Trump Threatens Mass Federal Layoffs Amid Government Shutdown Stalemate

President Donald Trump has escalated the government shutdown impasse by blaming Democrats for the crisis and threatening mass layoffs of federal workers if funding is not approved soon. Trump and his top adviser Kevin Hassett warned that if Democrats do not come to a deal, thousands of federal employees could be permanently laid off, with Trump asserting that any layoffs would be the Democrats' fault. Despite controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House, Republicans have been unable to secure enough Senate votes to end the shutdown, which began on October 1 due to failure to pass spending bills. Democrats, led by figures like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, accuse Republicans and Trump of being unwilling to negotiate seriously, while Republicans shift blame onto Democrats for opposing a clean continuing resolution. Essential services continue to operate without pay, but many federal programs and projects face cuts or suspension, disproportionately impacting communities relying on government support. The shutdown stalemate shows no sign of resolution, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune highlighting the need for more senators to back ending the shutdown.