😰 On the 10th day of the U.S. government shutdown, the Trump administration officially rolled out federal layoffs, escalating tensions in Washington.
White House Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought announced on X that "The RIFs have begun," referring to Reduction in Force. Details on the number of employees or departments hit weren't disclosed, but media reports suggest the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury are among those planning cuts.
President Donald Trump and GOP leaders have warned that federal workers would face job losses if the funding impasse dragged on. Democrats accuse Republicans of using civil servants as bargaining chips, labeling the tactic as political intimidation.
Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), slammed the move as "disgraceful," noting that the union has already filed a lawsuit. "Federal workers are tired of being used as pawns for political gain," Kelley said, urging Congress to end the shutdown immediately.
The impasse in Congress continues: the Senate recently failed to pass any new short-term funding measures after Democrats pushed for expanded healthcare provisions and Republicans demanded a "clean" bill without extra riders. With both sides at a stalemate, essential workers continue to work without pay, while hundreds of thousands of others stay home on unpaid leave.
Traditionally, furloughed employees receive back pay once funding resumes, but permanently firing federal workers during a shutdown breaks with past practice. As the shutdown drags on, many are left wondering how long the stand-off will last and who will pay the price next. 🤝
Reference(s):
Trump administration begins layoffs on 10th day of government shutdown
cgtn.com
