White House Directs Federal Agencies to Prepare for Unprecedented Mass Firings in Government Shutdown Scenario

Sep 25, 2025 03:41 pm CST

The White House budget office has instructed federal agencies to prepare for mass terminations during a potential government shutdown, breaking with traditional protocols that typically furlough nonessential workers temporarily. This unprecedented directive would permanently eliminate positions not aligned with administration priorities if Congress fails to approve funding before October 1, raising concerns about economic impact and legal challenges.