White House Official Says Layoffs Will Start Soon If Shutdown Talks Go Nowhere

The president also told reporters on Oct. 5 that it’s up to Democrats whether layoffs begin or the government is reopened.

A sign indicates that the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is closed due to lack of funding from the government during the fifth day of the government shutdown in Washington on Oct. 5, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

A top White House economy official, Kevin Hassett, said on Oct. 5 that layoffs to the federal workforce could occur quickly if negotiations with Democrats to reopen the government don’t lead to any progress.

Hassett, who is the head of the National Economic Council, said the administration and Republicans will negotiate their position to end the government shutdown but said he hopes Democrats come to a compromise soon. If not, the layoffs will start, he said.