Trump’s Shutdown Warning: Permanent Federal Layoffs Could Follow

September 30, 2025

The United States is preparing for an unprecedented government shutdown in which President Donald Trump has threatened permanent termination of federal workers rather than traditional temporary furloughs. The White House Office of Management and Budget has instructed agencies to use the shutdown as an "opportunity" to reduce staff, sparking strong opposition from the American Federation of Government Employees and other critics. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested such firings would face legal challenges or eventual rehiring, while federal employees express anxiety about their job security.

Who is affected

Federal government workers including veterans, caregivers, law enforcement officers, and park rangers
Millions of American families who depend on government services
The American civil service system as a whole
Federal agencies following White House Office of Management and Budget directives

What action is being taken

The White House Office of Management and Budget is instructing agencies to treat the closure as an opportunity to reduce staff
Federal employees are preparing for potential permanent layoffs rather than temporary furloughs
The American Federation of Government Employees is speaking out against treating federal employees as "bargaining chips"
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is challenging the legality of the proposed permanent firings

Why it matters

This approach differs from traditional government shutdowns where workers are furloughed temporarily and receive back pay when government reopens
The potential permanent termination of federal workers could dismantle parts of the civil service
For affected families, this creates uncertainty about basic necessities like food, rent, and medicine
This represents a significant shift in how government shutdowns impact federal employees and services

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint