The White House budget office has instructed federal agencies to draft plans for mass firings if a government shutdown occurs. This directive, detailed in a memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and obtained by CNN, marks a significant departure from previous shutdown procedures, which typically involved furloughs rather than permanent job losses.

The memo indicates that the Trump administration is prepared to implement "reduction in force" notices for employees in programs without mandatory appropriations. These programs, whose funding would lapse on October 1, are at risk unless Congress passes a spending bill.

The memo suggests that programs not aligned with the President’s priorities will be most affected. This move increases pressure on Democrats, who are currently in a standoff with Republicans over federal funding. The Republican-controlled House passed a short-term funding bill, but the Senate has rejected both parties' proposals.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the memo, calling it an intimidation tactic by President Donald Trump. Schumer stated, "This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the threat on social media, asserting that Democrats would not be intimidated.

As the October 1st deadline approaches, the situation remains tense, with President Trump canceling a meeting with top congressional Democrats, further complicating negotiations.

Mandy Connell