WASHINGTON - The federal government initiated a shutdown at midnight Oct. 1, closing hundreds of offices, putting hundreds of thousands of workers on furlough, and forcing others to work without pay.

While essential workers will continue to work, those deemed nonessential are being placed on furlough, a temporary leave of unpaid absence. In the past, such workers have kept their jobs and returned after shutdowns ended.

However, things may be different this time, since President Donald Trump has threatened permanent layoffs in the wake of the shutdown. Furloughs are temporary, but layoffs are permanent. Laid-off workers may not be able to return.

What jobs are affected by government shutdown?

The Environmental Protection Agency, Education Department, and Commerce Department have the highest percentages of workforce furloughs, according to their contingency plans for operating under a shutdown. The Veterans Affairs department will have about 3% of its staff furloughed.

Trump threatens to fire federal workers

Trump has said "vast numbers" of federal workers could be terminated, USA TODAY reported. The White House Office of Management and Budget said in a recent email that workers whose activities are “not consistent with the President’s priorities” are a target.

Vice President JD Vance told reporters that the administration will "have to lay people off" if a shutdown extends for weeks.

How long will government shutdown last?

Congress must pass funding appropriations to end the shutdown. Trump then has to sign the appropriations bill into law.

Alternatively, lawmakers could also pass a temporary spending bill, known as a continuing resolution (or CR, for short), to buy more time for negotiations. (Source: USA Today)

Story Date: October 3, 2025