The Daily Punch Trump goes nuclear on shutdown
8 snips
Sep 25, 2025 Amid looming government shutdown fears, mass federal layoffs are on the table as the administration seeks to pressure Democrats. The Pentagon seems surprisingly unfazed, with military funding providing a cushion against shutdown warnings. There's a heated discussion about how congressional redistricting in Ohio could reshape political dynamics, potentially benefiting Republicans. Tensions rise as both sides weigh their options to avoid a shutdown, making the stakes higher than ever.
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OMB Threatens Targeted Layoffs
- The OMB memo signals the administration will use a shutdown to cut programs and staff it dislikes.
- That tactic aims to pressure Democrats politically by making the lapse look painful and punitive.
Political Pain Outweighs Legal Fixes
- The administration will cut jobs during a shutdown and blame Democrats to increase political pressure.
- Democrats fear the tactic because the immediate political damage matters more than later legal or rehiring outcomes.
Counter Messaging Should Start Immediately
- Prepare union and public communications now to counter administration layoffs messaging.
- Emphasize likely rehiring and legal challenges to reduce immediate political damage.