The US government is facing an imminent wave of mass layoffs for federal workers, as the shutdown, which began on Wednesday, shows no signs of ending. Both Republicans and Democrats are engaged in a bitter blame game, with neither side willing to compromise on a new spending plan.

• Vice-President JD Vance and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated mass job cuts would occur within two days, attributing the situation to Democrats.
• The shutdown could lead to roughly 750,000 federal workers (40% of the federal workforce) being placed on temporary unpaid leave.
• Democrats seek guarantees on healthcare funding, while Republicans propose a temporary stop-gap measure to keep the government open until mid-November.