Schumer: Trump’s proposed shutdown layoffs are an ‘attempt at intimidation’

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) says a new memo from the White House budget office warning that mass firings could be on the table if there’s a government shutdown is “an attempt at intimidation.”

Schumer, who was scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House Thursday to discuss a funding deal before Trump cancelled the meeting, predicted that federal courts would overturn any attempt by the administration to use a shutdown as a justification to fire thousands of federal workers.

“Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one — not to govern, but to scare. This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government. These unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back, just like they did as recently as today,” Schumer said in a statement late Wednesday.

The memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directs agencies to “use this opportunity to consider reduction in force (RIF) notices for all employees in programs, projects, or activities” if the funding for those programs lapses on Oct. 1 and if the programs’ activities are “not consistent with the president’s priorities.”

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) responded by taking a shot at White House budget director Russ Vought.

“Listen Russ, you are a malignant political hack. We will not be intimidated by your threat to engage in mass firings. Get lost,” Jeffries posted on social media.

Government funding is due to expire on Sept. 30 and members of Congress and strategists in both parties predict a shutdown is likely next week.