White House Initiates Mass Layoffs of Federal Workers Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

The White House has begun implementing significant layoffs of federal employees as the government shutdown extends into its tenth day. Russ Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, announced on social media that "RIFs have begun," referring to reductions-in-force aimed at downsizing the federal workforce. A spokesperson for the budget office described the layoffs as "substantial" but did not provide specific numbers.

The Education Department is among the agencies affected, with a spokesperson confirming new layoffs without offering further details. The department's workforce had already been reduced from approximately 4,100 employees to about 2,500 since President Donald Trump took office. Federal health workers are also being dismissed, though the Department of Health and Human Services has not specified the extent or focus of these layoffs.

Prior to the shutdown's commencement on October 1, the White House instructed all federal agencies to submit reduction-in-force plans for review. These plans target programs whose funding would lapse during a shutdown, lack alternative funding sources, or are "not consistent with the President's priorities." This approach deviates from typical shutdown procedures, where federal workers are furloughed and reinstated once funding is restored.

Democratic lawmakers have challenged the legality of these firings, arguing they may violate federal statutes. President Trump indicated earlier this week that the number of job eliminations could be substantial if the shutdown persists, stating, "If this keeps going on, it'll be substantial, and a lot of those jobs will never come back."

As the shutdown continues, both the House and Senate remain at an impasse, with no active negotiations between Democratic and Republican leaders. Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged centrist Democrats to break ranks, stating, "It's time for them to get a backbone."

The situation underscores the escalating tensions and strategic maneuvers as both parties seek leverage in resolving the funding deadlock.