White House warns permanent layoffs possible in looming shutdown

The possibility of a federal government shutdown is growing, and this time, Trump administration officials are warning it could mean permanent job losses — not just temporary furloughs.

On Wednesday, the White House sent a memo to government agencies outlining standard shutdown procedures but also stating that reductions in force — permanent layoffs — could occur. In past shutdowns, the primary impact on federal workers has been delayed paychecks, with workers receiving back pay once the government reopens.

The memo marks a significant shift in tone. Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, condemned the mention of layoffs. Schumer called it “intimidation tactics,” while Jeffries accused Republicans of wanting “to ruin lives.”