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Trump’s Warning Sparks Tensions Ahead of Shutdown Deadline
President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning that thousands of federal jobs could be cut permanently if lawmakers fail to prevent a government shutdown this week. In an interview with NBC News, Trump stated, “We are going to cut a lot of the people that we’re able to cut on a permanent basis,” while adding that he would “rather not do that” if Congress manages to reach an agreement.

A Break from Shutdown Tradition
Historically, government shutdowns have resulted in temporary furloughs rather than permanent layoffs. During the 2013 shutdown under President Obama, nearly 850,000 federal employees were furloughed, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Trump’s latest remarks mark a dramatic shift from precedent, suggesting that this time furloughs could turn into lasting cuts across multiple federal agencies.

The Stakes: Millions in Paychecks and Services at Risk
The potential impact of a shutdown goes far beyond government payrolls. Federal workers, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck, could face financial turmoil if jobs are cut. In the 2018–2019 shutdown, which lasted 35 days, roughly 800,000 federal employees missed paychecks, creating ripple effects across the economy. If permanent firings occur, the economic damage could be even more severe, affecting sectors tied to federal contracts, local businesses in government-heavy areas like Washington D.C., and essential services nationwide.

White House Doubles Down on Warnings
The Trump administration has already instructed federal agencies to prepare for mass layoffs. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget last week raised the stakes by explicitly mentioning firings rather than temporary furloughs. This has heightened pressure on both Republicans and Democrats in Congress to bridge their differences before the funding deadline hits at midnight on Tuesday.

Congress Still Deeply Divided
Despite the looming deadline, lawmakers remain sharply divided over key budget priorities. While some Republicans have pushed for deeper spending cuts, Democrats argue that such moves would undermine critical programs ranging from healthcare to education. With only hours left, the lack of compromise raises the likelihood of a shutdown and amplifies the risk of Trump following through on his firing threat.

Economic and Political Fallout Looms
A shutdown could cost the U.S. economy billions in lost productivity and consumer spending. Past shutdowns have slowed GDP growth, delayed tax refunds, disrupted national parks, and stalled key government services. Politically, the move could reshape debates over the size of government, efficiency of federal agencies, and job security for millions of public sector workers.

Looking Ahead
If Congress fails to act in time, Trump’s unprecedented approach could redefine how future shutdowns are handled. Instead of short-term furloughs, thousands of federal employees may face permanent job loss, potentially reshaping the federal workforce for years to come.