Federal Government Shutdown Begins Amid Workforce Reduction Plans
The U.S. federal government has entered a shutdown, affecting approximately 750,000 employees, as the administration considers significant workforce reductions.
As of 12:01 a.m. ET on October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government has entered a shutdown due to a lapse in funding. This marks the first shutdown since 2018, impacting an estimated 750,000 federal employees who are now furloughed.
The shutdown has raised concerns among federal workers about potential job cuts. The administration has instructed federal agencies to prepare for possible reductions in force, with estimates suggesting a decrease of approximately 300,000 federal positions by the end of the year.
Labor unions have responded by filing a lawsuit, alleging that the proposed layoffs are unlawful and intended to pressure Congress. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, stated,
"Announcing plans to fire potentially tens of thousands of federal employees simply because Congress and the administration are at odds on funding the government past the end of the fiscal year is not only illegal – it's immoral and unconscionable."
The shutdown's duration remains uncertain, leaving many federal employees and their families facing financial instability. Essential services continue to operate, but numerous government functions are halted until a resolution is reached.
Source
The GuardianFact-checking
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