Interior tests AI lawnmowers as Trump warns of layoffs during shutdown
The Interior Department is piloting AI-powered lawnmowers across six national parks, including work on the National Mall. The program is funded by a National Park Foundation grant and aims to maintain grounds with the same staffing levels while improving efficiency, according to the agency's Technical Services Division.
The announcement landed the same day President Donald Trump warned of permanent layoffs during the shutdown that began at midnight after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill. Interior staff have been told to take government phones and laptops home to monitor potential layoff notifications.
What federal employees should know right now
- Keep devices on and check official channels. Agencies may use email, text, and portals for time-sensitive notices.
- Verify your status daily. Know whether you're "excepted," "exempt," furloughed, or at risk of reduction-in-force (RIF).
- Review your agency's shutdown plan and contact tree. Confirm you can access HR and timekeeping systems from home.
- Document work activity if you're excepted. Track hours and direction received for post-shutdown reconciliation.
- Update personal contact info with HR to ensure you receive urgent communications.
For general furlough rules and employee rights, see OPM's guidance on furloughs and RIF processes. OPM furlough guidance
What leaders said
"We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible… like cutting vast numbers of people and cutting programs that they like," President Trump said from the Oval Office, adding, "They're taking a risk by having a shutdown."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that layoffs are "imminent," citing work by the Office of Management and Budget to identify cuts. OMB Director Russ Vought told House Republicans that layoffs could begin within two days, focusing on programs with expired discretionary funding or no alternative sources.
Inside Interior's AI lawnmower pilot
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the department is testing autonomous mowing at six park sites. Jeff Gowen, who manages the agency's Technical Services Division, framed the pilot this way: improve efficiency so the same workforce can deliver more outcomes.
- Scope: Six national parks, with visible work on high-traffic grounds like the National Mall.
- Funding: Grant support from the National Park Foundation. National Park Foundation
- Operational focus: Safety protocols around visitors, geofencing, noise windows, weather contingencies, and oversight by facilities staff.
- Data to track: Cost per acre maintained, reliability, incident reports, battery/runtime performance, and staff hours reallocated to higher-value tasks.
Policy and HR implications
Shutdown furloughs pause work and pay for non-excepted roles; they are typically temporary. Layoffs (RIF) require formal notice, retention calculations, and appeal rights; they are not the standard outcome of shutdowns but have been flagged as possible here.
Agencies have been advised to evaluate programs with lapsed discretionary funding for potential cuts. Coordinate early with labor relations, counsel, and HR to ensure any actions follow statute, contract terms, and Merit Systems principles.
Action checklist for supervisors
- Confirm who is excepted vs. furloughed; issue written notices accordingly.
- Test communications: mass email/SMS, emergency lines, and timekeeping access.
- Secure facilities and assets; document custody of laptops, phones, and credentials.
- Stand up a small review cell to track OMB/agency guidance and draft contingency decisions for programs at risk.
- For the mower pilot: assign a site safety lead, establish geofence maps, approve mowing windows, and log performance weekly.
Context for lawmakers and budget staff
The shutdown began after the Senate failed to pass a stopgap measure. The administration and Republican lawmakers blamed Democrats, while Democratic leaders said they're seeking agreements to lower costs and address what they call a "Republican healthcare crisis."
Historically, shutdowns have led to furloughs rather than permanent layoffs. This time, leadership has publicly signaled that reductions are on the table if funding lapses continue.
Upskilling for AI-enabled operations (optional resource)
If your team needs structured training on AI tools for facilities and operations, explore practical courses and tools here: AI + automation resources.
Bottom line: stay reachable, stick to official guidance, and prepare clean documentation. On the operations side, treat the AI mower pilot like any field test-tight safety, clear metrics, and a quick feedback loop to inform go/no-go decisions.
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