Posted in

White House threatens layoffs — not furloughs — if the government shuts down

Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought attends a cabinet meeting with President Trump at the White House on July 8, 2025.

In past government shutdowns, workers have been put on temporary furloughs until funding resumes. This time, the Trump White House is looking for bigger and more permanent cuts, a new memo shows.

(Image credit: Andrew Harnik)