The Trump administration has officially begun the process of significant layoffs among federal workers, signaling a follow-through on earlier threats to reduce the size of the government during the ongoing shutdown. In court filings submitted late Friday, government attorneys indicated that around 4,200 employees across seven federal agencies are set to receive reduction-in-force (RIF) notices starting from October 10. This announcement was initially made by Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in a post on social media platform X.
An OMB spokesperson later confirmed to NPR that the RIF process was substantial, although they refrained from providing specific numbers regarding those affected. While some federal employees have reportedly received official layoff notices, union leaders from various agencies indicate that others have only been informed of the administration's intent to cut jobs.
When pressed by reporters on the potential job losses, President Trump refrained from giving an exact figure but stated, "It'll be a lot." He added that more specific numbers would be announced in the coming days, attributing the layoffs to the actions of the Democrats.
At least one federal agency, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), confirmed the issuance of RIF notices. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon stated that employees across multiple divisions were receiving these notices as a direct result of the Democrat-led government shutdown. He mentioned that all HHS employees affected were deemed non-essential by their respective divisions. Nixon attributed the situation to a "bloated bureaucracy" created by the Biden administration, despite the fact that HHS has already reduced its workforce by 20,000 workers through earlier RIFs and voluntary resignations.
Furthermore, a union representing employees of the Education Department reported that multiple members confirmed layoffs would impact at least two offices: the Office of Communications and Outreach, and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. AFGE Local 252 President Rachel Gittleman criticized the administration for using these layoffs to illegally dismantle the Department of Education, stating that such cuts would negatively impact students and families nationwide.
Antonio Gaines, president of AFGE Council 222, which represents Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) employees, acknowledged that the union had received notifications regarding the potential termination of several employees. He emphasized that the union is currently reviewing the situation and seeking legal guidance. Additionally, Justin Chen, president of AFGE Council 238, confirmed that employees at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) involved in critical initiatives like recycling and composting are among those targeted for layoffs.
Chen expressed concern, stating that weakening the EPA workforce poses a direct threat to the health and safety of Americans. As of now, it remains unclear whether individual employees at the EPA or HUD have received formal layoff notices.
In light of the RIF announcements, several unions have already filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, claiming that the threats to dismantle essential federal services are illegal and violate historical practices and applicable laws. This announcement came just hours before a court-imposed deadline for the federal government to disclose the status of any planned or ongoing RIFs due to the government shutdown.
American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley condemned the layoffs, labeling the administration's actions as disgraceful and an illegal attempt to terminate thousands of workers who provide critical services to communities nationwide. Since the government shutdown commenced, the administration has made various threats to cut spending and fire workers, blaming Democrats for their refusal to compromise on health care subsidies.
Top Republicans in Congress are shifting blame for the mass layoffs onto Democrats, who have resisted supporting a Republican-backed measure to reopen the government. GOP leaders believe that the threat of these layoffs may pressure Democrats into a compromise. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that the administration felt it had no choice but to proceed with the layoffs.
Conversely, Democrats argue that Republicans are leveraging the shutdown to continue their efforts to diminish the federal government's scope. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the administration's actions as deliberate chaos, asserting that they are choosing to harm federal workers who play essential roles in protecting the country and serving the public.
Despite ongoing discussions among a bipartisan group regarding a potential resolution to end the shutdown—possibly including a vote on health insurance subsidies—hope for compromise seems to be diminishing as the layoffs heighten tensions within Congress. Senator Susan Collins expressed her opposition to the layoffs, emphasizing the importance of federal employees' work, regardless of their pay status during the shutdown.
