The Trump administration has warned of imminent federal worker layoffs following the US government shutdown that began on October 1. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed the shutdown to Democrats, stating they “put us into this position” and that the Office of Management and Budget is coordinating with agencies to implement necessary cuts.

Vice President J.D. Vance echoed the warning, saying, “If this drags on for another few days, or, God forbid, weeks, we are going to have to lay people off. We must save money in some areas so essential services continue elsewhere.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the administration, calling it a “job-killing administration” and accusing Republicans of targeting federal workers since January. He stressed that Democrats are seeking to reverse healthcare cuts for American citizens in the “Big Beautiful Bill,” contrary to Republican claims that the party is demanding subsidies for illegal immigrants.

Republicans control both chambers of Congress but fall eight votes short in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed to pass the funding bill. They have proposed extending funding until November 21, while negotiations remain stalled.

This shutdown marks the first in seven years and mirrors the record-long 35-day shutdown under Trump’s previous administration. Essential services such as border protection, law enforcement, and air-traffic control continue to operate. However, non-essential programs—including government-funded pre-schools, food assistance, food inspections, and national park operations—face disruption.

If the shutdown continues, air travel could be impacted as unpaid workers may not report for duty, while federal employees face uncertainty over pay and job security.