UPDATE: President Donald Trump is set to host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House today amid escalating tensions surrounding a potential government shutdown. As the September 30 funding deadline approaches, federal agencies are bracing for drastic measures, including mass firings.
Just hours before the crucial meeting, the White House budget office has issued a memo instructing agencies to prepare for significant layoffs. This directive marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to shutdowns, targeting programs that lack essential funding. The memo emphasizes identifying programs that would face immediate cuts if Congress fails to resolve funding disputes.
The memo, obtained by CNN, indicates that jobs deemed “not consistent” with Trump’s priorities may face permanent elimination. “We remain hopeful that Democrats in Congress will not trigger a shutdown and the steps outlined above will not be necessary,” the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stated. This warning signals a stark reality for many federal workers as the clock ticks down.
In parallel developments, Epstein’s estate has handed over a third batch of documents to the House Oversight Committee, including critical data like flight logs, cash transaction ledgers, and communications from Epstein’s former assistant. While these documents are largely unredacted, the estate has requested that the committee withhold public release until it reviews proposed redactions aimed at protecting victim information.
Back at the White House, Trump is also scheduled to meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at 4:30 p.m. ET, following his discussions with Erdogan. These meetings focus on military and trade agreements, including a notable deal involving Boeing aircraft. Trump expressed optimism about his relationship with Erdogan, stating, “I look forward to seeing him on the 25th!” in a post on Truth Social.
As the situation unfolds, citizens are urged to stay updated on the potential impacts of a government shutdown, which could disrupt federal services and employment for thousands. The urgency surrounding these developments emphasizes the interconnectedness of international relations and domestic stability.
With the clock ticking down to the funding deadline, the outcomes of today’s meetings could have lasting repercussions for both federal employment and U.S. foreign policy. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.