Partnership for Public Service Statement on the threat of additional federal agency RIFs in the case of a government shutdown

September 25, 2025

WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier in response to a White House memo laying the groundwork for mass firings across the federal government in the event of a government shutdown next week: 

“Leaders in Congress and the White House are elected to serve the public. Shutting down our government would be a profound failure of that responsibility. 

“The Trump administration’s attempt to use a potential government shutdown to continue its misguided and damaging efforts to eviscerate the federal workforce is the equivalent of cutting off your nose to spite your face. We are already witnessing the significant impacts of arbitrary personnel cuts and threatening more through a shutdown would compound the grievous harm and have grave consequences for the American people.   

“When our elected officials use government services and federal workers as pawns in political fights, it’s the public that pays the price. The American people deserve much better.”  

Read more of Stier’s perspective on a potential government shutdown in his latest piece for The Contrarian. 

During the past 24 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees.   

Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more.   

###