Republican and Democratic | Image: AP
The Trump administration is poised to initiate widespread layoffs of federal employees if President Donald Trump determines that negotiations with Democratic lawmakers to resolve a partial government shutdown are “absolutely going nowhere,” according to a senior official at the White House on Sunday.
As the federal shutdown reached its fifth day, Kevin Hassett, the Director of the White House National Economic Council, appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union” to express a glimmer of hope that Democrats might concede, thereby preventing a costly shutdown and the potential layoffs of federal workers, a scenario previously highlighted by White House budget director Russell Vought.
“President Trump and Russ Vought are preparing to take necessary measures if required, although they are optimistic that such action will not be necessary,” Hassett stated.
Later that day, when reporters inquired about the timeline for laying off federal workers, Trump responded cryptically, “It’s taking place right now,” without providing further details.
The White House’s Office of Management and Budget, which has been integral to Trump’s efforts to significantly reduce the federal workforce, did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the looming layoffs.
Negotiations seem to have hit a roadblock, as there have been no visible signs of progress between congressional leaders since Trump’s meeting with them last week. The government shutdown commenced on October 1, marking the start of the federal fiscal year 2026, following Senate Democrats’ rejection of a short-term funding proposal designed to keep federal agencies operational until November 21.
“They have refused to engage in discussions with us,” remarked Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer during an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” asserting that the stalemate could only be resolved through further talks involving Trump and the four congressional leaders.
Democratic lawmakers are insisting on a permanent extension of enhanced premium tax credits to assist Americans in purchasing private health insurance via the Affordable Care Act, alongside assurances that the administration will not unilaterally retract any agreed-upon spending in future negotiations. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed a readiness to address Democratic concerns but insists that the federal government must first be reopened.
Trump has shown interest in the healthcare debate, emphasizing the Republicans’ commitment to reforming the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare.
“We want to rectify the system so that it functions properly. Obamacare has proven to be a disaster for many, and our aim is to amend it so that it delivers results,” the president stated.
Informal discussions among rank-and-file Senate Democrats and Republicans have been taking place, focusing on finding common ground on healthcare and other pressing issues in hopes of reaching a consensus to reopen the government.
When asked if there has been any progress toward a deal, Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego responded candidly to CNN, stating, “At this juncture, no.”
The Senate is scheduled to cast votes on Monday for the fifth time concerning a stopgap funding bill that has already cleared the Republican-led House of Representatives, as well as a Democratic alternative. However, neither proposal is anticipated to garner the necessary 60 votes for advancement.
With a 53-47 majority and one Republican opposing the House funding bill, GOP leaders will require at least eight Democratic votes to push the bill through, but thus far, only three Democrats have shown willingness to support it.
“The choice is to either reopen the government or face consequences,” John Thune remarked during a segment on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”
“That is essentially the option laid before them at this moment,” the South Dakota Republican emphasized.
