The Trump administration is ramping up its threats of layoffs for thousands of federal employees amid the ongoing government shutdown. President Trump claimed layoffs were “taking place right now,” but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that he was talking about the furlough of many workers since the shutdown began on October 1.
Leavitt pointed out that millions of federal workers are under significant financial strain. They are anxious about how to pay their bills and care for their families. “If Congress does not act to open the government tonight, federal workers will miss their next full paycheck,” she warned.
Last week, Leavitt indicated that layoffs “in the thousands” could happen soon. Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought also mentioned to Republican lawmakers that layoffs would occur in the following days if no agreement was reached in Congress.
In a surprising twist, while threats of layoffs loom, the General Services Administration (GSA) has decided to reinstate hundreds of employees who were previously laid off. They are now back at work to manage its vast real estate portfolio. Many of these employees will continue to receive pay despite the shutdown, demonstrating a contrast to the administration’s warnings.
According to industry reports, about 75% of employees invited back by the GSA chose to return. This move is notable given that during a government shutdown, federal buildings often stay open for workers but not for the public. Yet, construction projects funded by previous budgets may still proceed.
A significant percentage of GSA employees—around 64%—remain exempt from the shutdown’s full effects as their roles are funded through carryover funds from previous years. This allows many to continue their work and receive their paychecks. The GSA is responsible for maintaining federal properties, which necessitates that a core group of personnel stays on the job during a shutdown.
The impact of shutdowns varies over time. Historical context shows that past shutdowns have generally led to a heightened level of uncertainty among federal workers. For instance, during a two-week shutdown in 2013, around 800,000 federal employees were furloughed. In contrast, the current situation hints at a more sustained disruption, which experts warn could lead to lasting consequences on government operations and employee morale.
As the situation unfolds, organizations representing federal employees are exploring legal options. Some unions have requested federal judges to intervene against mass layoffs. This reflects growing unrest and concern among employees about job security during political stand-offs.
Responses on social media show a mix of frustration and resilience. Many federal workers are actively voicing their concerns, using platforms like Twitter to share personal stories about the shutdown’s impact on their lives. The tone ranges from disbelief to determination, showcasing the human side of a political crisis.
Additionally, while the administration emphasizes the need for security of federal properties during this period, some experts remain skeptical. Norman Dong, a former PBS Commissioner, noted that while a brief shutdown might lead to minor disruptions, a prolonged one could have severe implications on federal leasing and property management. Dong mentioned that the government might need to take “unprecedented steps” to maintain funding for lease obligations if the shutdown drags on.
As the political standoff continues, the welfare of federal employees hangs in the balance. The actions taken in the coming days will likely determine not only the fate of many workers but also the operation of federal services overall.
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general services administration,government shutdown,karoline leavitt,office of management and budget,russ vought,white house
