U.S. Shutdown Reaches Sixth Day as Layoff Threats Grow
The U.S. government shutdown entered its sixth day on Monday, with President Donald Trump’s administration and Democrats in Congress still unable to reach a funding agreement. The White House warned it may increase pressure by ordering mass layoffs of federal workers if the stalemate continues.
The Republican-led Senate was set to vote on two competing funding bills — a Republican stopgap measure passed by the House of Representatives to fund operations through November 21, and a Democratic alternative. However, neither proposal was expected to secure the 60 votes required to move forward.
On Sunday night, when asked about the timing of potential layoffs, Trump said, “It’s taking place right now,” blaming Democrats for the ongoing impasse. The White House has warned that thousands of federal employees could lose their jobs if the shutdown drags on.
Trump’s budget director, Russell Vought, has already frozen $28 billion in infrastructure funding for New York, California, and Illinois — states with large Democratic populations critical of the president.
Meanwhile, Trump and his allies have mocked Democrats online with deepfake videos that use Mexican stereotypes, which Vice President JD Vance defended as a joke.
Democrats Resist Pressure as GOP Tensions Rise
Democratic leaders have refused to yield to the White House’s hardball tactics, even as some centrist Republicans express concern the strategy could deepen the deadlock.
“What we’ve seen is negotiation through deepfake videos, canceled votes, and the president spending the day golfing. That’s not responsible behavior,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on NBC’s Meet the Press.
This marks the 15th U.S. government shutdown since 1981, tying for the fourth-longest in history at six days. The record remains 35 days, during Trump’s first term in 2018–2019.
Healthcare Funding at the Center of the Stalemate
At the heart of the dispute is healthcare funding. Senate Democrats are demanding a permanent extension of federal subsidies that help Americans afford health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
They have blocked the House-approved continuing resolution (CR) four times. With a 53–47 Republican majority, Senate leaders need eight Democrats to pass the bill. So far, only two Democrats and one Independent have supported it.
“All we need are five more Democrats to vote ‘yes’ — the government opens, and then we can address their priorities,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Fox News Sunday.
However, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said progress has stalled. “Republicans offered nothing,” he noted, adding that any deal will require talks among Trump, Thune, Jeffries, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and himself.
Some Democrats insist on a healthcare deal before November 1, when ACA open enrollment begins. “We must act by November 1,” said Senator Ruben Gallego, warning that delays could raise insurance costs or cut coverage for many families.
Democrats also want legal assurances to prevent the White House from withholding approved funds. “We can’t just take a verbal promise,” said Senator Adam Schiff. “We need it written into law.”
Economic Impact of the Standoff
The shutdown has frozen about $1.7 trillion in federal spending, roughly one-quarter of the annual budget. The rest continues to fund healthcare, retirement programs, and interest payments on the growing $37.5 trillion national debt.
With talks stalled, financial markets and federal employees alike are bracing for further fallout as day seven approaches.
