The Trump administration’s plans to fire thousands of federal workers in the event of a government shutdown is akin to “mafia-style blackmail,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said.

The warning came after Trump refused a meeting with Democrats seeking healthcare funding in budget negotiations.

The White House has warned federal workers there will be more mass firings if Congress is unable to agree on a stopgap funding measure by the end of the month.

Calling Democratic spending demands 'insane,' the White House asked federal agencies to prepare for layoffs in a possible shutdown Oct. 1.

The US president warns of mass federal layoffs if funding deal fails amid shutdown battle with Democrats.

A government shutdown is fast approaching on Oct. 1, and the White House is using the threat of more federal workforce firings to pressure Democrats.

The Trump administration’s plans to fire thousands of federal workers in the event of a government shutdown is akin to “mafia-style blackmail,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said.

Democrats accuse Trump of intimidation tactics after memo outlines much more aggressive step than previous shutdowns

The president attended a golf tournament in New York on Friday, with just four days left until the federal government shuts down.

The White House last week told federal agencies to begin preparing for mass firings if Congress does not pass a deal to avert a government shutdown.