In an unprecedented move during a government shutdown, the White House has threatened to carry out mass firings of federal employees.1 This threat comes as talks between the White House and congressional Democrats have stalled, leading to a lapse in government funding.2
The Standoff
The current government shutdown is the first in nearly seven years.3 It began after President Donald Trump and congressional leaders failed to reach a budget agreement.4 The Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress, have been pushing for a short-term spending bill to keep the government open, while Democrats are demanding negotiations on broader issues, including healthcare cuts.5
An Unconventional Threat
Typically, during a government shutdown, a majority of federal workers are temporarily furloughed, with essential staff working without pay.6 They are usually given back pay once a funding deal is reached.7 However, the Trump administration has signaled its intent to use the shutdown to permanently reduce the size of the federal workforce.8 The Office of Management and Budget has directed agencies to consider “reductions-in-force,” or layoffs, for programs and positions that are not aligned with the administration’s priorities.9 This has been met with criticism from Democrats, who have called the threat a “mafia-style” tactic to pressure them into a deal.10
Impacts of the Shutdown
The current shutdown is expected to impact a wide range of government services. Approximately 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed.11 While essential services like Social Security and Medicare are not expected to be affected, others, such as national parks, some health services, and the release of economic data, could be suspended. The White House has also taken additional steps to increase pressure on Democrats, including pausing or canceling billions of dollars in funding for infrastructure and climate projects in states that typically vote Democratic.12
