Mass layoffs to begin if shutdown talks 'going nowhere': White House

The Trump administration is set to begin layoffs of federal workers if President Donald Trump feels that the negotiations with congressional Democrats to end the partial government shutdown "are going nowhere", Reuters reported quoting a senior White House official on Sunday.

The shut down has entered its fifth day and White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNN's "State of the Union" program he still saw a chance that Democrats would back down, referring to the threat of layoffs.

"President Trump and Russ Vought are lining things up and getting ready to act if they have to, but hoping that they don't," Hassett said.


When asked, Trump said that the layoffs are "taking place right now."

Further, there were no signs of negotiations between congressional leaders and Trump since meting last wee. The shutdown began on October 1, which is the start of federal fiscal 2026, after Senate Democrats rejected a short-term funding measure that would keep federal agencies open through November 21.

"They've refused to talk with us," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told CBS' "Face the Nation" program, adding that the matter could move forward only with a dialogue between Trump and the four congressional leaders.

SENATE VOTE today

Rank-and-file Senate Democrats and Republicans have had informal talks to find a common ground on healthcare and other issues in hopes of reaching a deal to reopen the government. On Monday, the Senate will vote for the fifth time on the stopgap funding bill that has already passed the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and on a Democratic alternative. Neither measure is expected to receive the 60 votes needed to advance.

With a 53-47-seat majority and one Republican opposed to the House funding bill, Republican leaders need at least eight Democrats to support the measure but have seen only three cross the aisle so far.

"It's open up the government or else," John Thune told the Fox News program "Sunday Morning Futures."

"That's really the choice that's in front of them right now," the South Dakota Republican said.