Republicans and Democrats are going head-to-head once again in a battle over government funding. In a memo sent to federal agencies on Sept. 24, the Office of Management and Budget threatened mass federal firings during a potential government shutdown. Government employees who work for programs not legally required face the risk of termination. In the event of a shutdown, jobs that do not align with President Donald Trump’s priorities will be eliminated. 

All government functions deemed non-essential, including select welfare programs, food inspections, national park operations and student loan disbursements, are suspended until an agreement is reached. Departments related to these services would be the target of mass layoffs. 

The deadline for both parties to agree on funding is midnight on Sept. 30; otherwise, the U.S. will see a funding lapse on Oct. 1. In the past, government shutdowns have been handled much less aggressively, with temporary furloughs that returned employees to work once the government was back up and funding was in place. However, with the OMB threatening permanent firings — the U.S. is seeing another intimidation tactic by Trump and his administration against those who disagree with the Republican Party.

This fight intensified because the end of the fiscal year is on Sept. 30, and funding disagreements between Republicans and Democrats must be resolved by the end of tonight. Politico states, “The House passed a stopgap spending measure to float federal operations through Nov. 21, but Democrats in the Senate have refused to advance it, demanding that Republicans come to the table to negotiate a bipartisan package that could include an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.”

 The right wing’s communication — or lack thereof — shows complete disregard for the government, federal employees and the American people. Getting Trump to meet with the Democratic leaders was a battle of its own. Last week, Trump canceled the meeting set to occur with Democratic leaders in the Oval Office and went to Truth Social to say, “After reviewing the details of the unserious and ridiculous demands being made by the Minority Radical Left Democrats in return for their Votes to keep our thriving Country open, I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive.” 

The meeting instead took place on Sept. 29, ending in no resolution. Although the left claims that Trump was “really listening,” no agreement has been made. Trump, who claims to prioritize his people, is using the nation’s future as leverage to win his fight.

The Trump administration’s threat of permanent terminations and unnecessary delay of an official discussion already puts the government and the nation in disarray — mass firings would be incredibly destructive. Whether the fight is for free speech, government funding or better social safety nets, the administration’s intimidation tactics must be stopped.

Republicans and Democrats are going head-to-head once again in a battle over government funding. In a memo sent to federal agencies on Sept. 24, the Office of Management and Budget threatened mass federal firings during a potential government shutdown. Government employees who work for programs not legally required face the risk of termination. In the event of a shutdown, jobs that do not align with President Donald Trump’s priorities will be eliminated. 

All government functions deemed non-essential, including select welfare programs, food inspections, national park operations and student loan disbursements, are suspended until an agreement is reached. Departments related to these services would be the target of mass layoffs. 

The deadline for both parties to agree on funding is midnight on Sept. 30; otherwise, the U.S. will see a funding lapse on Oct. 1. In the past, government shutdowns have been handled much less aggressively, with temporary furloughs that returned employees to work once the government was back up and funding was in place. However, with the OMB threatening permanent firings — the U.S. is seeing another intimidation tactic by Trump and his administration against those who disagree with the Republican Party.

This fight intensified because the end of the fiscal year is on Sept. 30, and funding disagreements between Republicans and Democrats must be resolved by the end of tonight. Politico states, “The House passed a stopgap spending measure to float federal operations through Nov. 21, but Democrats in the Senate have refused to advance it, demanding that Republicans come to the table to negotiate a bipartisan package that could include an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.”

 The right wing’s communication — or lack thereof — shows complete disregard for the government, federal employees and the American people. Getting Trump to meet with the Democratic leaders was a battle of its own. Last week, Trump canceled the meeting set to occur with Democratic leaders in the Oval Office and went to Truth Social to say, “After reviewing the details of the unserious and ridiculous demands being made by the Minority Radical Left Democrats in return for their Votes to keep our thriving Country open, I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive.” 

The meeting instead took place on Sept. 29, ending in no resolution. Although the left claims that Trump was “really listening,” no agreement has been made. Trump, who claims to prioritize his people, is using the nation’s future as leverage to win his fight.

The Trump administration’s threat of permanent terminations and unnecessary delay of an official discussion already puts the government and the nation in disarray — mass firings would be incredibly destructive. Whether the fight is for free speech, government funding or better social safety nets, the administration’s intimidation tactics must be stopped.