Government Shutdown 2025: Are Federal Employee Layoffs Coming?

A partial government shutdown is underway as of October 1, 2025. In an unprecedented move, the White House wants to use it as an opportunity to lay off federal employees via RIFs (reduction in force). How many could be affected? Also, we discuss the Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act, legislation introduced to help federal employees who may be facing financial hardship during the government shutdown. Related Articles Shutdown Fallout: The Looming Threat of Mass Federal Employee Layoffs https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/10/01/shutdown-fallout-the-looming-threat-of-mass-federal-employee-layoffs/ Shutdown Relief Bill Targets TSP Loan Barriers https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/10/02/shutdown-relief-bill-targets-tsp-loan-barriers/ TSP Performance in September: Stock Funds Surge Despite Shutdown Fears and Possible Massive Change in Government https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/10/01/tsp-performance-september-stock-funds-surge-despite-shutdown-fears/ OPM Says Federal Agencies Can Proceed with RIFs During a Government Shutdown https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/09/30/opm-says-federal-agencies-can-proceed-with-rifs-during-a-government-shutdown/ Chapters 0:00 Introduction