Trump: If the US Government has to shut down ... it will shut down

The White House has instructed federal agencies to prepare for mass layoffs if Congress fails to prevent a government shutdown next week, according to a memo obtained by U.S. media.

The Office of Management and Budget directed agencies to begin drafting “reduction in force” plans for programs that would lose funding should lawmakers miss the September 30 budget deadline.

The warning followed President Donald Trump’s decision Tuesday to cancel a meeting with Democratic leaders, who have been pushing to secure healthcare funding as part of the ongoing negotiations.

“We remain hopeful that Democrats in Congress will not trigger a shutdown and the steps outlined above will not be necessary,” the memo stated.

The guidance noted that permanent job cuts could take place in federal programs, projects, and activities that lack alternative funding sources and are “not consistent with the President’s priorities.”

Most federal agencies depend on annual appropriations from Congress. Each year, they submit budget requests that must be passed by Congress and signed into law by the president before the fiscal year begins October 1. Without a deal, all non-essential government functions would be halted.

Last week, House Republicans — joined by one Democrat — passed a stopgap measure to extend government funding until November 20. Senate Democrats blocked the bill, instead advancing their own plan to restore healthcare funding after Trump’s sweeping July legislation, the “One, Big Beautiful Bill,” made significant cuts to Medicaid.