Washington: The Government Shutdown 2025 has resulted in federal departments closing since midnight after Congress failed to approve a funding measure.
The crisis carries higher stakes than previous shutdowns, with Trump pushing to reduce government operations and hinting at turning furloughs into extensive layoffs. JD Vance told reporters that federal employees may face layoffs if the shutdown persists, emphasising that the administration seeks to maintain essential services.
Vance clarified that political affiliation will not determine which workers are affected but admitted uncertainty remains over the extent of staff reductions. Approximately 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed, with pay withheld until work resumes. Essential workers, including military and border agents, may have to operate without immediate pay, potentially missing upcoming pay cheques.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that government agencies are already preparing for cuts, blaming Democrats for the shutdown. Leavitt stated that the president has directed cabinet members and the Office of Management and Budget to identify possible reductions, warning that layoffs are imminent. Democrats have withheld Senate votes, leveraging expiring healthcare subsidies to negotiate funding.
Vance specifically targeted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, claiming that their faction shut down the government over healthcare funding for undocumented immigrants, a statement contradicted by current law.
Shutdown negotiations have been strained, with Trump mocking Democratic leaders online, including an AI-generated depiction of Jeffries in a sombrero. Vance described the memes as humourous while noting that reopening the government could end the online mockery. A Marist poll indicates that 38 percent of voters blame Republicans for the shutdown, 27 percent blame Democrats, and 31 percent hold both parties responsible.
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