The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is preparing guidance for federal agencies to plan for Reduction in Force (RIF) layoffs in anticipation of a potential government shutdown, according to reports shared on X by users citing Politico. This development, discussed between 1:36 AM and 2:06 AM UTC on September 25th, suggests federal workers could be sent home permanently. President Donald J. Trump stated that the ball is in the court of the Democrat Party leaders, urging them to "become realistic about the things that our Country stands for" and "DO THE RIGHT THING!" in a message shared on X. He indicated readiness to meet when Democrats adopt a more realistic approach, specifically mentioning the need to address the Republican healthcare crisis. Separately, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is scheduled for a full interview, as indicated by a post on X. In local news, former Austin City Council staff allege that council members and staff played a "constituent bingo" game during meetings, with card titles including "MAGA hat" and "Sassy mayor," according to KXAN News. A new tool has been released on X, allowing users to customize a "House Demographic Swingometer" by race and turnout to visualize potential seat flips and shifts in the balance of power. Previous reports from September 25th and 24th noted the Trump administration's preparations for mass firings amid shutdown fears, friction between the FBI and DOJ regarding the Epstein crisis, and an off-duty officer discharging a weapon at New York Penn Station. President Trump also reportedly called for the arrest of UN workers over an escalator issue, presented challenge coins to the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, and the Department of Homeland Security increased security at ICE facilities. Secretary Noem had previously characterized a shooting motivated by anti-ICE sentiment as a consequence of far-left rhetoric. Discussions regarding a farmer aid package were also underway, and Director Matthew Kratsios rejected global AI governance efforts at the UN Security Council, citing potential stifling of innovation.
