The White House announced on Friday that it has initiated another round of layoffs targeting federal workers, advancing President Trump’s threats to cut agencies and reduce the government workforce during the ongoing shutdown. This decision has left many in confusion, as the administration did not specify the number of employees affected. Currently, hundreds of thousands of federal workers are already furloughed, while others are required to report for duty without pay.
Initial reports indicate that the layoffs could be extensive and affect a wide range of departments. Officials from key agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services, have confirmed that they will be conducting layoffs. Russell T. Vought, the White House budget director, indicated on social media that “RIFs have begun,” referring to the reduction-in-force notices being issued to federal employees regarding impending dismissals. An anonymous White House official described the upcoming cuts as significant, further adding to the anxiety of federal workers during this tumultuous period.
By moving to fire federal employees amidst a government shutdown, President Trump risks escalating the already costly fiscal stalemate, with no resolution in sight. Instead of engaging in negotiations with Democrats, the president appears to be leveraging the shutdown as a political strategy. This has allowed him the opportunity to reshape the federal budget, while simultaneously targeting his political opponents. Notably, the administration has already cancelled or frozen tens of billions of dollars in federal aid that primarily benefitted Democratic-led cities and states.
President Trump has also threatened to cut funding for what he labeled “Democrat agencies,” indicating a potential for permanent spending reductions without the explicit approval of Congress. “We’ll be cutting some very popular Democrat programs that aren’t popular with Republicans, frankly,” he stated during a cabinet meeting, further emphasizing his confrontational approach towards the opposition.
In anticipation of these layoffs, unions representing federal workers have preemptively challenged the legality of any mass firings occurring during the shutdown. They argue that the government cannot proceed with layoffs simply because federal funding has lapsed. In a case presented to a federal judge, union representatives mentioned that they believe the layoffs could be substantial, pointing to the Treasury Department where officials may be preparing to issue up to 1,300 terminations. The Treasury Department has yet to respond to requests for comment on this matter.
Everett Kelley, the national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which is one of the unions suing the administration, criticized the Trump administration's strategy. “It is disgraceful that the Trump administration has used the government shutdown as an excuse to illegally fire thousands of workers who provide critical services to communities across the country,” he stated.
As of Friday afternoon, there seems to be little progress towards a resolution to reopen the government. Congress has adjourned for the weekend, and Democrats continue to reject a Republican plan aimed at reopening federal agencies next month. They are seeking to extend a set of expiring subsidies that assist millions of Americans in affording health insurance.
Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the majority leader, acknowledged the situation, stating, “I think to their credit, the White House has now for 10 days laid off doing anything in hopes that enough Senate Democrats would come to their senses and do the right thing and fund the government.” However, he also indicated that the situation could soon change, highlighting the pressures that come with a government shutdown. “That’s what a shutdown does,” he remarked. “You put the administration and this presidency in a position where you have to make some hard decisions.”
This unfolding situation illustrates the complex interplay between federal employment, political strategy, and the ongoing budgetary challenges facing the nation.
