The Trump government has begun firing federal employees amid the ongoing government shutdown, fulfilling earlier warnings of mass layoffs despite rising political backlash.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought confirmed the development on Friday, posting on X, “The RIFs have begun,” referring to the formal Reduction in Force notices being issued to federal workers.
An OMB spokesperson told CNN the layoffs were “substantial,” though no specific numbers were disclosed.
A White House official also told CNN that the layoffs were unavoidable, blaming Democrats for the crisis.
“It will be substantial, and we regret that the Democrats have shut down the government and forced workers to be put in this position,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed layoffs across multiple divisions, targeting employees designated as “non-essential.”
“HHS employees across multiple divisions have received reduction-in-force notices as a direct consequence of the Democrat-led government shutdown,” an HHS spokesperson said, adding that the cuts align with the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
Reports indicate that agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Health Resources and Services Administration could face significant staff reductions.
In Congress, tensions flared as House Democrats attempted to advance a bill ensuring pay for US troops during the shutdown.
Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) was denied recognition during a pro forma session, preventing the bill’s consideration.
“I think the American people want us to be here and work and not be home during this crisis,” Elfreth told reporters.
House GOP leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, insisted the best path to guarantee troop pay remains through the Republican stopgap funding bill already passed by the House but blocked in the Senate.
The layoffs mark a sharp escalation in the shutdown’s fallout, which continues with no resolution in sight.
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