies to identify “non-essential” staff whose positions are not legally protected or aligned with presidential priorities. Some employees could face termination rather than temporary furloughs, marking a notable shift from past shutdown protocols.

The announcement has raised alarm among federal workers and escalates tensions in Washington’s budget negotiations. Democrats have criticized the move as political intimidation, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accusing the administration of using the shutdown threat to reshape the federal workforce. Republicans counter that the step is necessary to control pay obligations and pressure Democrats to negotiate.

The White House maintains that essential services will continue without disruption, though details remain unclear. With only days left before the funding deadline, the U.S. faces the prospect of significant federal disruption if no budget agreement is reached.