The media reported on the savings of the US Department of Homeland Security on paper clips

At the Ministry of Internal Security (DHS) Due to the partial government shutdown, the United States is forced to save on basic office supplies, including paper clips. Dozens of employees of the American ministry told CBS News about this on April 22.

"Some offices have run out of paper clips. Others reuse printer paper, turning over old documents to print on the clean side. The Public Relations Department is forced to use only paper with three holes, since this is the only remaining stock in the storerooms," said one of the TV channel's interlocutors, describing these savings methods as "unique and amusingly complex workarounds."

It will be clarified that there is a shortage among other basic office supplies: cartridges and stationery, which is why the infrastructure of the department, which relies on contracts, subscriptions and logistics, is severely worn out.

According to one official, all suppliers, from cybersecurity services to toilet paper, run the risk of not receiving payment when delivering goods.

The cost of downtime: The United States is facing a shutdown again

The consequences may affect not only the economy, but also future elections.

On April 10, the Fox News Network (FNN) reported that U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mallin ordered all department employees, including those who were downsized, to return to work. It is noted that the ministry has been operating under partial closure since February 14, as Congress has not yet approved funding for the 2026 fiscal year.

On April 27, the White House press service website reported the words of US President Donald Trump, who declared the partial suspension of the work of the country's Interior Ministry units an emergency. It was clarified that since the beginning of the shutdown, about 500 transport security personnel have quit, and thousands of employees have started taking sick leave due to lack of pay.